For people who commonly drives both on off and on-road surfaces, an all-terrain tire is most suitable. Why is this so? Because it has hybrid features which are good for off-road harsh conditions while still maintaining comfort for highway driving experience. Word of advice, this is not a perfect solution if you are driving only either on highway roads or on off-road surfaces. It must be on both surfaces at frequent times in order to get the most out of it.
If you are looking for the best all terrain tires in the market but do not have any solid idea on how to choose. Good thing you pass by, for we are going to show you an easy guide on choosing the right all terrain tire to meet your requirements. We are going to discuss the important features and factors to be considered for a good all-terrain tire. Likewise, to save you some time, we have an in-depth product review for the top 10 best all-terrain tires for 2021.
10 Best All-Terrain Tires
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Best for Overall
Based on overall features and performance, we find the BFGoodrich T/A KO2 as the best choice for your all terrain tire.
This tire is equipped with extra thick rubber sidewall and reformulated tread compound which gives optimal resistance from chip and cut of sharp and gravelly road surfaces. It has stone ejector tread designs which deflect sharp protruding objects.
Aside from that, it has a well-designed staggered shoulder tread block which enhances handling and steering in mud and deep snow surfaces. Likewise, the 3D sipes give it excellent wet and snow traction abilities.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 3,748 lbs
⦁ UTQG: —
⦁ Speed rating: R
Specifications
⦁ Brand: BFGoodrich
⦁ Model: All-Terrain T/A KO2
⦁ Weight: 57.3 lbs
Pros
- Excellent maneuver on soft soil and deep snow
- Thicker rubber sidewall
- Aggressive sipes and shoulder tread blocks
Cons
- Slightly noisy in on-road ride
- Low-speed index
2. Goodyear Wrangler Radial Tire
Best for Budget
In terms of features and performance for all terrain surfaces, the Goodyear Wrangler Radial Tire will not be a disappointment. Moreover, it is an economical all terrain tire to have.
This tire uses a symmetrical staggered tread block design which ensures quiet ride and better road handling. This tread design is also fuel efficient as it reduces rolling impedance. Likewise, there are less protruding tread blocks, thus, smoother ride and more road contact to have quick acceleration.
The voids along each ridge are deep and wide enough to allow the free-flow of water and mud. The multiple lateral sipes provide better biting grip for effective traction.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 2,039 lbs
⦁ UTQG: 300 AB
⦁ Speed rating: S
Specifications
⦁ Brand: Goodyear
⦁ Model: Wrangler Radial
⦁ Weight: 27.6 lbs
Pros
- Economical
- Excellent comfort, wet and dry traction
- Quick acceleration
Cons
- Slightly noisy
3. Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Best for Heat Resistance
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is very well-known for its Heat Diffuser Innovation in its bottom sidewall. As you increase speed or run for long hours, your tire is fully heat resistant to excessive friction.
There is enhanced stability and torque handling with this tire because of the 3D siping incorporated in its staggered shoulder tread blocks.
It uses symmetrical staggered tread block designs to have better gripping action, particularly when going down on an inclined surface. Its upper sidewall is tougher to resist cuts from sharp objects.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 2,679 lbs
⦁ UTQG: 660 AB
⦁ Speed rating: T
Specifications
⦁ Brand: Falken
⦁ Model: Wildpeak AR3W
⦁ Weight: 46.5 lbs
Pros
- More rigid and solid upper and lower sidewalls
- High heat resistance
- Stable handling
cons
- No stone ejector tread designs
4. Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10
Best for Road Contact
The Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 has excellent road grip and contact with its 7 to 8 percent increment in tread width.
It enhances control and movement with its wraparound tread and reinforced compound. When driving on rocky surfaces, no worries with sharp objects for its enhanced rubber compound is able to resist 50 percent more than the standard all-terrain tire.
Moreover, the staggered corner tread design helps in stable cornering even on soft soil and mud.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 2,535 lbs
⦁ UTQG: 560 AB
⦁ Speed rating: T
Specifications
⦁ Brand: Hankook
⦁ Model: DynaPro ATM RF10
⦁ Weight: 38.6 lbs
pros
- Stronger puncture resistance
- Excellent road contact and braking
- Longer tread life
cons
- It has a high-speed rating which tells it might not be able to handle heavier vehicles
5. Michelin Primacy MXM4 Touring
Michelin has never failed to meet customer requirement and satisfaction. The highlight features of the Michelin Primacy MXM4 Touring include longer tread life, excellent handling and braking abilities.
Its tread compound has been fully improved by using Sunflower oil. There is a great balance between rigidity and flexibility to provide more grip while having greater resistance. It uses symmetrical tread design which reduces rolling resistance – making it more fuel efficient. Wet traction is great with its circumferential channels and lateral grooves. Moreover, it has amazing noise reduction ability with its variable tire pitches.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs
⦁ UTQG: 500 AA
⦁ Speed rating: V
Specifications
⦁ Brand: Michelin
⦁ Model: Primacy MXM4
⦁ Weight: 19.4 lbs
PROS
- Stronger tread compound
- Excellent wet and dry traction
- High-speed rating
CONS
- Lower load index compared to other tires
6. Federal Couragia M/T
Best for Rugged Performance
When it comes to rugged performance on off-road surfaces, the Federal Couragia MT is the best option to have. You get comparable off-road quality from high-end tires from this lower priced tire.
Its aggressive and symmetrical tread design provides an excellent balance of off-road performance while still running smoothly on paved road. The combination of large tread blocks, wide and deep voids, and tougher sidewall allow you to run effectively on mud, gravel, soft soil, and sandy off-terrain conditions.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 2,601 lbs
⦁ UTQG: 420 AA
⦁ Speed rating: Q
Specifications
⦁ Brand: Federal
⦁ Model: Couragia M/T
⦁ Weight: 44.1 lbs
pros
- Excellent balance between off-road and paved road abilities
- Economical off-road performance
- Improved handling in harsh conditions
cons
- Low-speed rating
7. Kumho Road Venture AT51
Best for Balanced Performance
The Kumho Road Venture AT51 tire is great for striking balance between off-road and paved road performance.
Its tread compound is incorporated with silica particles for improved rigidity and grip. There are effective road contact and grip with its combined central zigzag tread blocks and wider shoulder blocks. The depth of its void is sufficient to improve wet traction and self-cleaning mechanism.
It uses innovative technology in its sidewall to have a better distribution of tension. Surprisingly, it runs quietly on highway road.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 2,601 lbs
⦁ UTQG: 540 AA
⦁ Speed rating: T
Specifications
⦁ Brand: Kumho
⦁ Model: Road Venture AT51
⦁ Weight: 42.3 lbs
pros
- Stronger tread compound
- Excellent balance between off-road and on-road abilities
- Great wet traction
cons
- Lower speed rating
8. Cooper Discoverer A/T3
Best for Noise Reduction
The Cooper tires are comparable to Michelin and Goodyear knowing they also have an array of tires to choose from. The Cooper Discoverer A/T3 is a new all-terrain tire from Cooper which provides amazing noise reduction while having great off-road capabilities.
This excellent all-terrain performance is attributed to the 5 staggered tread block designs and tougher sidewall. When it comes to effective traction on soft soil, this is provided by the broken center block. Likewise, its sidewalls are engineered to eject stones and sharp protruding objects.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 2,756 lbs
⦁ UTQG: 560 AB
⦁ Speed rating: T
Specifications
⦁ Brand: Cooper Tire
⦁ Model: Discoverer A/T3
⦁ Weight: 40 lbs
pros
- Effective noise reduction
- Durable sidewall and solid tread compound
- Superb wet and dry traction
cons
- Not enough depth for deep snow conditions
9. General Grabber AT2
Best for Snow Traction
The General Grabber AT2 tire has excellent snow traction performance which meets RMA and RAC. By the looks of it, you would see both the elegance and performance of an all-terrain tire.
Its enhanced tread compound is mixed with industrial grade silica particles for better grip and durability. Likewise, there is effective thermal insulation from the rubber compound to maintain the right pressure even at lower temperatures. It also prevents tire blowout from extreme heat due to friction.
Its 5 aggressive tread patterns help in giving sufficient grip and traction on wet and snow surfaces.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 1,609 lbs
⦁ UTQG: 640 AB
⦁ Speed rating: T
Specifications
⦁ Brand: General Tire
⦁ Model: Grabber AT2
⦁ Weight: 24.4 lbs
pros
- Excellent snow and wet traction
- Thermal rubber insulation
- Thermal rubber insulation
cons
- Slightly noisy
10. Toyo Tire Open Country M/T
Best for Mud Traction
The symmetrical and staggered tread blocks of the Toyo Tire Open Country poses excellent traction skills for off-road and mud conditions.
Its tread compounds are made from 3-layer polyesters incorporated with fine industrial silica particles to give a better biting grip. The center tread blocks are shaped like a hook pointing towards the sidewall in order to provide better balance and cornering.
Its wide and deep voids present self-cleaning mechanism and allow mud and water to freely flow. There also stone ejector designs included pushing back pebbles and rocks.
Key Features
⦁ Load Capacity: 4,289 lbs
⦁ UTQG: —
⦁ Speed rating: Q
Specifications
⦁ Brand: Toyo Tires
⦁ Model: Open Country M/T
⦁ Weight: 93 lbs
pros
- Superb mud and off-road traction
- Effective wet and dry traction
- Longer tread life
cons
- Not suitable for a sporty vehicle that runs very fast
BUYING GUIDE & FAQS
ALL TERRAIN TIRES
What Are the Important Features and Factors to Consider?
What Are the Important Features and Factors to Consider?In order to choose the right all terrain tire, you need to know the essential features it must have and the factors you need to consider.
⦁ Load Index
This represents the weight capacity a single tire can handle. If your vehicle is around 1,047 pounds, then choose a tire whose load index is higher than that. You can choose a tire with a load index of 90. When you look this up to the load index chart, it means it can handle a weight of 1,323 pounds.
⦁ UTQG
This rating is composed of three figures – one numerical figure and two letters denomination e.g. 640 AB. The numerical figure stands for treadwear. The higher the number rating, the more durable and longer its tread life. For an all-terrain tire, this matters a lot because it is subjected mostly to harsh conditions. The second and third letters represent traction and heat resistance rating respectively.
For an all-terrain tire, it must have a thicker rubber compound with good thermal insulation. This is necessary in order to have a higher resistance to chips and cuts. Likewise, higher resistance to heat due to intense friction.
⦁ Speed Rating
This is an important feature particularly in choosing the tire which is compatible with your vehicles running speed. Some tires have a lower speed rating, thus, it is not suitable for high-speed vehicles. Mismatch of speed rating and vehicle spec will result in a faster treadwear.
⦁ Tread designs
Some all-terrain tires have symmetrical or asymmetrical tread patterns. Symmetrical tread patterns ensure less rolling resistance and more fuel efficiency. Likewise, it has better noise reduction abilities.
In contrast, asymmetrical tires provide a great balance between effective hydroplaning resistance, wet traction, and rigidity to increase resistance against treadwear.
⦁ Depth Void
A wider and deeper void will provide a self-cleaning mechanism. Likewise, there is a free flow of water and mud for this feature.
⦁ Tougher Sidewall
This feature enables effective and stable drifting of the tire.
⦁ Center rib and Wider Shoulder Blocks
This feature helps promote better balance, handling, and steering performance. Likewise, if the tread block is tapered, there will be more contact with the road.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an All Terrain Tire?
Knowing the pros and cons of this tire will give you better insight into its quality and performance. Here we are going to show you the things to admire and gripe about this tire.
Pros
⦁ Versatility in Any Conditions
These tires are engineered to work on various surfaces, both paved and off-road conditions. Some all-terrain tires have the “M+S” label which means they are capable for mud and snow conditions. Having a tire which is capable of running on different conditions allows you to save more.
⦁ Stronger Sidewall
This feature allows the tire to carry heavier loads. Likewise, a stronger sidewall will give better protection against sharp objects and cornering capabilities.
⦁ Open-tread Pattern
This feature enhances the off-road capabilities of the tire. There are enough depth and width for the voids to effectively run on mud, snow, and wet conditions. A wider and deeper void is also a good self-cleaning function.
Cons
⦁ Lower Fuel Efficiency
Most all-terrain provide more aggressive gripping due to off-road requirements. This feature increases rolling resistance which makes the vehicle consume more fuel to move.
⦁ Higher risk of cupping
One setback for having a more aggressive tread pattern is cupping. This is also attributed to the ineffective shock absorber of the vehicle.
⦁ Faster Treadwear
Most all-terrain tires are used in harsh conditions. Hence, it must have a solid rubber compound to resist fast treadwear.
⦁ Noise level
Majority of all-terrain and off-road tires generate a higher noise level because of its staggered tread blocks. However, if the tire has a symmetrical design, then there is lesser noise produced.
What vehicle needs an all terrain tire?
⦁ Four-wheel drive vehicles
⦁ Four-wheel drive vehiclesBefore thinking of buying an all-terrain tire, make sure you will check the size requirement of your vehicle. This will be beneficial for any car with four-wheel drive mechanism to maximize the benefit of its all terrain features.
⦁ Campers
An all-terrain tire with high load index is needed because it will need to carry both the weight of the vehicle and the things you will be bringing along. The largest size it can accommodate is up to 37 inches in diameter.
⦁ SUVs
Most all SUVs are capable of accommodating an all-terrain tire. This will give your SUV an edge to run over any road conditions.
⦁ Pickups
These vehicles are usually used for transporting goods. An all-terrain tire is most suitable for this purpose. Just make sure you check the load index of the tire and the usual weight of your pickup with a load. The average load capacity of a pickup is 6000 pounds.
⦁ Light trucks
The average load capacity of this vehicle is around 4000 pounds. Light trucks have been a common vehicle for transport and off-road rides.
All Terrain VS. All-Season Tires
⦁ Noise level
⦁ Noise levelIn terms of noise level, an all-terrain tire generates more noise compared to an all-season tire. This is attributed to the aggressive tread blocks of the all-terrain tire.
⦁ Turning and Braking
In general, all-terrain tires have a slight delay in turning and braking mechanism on paved roads compared to all season tires. All season tires have this edge because of its smoother tread patterns and tapered blocks.
⦁ Off-road performance
An all-terrain tire has a great advantage when running on harsh off-road conditions. Its tread patterns and rubber compound are engineered to withstand this condition.
⦁ Comfort
All season tires provide more comfort when driving on paved roads compared to an all terrain. This is attributed to the symmetrical and less aggressive tread designs of an all-season tire.
All Terrain VS. Winter Tires VS. Winter Rated
⦁ All Terrain Tires
⦁ All Terrain TiresThey exhibit excellent biting edge and traction on snow conditions. But there is a limitation to the tire’s snow traction abilities. Below 7 to 10 degrees Celsius, the tire can no longer tract on snow and icy surfaces. Majority of the tire’s compound is still suitable for warmer temperature.
⦁ Winter Tires
These tires are an excellent choice if its really deep snow conditions as its tread compound have great flexibility which can provide better traction even at very low temperatures.
⦁ Winter Rated All-Terrain Tires
These kinds of tires perform better on snow surfaces compared to all-terrain without winter rating label. It is far worse on winter performance compared to a genuine winter tire.
Read also: Best all terrain tires for snow.
All Terrain VS. Mud Terrain Tires
⦁ All Terrain
⦁ All TerrainThese tires have closely spaced blocks compared to mud terrain tires. This enables the tire to get more road contact. In contrast to mud terrain, it generates lesser noise and more comfort. Its 3D sipes contribute to effective gripping as well. These sipes and grooves give decent traction on snow conditions. The tread patterns of this tire reduce rolling resistance, thus, more fuel efficient. Both all terrain and mud tires have longer tread life due to its reinforced tread compound.
⦁ Mud Terrain
These tires have deeper grooves and wider gaps between tread blocks compared to All Terrain tires. It is more suitable to use for muddy or deep mud conditions. Some all-terrain tires have incorporated mud traction abilities. A mud terrain tire is not suitable for snow conditions as it will clog up between the voids. Moreover, the wider gaps and deeper voids provide the self-cleaning mechanism of the mud tires.
Let’s Wrap Up
An all-terrain tire is highly regarded by many consumers because of its extreme versatility and performance. These kind of tires are compatible for your SUVs, pickups, light trucks, and campers. Before choosing a tire, make sure you have noted the size requirement of your vehicle. Choosing the right tire means getting a better understanding of its features and its limitations. Other than that, there are several things to admire and gripe from this tire.
First of all, an all-terrain tire provides better cost-savings because you can use it for any road conditions. The exquisite engineering design and tread compound of this tire make it possible to overcome various road surfaces. It has an aggressive tread block pattern which provides the necessary gripping on off-road rides. The wider shoulder block of the tire ensures better balance and handling performance. Some setbacks of this tire include higher noise level, delayed handling and braking system on paved roads. Overall, this tire is more than a decent choice for your driving requirements.
what’s the best option for a light suv in a less budget?
Any recommendation??