Yokohama YK740 GTX Tire Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 80%
Wet Conditions – 80%
Snow – 70%
Comfort – 90%
Noise Reduction – 80%
Durability – 90%
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As you probably know, the tire industry has multiple tire categories, with the touring ones being the most popular. The main reason for this is their ability to blend performance, refinement, and longevity quite well, which is what the average buyer wants.
The popularity of these kinds of tires is the main reason why we have so many to choose from, including models available only from specific retailers. This approach isn’t something new and if you remember my Viva 3 review, you’ll know what I’m talking about. The model for today’s review comes from Yokohama – the YK740 GTX, available at Discount Tire.
Like many of these “exclusive” models, the model in question is an all-season touring one designed for passenger or performance cars, minivans, and some CUVs. The company claims to have achieved the balance I mentioned previously at a lower price when compared to many of its rivals.
Cheaper tires usually mean that there are some compromises to be made, so let’s take a look if that’s the case with this one.
Pros
- Stable and planted in wet conditions
- Dry traction is excellent
- Solid responsiveness
- Superb aquaplaning resistance
Cons
- The noise levels aren’t as low as I’d like them to be
- Struggles with slightly harsher winter conditions
The Features of the Yokohama YK740 GTX
Considering that the YK740 GTX is an all-season touring tire, you can probably guess that the main features will revolve around its touring-like properties.
The first and most important feature is Yokohama’s ELS rubber compound. It’s responsible for keeping the tire pliable in colder temperatures, allowing it to perform in winter. In addition to that, the tread pattern features triple 3D sipes aimed at improving traction on snow-covered roads.
Even though the sipes are designed to help with snow performance, they also aim to help with traction on damp roads. For driving over standing water, you have the asymmetric tread pattern featuring wide grooves. It’s designed to help evacuate water and offer excellent aquaplaning resistance.
As a touring model, this tire is designed with a multi-pitch tread pattern featuring a slight offset in the sequence. This works with the adaptive shoulder blocks, which should help keep the noise levels as low as possible.
Yokohama thought of the handling aspect and included a few features. The tread profile is designed to resist deformation, which, along with the flat contact patch and sidewall design, should improve handling and stability without sacrificing comfort.
Yokohama YK740 GTX in Dry Conditions
Considering that most people would want the YK740 GTX for daily driving, I’d say it’s a tire that will satisfy their needs.
The tire’s grip and traction levels are very good for this category, offering more than enough performance for normal driving. People will argue that the tire is behind the rest of the premium options, and I’ll agree. With that said, the performance difference is noticeable only when you push it to the limits. There is room for aggressiveness, but most people rarely drive that way. It’s stable and planted, and thanks to the short braking distances, it’s safe.
On the handling side of things, I believe that Yokohama did well with this model. The responsiveness is pretty solid for a touring tire and even though it doesn’t offer loads of feedback, it’s not the numbest tire in this category. One thing most drivers will like is the linear nature.
Yokohama YK740 GTX on Wet or Slippery Roads
Wet performance is an area where some affordable tires seem to struggle, which isn’t the case with the YK740 GTX.
There are several features implemented in the tire to help it offer better performance in these conditions, and it shows. The sipes are doing a very good job of increasing traction, meaning the tire won’t slip under normal acceleration. Sure, you can do a wheelspin, but again, people who want this tire won’t do that. It’s the same with the cornering grip, which is enough to prevent understeer or oversteer. As for the braking distances, they may not be on the same level as the PureContact LS, but they’re pretty short and safe.
The tread pattern with wide circumferential grooves does a phenomenal job of evacuating water, meaning the aquaplaning resistance is excellent.
Yokohama YK740 GTX in Snow
All-season tires aren’t an ideal choice in harsh winters, but in lighter ones, they do a solid job, and the same can be said about the YK740 GTX.
The tire deals with shallow snow decently well, offering usable traction that will be enough for some people. It’s a similar story with packed snow. Even though the tire may start to slip in slightly aggressive scenarios, being gentle with your inputs can help minimize this. It does a solid enough job for lighter conditions, which is the case with most all-season tires.
Trying to drive in harsher conditions shows that it won’t perform nearly enough to be even considered acceptable. The tire struggles with deep snow, and the traction on ice is barely there. If you’re driving in these conditions, you should consider a dedicated winter tire.
Yokohama YK740 GTX Off-Roading
Similar to any touring tire, the YK740 GTX won’t do well in off-road conditions. It lacks the aggressiveness for you to even consider driving in those conditions. With that said, driving on hard-packed roads may be fine as long as you don’t expect miracles. Also, you should be aware that you’re risking damage because the compound isn’t designed to handle that kind of surface.
Yokohama YK740 GTX for Sporty Driving
Yokohama claims that the YK740 GTX can be fitted to performance vehicles, and that’s true. The problem with this claim is that the tire won’t keep up with the performance the vehicle has. If you’re not overly aggressive, sure, the tire will be fine, but you’ll be disappointed for anything other than that. I do have to say that the handling is a bit of a surprise, but it’s nowhere near what a proper UHP tire can offer.
Does the Yokohama YK740 GTX Ride Comfortably?
Refinement is crucial with any touring tire, and for the YK740 GTX, I have to say that we have the first noticeable drawback. I wouldn’t call it a dealbreaker, but it’s worth pointing out.
The drawback I’m talking about is the noise levels. Yokohama tried to make a quiet tire and the company did, but not the quietest. The noise levels aren’t the highest in this class, but they are noticeable. It’s not too audible around town, but you will hear it at higher speeds, especially on rougher roads. A bit of good news is that it’s not the most intrusive noise in the world, so if you can ignore it, you’ll be fine.
On the other hand, the comfort levels are excellent. The tire smooths out road imperfections like a champ, offering a plush ride while keeping the cabin almost vibration-free. With larger bumps like potholes, it absorbs the impact and keeps the secondary motion at a minimum.
Yokohama YK740 GTX Warranty
Looking at the warranty, the YK740 GTX is a bit of a letdown, especially considering its competitors. The tire comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, putting it behind many of its premium rivals like the Turanza QuietTrack. To be fair, it’s also cheaper than those models, so it’s expected.
Yokohama YK740 GTX Pricing: Is It Worth the Price?
Price is one of the main selling points of the YK740 GTX. Looking at a common 17-inch dimension shows that Yokohama’s model is about 20% cheaper than the CrossClimate 2. You won’t get the same difference with each size, but you can understand that there is a significant price difference.
Should I Buy the Yokohama YK740 GTX?
The YK740 GTX is a very good tire when you look at it as a package. In some areas, it doesn’t do so well, and it’s not competing for the throne, but that’s not what it’s designed for.
As an affordable option, this is the tire you’d get if you want to save a few dollars without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. The result of this is a tire that does a very good job in dry and wet conditions. Winter performance is available, as long as you don’t expect too much from it.
The comfort levels are excellent, with the noise levels being okay for most people. It comes in a package that’s cheaper than most of its direct competitors. With that said, you also get a slightly shorter treadwear warranty. There has to be a compromise somewhere; keep that in mind.
Overall, the YK740 GTX is a tire that I can recommend. I wouldn’t agree with Yokohama about being a performance tire, but I will agree that it’s an affordable grand-touring option. Even if you’re not into it, you should at least shortlist it.
What Vehicles Will the Yokohama YK740 GTX Fit?
Here’s a sample list of cars that the Yokohama YK740 GTX will fit:
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
- BMW 3 Series
- Chevrolet Cobalt
- Dodge Neon
- Ford Taurus
- Honda Accord
- Lexus IS, ES
- Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer
- Subaru Legacy
- Toyota Avalon, Yaris
Tire Sizes of the Yokohama YK740 GTX
15″
- 175/65R15 84H
- 185/55R15 82V
- 195/60R15 88H
- 195/65R15 91H
- 205/60R15 91H
- 205/65R15 94H
16″
- 185/55R16 83H
- 195/45R16 84H XL
- 195/50R16 84H
- 195/55R16 87H
- 205/55R16 91H
- 205/60R16 92H
- 205/65R16 95H
- 215/55R16 97H XL
- 215/60R16 95V
- 215/65R16 98H
- 225/50R16 92V
- 225/55R16 99V XL
- 225/60R16 98H
- 235/65R16 103H
17″
- 205/45R17 84V
- 205/50R17 93V XL
- 215/50R17 95V XL
- 215/55R1794V
- 225/50R17 94V
- 225/55R17 97V
- 225/60R17 99H
- 235/50R17 96V
- 235/55R17 99H
- 235/60R17 102H
18″
- 215/55R18 95H
- 225/45R18 95V XL
- 225/50R18 95H
- 225/55R18 98H
- 225/60R18 100H
- 235/45R18 94V
- 235/55R18 100V
- 235/60R18 107H XL
- 245/45R18 100V XL
- 245/50R18 100V
- 255/55R18 109V XL
19″
- 225/55R19 99V
- 235/40R19 96V XL
- 235/50R19 99V
- 235/55R19 105V XL
- 245/55R19 103H
- 255/45R19 100V
- 255/50R19 107V XL
20″
- 235/55R20 102H
- 245/40R20 99V XL
- 245/50R20 102H
- 255/50R20 109V XL
- 255/55R20 110H XL