How We Chose
We evaluated all-terrain tyres for US light trucks and pickups by weighing key criteria: safety (including wet and dry grip), off-road traction, comfort and noise on highways, durability (treadwear, chip resistance), and overall value. While the US uses UTQG ratings instead of the EU label, we referenced both where available to compare treadwear, traction, and temperature grades. Real-world feedback and recent independent test results further refined our selections, ensuring a balance of premium, mid-range, and value options.
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — Off-Road Benchmark
Why it stands out
The KO2 is a legend among off-roaders and fleet managers, offering aggressive traction in mud, snow, and on rocks while maintaining impressive road manners. Its sidewall strength and proven durability make it a favorite for work trucks and weekend adventurers alike.
Best for
- Drivers needing maximum off-road grip
- Harsh environments: gravel, mud, snow
- Pickups and 4x4s carrying heavy loads
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/65R18, 285/75R16
- Strengths: Off-road capability, sidewall protection, snow traction
- Trade-offs: Noticeable road noise, firmer ride
2. Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT — Versatile Everyday Performer
Why it stands out
This tyre is a true all-rounder with a tread design optimized for quiet highway cruising, yet rugged enough for unpaved roads and moderate off-roading. It offers reliable wet and dry grip, making it suitable for daily drivers and work trucks alike.
Best for
- Mixed-use drivers (city, highway, light trail)
- Budget-conscious pickup owners
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 245/75R16, 265/70R17
- Strengths: Comfort, low noise, long tread life
- Trade-offs: Not for deep mud or rock crawling
3. Falken WildPeak A/T3W — Wet Weather & Winter Specialist
Why it stands out
The A/T3W excels in wet and wintry conditions, with deep grooves and silica-infused rubber for enhanced grip. It’s 3PMSF certified, giving it real snow capability, while its robust construction handles tough terrain and towing duties.
Best for
- Snowbelt regions
- Drivers seeking a balance of off-road and winter performance
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Snow/wet grip, tread life, value
- Trade-offs: Slightly heavier, can impact fuel economy
4. Michelin LTX A/T2 — Highway Comfort & Longevity
Why it stands out
Michelin’s LTX A/T2 is designed for high-mileage drivers who demand comfort and quietness without sacrificing light off-road capability. It’s a top choice for fleets and daily drivers thanks to its long tread life and stable handling.
Best for
- Highway commuters
- Fleet vehicles
- Occasional mild off-roading
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/55R20
- Strengths: Comfort, low rolling resistance, longevity
- Trade-offs: Less aggressive off-road traction
5. Toyo Open Country A/T III — Modern All-Rounder
Why it stands out
The Open Country A/T III blends rugged off-road ability with refined on-road manners. Its aggressive tread and 3PMSF rating mean reliable snow and mud traction, while a quieter ride makes it suitable for daily use.
Best for
- Drivers seeking a balanced, do-it-all tyre
- Mountain and rural regions
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 265/65R18, 285/70R17
- Strengths: Balanced performance, wet/snow grip
- Trade-offs: Slightly stiffer ride on pavement
6. General Grabber A/TX — Value & Toughness
Why it stands out
The Grabber A/TX is engineered for drivers who want robust off-road capability without breaking the bank. It provides dependable performance on gravel, sand, and snow, while its tread compound resists chipping and cuts.
Best for
- Budget-minded off-roaders
- Rural and jobsite use
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/65R18
- Strengths: Price, ruggedness, winter grip
- Trade-offs: Slightly louder at highway speeds
7. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S — Everyday Versatility
Why it stands out
Cooper’s AT3 4S is a popular choice for those who split time between city, highway, and occasional off-road adventures. It offers good wet and dry road performance, with a tread designed to handle snow and slush.
Best for
- Urban/suburban pickup drivers
- Year-round versatility
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Wet/snow performance, quiet ride
- Trade-offs: Not for extreme off-roading
8. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 — Style & Highway Stability
Why it stands out
The Terra Grappler G2 offers a blend of aggressive looks and stable highway performance. Its reinforced construction improves treadwear and puncture resistance, making it a favorite for drivers who want style and practicality.
Best for
- Trucks with larger wheels
- Drivers prioritizing aesthetics and on-road comfort
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 275/60R20, 285/70R17
- Strengths: Treadwear, low noise, looks
- Trade-offs: Modest mud traction
9. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 — All-Weather Value
Why it stands out
The Geolandar A/T G015 is well-regarded for its all-weather grip and quiet ride. It’s a solid choice for drivers facing changing conditions, with a tread that sheds water and slush while resisting uneven wear.
Best for
- All-weather commuters
- Road trips and light off-roading
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/55R20
- Strengths: Wet/snow performance, comfort, value
- Trade-offs: Not for deep mud
10. Firestone Destination A/T2 — Affordable & Dependable
Why it stands out
The Destination A/T2 provides solid all-around performance at a wallet-friendly price. Its tread design improves grip on loose surfaces and evacuates water, making it a good choice for budget-conscious truck owners.
Best for
- Cost-focused drivers
- Light off-road and highway driving
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Price, dependable grip, warranty
- Trade-offs: Average snow traction, not for rock crawling
Buying Tips
Before choosing your all-terrain tyres, verify your vehicle’s required fitment (size, speed, and load index) — these affect safety, legality, and performance. All-terrain tyres vary in load carrying ability, so match your selection to your typical load and usage. Rotate tyres every 6,000–8,000 miles to ensure even wear, and check alignment after installation or rough off-road use. If swapping between seasonal or off-road sets, store tyres in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper inflation and periodic balance checks are essential for longevity and comfort.
Verdict
For serious off-roaders and fleets, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and Falken WildPeak A/T3W set the benchmark for traction and durability. Michelin LTX A/T2 and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 excel for drivers prioritizing highway comfort and style. Value-focused buyers will find excellent performance from General Grabber A/TX, Firestone Destination A/T2, and Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015. For a balanced, everyday choice, Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, and Toyo Open Country A/T III are strong contenders. Consider your typical driving mix, climate, and budget to pick the best fit for your truck or pickup.
Does the BFGoodrich KO2’s firmer ride mean it would be uncomfortable for long highway trips, or is the noise level the main issue to consider?
The BFGoodrich KO2 does have a firmer ride than some other all-terrain tyres, which can make long highway trips feel a bit less cushioned. However, most drivers find that the road noise, rather than ride firmness, is the more noticeable factor on highways. Overall comfort will depend on your sensitivity to both.
Can you explain more about how UTQG ratings differ from the EU label and how that impacts the way you compared tyres in your rankings?
UTQG ratings focus on treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance, and are used mainly in the US. The EU label, on the other hand, rates tyres for wet grip, fuel efficiency, and noise. Because these systems measure different aspects, I compared tyres using both sets of data where available, but paid more attention to real-world performance and durability mentioned in reviews to ensure a fair ranking.
Could you share if any of these tires offer better tread life specifically for heavy-load pickups used in construction?
For heavy-load pickups often used in construction, the Michelin LTX A/T2 and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 from the list are known for their excellent tread life under demanding conditions. Both are built for durability, resist chipping, and maintain traction while carrying heavy loads, making them reliable choices for construction environments.