This review is about the Yokohama YK740 GTX tire. It is known for its good grip, handling, durability, and quietness. Each tire costs $130 to $150, which is more expensive, especially for larger rims. Is it worth paying more for this tire?
Cheaper options from unknown brands may not be as good in quality and performance. Top tire companies invest a lot in research to create high-performing tires for different conditions. Premium tires from well-known brands usually perform better in various conditions like all-season, wet roads, wear, and durability compared to cheaper ones.
Although the Yokohama YK740 GTX is more expensive than budget tires, it provides great value due to its excellent features and performance. I intended to test it on a high-performance sedan like a BMW 5-series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A3, or A4. However, I ended up testing it on a 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE minivan with 8 seats.
Even though I used a different vehicle than planned, testing the Yokohama YK740 GTX on a minivan gave me interesting insights. Let’s see how this touring tire handles the weight and long wheelbase of the Sienna XLE.
Yokohama YK740 GTX Overview
Yokohama designed this tire to be durable, quiet, and provide all-season traction. These are common goals for touring tires, but not always achieved successfully.
To achieve these goals, Yokohama used proven technologies. The tire is made from ELS Orange Oil tread compound, which offers excellent traction in dry and wet conditions. This compound also keeps the rubber flexible in cold weather, improving winter performance.
The tire features triple 3D sipes to increase biting edges for better grip in wet and snowy conditions. The asymmetric groove arrangement enhances handling and road contact, while the deep treads reduce hydroplaning risk. To improve high-speed stability, Yokohama added a nylon cover to the tire.
The tire’s durability is ensured by a wider tread profile that promotes even wear. Yokohama provides a 60,000-mile tread warranty, although this may not always indicate longer-lasting performance.
The Yokohama YK740 GTX comes in sizes ranging from 15” to 20” in diameter and 175 to 255 in width. This makes it suitable for small subcompact vehicles, larger sedans, as well as crossovers and SUVs.
Yokohama YK740 GTX: Detailed Review
Comfort and Tire Noise Review
Grand Touring All-Season tires focus on delivering a smooth ride. YK740 tires fulfill this promise by offering a comfortable experience. They provide a smooth ride on straight roads at any speed. Driving on a smooth highway feels as smooth as glass. They handle small-to-medium speed bumps comfortably. However, larger impacts may be felt by the driver.
YK740 tires produce minimal noise, regardless of speed or road surface. They may create some noise when hitting a large impact. Overall, tire noise is low, even at high speeds on the highway.
Dry Handling and Traction Review
YK740 tires grip the road well and handle tight turns without slipping. This is because of the design of the shoulder tread blocks that keep the outer blocks firm. This design also helps with cornering when more pressure is put on one side of the tire. The tires brake well in dry conditions because they have good contact with the road, creating a lot of friction. Overall, they perform as expected in dry conditions.
It’s important to note that these tires have a gradual increase in grip. This means they provide better traction on both dry and wet roads as they heat up. This may be due to the use of an orange oil compound in the tire.
YK740 tires offer quick steering response, allowing you to turn them easily with just a small movement of the wrist. Some people prefer this type of steering response, while others do not. Before purchasing these tires, make sure you like this type of steering response.
Performance in Wet Conditions
The Yokohama YK740 tires don’t grip well on wet roads compared to other tires in the same category. When driving on wet roads with these tires, you need to be cautious. They lack stability when taking sharp turns and might slip if you accelerate quickly.
These tires are not terrible and do offer some traction. However, they don’t perform as well as other grand touring all-season tires in wet conditions. If you drive at the speed limit and avoid puddles to prevent hydroplaning, you can still brake and handle the car effectively.
Snow Capability Review
Tread Life and Tire Warranty
The Yokohama YK740 tires don’t last the longest, but they are better than average in terms of treadwear. Yokohama offers a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty for these tires. Check the warranty details in case you have tread life issues. To extend your tire lifespan, balance and rotate them regularly. Depending on your driving habits, location, and maintenance schedule, you can expect these tires to last between 50,000 and 65,000 miles.
Vehicles Yokohama YK740 GTX Will Fit
| Tire Size | Rim Diameter | Examples of Compatible Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| 175/65R15 | 15 inches | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra |
| 185/55R15 | 15 inches | Hyundai Elantra, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Sonic |
| 195/60R15 | 15 inches | Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima |
| 195/65R15 | 15 inches | Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta |
| 195/45R16 | 16 inches | Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 |
| 185/55R16 | 16 inches | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra |
| 205/55R16 | 16 inches | Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima |
| 215/55R16 | 16 inches | Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Volkswagen Passat |
| 225/55R16 | 16 inches | Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue |
| 205/45R17 | 17 inches | BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
| 205/50R17 | 17 inches | Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima |
| 215/50R17 | 17 inches | Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger |
| 225/50R17 | 17 inches | Lexus ES, Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50 |
| 235/50R17 | 17 inches | Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC |
| 225/60R18 | 18 inches | Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder |
| 235/60R18 | 18 inches | Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango |
Yokohama YK740 GTX Reviews and Ratings
| Category | Rating | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Positive | REREV, Discount Tire |
| Traction (Dry, Wet, Snow) | Excellent | REREV, Discount Tire |
| Treadwear | 60,000 miles (4-5 years) | REREV |
| UTQG Treadwear Rating | 740 A/A | REREV |
| Comfort & Noise | Quiet and comfortable ride | REREV, Discount Tire |
| Handling | Confident handling | Discount Tire |
Frequently asked Questions
Yokohama improved the snow performance of the YK740 GTX with triple 3D sipes that grip snowy roads. An orange oil compound also adds flexibility in winter.
However, the YK740 GTX may not be best for heavy snow. Like other all-season tires, it can slip and take longer to stop on ice. For severe winter conditions, use winter tires.
Yes, the Yokohama YK740 GTX is a low rolling resistance tire. The triple 3D sipes and orange oil compound not only boost snow performance but also cut tire drag. This leads to better fuel economy and mileage.
Definitely. Yokohama is known for its high-quality tires. They offer reliable performance, comfort, and durability in the long run. While Yokohama’s tread life warranties might be average, their overall benefits outweigh this. If you want quality tires without the premium price, Yokohama is a great choice.
Final Words
The Yokohama YK740 GTX is a top-notch touring tire that performs well in all seasons. It gives you great control on wet and dry roads. When you’re turning, this tire keeps you safe with its excellent cornering ability.
This tire is super comfortable as it reduces vibrations and shocks from the road. Additionally, its tread block design helps decrease road noise.
While it’s a bit pricey, the benefits are worth the cost. Buying this tire is a smart investment.