Douglas Tires: Are They Worth It? (+9 Brands Compared)

A trademark of the Goodyear company, Douglas tires are exclusively sold through Walmart.

How good are Douglas tires? And are they worth it?

douglas tires

Why Buy Douglas Tires?

The main reasons people buy Douglas tires are affordability and availability, as you can pick them up at Walmart, and they start at around $36 a tire.

If you get Walmart to fit your tires, you get a robust 45,000 treadwear warranty. It may not be as generous as other warranties on the market, but Walmart will deliver on the warranty promise.

The tire formulation meets basic driving needs, safety, and efficiency and doesn’t dent your finances.

You can spend a little more and get a better performing tire.

Still, this Goodyear brand aims squarely at satisfying the need for budget tires with consistent performance rather than having all the latest innovations.

Why Are Douglas Tires So Cheap?

Douglas tires are cheap to buy because:

Limited Range

There are two types of Douglas tires – all season and performance, and there are no complicated mixes of different rubber formulations or tread patterns.

Two tire lines mean low prices.

Shared Plant and Staff

Goodyear produces Douglas tires for the budget tire market using pre-existing plant and staffing levels, and you don’t have the additional costs of dedicated manufacturing infrastructure.

No Frills Marketing

Douglas tires go to Walmart, and Walmart takes care of the distribution and marketing of the tires.

Therefore, there are no additional costs to increase the tire price, and you get to pay a bargain price for tires and fitting in your local store.

Douglas Warranty

You get a limited warranty against defects and a treadwear warranty of 45,000, which is low compared to other brands’ standard 65,000 miles.

There are conditions to meet to ensure you qualify for a claim, but these are no more onerous than those applying to other brand choices.

There are plenty of complaints about Douglas tires failing to perform, but with a budget tire, you are more likely to find complaints than praise.

The brand has a 60-year history and satisfies the need for a basic tire at an affordable price.

Douglas Recommended Tires

Recommended tires for typical vehicles include:

Car TypeExamplesDouglas Recommends
A compact Sedan is a typical small family car with a petrol engine of more than 1.2L or a Diesel of 1.5L.Hyundai Electra; Honda Civic; Audi A3; Toyota Corolla; Mazda 3.  Douglas All Season; Douglas Performance.
Midsize Sedan – a large family car with internal dimensions of 110-119 cuft, including passenger area and trunk.Chevrolet Malibu; Volkswagen Passat; Subaru Legacy; Nissan Altima; Toyota Camry.Douglas All Season; Douglas Performance.
Compact SUV or CUVHonda CRV; Nissan Rogue; Toyota RAV4.  Douglas All Season; Douglas Performance.
A midsize SUV is typically smaller than a full SUV with two or three rows of seats.Jeep Grand Cherokee; Chevrolet Equinox; Ford Explorer; Toyota Highlander.Douglas All Season; Douglas Performance.
Full SUV – basic sports utility vehicle with seating for seven passengers.Jeep Wagoneer; Ford Expedition; Chevrolet Suburban; Toyota Sequoia.Douglas All Season; Douglas Performance.
Light Trucks – gross vehicle weight of 8,500lbsFord F150; Toyota Tundra; Dodge RAM 1500; Nissan Titan.Douglas All Season; Douglas Performance.

Sample details of typical Douglas tires:

 All SeasonPerformance
Driving conditionsAll seasonsAll seasons
Selling points.Readily available. Adequate performance.Readily available. Adequate performance.
Price per tire$37 – $96$95 – $108
Rim Sizes13″ – 18″15″ – 18″
Warranty – treadwear.45,000 miles45,000 miles
Fuel efficiency (A-E)No detailsNo Details
Wet Grip braking (A-E)No EU Label UTQG rate ANo EU Label UTQG rate A
Rolling noiseNo DetailsNo Details
Extreme snow.NoNo
Ice traction.NoNo

Comparing Douglas Tires to Other Brands

The selling point for Douglas tire is the low cost coupled with average performance.

#1 Douglas vs. Michelin

Comparing the Douglas All Season with Michelin Cross Climate 2 for crossover SUVs: You pay $100 or more less for a Douglas Tire, but the Michelin tire gives better performance and warranty.

 Douglas All SeasonMichelin Cross Climate 2
Price$37 – $96$170 – $350
Rim Size13” – 18”15” – 20”
Warranty45,000 miles60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.B-C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.B
Rolling NoiseNo details.69 dB
Suitability for SnowNo.3PMSF rated.

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with Michelin Defender LTX for pickup trucks: You can pay hundreds more for the Michelin tire and get a better warranty and improved performance, but the Douglas tire will suit modest budgets.

 Douglas PerformanceMichelin Defender LTX
Price$95 – $108$143 – $466
Rim Size15” – 18”15” – 22”
Warranty45,000 miles50,000 – 70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsNo EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking.
Rolling NoiseNo detailsNo EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels.
Suitability for SnowNoNot snowflake rated.

#2 Douglas vs. Goodyear

Comparing the Douglas All Season with the Goodyear Assurance All Season for SUVs: You pay up to $75 less for a Douglas tire, but the Goodyear tire offers similar performance but promises greater durability with a 65,000-mile warranty compared to the Douglas 45,000 miles.

 Douglas All SeasonGoodyear Assurance All Season
Price$37 – $96Under $100 to $200
Rim Size13” – 18”14” – 20”
Warranty45,000 miles65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.No EU label, but has a low rolling resistance for good fuel efficiency.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.UTQG rated A.
Rolling NoiseNo details.No EU label, but considered relatively quiet.
Suitability for SnowNo.No.

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with Wrangler TrailRunner AT for pickups:

The Douglas tire offers significant savings. The Goodyear tire offers a 3PMSF winter rating, improved performance, and a better warranty. You can save money with Douglas if you drive your truck on the highway in a temperate climate.

Douglas is a Goodyear brand, but cost savings to produce the budget brand means the Goodyear tire is the all-around better performer.

 Douglas PerformanceGoodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
Price$95 – $108$170 – $350
Rim Size15” – 18”15” – 20”
Warranty45,000 miles60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsExempt class; will vary with loading.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.Exempt class. Sawtooth design with sipes to increase traction.
Rolling NoiseNo detailsExempt class. Computer-optimized tread pattern reduces noise.
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF winter rating.

#3 Douglas vs. Bridgestone

Comparing the Douglas All Season with Bridgestone WeatherPeak for SUVs:

You pay a staggering $100-$200 more for the Bridgestone tire. For the additional cash, you get exceptional wet braking, better than average fuel efficiency, and quiet tires with a 3PMSF winter rating.

However, if you need to change all four tires and use the car for city commuting, the Douglas tires are good enough and very affordable.

 Douglas All SeasonBridgestone WeatherPeak
Price$37 – $96$160 – $270
Rim Size13” – 18”15″ – 20″
Warranty45,000 miles70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.A
Rolling NoiseNo details.70 dB
Suitability for SnowNo.3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow.

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with Dueler A/T for pickups:

The Douglas tires cost between $200 and $250 less than the Bridgestone tire, while the Bridgestone tire has a 3PMSF rating, above average performance, and gives you an all-terrain tire with plenty of traction off-road or on construction sites.

 Douglas PerformanceBridgestone Dueler A/T
Price$95 – $108$300- $350
Rim Size15” – 18”16″ – 20″
Warranty45,000 miles60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsD
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.C
Rolling NoiseNo details72-73 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF snowflake rated.

#4 Douglas vs. Continental

Comparing the Douglas All Season with Continental All Season Contact for SUVs:

The Douglas tires offer a significant saving despite Continental’s budget-friendly prices. The Continental performs better and provides a 3PMSF rating for severe winter weather.

 Douglas All SeasonContinental All Season
Price$37 – $96Starts under $100 to about $200
Rim Size13” – 18”13″ – 20″
Warranty45,000 milesNo treadwear warranty.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.B-C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.B
Rolling NoiseNo details.71-72 dB
Suitability for SnowNo.3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow.

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with the Viking Contact 7 for pickups: the price differential is $20-$50. The Continental tire is a winter tire, and you may be better off using the Douglas tires for three quarters of the year and switching to Continental during the winter months.

 Douglas PerformanceContinental Viking Contact 7
Price$95 – $108$110 – $160
Rim Size15” – 18”15″ – 22″
Warranty45,000 milesTwo years from date of purchase – not treadwear.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsC-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.D-E
Rolling NoiseNo details71-72 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF snowflake rated.

#5 Douglas vs. Hankook

Comparing the Douglas All Season with Ventus S1 EVO3 for SUVs: You get a significant cost saving with Douglas. However, Hankook offers above average performance and a quiet ride.

 Douglas All SeasonHankook Ventus S1 EVO3
Price$37 – $96$150 – $250
Rim Size13” – 18”17” – 22”
Warranty45,000 miles50,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.A
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.B
Rolling NoiseNo details.69-70 dB
Suitability for SnowNo.No

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with Dynapro AT2 for full-size trucks: You save more than $150 with Douglas, but the Hankook gives you more performance, including a 3PMSF rating.

 Douglas PerformanceHankook Dynapro AT2
Price$95 – $108$250 – $300
Rim Size15” – 18”15” – 20”
Warranty45,000 miles60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsC-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.D
Rolling NoiseNo details73 dB
Suitability for SnowNo3PMSF rated.

#6 Douglas vs. Kumho

Comparing the Douglas All Season with Crugen HP71 for SUVs: The Douglas tire costs significantly less, and the Kumho tire performs better, so your tire budget should have the final say.

 Douglas All SeasonKumho Crugen HP71
Price$37 – $96Starts at $142
Rim Size13” – 18”16” – 22”
Warranty45,000 miles65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.No details
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.Kumho scores 9/10 wet, 8.5/10 dry.
Rolling NoiseNo details.Kumho scores 9.5/10
Suitability for SnowNo.Kumho scores 8/10

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with the Road Venture AT52 for pickup trucks: You save money with Douglas, but you only get an average performance. The Kumho performs better but costs more.

 Douglas PerformanceKumho Road Venture AT52
Price$95 – $108Starts at $173
Rim Size15” – 18”15” – 20”
Warranty45,000 miles50,000 – 55,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsNo details
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.Kumho scores 7/10 for wet and dry.
Rolling NoiseNo detailsKumho scores 6/10
Suitability for SnowNoKumho scores 8/10. Has 3PMSF rating.

#7 Douglas vs. General Tire

Comparing the Douglas All Season with G-Max AS for SUVs: You pay less for Douglas, but the General Tire performs better.

 Douglas All SeasonGeneral Tire G-Max AS
Price$37 – $96$116 – $281
Rim Size13” – 18”16” – 22”
Warranty45,000 miles50,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.No EU label. Reviews indicate improvements in fuel efficiency.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent handling in the wet.
Rolling NoiseNo details.No EU label. Reviews indicate this it is relatively quiet.
Suitability for SnowNo.No.

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with the Grabber HTS for pickups: You can save as little as $50 or as much as $250 by swapping to the Douglas tire. The General Tire is more durable and performs better, but the massive savings with Douglas tires may be too tempting to ignore.

 Douglas PerformanceGeneral Tire Grabber HTS
Price$95 – $108$150 – $380
Rim Size15” – 18”16” – 22”
Warranty45,000 miles65,000 limited warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsD
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.D
Rolling NoiseNo details71-72 dB
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

#8 Douglas vs. Kelly

Comparing the Douglas All Season with Kelly Edge AS for SUVs: Kelly is a budget tire, but you will still pay $50 or more per tire. Performance is similar, but the Kelly tire comes with a 55,000-mile warranty while the Douglas rubber only offers 45,000 miles.

 Douglas All SeasonKelly Edge AS
Price$37 – $96$83 – $116
Rim Size13” – 18”14” – 18”
Warranty45,000 miles55,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.No details
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.UTQG rated A
Rolling NoiseNo details.No details
Suitability for SnowNo.No

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with the Kelly Edge HT for pickup trucks: You pay twice as much for the Kelly tire for a similar performance to the Douglas tire. Crucially, both tires brakes well in the wet.

 Douglas PerformanceKelly Edge HT
Price$95 – $108Starts at $207
Rim Size15” – 18”16” – 22”
Warranty45,000 milesNo treadwear warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsNo details
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.UTQG rated A
Rolling NoiseNo detailsNo details
Suitability for SnowNoNo

#9 Douglas vs. Nexen

Comparing the Douglas All Season with the Rodian GTX for SUVs: You can pay over $100 more for the Nexen tire. The Nexen tire offers better performance with a 70,000 mile warranty, so part of the premium goes to the warranty.

 Douglas All SeasonNexen Roadian GTX
Price$37 – $96Starts at $150
Rim Size13” – 18”17” – 22”
Warranty45,000 miles70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No details.Nexen rating 9/10
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.UTQG AA (best rating). Nexen rating 8/10
Rolling NoiseNo details.Nexen rating 10/10
Suitability for SnowNo.Nexen rating 6/10

Comparing the Douglas performance tire with the Roadian MTX for pickup trucks: You can pay up to $150 more for the Nexen tire, but you will get greater durability and performance. In most cases, the Douglas tire is good enough and more affordable.

 Douglas PerformanceNexen Roadian MTX
Price$95 – $108Starts at $257
Rim Size15” – 18”15” – 22”
Warranty45,000 milesNo treadwear warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)No detailsNexen rating 6/10
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)No EU label. UTQG rated A.Nexen rating 8/10
Rolling NoiseNo detailsNexen rating 7/10
Suitability for SnowNoNo.

Alternatives to Douglas Tires

Douglas is the lowest-priced tire available, but other tires don’t cost much more and give enhanced performance.

The Douglas All Season and Performance fit all vehicles. You pay a bit more for the Performance tire and expect more durability and enhanced performance.

Both tires offer the same warranty and wet braking grade.

Other budget tires include Kelly, Ironman, and Uniroyal. If you want to pay a bit more for a longer-lasting tire Continental and Dunlop aren’t significantly more expensive.

Conclusion

Douglas tire’s offer is straightforward: get a good tire for a super low price.

If you want to drive off-road in challenging terrains, need expert handling in cornering, and face severe winter weather, you probably want to pay more for a better tire.

However, Douglas tires are affordable and widely available for city commuting and daily no-fills driving.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Tires