Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Firestone F590 vs Michelin Energy X2+ — Compared (May 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made via links on this page.
5 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | F590 | Energy X2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 69 | 89 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | F590 | Energy X2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 59 | 87 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | F590 | Energy X2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 83 | 87 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | F590 | Energy X2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 71 | 87 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | F590 | Energy X2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 56 | 89 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Firestone F590 | Michelin Energy X2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 67 | 88 |
| Dry | 69 | 89 |
| Wet | 59 | 87 |
| Comfort | 83 | 87 |
| Treadwear | 71 | 87 |
| Handling | 56 | 89 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Firestone F590 receives a mixed reception, characterized by inconsistent performance in wet conditions and concerns regarding long-term durability. While some users appreciate its initial grip and hydroplaning resistance, others report significant safety issues regarding traction loss during acceleration and premature sidewall degradation.
Pros
- Effective hydroplaning resistance in heavy rain
- Adequate dry grip for standard daily driving
- Reliable performance for basic commuting needs
Cons
- Poor traction during low-speed acceleration leading to wheel spin
- Premature tread wear and sidewall perishing
- Inconsistent wet weather performance causing safety concerns
- High rolling resistance despite being marketed as a fuel-saver
Observations
- Owners of smaller, low-horsepower vehicles like the Fiat Punto and Ford Fiesta reported frequent traction loss during standing starts.
- Long-term users noted that while tread depth may remain, sidewall integrity can fail after several years of use.
The Michelin Energy XM2+ is widely regarded as a high-performing, durable tire that excels in wet weather conditions and provides a comfortable, quiet ride. Users consistently praise its ability to balance longevity with responsive handling, making it a reliable choice for daily driving across various road surfaces.
Pros
- Exceptional wet weather performance and water displacement capabilities
- High durability and long tread life due to the hard compound construction
- Quiet and comfortable ride quality
- Responsive steering and improved handling characteristics
Cons
- Slightly firmer ride quality when using lower sidewall profiles
- Potential for increased road feedback depending on vehicle suspension setup
- Wet grip ratings are occasionally perceived as slightly lower than dry grip performance
Observations
- Users transitioning from factory-fitted tires on compact sedans report significant improvements in steering response and high-speed stability.
- Drivers of MPVs and SUVs noted that the tire maintains excellent composure and prevents aquaplaning even when driving through deep water at highway speeds.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Firestone F590 | B · Michelin Energy X2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Touring tires | Summer Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Which one should you actually buy?
Firestone
Michelin
Winner: Michelin Energy X2+ — better handling, wet and dry. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Michelin Energy X2+ scores 89 vs 56 on handling.
Michelin Energy X2+ scores 87 vs 59 on wet.
Michelin Energy X2+ scores 89 vs 69 on dry.
Michelin Energy X2+ scores 87 vs 71 on treadwear.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.