Best All Terrain Tires

Table of Contents

‍BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

Named the Best Overall all-terrain tire by Outdoor Life, the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a reliable option designed to fit SUVs, Jeeps, and light trucks. The sidewall is steel-reinforced to protect it against rugged trails and the impact of stone-ground while

the shoulder of the tires are serrated to provide extra traction when you slip off the beaten path.

This is the second tire generation, and BF Goodrich has improved their technology over the last few years. The current tire offers strong tear resistance and is rated to last for 50,000 miles. In addition, they are snow-compatible and feature the BF Goodrich three-peak mountain snowflake, so you can rely on them just as much on snow-capped mountains as you can desert dunes.

Suppose you are more concerned about the ride than the durability of your tires (although both are equally important). In that case, the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 delivers via single-strand beads that help ensure the tire fits snuggly into the wheel-well for consistent performance and enhanced ride quality. It is considered best as a road tire, but offers enough strength to support casual off-roading.

A testament to the reliability of the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A is that they are standard for the Ford Raptor and are well-rounded and flexible enough to fit dozens of vehicles. However, the well-rounded tire can be a bit of a Jack of All Trades, and while it delivers a solid performance, it never stuns. Drivers should be aware that the tire is a bit loud during everyday street use, but it's a small trade-off for security while off-road.

Basic Specs:

‍Max Load = 2,600 lbs
Tread Depth = 15/32"
Tire Weight = 51 lbs
Overall Diametere = 32.5"
Revs Per Mile = 640

Hankook Dynapro AT-M

While Hankook does not have the instant name recognition that BF Goodrich and Goodyear enjoy, what they can do is produce an excellent all-terrain tire that is slightly more affordable. If you need the best all-terrain tire and budget is an issue, the Hankook Dynapro AT-M deserves a close look.

The Dynapro AT-M was first introduced to the world as an OEM part of the Ford F-150 in 2015. However, since then, the manufacturer has broadened its base, and the tire is now used on light trucks, SUVs, and vans. The tread features a large symmetrical footprint that is visually pleasing and instrumental in providing a firm grip and strong traction in snowy or muddy road conditions.

The tire offers excellent performance on dry roads, making it an excellent choice for those who live in the southwest but can perform reasonably well in wintry or wet conditions. It should be noted that there are slight issues reported with extreme snow and ice conditions. Those who live in the east or midwest and experience high amounts of snow should opt for a snow-rated tire, but if precipitation is sparse in your region, the Hankook Dunapro AT-M may just be the best fit.

Despite this fact, the Hankook is known best for its durable design and extremely long lifespan. In some cases, the tire can last up to 85,000 miles, almost 40% longer than most of its competitors.

The actual tire makes use of wraparound tread, which helps to reinforce the sidewall and prevent chips, rips, and tears from rough use over uneven terrain.

Those who tend to curb it frequently will be reassured by the polyester casing and rim flange protectors that work together to increase overall ride quality by softening bumps and helping to prevent the tires from damage to the side walls.

Basic Specs:

‍Max Load = 2,535 lbs
Tread Depth = 12.1/32"
Tire Weight = 43 lbs
Overall Diametere = 32.1"
Revs Per Mile = 647

Michelin LTX A/T 2

Michelin is a well-known tire manufacturer for a reason, and it shows in the Michelin LTX A/T 2 all-terrain tire. While the tire certainly falls into the premium category, it delivers a smooth and consistent daily ride that makes it great for commuters who depend mainly on their vehicle for transportation. However, the tire is also firmly constructed and capable of handling off-roading on the occasional weekend outing.

The ride itself is very quiet, which is an oddity for some of the best all-terrain tires, and it handles the bumps and cracks quite well, making it excellent if comfort is your primary concern. It also comes with an extended 60,000-mile warranty which means barring a major catastrophe on the road; you probably won't need to worry about updating your tires any time soon after your initial investment.

However, while the Michelin LTX A/T 2 is known for its excellent performance for the daily commute, it is not as solid off-road as other of the best all-terrain tires. This can be slightly disappointing given the higher price tag associated with them, but it is an excellent option if you anticipate a lot of highway miles.

The tire itself uses the MaxTouch technology owned by Michelin, which allows stress to fall across the tire, enabling consistent wear and a high lifespan.

While the tire performs better on the street, it does have strategically placed shoulder blocks that help it maintain its traction while off-road. Designed for use with light trucks, vans, pickups, and SUVs, the tire's internal structure features three steel belts that help add to tear resistance and improved durability so that you don't need to worry about a flat tear or rip while exploring rockier roads.

Basic Specs:

‍Max Load = 2,535 lbs
Tread Depth = 14/32"
Tire Weight = 41 lbs
Overall Diametere = 32.9"
Revs Per Mile = 652

Cooper Discoverer ATP II

The Cooper Discoverer ATP II offers an excellent warranty for a budget all-terrain tire offering 60,000 miles with a substantial tread depth that should last you easily a few years on a typical use vehicle.

Unlike some other entries on this list that don't do well in off-roading conditions when there is rain or snow present, the Cooper Discoverer ATP II tires excel in all weather conditions with a deep grip on the ground due to their deep treat and noticeably large shoulder scallops.

In addition, the Cooper all-terrain tires feature a unique tread pattern that keeps it quiet on street roads but tough on dirt, snow, dust, mud, and any other surface that you might possibly encounter while flying through the backroads.

Of course, that rugged grip is good for more than just off-roading, as most drivers appreciate the tight grip when driving on pavement in wet or wintry weather conditions. While some all-terrain tires don't hold up too well in wintry climates, the Cooper Discoverer ATP II tires excel with built-in proprietary Snow Claw and Wet Grip Groove technology.

Interestingly enough, the Cooper Discoverer ATP II features a powerful, tough rubber compound which is likely why it lasts so long. The lack of flexibility does mean you may feel more bumps versus going with all-terrain tires from competitors, but you save a great deal and still get a quiet ride, so if you can handle a bump or two, it's not a bad trade-off.

Other top features include a solid center rib that helps keep your wheels straight on the road, so you never have to worry about pulling out a swerve or slide unpredictably. As a side note, this stability tends to stick around even when you reach cruising speeds during highway drives, which is handy for the commuter who frequently has to drive in poor weather.

An extra perk for those who are high mileage drivers, some retailers will offer extra coverage on the tires based on the size of tread instead of miles. Given the thick tread, you start out with the Cooper all-terrain tires that can buy you almost a lifetime warranty on those tires (based on the lifespan of the average tire).

Basic Specs:

‍Tread Depth = 12-17/32"
Tire Weight = 41 lbs
Overall Diameter = 30.63"
Treadwear = 600
Speed Rating = 106MPH

Goodyear Wrangler AT/S

Goodyear has a line of all-terrain tires that are devoted to just light trucks, SUVs, and pickups that want to perform just as exceptionally off-road as they do on-road. These tires belong on trucks you might see on a ranch or farm out west but easily perform and belong on an SUV that hits the highway for a daily commute and then the backroads for some evening fun.

The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S tires take advantage of a symmetric multi-faceted tread design with rugged tread and shoulder blocks that wrap back around to protect against damage while off-road without sacrificing a smooth and quiet ride while on the street.

The tires also feature self-cleaning traction lug channels, which help to keep the tires stringy fixed to the road in wintery or wet conditions. In addition, there are noticeable notches in the shoulders of the tires, which offer more grip on the ground in poor weather conditions. This is one reason why the Goodyear Wrangler AT/S tires made the best all-terrain tires list: they are made to perform in any location of the US without slipping or missing a beat.

Inside of the Goodyear all-terrain tires are also twin steel belts and polyester cords that offer maximum quality and reliability. Even in the most challenging conditions, it is unlikely the tires will cause poor handling if you have Goodyear Wranglers on your vehicle.

Despite this fact, some drivers have reported that smaller debris and rocks can get gummed up in the thick treads, which, while offering traction, can serve as a trap for smaller debris. Therefore, drivers with Goodyear Wrangler AT/S tires would be wise to check their tires after extensive off-roading treks.

The only big downside to these tires is that the Goodyear Wrangler AT/S all-terrain tires do not come with a warranty, unlike other Goodyear tires.

Basic Specs:

‍Max Load = 2,535 lbs
Tread Depth = 13/32"
Tire Weight = 41 lbs
Overall Diameter = 31.7"
Revs Per Mile = 660

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac

Drivers in snowy climates need an all-terrain tire that they can depend on whether there is a light dusting of snow or a blizzard, and that tire is undoubtedly the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac. True to its name, everything about this tire construction is centered around high-performance in snowy regions both on and off the road.

While the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires can handle any weather conditions as well as common off-roading conditions such as dust or mud, the tires shine when snow hits the ground.

The tires are incredibly balanced and offer extreme sidewall protection to prevent blowouts and improve stability in the snow, which offers the driver a well-balanced car that is reliable in all road conditions.

However, the trade-off is the deep threads, and robust tire design also creates a noticeable amount of noise while driving on the highway. Daily drivers who only occasionally off-road or deal with massive snow may find that the tires are a bit aggressive to fit their needs.

In addition, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires are some of the most expensive all-terrain tires on this list and only offer a 50,000 warranty. However, anyone driven in deep, unrelenting snow will appreciate the traction even with the higher price tag.

Interestingly enough, while the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires are produced in commercial and passenger SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, they are also commonly used on snow plows because f their excellent grip on ice and snow.

This makes them an excellent choice for first responders and frontline workers who don't get to call off work when the snow hits. The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires can break through all wintry conditions because larger chunky blocks compliment small blocks in the middle of the tire tread along the shoulder.

This almost elevates the tire off the ground providing a monster-like grip that is then reinforced by the smaller grips when the snow presses upwards while plowing over it. Goodyear also uses a rubber compound that maintains its shape even in extremely cold below freezing temperatures.

Drivers familiar with the slushy and salty side effects of winter weather will also appreciate Goodyear's patented TractiveGroove technology that creates biting edges near the base of the grooves so that the tire can bite down deep in the snow and self-clean itself in the process.

Rounding out these tires is a rim lock that helps proactively prevent the wheel from slipping while also protecting wheels from curbing and other incidental damages while driving in all conditions and on all road types.

Basic Specs:

‍Max Load = 2,679 lbs
Tread Depth = 16/32"
Tire Weight = 45 lbs
Overall Diameter = 31.7"
Revs Per Mile = 659

Toyo Open Country A/T III

Flipping the coin, if you just want another option for an all-terrain all-around great tire, then you may want to take a look at the Toyo Open Country A/T III. Toyo is not as well-known as other tire manufacturers, but it is ready to back its all-terrain tires with an impressive 65,000 tread life warranty which is quite generous.

The all-terrain tires are built for both wet and dry weather conditions, and while they are not rated for snow or mud, when conditions are light, they should offer reasonable handling due to the 3D multi-wave sipes built into the treads to offer tight traction with the ground surface.

In particular, the Toyo Open Country A/T III is an excellent option for drivers in regions with high precipitation. They have a built-in hydroplane resistance feature that helps secure braking power in the rain, preventing otherwise unavoidable slip-outs. The tires also feature lateral grooves that help to boost snow power and prevent hydroplaning and ice slides.

This, along with other traction features, reassures drivers looking for a tire capable of providing responsive handling in all road conditions. In addition, the tire tread also has block rigidity built into it to help provide more stability in dry conditions and keep noise while street driving to a minimum.

Also notable at first glance is the sleek look of the Toyo Open Country A/T III all-terrain tires, which feature a distinctive sidewall design that adds to the custom look of your vehicle. The inside of the tire features a solid design, while the other side of the car has white letters across the sidewall with accent lines so that each side of your car visually stands out.

While the design doesn't impact the performance, the twin steel belts inside the tires offer maximum durability and, when combined with a polyester casing, high-speed capacity. While you won't probably reach maximum speeds on or off-road, the Toyo Open Country A/T tires can reach them.

Basic Specs:

‍Max Load = 2,756 lbs
Tread Depth = 13.4/32"
Tire Weight = 41 lbs
Overall Diameter = 31.7"
Revs Per Mile = 656

Falken WildPeak A/T3W

The Falken WildPeak A/T3W is a great all-terrain tire for those who live in rainy or lightly snowy regions and need a solid grip both on the highway and off-road terrain. The tread is formed in blocks with deep gaps allowing for more excellent hydroplane resistance and creating a stronger wet braking experience.

There are also added shoulder blocks that help enhance braking abilities in slippery off-road and on-road circumstances.

One exciting add-on that is not present in other tires on this list is the addition of a silica tread compound that offers extra traction in snow conditions. Therefore, if finding your cabin on an ice fishing expedition is on the to-do list, this might be the tire for you.

Falken also offers a very enticing 55,000-mile life warranty on the tread, making it a solid option since even regular off-roading will likely not wear out the tread before that high mark.

Falken WildPeak A/T3 tires are designed for use with SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks. Their unique tread pattern helps reduce chip and tear resistance on both pavement and loose surfaces. In addition, the tread blocks also have support ramps built into them that help maintain rigidity so that the tire stays stable against debris and can expel stones and small debris.

Also worth noting is the 3D Canyon Sipe Technology that is unique to Falken and provides extra support when high torque is utilized that helps improve handling and bites down into light ice and snow for extra traction.

Basic Specs:

‍Max Load = 2,403 lbs
Tire Weight = 37 lbs
Tread Width = 8.3"

Nitto Ridge Grappler

Rounding out the list is the Nitto Ridge Grappler, which proves that you can purchase a tire that offers excellent road comfort and handling while also offering top-notch off-roading performance. In short, this is the all-terrain tire that most drivers dream about.

Whether you are tearing across the highway during the morning commute or racing through the backroads of your farm, Nitto Ridge Grappler tires are up to the challenge every step of the way. In fact, some people consider them the top choice for off-roading all-terrain tires because they are designed to take a hit and keep going.

The Nitto Ridge Grappler quickly has one of the most rugged tread patterns on this list, which is why it handles on nearly any surface, including loose surfaces, without picking up anything in the treads. In fact, the ample tread is nearly self-cleaning, which minimizes the risk of damage while flying across terrain.

Unfortunately, those same voids also lead to a noisy ride while on city streets, and sometimes you will feel the flex while taking a corner on the pavement. Still, these are easily forgotten and ignored for the sheer thrill of when you get to fly off the road towards another adventure.

The Nitto Ridge Grappler tires are unique because they lean towards off-road performance. At the same time, almost all other all-terrain options identify as high on-road performers with suitable off-road capabilities. These Nitto tires don't compromise when you get off-road, they thrill via a combination of alternating block trad, stone ejectors, and large voids that allow them to bite through mud, snow, loose dirt, and pretty much any other surface you could come across.

In addition, the tread pattern doesn't stop at the surface of the tire but continues a few inches into the sidewall, which heightens the traction. As a bonus, drivers actually have the option of choosing between two sidewall patterns depending on how intense their planned off-roading tends to be.

The downside, as mentioned earlier, is that this tire is noisy when it hits the pavement but handles perfectly fine. It also does not come with a mileage warranty which can be offputting to those who drive regularly and need that extra guarantee to protect their tread from wearing down. For that reason, it is a good option for those who are exclusively looking at all-terrain vehicles for a vehicle that spends most of its time off-terrain.

Basic Specs:

Tread Depth = 13-19/32"
Tire Weight = 41 lbs
Overall Diameter = 30.47”
Treadwear = 500
Speed Rating = 100MPH

About The Author

Charles Redding

I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.