Choosing the right all-terrain tires is the most critical upgrade for any off-road vehicle. The perfect set provides the confidence to tackle rocky trails, muddy ruts, and sandy washes while still offering a comfortable and quiet ride on the highway back home. With so many options boasting various technologies, finding the ideal balance for your truck or SUV can be a challenge.
This roundup cuts through the noise to highlight ten of the best all-terrain tires on the market. We’ve considered key factors like traction in different conditions, durability, on-road manners, and specialized features to help you make an informed decision for your next adventure.
Our Top Picks for All-Terrain Tires
- MICHELIN LTX A/T2 – LT265/70R18/E 124/121R
- Toyo Open Country A/T III All Terrain LT255/70R17
- Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 All Terrain Radial Tire
- BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT All-Season Radial Tire
- TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III – 265/70R17 115T
- General GRABBER A/TX All- Terrain Radial Tire
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S All-Season P285/70R17 Tire
- Mickey Thompson BAJA BOSS A/T 295X70R17 Tire
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W All Terrain Radial Tire
MICHELIN LTX A/T2
The MICHELIN LTX A/T2 is engineered for drivers who need serious all-terrain capability without sacrificing on-road comfort. It’s a true all-position tire designed to handle a variety of surfaces while providing a smooth and quiet highway experience. With a substantial load capacity of 3525 pounds, it’s built to support heavier trucks and SUVs, making it a reliable choice for towing or hauling gear to your destination.
This tire focuses on durable performance and longevity. Its tread compound and pattern are made to resist wear and provide consistent traction in both wet and dry conditions. For those who spend more time on pavement but require trustworthy performance when the pavement ends, the LTX A/T2 offers a balanced and dependable solution.
Toyo Open Country A/T III
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is a modern all-terrain tire built to excel in severe winter conditions, as evidenced by its Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. Its design incorporates stone ejectors within the tread grooves, which actively force out rocks and debris to help prevent drilling and damage to the tire casing. This is a significant advantage for extended travel on rocky trails.
Furthermore, the tire uses 3D multi-wave sipes to enhance traction on slippery wet and snowy roads. These sipes also help maintain block stability to promote even wear over the life of the tire. For adventurers who face a full range of seasons and challenging terrain, this tire provides thoughtful technology aimed at both performance and protection.
Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 offers a solid value proposition for the off-road enthusiast. It is designed as a durable all-terrain radial tire capable of handling the demands of both highway and trail. A key feature is its construction aimed at preventing bead separation when airing down for off-road use, which is a common practice to increase the tire’s footprint and traction on soft surfaces.
This focus on off-road integrity means you can adjust tire pressure for better performance in sand or mud with increased confidence. With a specified load capacity, it provides a dependable option for midsize trucks and SUVs looking for capable all-terrain performance without an extreme price point.
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a legendary name in off-road tires, known for its tough construction and proven performance. It is engineered to deliver durability and driver control across a wide spectrum of conditions, including mud, dirt, sand, and rocks. Its sidewall and tread are reinforced to resist cuts and abrasions from sharp obstacles.
This tire also carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, certifying its performance in severe winter weather. This makes it a true year-round option for drivers in colder climates. The KO2’s reputation is built on a balance of aggressive off-road traction and stable on-road manners, making it a top choice for serious enthusiasts.
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT is built with extra strength in mind, incorporating DuPont Kevlar into its construction to help protect the tread from damage. This material is known for its high tensile strength, offering added resistance against punctures and cuts from trail hazards. It’s a tire designed to inspire confidence when driving far from assistance.
Its aggressive tread pattern is made with numerous biting edges to provide enhanced grip in winter weather and loose terrain. The DuraTrac RT aims to be a robust, no-compromise all-terrain tire that can handle demanding off-road use while still being capable for daily driving duties.
TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III
This version of the Toyo Open Country A/T III showcases the tire in a popular size for many trucks and SUVs. It carries the same advanced technology as the other model, including features for winter traction and debris ejection. The tire is developed to provide a reliable and smooth driving experience across diverse landscapes.
As part of Toyo’s third-generation all-terrain line, it represents a refinement in tread design and compound formulation. It is suited for drivers looking for a tire that performs well in adverse conditions without excessive road noise, making long trips to remote trailheads more pleasant.
General GRABBER A/TX
The General GRABBER A/TX is optimized to balance superior off-road traction with exceptional on-road performance. Its construction is built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving, offering durability when you need it most. The tire also comes with a notable limited manufacturer tread life coverage, reflecting confidence in its long-term wear characteristics.
This balance makes it an excellent choice for the driver who uses their vehicle for daily commuting and weekend adventures. The GRABBER A/TX aims to deliver a smooth and reliable driving experience on any terrain, from highway asphalt to rocky paths, without compromising heavily in either domain.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is an all-season, severe weather rated all-terrain tire. It is designed to provide a secure grip on various surfaces, whether rocky or smooth, and in challenging weather conditions. With a substantial treadwear warranty, it emphasizes longevity and value over its lifetime.
This tire is particularly focused on wet and winter performance, making it a strong candidate for regions with rainy seasons and snowfall. The AT3 4S seeks to be a dependable, year-round tire that offers off-road capability without the need to switch to dedicated winter tires for many drivers.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is a tire born from a legacy of off-road racing. It is engineered as an aggressive all-terrain option that leans toward maximum off-road traction while maintaining streetability. Its large, robust tread blocks and wide grooves are designed to clear mud and dig into loose surfaces effectively.
This tire is for the driver who prioritizes extreme off-road performance and rugged looks but still requires a tire that can be driven safely to the trail. The Baja Boss A/T uses a durable compound and construction to handle the impacts and stresses of serious off-road use.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W has earned a strong reputation for its all-weather capability and rugged design. It is built to perform in severe snow conditions, also carrying the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. The tire features a deep tread depth and an aggressive sidewall design for both traction and aesthetic appeal.
It is constructed with a focus on durability and puncture resistance, utilizing a specialized internal structure to handle heavy loads and tough terrain. The Wildpeak A/T3W is a popular choice for those seeking a tire that looks the part and delivers confident performance in winter storms and on summer trails alike.
How to Choose the Best All Terrain Tires
Picking the right set of all terrain tires for your next off-road trip isn’t just about grabbing the most popular name. It’s about matching the tire’s strengths to how you actually use your truck or SUV. I’ve learned that getting this wrong can mean a noisy, uncomfortable ride or, worse, getting stuck when the trail gets interesting. Let’s walk through what really matters.
First, consider your terrain mix. Are you mostly on pavement with occasional weekend dirt roads, or are you regularly tackling rocky climbs and deep mud? The “all” in all-terrain is a spectrum. Some tires, like the classic BFGoodrich KO2, are true 50/50 performers, excellent on rocks and in snow while still being civil on the highway. Others prioritize on-road comfort and fuel economy, with milder tread patterns that are fine for light gravel. Be honest with yourself about where you’ll go most often.
Next, look at the construction. A key feature is the sidewall. Many serious all-terrain tires have reinforced sidewalls, often marked as “3-Peak Mountain Snowflake” rated for severe snow service, which also indicates a tougher build. This protects against punctures from sharp rocks and helps with airing down for sand. Treadwear warranty is a good indicator of how long a manufacturer expects the tire to last on pavement; a higher number usually means a harder compound that may sacrifice some off-road grip.
Don’t ignore the practical stuff. Road noise is a big one. Aggressive, blocky treads can hum loudly on the interstate, which gets old on long drives. Wet pavement braking is crucial for safety; some all-terrains can be slippery in rain. Finally, check the specs. Ensure the size you want fits your vehicle, and pay attention to load range (like E for heavy trucks vs. SL for lighter SUVs) and speed rating. Getting the right set of the 10 best all terrain tires for your next off-road trip means balancing these factors to find your perfect match between adventure capability and daily drivability.
FAQ
Are all-terrain tires good in snow and ice?
Many modern all-terrain tires are surprisingly capable in snow, especially those with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. This means they meet specific performance standards in severe snow conditions. They won’t match a dedicated winter tire on sheer ice, but for most drivers who see seasonal snow and don’t want to swap tires, a good all-terrain is a solid year-round choice. Their blocky tread patterns can pack with snow, so look for models with plenty of siping (small cuts in the tread blocks) for extra ice grip.
How much louder are all-terrain tires than highway tires?
There’s definitely a trade-off. The more aggressive the tread pattern, the more noise it typically generates. Modern tire design has come a long way in reducing this through variable pitch tread blocks and other tech. Some all-terrains are very quiet, almost like a highway tire, while others have a pronounced hum. If you spend 90% of your time on pavement, prioritize models known for quiet rides. The noise is often most noticeable at steady highway speeds between 50-70 mph.
Can I use all-terrain tires for towing?
Absolutely. In fact, their sturdier construction often makes them a great choice for towing. The key is to select the correct load range. Make sure the tire’s load index and speed rating meet or exceed your vehicle’s requirements, especially when the vehicle is loaded or towing. A Load Range E tire, common on heavy-duty trucks, has a much higher load capacity than a standard passenger tire. Always inflate to the pressure recommended for the load, which is often higher than the door-jamb sticker when towing heavy.
Do all-terrain tires wear out faster?
Generally, yes, they can wear faster than a pure highway tire. The softer rubber compounds needed for off-road traction and the large, independent tread blocks that provide grip can lead to quicker wear if you do a lot of pavement driving. Many come with mileage warranties in the 50,000 to 60,000-mile range, which is a good benchmark. Your driving style and regular rotations (every 5,000 miles is smart) are the biggest factors in making them last.
What’s the difference between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires?
Think of it as a progression. All-terrain (A/T) tires are the balanced choice, designed for a mix of pavement, gravel, dirt, and light mud. Mud-terrain (M/T) tires are more specialized. They have deeper, more aggressive tread with larger voids to clean out thick mud, and they often have reinforced sidewalls for rock crawling. The trade-off is that M/T tires are almost always louder on-road, can ride rougher, and may have reduced wet pavement performance. For most people taking a mix of trips, an all-terrain is the more practical pick.