How We Chose
Our selection process for the top off-road all-terrain (A/T) tyres focuses on real-world needs of US truck and SUV owners. We considered a mix of professional test data, user feedback, and manufacturer specifications, emphasizing:
- Safety: Wet and dry braking, puncture resistance, and overall stability on and off-road.
- Wet Grip: Performance in rain and through muddy conditions.
- Snow Capability: Severe snow rating (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake/3PMSF) where applicable.
- Comfort/Noise: Ride quality and road noise, especially on paved surfaces.
- Durability: Treadwear and resistance to cuts, chips, and sidewall damage.
- Economy: Value for money and expected mileage. For US buyers, we reference UTQG ratings where available.
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — The Benchmark for Off-Road Versatility
Why it stands out
Renowned for its exceptional off-road durability, the KO2 blends tough sidewalls with advanced tread for traction on rocks, mud, and snow. Its on-road manners are impressive, making it a favorite among overlanders and work fleets alike.
Best for
- Drivers seeking proven all-round off-road capability
- Frequent gravel, dirt, and snow travel
- Work trucks, overlanding rigs, and daily-driven pickups
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, 3PMSF certified
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Legendary durability, traction on all surfaces, snow performance
- Trade-offs: Slightly firmer ride, moderate road noise at highway speeds
2. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac — Mud and Snow Master
Why it stands out
The Duratrac’s aggressive tread and self-cleaning design deliver outstanding grip in mud, deep snow, and loose terrain. Its winter rating makes it an excellent all-year option for northern drivers.
Best for
- Drivers needing strong winter and mud performance
- Rural fleets, snow plow vehicles, weekend trail adventurers
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, severe snow rated
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 285/75R16, 275/65R18
- Strengths: Snow and mud traction, reinforced sidewalls, road comfort
- Trade-offs: Tread can wear faster on hot pavement, higher price point
3. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W — Balanced Performance and Value
Why it stands out
Combining solid off-road capability with a smooth, quiet ride, the Wildpeak A/T3W is a favorite for those who spend equal time on- and off-road. Its deep tread and silica compound excel in wet and snowy conditions.
Best for
- Daily drivers wanting off-road capability without sacrificing comfort
- Budget-conscious buyers
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, 3PMSF certified
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/55R20, 245/75R16
- Strengths: Wet and snow grip, tread life, value pricing
- Trade-offs: Slightly heavier than rivals, minor road hum at speed
4. Michelin LTX A/T2 — Long-Lasting, Light-Duty Proven
Why it stands out
The LTX A/T2 prioritizes highway comfort and extended tread life, making it a smart choice for light to moderate off-road use. It’s especially popular among fleets and commercial vehicles.
Best for
- High-mileage drivers on mixed surfaces
- Commercial fleets requiring reliability
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, light off-road
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/65R18, 245/75R16
- Strengths: Tread longevity, highway comfort, fuel economy
- Trade-offs: Not 3PMSF rated, less aggressive in deep mud
5. Toyo Open Country A/T III — All-Around Performer
Why it stands out
Toyo’s latest A/T features a new tread design for improved wet, snow, and dirt traction. Its quiet highway ride and robust construction make it a solid premium choice for daily use and weekend adventures.
Best for
- Drivers who need a balance of everyday comfort and trail ability
- Light trucks and SUVs traveling diverse terrain
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, 3PMSF certified
- Popular sizes: 275/65R18, 265/70R17, 285/75R16
- Strengths: Wet/snow performance, minimal road noise, treadwear warranty
- Trade-offs: Pricey at some sizes, slightly less mud traction than extreme A/Ts
6. General Grabber A/TX — Rugged Value Choice
Why it stands out
The Grabber A/TX offers a durable, chip-resistant tread and aggressive sidewall lugs for extra grip. It’s a strong value for off-roaders who don’t want to compromise on-road comfort.
Best for
- Budget-minded drivers needing tough tyres
- Weekend off-roaders and hunters
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, 3PMSF certified
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 275/65R18
- Strengths: Off-road grip, price, sidewall protection
- Trade-offs: Tread noise increases with wear, slightly stiffer ride
7. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S — Everyday Confidence
Why it stands out
With a focus on all-weather traction, the Discoverer AT3 4S delivers stable, predictable handling on wet roads and light trails. Its design targets daily drivers who need occasional off-road assurance.
Best for
- Suburban drivers, occasional camping trips
- Light trucks and crossovers
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, 3PMSF certified
- Popular sizes: 265/65R18, 255/70R16, 275/55R20
- Strengths: Wet/snow handling, quiet ride, warranty coverage
- Trade-offs: Not for heavy mud/rock crawling, softer sidewalls
8. Nitto Ridge Grappler — Aggressive Hybrid for Serious Trails
Why it stands out
The Ridge Grappler blurs the line between all-terrain and mud-terrain, with deep lugs for traction and reinforced construction. It’s popular among lifted trucks and off-road enthusiasts who want looks and performance.
Best for
- Drivers prioritizing off-road style and capability
- Lifted trucks, Jeeps, and custom builds
Key notes
- Season/Type: Hybrid A/T-M/T, not 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 35×12.50R20, 285/70R17, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Deep tread, rugged looks, mud/rock prowess
- Trade-offs: Louder on pavement, heavier than standard A/Ts
9. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 — Reliable All-Weather Grip
Why it stands out
Praised for wet and winter traction, the Geolandar A/T G015 is a dependable choice for drivers who face a variety of conditions but want a refined highway experience. It’s also lighter than many rivals, benefiting fuel economy.
Best for
- Drivers in mixed climates
- Light SUV and crossover owners
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, 3PMSF certified
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 245/65R17, 275/55R20
- Strengths: Wet/snow traction, low weight, quiet ride
- Trade-offs: Not as aggressive for deep mud/rocks, sidewall less robust
10. Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 — Modern, Quiet, Capable
Why it stands out
The Dynapro AT2 RF11 delivers a refined ride and solid off-road ability, thanks to its latest tread technology. It’s a great value for those who want modern features without a premium price.
Best for
- Budget-conscious drivers
- Daily-use trucks and SUVs with occasional off-road needs
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, 3PMSF certified
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20, 245/75R16
- Strengths: Tread life, ride comfort, price
- Trade-offs: Not the most aggressive in deep terrain, tread design less flashy
Buying Tips
- Fitment: Always check your owner’s manual or door jamb for the recommended tyre size and load/speed rating for your vehicle.
- Speed/Load Index: Ensure your chosen A/T tyre meets or exceeds your vehicle’s requirements, especially when hauling or towing.
- Rotations: Rotate tyres every 5,000–7,000 miles for even wear, especially with aggressive tread patterns.
- Storage: Store unused tyres in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and chemicals to prevent rubber degradation.
- Alignment: Off-road use can knock alignment out—check regularly to maximize tyre life and safety.
Verdict
Choosing the right off-road all-terrain tyre depends on your priorities. For ultimate off-road toughness and snow readiness, the BFGoodrich KO2 and Goodyear Duratrac remain benchmarks. If you split time evenly between highway and dirt, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Toyo Open Country A/T III offer a refined blend of comfort and trail ability. Value-focused drivers should consider the General Grabber A/TX, Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11, or Yokohama Geolandar G015. For those chasing aggressive looks and serious trail performance, the Nitto Ridge Grappler stands out. Daily drivers prioritizing on-road comfort and mild off-road use will appreciate the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S or Michelin LTX A/T2.
Ultimately, the best tyre is one that matches your driving style, vehicle needs, and local climate. Prioritize safety, proper fitment, and regular maintenance to get the most from your all-terrain investment.
Which of these tyres would you recommend for a college student on a budget who still wants some off-road capability for weekend trips?
For a college student on a budget, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and General Grabber A/TX are solid choices from the list. Both offer good off-road capability, reliable on-road performance, and typically come at a more affordable price point compared to premium options. They strike a nice balance between cost, durability, and versatility for occasional weekend adventures.
Could you elaborate on how the treadwear durability of the BFGoodrich KO2 compares to the Goodyear Duratrac, especially for drivers who primarily use their trucks on highways?
For mostly highway driving, the BFGoodrich KO2 tends to offer better treadwear durability than the Goodyear Duratrac. The KO2 is designed with a harder rubber compound and a more uniform tread pattern, which helps it resist wear on paved roads. The Duratrac, while excellent off-road, can wear more quickly on highways due to its softer compound and aggressive tread.