Pathfinder Tires Review - Brand Guide

‍About Pathfinder Tires

Pathfinder is a private label tire brand, whose tires are manufactured by Kumho Tires. Kumho is renowned for producing affordable tires, without compromising performance and durability. And with Pathfinder tires, Kumho follows the same approach. They are affordable, high-quality tires, designed for SUVs and light trucks.

Pathfinder tires are sold throughout the U.S, exclusively through Discount Tire. You can purchase them at any of their physical stores or buy via their online shop, which is Discount Tire.

The decision to outsource the production of these tires was based on the recognition that SUVs and trucks are a popular means of transportation in the U.S. Yet, most of the tires on the market are not for the budget-conscious consumer. Hence, Pathfinder tires are designed to bridge this gap.

Design Features and Technologies

Pathfinder tires are designed to deliver capable handling, reliable traction and grip on different surfaces as well as longevity.

To achieve these objectives, Pathfinder tires come with several design features and technologies, usually found on mid-range or even premium tires. They include:

Tri-polymer Tread Compounds

Pathfinder tires feature tri-polymer tread compounds, which are resistant to punctures, cuts and tearing.

Also, their tread grooves tapered grooves and ridges, which eject debris, thus helping to prevent stone drilling.

So, even if you encounter aggressive terrains, you can rest assured this tire will hold up well.

Solid Center Ribs

Pathfinder tires also come with solid center ribs. These center ribs deliver a consistent contact patch with the surface, resulting in stable traction as well as reduced rolling resistance.

Besides providing high-speed stability, these ribs also help to provide the required traction during accelerating and braking.

Multiple Sipes

If you take a closer look at this brand’s tires, you will notice the tread sports hundreds of small spies.

These sipes play a significant role of deliver top-notch grip and traction in wet and slippery conditions as well as on snow-covered roads.

Wide Circumferential Grooves

Pathfinder tires also come with wide circumferential grooves, running along the entire tire.

The wide longitudinal grooves work together with the tire’s lateral grooves, thus helping to evacuate water away from the treads. And this helps to prevent aquaplaning while maintaining control in wet and slippery conditions.

As you can see, Pathfinder tires are adequately equipped to handle a wide range of conditions and terrains.

Pathfinder Tire Selection

Pathfinder has three types of tires for SUV and truck drivers to choose from. These are the Pathfinder AT, Pathfinder HT, and the Sport S AT. There’s also the Pathfinder HSR, designed for commercial vehicles. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tires.

Pathfinder AT

If you are looking for a budget-friendly tire that can deliver capable handling on and off the road, then the Pathfinder AT is just what you need.

Designed for all types of SUVs and trucks, this tire features a rugged, all-terrain tread pattern as well as a sturdy, rubber compound, designed to handle almost all types of road conditions and terrains.

Design Features

As mentioned above, the Pathfinder AT is engineered for both on-road and off-road driving. But, it tends to lean more towards off-road conditions. To this end, the manufacturer has been equipped with several design features.

The Pathfinder AT comes with a sturdy, rubber compound, designed to provide better chip resistance and cut resistance. With such a sturdy rubber compound, you can tackle almost all types of off-road terrains with the Pathfinder AT.

This tire also sports larger tread grooves than the majority of all-terrain tires. These large tread grooves help in clearing snow, mud, sticks, rocks and other debris. Hence, this feature plays two key roles.

First, it helps to enhance the tire’s traction in muddy conditions and snow-covered roads. Second, it helps to prevent tire damage that may be caused by rocks, sticks and other abrasive debris, if they get lodged in its tread grooves.

The manufacturer has also outfitted this tire with an interconnected rib pattern. The interconnected rib pattern helps to enhance the tire’s steering control and handling. As a result, you will enjoy precise steering control, combined with responsive handling on and off the highway.

The Pathfinder AT also features a dense siping design. This tread pattern adds thousands of additional biting edges on the tire, resulting in enhanced grip and traction in a wide range of weather conditions.

The manufacturer has also provisioned the Pathfinder AT with zigzag circumferential grooves. These grooves help to evacuate water from the tire’s tread surface, resulting in top-notch hydroplaning resistance. Also, these grooves provide great traction for the tire on sand, dirt, grass and other surfaces.

All-terrain tires are usually designed to handle rugged road conditions and terrains. As a result, most of them tend to sacrifice on-road driving comforts. But, this is not the case with the Pathfinder AT. It sports a pitch-optimized tread block pattern, which helps to deliver a smooth and comfortable on-road ride.

Also, this tire sports the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF), a sign that it can comfortably handle extreme weather conditions.

Sizes and Fitment

The Pathfinder AT is available in several sizes, ranging between 15 inches and 20 inches.

Some of the vehicles, SUVs and trucks that this tire can fit include Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado, Ford F-150 and Explorer, Nissan X-Terra, Titan and Frontier, Dodge Durango and Hummer HT3.

Other vehicles that are compatible with the Pathfinder AT include Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Commander, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500 as well as Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser and the Highlander.

Price Range

The Pathfinder AT costs approximately $128 to $242. And like other tires from this brand, it’s exclusively sold through Discount Tire.

Should You Buy the Pathfinder AT

Pathfinder tires are renowned for their reliable performances and budget-friendly prices. And the Pathfinder AT is no exception.

It will deliver reliable and safe driving on the highway. And unlike other all-terrain tires, it doesn’t produce excessive road-noise, despite its rugged tread pattern.

Overall, the Pathfinder AT achieves what it sets out to do. It will deliver dependable performance in different terrains and conditions combined with a comfortable on-road experience, at a friendly price.

Simply put, it offers value for money. So, if you are in the market for a cost-effective all-terrain tire, then the Pathfinder AT is highly recommended. And with an average customer satisfaction rating of 4.6 out 5, you can rest assured that you will not regret buying this tire.

Pathfinder Sport S AT

As its name suggests, the Pathfinder Sport S AT is an all-terrain tire, exclusive to Discount Tire.

According to Discount Tire, the Pathfinder Sport S AT is built to deliver reliable on-road traction, combined with reliable handling and steering response.

Design Features

The manufacturer has outfitted the Pathfinder Sport with several features and technologies, to ensure it can deliver on its objectives.

First, the manufacturer has utilized a robust tri-polymer tread compound, which is puncture-resistant, chip-resistant and cut-resistant.

While this tread design may not be as aggressive as other all-terrain tires, it will still deliver confident traction and handling in several off-road conditions.

Second, the Pathfinder Sport S AT comes with tapered tread grooves and inner tread blocks, which help to deliver adequate grip in lighter off-road terrains. Furthermore, the tapered tread grooves help to eject rocks, small sticks and other debris from the tire, thus helping to prevent stone drilling.

Third, this tire also sports a continuous center rib, which helps to enhance its highway stability. Also, the continuous center rib helps the tire to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, combined with a decent on-center feel.

Fourth, the manufacturer has also outfitted the Pathfinder Sport with hundreds of sipes on its entire tread surface, designed to increase its traction in wet conditions and on snow-covered roads.

Fifth, the Pathfinder Sport S AT bears the Severe Service emblem. This means that this tire can provide almost the same level of traction, grip and handling in severe wintry conditions like a dedicated winter tire.

Sizes and Fitment

Like the Pathfinder AT, the Sport AT is available in different sizes, ranging between 15 inches and 20 inches.

Some of the vehicles that this tire is compatible with include Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado, Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser and Highlander, Nissan X-Terra, Titan and Frontier, Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Commander.

It can also fit the GMC Sierra 1500, Hummer HT3, Dodge Durango, Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Explorer, just to name a few.

Pathfinder Sport S AT Price Range

The Pathfinder Sport is currently retailing at approximately $130 on Discount Tire. So, if you were to install a set of four tires, you will spend approximately $520, minus installation costs.

Should You Buy the Pathfinder Sport AT?

If you are looking for an all-terrain tire that delivers a great blend of reliable off-roading performance and a decent on-road ride, then the Pathfinder Sport S AT should be at the top of your shopping list.

While it may not be as aggressive as the Pathfinder AT, its grip is more than adequate, for those weekend fishing, camping or other off-roading adventures. And once you’ve wrapped up your trip, you will enjoy a comfortable, smooth and enjoyable highway ride.

And as mentioned earlier, it bears the Severe Service emblem, meaning it can handle thick snow and ice-covered roads. Hence, unless you encounter an extremely heavy blizzard, this tire will be more than enough to handle winter weather.

With its outstanding performance in different conditions combined with its long treadlife  it’s almost impossible to find a tire that offers better value for money than the Pathfinder Sport S AT.

Pathfinder HT

The Pathfinder HT is an all-season tire, designed for SUVs, light trucks and vans. It’s built to provide confident handling and reliable all-season traction on highways.

Design Features

According to the manufacturer, this tire is engineered to deliver reliable wet and dry traction, decent steering and cornering response, as well as a comfortable ride. To achieve these goals, the manufacturer has provisioned it with several key features.

First, this tire comes with large and wide circumferential grooves, as well as zigzag sipes. The wide circumferential grooves provide channels for water to leave the tire’s tread surface, thus helping to prevent hydroplaning in rainy conditions.

Second, the Pathfinder HT also comes with a solid center tread block, designed to deliver responsive handling and great steering response. Whenever you are riding on the highway with this tire, you are assured of top-notch high-speed stability.

Sizes and Fitment

The Pathfinder HT is available in several sizes, ranging from 15 inches to 20 inches. If you drive a truck, SUV or van within this wheel size range, there’s a high chance that this tire will fit your vehicle.

Price Range

This tire is currently going for around $99 to $173. Hence, if you were to purchase a set of four tires, you will spend approximately $500 to $700, which is quite affordable for truck and SUV tires.

Furthermore, this tire comes with a 10% discount for active duty servicemen and women, veterans, their immediate families and spouses. So, if you fall in any of these categories, you will enjoy this discount.

Should You Buy the Pathfinder HT?

Similar to other tires from this brand, the Pathfinder HT performs as advertised. It delivers outstanding wet and dry traction, a quiet and comfortable ride as well as confident handling.

Furthermore, it’s affordably-priced, when you compare it to most of the other tires in its category. Also, it has an average customer satisfaction rating of 4.5 out 5, from 94 reviews.

Furthermore, most of those who have used this tire say they are willing to purchase it again. And this is an indication that the majority of drivers who have purchased this tire have been satisfied with its performance.

Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and affordably priced highway terrain tire, then the Pathfinder HT deserves a look.

Pathfinder HSR

The Pathfinder HSR is an exclusive heavy-duty tire, specifically built for commercial vehicles. According to Discount Tire, this tire is engineered to deliver dependable all-season traction, a comfortable ride and long-lasting performance.

Design Features

Like other tires from this brand, the Pathfinder HSR comes equipped with several features and technologies, to ensure it delivers the best performance possible.

First, the manufacturer has outfitted it with a wear-resistant, solid, carbon-black tread compound. This sturdy tread compound is designed to withstand heavy loads, resulting in extended tread life. With this tire, you are assured that it will go the distance, without worrying about premature wear and tear.

Second, the Pathfinder HSR also features a computer-optimized tread pattern, designed to reduce road noise and vibrations. Therefore, you can drive with this tire on almost all types of road surfaces and you will enjoy a comfortable ride.

Third, this tire also comes with zigzag grooves and four wide circumferential grooves. These grooves help to channel water away from the tire while enhancing its traction in wet and slippery conditions, as well as on light snowy conditions. Therefore, you can always count on this tire to take you safely to your destination, even when the conditions become extreme.

Pathfinder HSR Price Range

Discount Tire is currently selling the Pathfinder HSR for around $76 to $186, minus the installation costs.

Active-duty servicemen and women, veterans, their families and spouses will enjoy a 10% discount.

Should You Buy the Pathfinder HSR?

If you drive a commercial vehicle and you are looking for a dependable yet budget-friendly tire, then you should check out the Pathfinder HSR. According to Discount Tire, this tire has a customer satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5. Furthermore, 72 out of the 79 drivers who have used this tire recommend it. So, with such a high level of customer satisfaction, you are assured of getting value for your money, when you purchase a set of these tires.

Pathfinder Tires Warranties and Guarantees

Pathfinder passenger tires come with all the standard tire warranties. They come with a workmanship and materials warranty, uniformity warranty and a mileage warranty.

Workmanship and materials are warranted for six years from the tire’s date of purchase. As for mileage warranties, they vary from one tire to the other as shown below:

• Pathfinder AT – 50,000 to 55,000 miles
• Pathfinder Sport – 60,000 miles
• Pathfinder HT – 45,000 to 60,000 miles
• Pathfinder HSR – 50,000 miles

Pathfinder Tires vs. Other Tire Brands

When it comes to purchasing a set of tires for your light truck or SUV, you have numerous brands on the market to choose from. The question is, why should you opt for Pathfinder tires instead of the other tire brands? Well, Pathfinder tires come with plenty of benefits for truck and SUV drivers. Let’s take a closer look:

They are Highly Affordable

Tires are among the most expensive parts in a car to replace. And when replacing tires, it’s always advisable to replace all of them. Meaning you will have to purchase at least four tires at a go.

Therefore, if you are working on a tight budget, you will need a set of affordable tires, which will not hurt your pocket. And this is where Pathfinder tires come in. They are designed to be affordable replacement options for budget-conscious drivers.

For instance, a standard Pathfinder all-terrain tire will cost you approximately $130 while the highway terrain tire goes for around $100. Hence, if you were to replace a set of four tires, you will spend approximately $400 to $520. And on average a set of all-terrain tires for trucks and SUVs go for around $1000. As you can see, Pathfinder tires are extremely affordable.

So, whether you are replacing a single tire for your truck or SUV or you intend to purchase an entire set, Pathfinder will be a great choice if you are working on a tight budget.

High-Quality Tires

Affordability and high quality don’t always mix, especially when it comes to tires. As you may have noticed, most of the budget truck and SUV tires on the market tend to be of poor quality. And as a result, they don’t last long, meaning you will need to keep replacing them.

But with Pathfinder tires, this is not the case. Considering they are manufactured by the Kumho brand, you can expect to get a high-quality tire, which will deliver great value for the money.

And when it comes to performance, they will not disappoint you. As much as they may not deliver the same level of performance as mid-range or premium tires, you can expect capable and reliable handling from Pathfinder tires.

Pathfinder tires deliver a great blend of off-road and on-road driving performances, making them the ideal choice for a wide range of driving conditions and surfaces.

Pathfinder Tires Pros

• High-quality truck and SUV tires
• Outstanding performances in varying conditions and terrains
• Affordably-priced tires

Pathfinder Tires Cons

• A limited selection of tires

Our Take

Pathfinder may be one of the lesser-known tire brands in the industry. But, its tires are increasingly becoming popular among SUVs and truck drivers. Drivers who have used tires from this brand laud them for their solid grip in different conditions, confident handling and comfortable rides. And most importantly, they are affordable. So, if you own a truck or SUV and you are looking for affordable tires that will not disappoint you, then you should go for tires from this brand.