If you’re searching for a tough, capable tire that can handle both the highway and the backcountry, you’ve likely come across a popular option. This Hankook Dynapro AT2 review will give you the straight facts to see if it’s the right choice for your truck or SUV. We’ll look at everything from its on-road manners to its off-road grit, helping you decide if it deserves a spot on your vehicle.
Choosing the right all-terrain tire is a big decision. It affects your safety, comfort, and where you can go on your adventures. The Hankook Dynapro AT2, also known as the RF10, aims to be a balanced performer. It promises durability without sacrificing too much daily drivability. Let’s see how well it actually delivers on that promise.
Hankook Dynapro AT2 Review
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 is a highway-focused all-terrain tire. It’s designed for pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers that spend most of their time on pavement but need real capability for occasional off-road use. It sits in a competitive segment, aiming to offer a quieter and smoother ride than more aggressive mud-terrain tires while still providing solid traction when the pavement ends.
This tire features a symmetric tread pattern with large, stable shoulder blocks and zigzag grooves. These elements work together to provide stability and channel water away to resist hydroplaning. The tread compound is formulated for long wear, and the internal construction is built to handle heavy loads. It’s a common choice for drivers who want a confident look and versatile performance without excessive road noise.
Key Features and Technology
What makes the Dynapro AT2 tick? Hankook incorporated several design features to achieve its balanced performance.
* Optimized Tread Pattern: The symmetric design uses interlocking shoulder blocks. This increases the stiffness of the tread edges, which improves cornering stability and helps reduce irregular wear over the tires life.
* Stone Ejector Ribs: Small protrusions in the grooves help to fling out trapped stones and debris. This is a crucial feature for an all-terrain tire, as it helps prevent drilling and damage that can lead to premature wear or even punctures.
* Deep Lateral Grooves: These wide grooves are essential for wet weather and light snow traction. They efficiently pump water out from under the tread patch, maintaining contact with the road surface.
* Durable Compound and Construction: Hankook uses a special long-mileage compound and reinforced casing to handle the weight of trucks and SUVs. This contributes to its good treadwear warranty and overall durability, especially for towing and hauling.
On-Road Performance and Comfort
For most buyers, how a tire behaves on the highway is the top priority. The Dynapro AT2 generally receives good marks here.
Ride comfort is one of its stronger points. Compared to more aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires, the Dynapro AT2 does a decent job of absorbing smaller road imperfections. You’ll feel bumps and cracks, but they are transmitted to the cabin in a more muted, manageable way. The ride is firm but not harsh, which is typical for an LT-metric tire.
Noise levels are acceptable for an all-terrain pattern. There is a constant hum, especially on fresh asphalt, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s quiet enough for normal conversation and music listening without constant adjustment. As the tires wear, some users report a slight increase in noise, but it remains within reasonable expectations for the category.
Handling and braking on dry pavement are confident. The tire feels stable during lane changes and highway cruising. The steering response is direct, if not particularly sporty. In wet conditions, braking and cornering grip are adequate for safe driving, though it’s always wise to reduce speed and increase following distance in heavy rain with any all-terrain tire.
Off-Road and Traction Capabilities
This is where the “all-terrain” label gets put to the test. The Dynapro AT2 is not a dedicated rock crawler or mud tire, but it handles light to moderate off-road situations competently.
On gravel and dirt roads, the tire excels. It provides plenty of grip for confident travel to campsites, trailheads, or job sites. The tread does a good job of clearing loose material to find firmer ground underneath. The sidewalls, while not as robust as some premium competitors, offer reasonable protection against minor scrapes.
In mud, performance is limited by the tread pattern. The grooves can clog with thick, sticky mud, reducing traction. It’s fine for crossing the occasional muddy patch or wet field, but sustained deep mud will require more aggressive tires. For rock crawling, the lack of very flexible sidewalls and ultra-aggressive biting edges means it’s best suited for easier trails.
Where the Dynapro AT2 often surprises is in light snow. The many sipes and grooves provide reasonable biting edges for traction in wintery conditions. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on many sizes, meaning it meets specific snow traction performance requirements. This makes it a viable year-round tire for regions with milder winters, though dedicated winter tires are always superior in severe ice and snow.
Treadwear and Longevity
Durability is a major selling point. Hankook backs many sizes of the Dynapro AT2 with a respectable treadwear warranty.
* For Passenger (P-Metric) Sizes: The warranty is typically 60,000 miles.
* For Light Truck (LT-Metric) Sizes: The warranty is typically 50,000 miles.
Real-world reports generally align with these numbers. With proper rotations (every 5,000-7,000 miles), alignment, and inflation pressure checks, many users achieve the warranted mileage. The long-wearing compound resists abrasion from pavement, a key factor in its lifespan. Irregular wear can be an issue if rotations are neglected, due to the tire’s stiff shoulder blocks.
Pros and Cons Summary
To help you weigh the decision, here’s a quick breakdown of the tire’s main strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
* Smooth and comfortable ride for an all-terrain tire.
* Lower road noise than more aggressive alternatives.
* Good tread life with a strong warranty.
* Confident handling on dry and wet pavement.
* Very capable on gravel, dirt, and in light snow.
* Often priced competitively, offering good value.
Cons:
* Off-road traction in deep mud or over sharp rocks is limited.
* Wet braking distances can be longer than on highway tires.
* Some competitors offer tougher sidewall construction.
* The tread pattern can be prone to stone retention in certain conditions despite the ejector ribs.
Who Is The Hankook Dynapro AT2 Best For?
This tire isn’t for everyone, but it’s an excellent fit for a specific type of driver. You should seriously consider the Dynapro AT2 if:
* You drive a pickup truck or SUV primarily on pavement.
* You need reliable traction for forest service roads, beach access, or light trails on weekends.
* You want a tire with a rugged look without the constant drone of a mud-terrain.
* You value a long tread life and a good warranty.
* You encounter light snow and want a tire rated for severe snow conditions.
* You’re looking for solid performance without the premium price tag of some top-tier brands.
You might want to look at other options if:
* Your driving involves serious rock crawling, deep mud, or extreme off-road terrain.
* Your top priority is the absolute best wet pavement braking performance.
* You want the most rugged sidewall protection available.
* You do mostly city/highway driving and would be better served by a touring tire.
Sizing and Pricing Considerations
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 is available in a wide range of sizes. It fits many popular trucks and SUVs, from half-ton pickups like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado to SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Pricing is generally in the mid-range for all-terrain tires. It is often more affordable than flagship models from brands like BFGoodrich, Toyo, or Nitto while offering comparable on-road performance. This value proposition is one of its biggest attractions. Always check for current promotions and rebates, as Hankook frequently offers incentives.
When shopping, remember to factor in installation costs and possible alignment fees. Also, consider the total cost of a full set, including any necessary new TPMS sensors or valve stems.
How to Maintain Your All-Terrain Tires
To get the most out of your Dynapro AT2 tires and ensure they last, follow these simple maintenance steps.
1. Check Air Pressure Monthly: Use a reliable gauge when the tires are cold. Inflate to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure, found on the driver’s door jamb sticker, not the max pressure on the tire sidewall.
2. Rotate Tires Regularly: Follow your vehicle’s manual, but a good rule is every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. This promotes even wear across all four tires.
3. Perform Visual Inspections: Look for signs of uneven wear, cuts, cracks, or embedded objects. Catching a problem early can save a tire.
4. Get an Alignment Annually: Or anytime you hit a significant pothole or curb. Misalignment is a major cause of premature and irregular tire wear.
5. Balance When Needed: If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel or seat, especially at highway speeds, your tires may need rebalancing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Hankook Dynapro AT2 tires good in snow?
Yes, they are good in light to moderate snow. Many sizes carry the 3PMSF severe snow service rating, meaning they meet a higher standard for snow traction than a standard all-season tire. For extreme winter conditions, dedicated winter tires are still recommended.
How noisy are the Dynapro AT2 tires?
They are considered quiet for an all-terrain tire. You will hear a noticeable hum compared to a highway tire, but it is not intrusive. Most owners find the noise level to be very acceptable for daily driving.
What is the warranty on the Hankook Dynapro AT2?
Warranty varies by size. Passenger (P-metric) sizes often have a 60,000 mile treadwear warranty. Light Truck (LT-metric) sizes typically have a 50,000 mile warranty. Always confirm the specific warranty for your size at the time of purchase.
Can these tires be used for towing?
Absolutely. The Dynapro AT2 is built with a robust construction suitable for light trucks and SUVs. Its stable tread blocks and compound provide good stability when towing trailers or carrying heavy loads, as long as they are within your vehicle’s rated capacity.
How do they compare to the BFGoodrich KO2?
The BFGoodrich KO2 is often seen as the benchmark. The KO2 generally has tougher sidewalls and better extreme off-road traction. The Dynapro AT2 often has a quieter, more comfortable on-road ride and can be better in wet weather, usually at a lower price point. The choice depends on your priority: ultimate off-road toughness (KO2) or a more road-friendly compromise (Dynapro AT2).
Is the Hankook Dynapro AT2 the same as the RF10?
Yes, the RF10 is the internal product code or model name for the Dynapro AT2 tire line. You might see it referred to either way in shops or online.
Final Verdict
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 makes a strong case for itself as a versatile, value-oriented all-terrain tire. It shines where most drivers actually need it: on the highway, on gravel roads, and in changing weather. Its comfortable ride, reasonable noise levels, and good treadwear warranty are compelling features for the daily driver who adventures on weekends.
It does have its limits in severe off-road conditions, and there are tires with better wet stopping power. However, for the driver seeking a balanced, dependable tire that looks the part without punishing your ears or your wallet, the Dynapro AT2 is a contender that’s hard to ignore. It truly can be a reliable companion for a wide range of all-terrain adventures, from the daily commute to the path less traveled.