Finding the right UTV tires is about more than just conquering rough terrain; it’s about transforming your entire riding experience. A quality set of tires can dramatically reduce vibration and jarring impacts, turning a bone-rattling trip into a smooth, enjoyable journey. Whether you’re cruising forest trails, working on your property, or heading out for a weekend adventure, the comfort provided by your tires is paramount.
This roundup focuses on tires designed to deliver that sought-after smooth ride without sacrificing durability or performance. We’ve compiled a list of ten excellent options from trusted brands like Maxxis, ITP, and Kenda. From rugged all-terrain radials to specialized mud tires, there’s a perfect match here for your vehicle and your preferred type of exploration, ensuring you can focus on the scenery, not the bumps.
The Best UTV Tires for a Smooth Ride
- Kenda Bearclaw HTR 8 Ply 26-9R12 ATV Tire
- Maxxis BigHorn 2.0 Radial (6ply) ATV Tire [27×11-14]
- Maxxis ML3 Liberty 30X10.00R14 60M D ATV/UTV Tire
- ITP Mega Mayhem Mud Terrain ATV Tire 28×9-12
- GBC MONGREL 28X10-15 10-ply rated Radial All-Terrain ATV/UTV
- Carlisle AT489 All-Season Bias Tire – 25/10-12 84B
- ITP Mud Lite AT Mud Terrain ATV Tire 25×8-12
- Carlisle A.C.T ATV Tire – 26x8R12
- System 3 SB-4 Beadlock Black UTV Wheels 15″
- Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial Tire
Kenda Bearclaw HTR 8 Ply 26-9R12 ATV Tire
The Kenda Bearclaw HTR is built for riders who need a tire that can handle a variety of conditions while providing reliable performance. Its aggressive tread pattern is designed to offer solid traction on everything from dirt and gravel to light mud, giving you confidence on diverse trails. The robust 8-ply rating means this tire is constructed to resist punctures and abrasions, contributing to its long-term durability.
This construction also helps maintain stability and a consistent ride quality, even when carrying loads or navigating uneven ground. The tread design works to provide a good balance between grip and a smooth roll, which can help minimize vibration transferred to the vehicle. For a dependable, all-around tire that prioritizes strength, the Bearclaw HTR is a strong contender.
Maxxis BigHorn 2.0 Radial (6ply) ATV Tire [27×11-14]
As a tire designed specifically for rear ATV and UTV applications, the Maxxis BigHorn 2.0 is engineered to deliver power to the ground effectively. Its radial construction is a key feature for comfort, as it allows the tire sidewall to flex more than a bias-ply counterpart, absorbing small bumps and trail imperfections for a noticeably smoother ride. The 6-ply rating offers a great blend of puncture resistance and a supple feel.
The large contact patch, aided by the 27-inch height and 11-inch width, provides excellent stability and traction on rocky and hard-packed terrain. This design helps prevent the vehicle from sliding and maintains consistent contact with the ground, which enhances both control and passenger comfort. If you’re looking for a rear tire that combines a comfortable radial ride with proven all-terrain performance, the BigHorn 2.0 is an excellent choice.
Maxxis ML3 Liberty 30X10.00R14 60M D ATV/UTV Tire
The Maxxis ML3 Liberty brings the technology of light truck tires to the UTV world, aiming for a superior on- and off-road experience. Its tread pattern is inspired by all-terrain truck tires, which are known for their quiet and smooth highway manners. This translates directly to a more comfortable and less noisy ride when you’re moving between trails or on paved roads.
Backed by an 8-ply radial construction, the ML3 Liberty doesn’t compromise on toughness. The radial design allows the tire to conform to the terrain, providing better shock absorption than stiffer bias-ply options. This combination of a modern tread design and radial flexibility makes it a fantastic option for UTV owners who spend time on a mix of surfaces and value a quiet, comfortable cabin.
ITP Mega Mayhem Mud Terrain ATV Tire 28×9-12
For riders who frequently encounter deep mud but still want a manageable ride, the ITP Mega Mayhem is a specialized tool. Its deep, self-cleaning lugs are designed to bite into soft, challenging terrain and expel mud to maintain forward momentum. While it’s an aggressive tire, its design focuses on providing traction without the extreme harshness sometimes associated with mud-specific tires.
The tire’s construction and profile are balanced to offer predictable handling and a degree of comfort, even when the terrain is at its worst. It provides the confidence to tackle water holes and muddy ruts without sacrificing all ride quality on the way to your destination. If your idea of a smooth ride involves confidently powering through mud pits, the Mega Mayhem is built for you.
GBC MONGREL 28X10-15 10-ply rated Radial All-Terrain ATV/UTV
Engineered for modern high-performance UTVs, the GBC Mongrel is a tire that can handle increased horsepower and speed. Its 10-ply rated radial construction is at the heart of its appeal, offering exceptional strength to support heavier loads and resist damage from sharp rocks and debris. This heavy-duty build is crucial for maintaining tire integrity and a stable ride under demanding conditions.
Despite its ruggedness, the radial design ensures that the Mongrel flexes appropriately to absorb impacts, contributing to overall ride comfort. The reinforced, puncture-resistant sidewalls give you peace of mind when navigating technical, rocky trails. This tire is an ideal match for UTV owners who need maximum durability without wanting to compromise completely on a smooth, controlled feel.
Carlisle AT489 All-Season Bias Tire – 25/10-12 84B
The Carlisle AT489 is a versatile, all-season tire designed for a wide range of vehicles, from ATVs to utility task vehicles. Its bias-ply construction provides a sturdy and affordable option for general use, whether you’re working around the property or enjoying a casual trail ride. The tread pattern is optimized for multiple surfaces, offering reliable traction without being overly aggressive.
This tire aims to deliver a consistent and dependable performance across different conditions. For riders whose primary concern is a no-fuss, durable tire that performs well in dry, wet, and grassy terrain, the AT489 represents solid value. It’s a practical choice for those who need a tire that just works, day in and day out.
ITP Mud Lite AT Mud Terrain ATV Tire 25×8-12
True to its name, the ITP Mud Lite AT is designed to be a lighter-weight mud terrain tire, which has direct benefits for ride comfort and handling. The reduced unsprung weight lessens the strain on your vehicle’s suspension and makes the steering feel more responsive. The 3/4-inch lug depth provides capable mud performance while maintaining a relatively smooth ride on harder surfaces compared to heavier, more extreme mud tires.
This tire is an excellent solution for sport ATV and UTV owners who encounter muddy sections but also ride on trails and hardpack. It strikes a balance, giving you the traction you need when things get soft without the constant vibration and harshness of a dedicated competition mud tire. It’s about capable performance without the typical punishment.
Carlisle A.C.T ATV Tire – 26x8R12
The Carlisle All Conditions Tire (A.C.T.) is built for exactly that—managing a variety of terrains and weather situations. Its 3-ply rating offers a good balance of flexibility and durability for general riding and utility work. The tread is designed to be effective on everything from dirt and sand to pavement, making it a truly versatile option.
This tire is well-suited for riders who use their vehicle for multiple purposes and need a reliable, all-purpose tire. The A.C.T. provides a predictable and steady ride, contributing to a sense of control and comfort during everyday use. For those seeking an honest, workhorse tire that performs consistently in different environments, this is a reliable pick.
System 3 SB-4 Beadlock Black UTV Wheels 15″
While not a tire, the right wheels are a critical component for achieving a comfortable and safe ride. The System 3 SB-4 Beadlock wheels offer significant advantages for off-road performance. The beadlock feature physically locks the tire bead to the wheel, which prevents the tire from spinning on the rim or de-beading at low air pressures.
This allows you to air down your tires significantly for off-road use, dramatically increasing the contact patch and allowing the tire to conform to the terrain. The result is vastly improved traction and a much smoother ride over rocky, uneven ground as the tires absorb bumps instead of bouncing off them. This complete wheel and lug nut kit is a great upgrade for any serious off-roader looking to enhance both capability and comfort.
Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial Tire
The Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 is a legendary name in the off-road world, known for its exceptional durability and versatile all-terrain performance. Its radial construction is a key factor in its ability to provide a comfortable ride, as it flexes to soak up trail vibrations and impacts. The tread pattern is aggressive enough to grip in loose dirt and rocky landscapes but remains relatively quiet and smooth on hard-packed trails.
This tire is often considered a benchmark for a reason—it offers a fantastic balance of toughness, traction, and on-trail manners. Owners appreciate its long tread life and consistent performance in a wide range of conditions. For a proven radial tire that delivers a comfortable and confident ride across the majority of off-road environments, the Bighorn 2.0 remains a top-tier selection.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best UTV Tires for a Comfortable and Smooth Ride
When I’m looking for new UTV tires, my main goal is often to get the smoothest ride possible without giving up all performance. It’s a balance. The wrong tires can turn a scenic trail into a jarring, teeth-rattling experience. To find the best UTV tires for a comfortable and smooth ride, I focus on a few key things: tire construction, tread pattern, and size.
First, let’s talk about construction. The most important feature for comfort is a radial design. Radial tires have plies that run radially across the tire, from bead to bead. This construction allows the tire’s sidewall to flex more easily, which absorbs bumps and small obstacles much better than a stiff-belted bias-ply tire. It’s like the difference between a luxury car suspension and a solid cart axle—the radial tire soaks up the imperfections in the trail. If a plush ride is your priority, you should almost always choose radial tires.
Next up is the tread pattern. This is where your primary riding style comes into play. For general trail riding, which is where most of us want comfort, an all-terrain tread is your best friend. These tires have a moderately aggressive pattern with smaller, closely spaced lugs. This design provides a large contact patch with the ground, which translates to less vibration and a quieter hum on hard-packed trails and even pavement. Avoid extremely aggressive, mud-terrain tires if comfort is key; their large, chunky lugs are fantastic for traction in slop but are notoriously loud and transmit a lot of feedback through the chassis on harder surfaces.
Finally, don’t overlook tire size and air pressure. A larger diameter tire can roll over obstacles more easily than a smaller one, which can smooth out the ride. More importantly, a wider tire provides a larger contact patch, which also contributes to stability and comfort. However, the simplest comfort adjustment you can make is with your air pressure. Running your tires at the lowest recommended PSI for your vehicle’s weight allows the tire to deform and act as an additional shock absorber. I often start with the manufacturer’s recommendation and then let out a few PSI at a time on a test run to see where the ride feels best without risking a bead break or excessive sidewall wear. Getting this right makes a huge difference in how your machine feels.
FAQ
What is the best tire pressure for a smooth UTV ride?
There isn’t a single magic number, as it depends on your tire size, vehicle weight, and the terrain. However, for general trail riding, I usually start between 12 and 15 PSI. From there, I do a test run on a familiar bumpy trail. If the ride is still too harsh, I’ll let out 1-2 PSI from each tire and try again. The goal is to find the lowest pressure that doesn’t cause the tire to roll over on the rim during cornering or feel unstable. Properly adjusted air pressure is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your ride quality.
Are radial tires really that much smoother than bias-ply tires?
Yes, in my experience, the difference is significant. Radial tires are built with more flexible sidewalls that flex to absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and small holes. Bias-ply tires are constructed with crisscrossing ply layers that create a much stiffer sidewall. This stiffness is great for resisting punctures in sharp rocks, but it transmits far more shock and vibration to the driver. For a comfortable and smooth ride, radials are almost always the better choice.
Can I use my stock wheels with new aftermarket tires?
In most cases, absolutely. As long as you purchase the same tire size as your original equipment, or a size that is confirmed to fit your stock wheels and machine’s clearance, you can mount them directly. Your stock wheels are a great starting point. Just make sure the new tire’s width and diameter are compatible with your UTV’s specifications to avoid rubbing on the suspension or frame.
What type of tread is best for a mix of pavement and trail riding?
For a mix that includes pavement, you’ll want a highway-terrain (H/T) or a mild all-terrain (A/T) tire. These treads have closely spaced blocks and numerous sipes (small cuts in the tread) that provide a large contact area. This design minimizes road noise and offers predictable handling on asphalt while still providing enough bite for dirt and gravel trails. An aggressive mud-terrain tire would be loud, wear quickly, and offer less grip on pavement.
How does tire weight affect my UTV’s ride and performance?
Tire weight has a direct impact. Heavier tires and wheels are part of your vehicle’s “unsprung weight.” Increasing unsprung weight can make your suspension feel less responsive and can sometimes make the ride feel harsher, as the heavier components have more inertia to control over bumps. Lighter tires allow your suspension to work more effectively, which can contribute to a smoother feel. Heavier tires also put more strain on your CV joints and can slightly reduce acceleration and top speed.