How We Chose
All-terrain (AT) tyres are the backbone of adventure for pickup and SUV owners across the US. To select the best, we focused on:
- Safety: Predictable grip on varying surfaces, including wet, dry, and loose terrain.
- Wet Grip: Balanced tread compounds and sipes for confident rain performance.
- Snow Capability: 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) ratings where available, for winter versatility.
- Comfort/Noise: Minimized road roar and ride harshness for daily use.
- Durability: Robust construction and proven treadwear, especially against chips and punctures.
- Economy: Value for money, balancing upfront cost with lifespan and performance.
- Labels/Testing: Considered US UTQG ratings, real-world feedback, and, where relevant, EU label data for international models.
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — The Iconic Trail Performer
Why it stands out
The KO2 remains a legendary choice for off-roaders and overlanders. Its aggressive tread bites into dirt, gravel, and mud, while reinforced sidewalls resist punctures. On-road, the KO2 offers predictable handling and decent noise control for an all-terrain.
Best for
- Drivers seeking proven off-road capability with daily drivability
- Adventurers needing tough sidewalls and long treadlife
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, all-season, 3PMSF rated
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 285/75R16, LT275/70R18
- Strengths: Off-road grip, cut/chip resistance, snow traction
- Trade-offs: Slightly firm ride, moderate road noise
2. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac — Versatile Performer for Work and Play
Why it stands out
The Duratrac bridges the gap between AT and mud-terrain, sporting deep, self-cleaning lugs. It excels in mud, snow, and rocky terrain, with good road manners for an aggressive AT. The sidewall design adds extra bite on loose surfaces.
Best for
- Drivers who split time between job sites and trails
- Frequent snow travelers
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, winter-capable, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/75R16, 285/70R17, 315/70R17
- Strengths: Mud/snow traction, sidewall strength, versatility
- Trade-offs: Louder on pavement, tread can wear faster on heavy trucks
3. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W — All-Season Balance and Value
Why it stands out
Praised for its quiet ride and balanced performance, the Wildpeak A/T3W works as well in winter as it does on summer trails. Its aggressive siping and deep tread help clear water and snow, making it a favorite in mixed climates.
Best for
- Drivers wanting daily comfort with off-road readiness
- Budget-conscious buyers not willing to compromise on quality
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, true all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/65R17, 275/60R20, 285/75R16
- Strengths: Quiet, snow-certified, affordable, good treadwear
- Trade-offs: Not as aggressive as pure mud-terrains
4. Toyo Open Country A/T III — Modern Traction Specialist
Why it stands out
Toyo’s A/T III delivers impressive wet and dry road handling without sacrificing off-road grit. Its tread pattern and rubber compound are tuned for enhanced grip in rain and light snow, while block stability reduces uneven wear over time.
Best for
- Those seeking a newer-generation AT with precise road manners
- Drivers in wet or mixed climates
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/55R20, 285/75R16
- Strengths: Wet grip, even wear, quiet ride
- Trade-offs: Slightly less bite in deep mud
5. General Grabber A/TX — Well-Rounded and Affordable
Why it stands out
The Grabber A/TX offers strong off-road traction while maintaining civility on pavement. It’s engineered for confident handling in wet, dry, and light snow, with a tread design that resists chipping and tearing.
Best for
- Value-focused drivers needing versatile performance
- Light trucks and SUVs facing mixed-use duty
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 275/55R20
- Strengths: Price, off-road grip, chip resistance
- Trade-offs: Moderate tread noise at highway speeds
6. Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT — Heavy-Duty Daily Driver
Why it stands out
Designed for pickups and full-size SUVs, the AT3 XLT offers extra load capacity and robust shoulders for hauling or towing. Its tread pattern provides solid wet/dry grip and respectable off-road traction, with a focus on durability and comfort.
Best for
- Trucks and SUVs carrying loads or towing
- Drivers seeking a comfortable, long-lasting AT
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: LT275/70R18, 285/75R16, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Load capacity, treadlife, ride comfort
- Trade-offs: Less aggressive in deep mud
7. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 — Quiet Confidence
Why it stands out
The Geolandar A/T G015 appeals to those prioritizing a smooth, quiet ride with light off-road capability. Its advanced silica compound aids wet grip and tread longevity, while the tread pattern manages dirt and gravel with ease for weekend outings.
Best for
- Drivers logging high road mileage with occasional trail use
- Suburban SUVs and crossovers
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R16, 245/65R17, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Quietness, wet grip, treadwear
- Trade-offs: Not ideal for aggressive mud or rock crawling
8. Nitto Ridge Grappler — Hybrid Ruggedness
Why it stands out
The Ridge Grappler blends mud-terrain looks and off-road performance with the manners of an all-terrain. Its staggered shoulder lugs and variable pitch tread help with both traction and noise suppression, making it a hit for lifted trucks and adventure builds.
Best for
- Drivers wanting aggressive style with on-road refinement
- Weekend warriors hitting tough trails
Key notes
- Season/Type: Hybrid AT/MT, all-season
- Popular sizes: 285/70R17, 35×12.50R20, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Off-road aggression, looks, low noise for type
- Trade-offs: Not 3PMSF snow rated, premium price
9. Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus — Euro-Inspired Versatility
Why it stands out
Pirelli’s Scorpion AT+ brings a European touch to the US market, with a focus on balanced handling, wet braking, and respectable off-road traction. It’s engineered for year-round use, including mild winter conditions.
Best for
- Drivers wanting responsive steering and all-weather confidence
- SUV and crossover owners who travel between city and country
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20, 245/65R17
- Strengths: Wet/dry handling, winter grip, comfort
- Trade-offs: Slightly less aggressive for extreme trails
10. Kumho Road Venture AT52 — Budget-Friendly All-Terrain
Why it stands out
The AT52 offers impressive off-road traction at a wallet-friendly price. It holds its own in wet and snowy conditions, thanks to aggressive siping and a modern compound, while remaining quiet enough for daily commutes.
Best for
- Budget-conscious buyers upgrading from highway tyres
- Occasional off-roaders and rural drivers
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-Terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R16, 275/65R18, 285/75R16
- Strengths: Price, balanced performance, winter capability
- Trade-offs: Not as durable as premium brands under severe use
Buying Tips
Choosing the right off-road AT tyre means more than matching size. Consider these tips:
- Fitment: Confirm your vehicle’s recommended tyre size, load index, and speed rating. Aftermarket wheels or lifts may need different sizes.
- Load/Speed Index: Match or exceed your OE ratings—especially critical for towing or carrying heavy gear.
- Rotations: Rotate every 5,000–7,000 miles to maximize lifespan and even wear, particularly with aggressive treads.
- Storage: Store off-season sets in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and ozone sources.
- Alignment: Check alignment after tyre install (and after off-road adventures) to avoid irregular wear.
Verdict
For off-road enthusiasts demanding the best trail and rock performance, the BFGoodrich KO2 and Goodyear Duratrac remain icons. Daily drivers and those in mixed climates will love the comfort and winter prowess of the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Toyo Open Country A/T III. Value hunters should check out the General Grabber A/TX and Kumho Road Venture AT52, while heavy-duty haulers are best suited to the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT. For a stylish, aggressive look without giving up road comfort, the Nitto Ridge Grappler stands out. Every tyre here blends off-road strength with on-road livability—choose based on your terrain, climate, and driving priorities for the best fit in 2025 and beyond.
If I mostly drive in wet and snowy conditions but still want decent off-road ability, would you recommend the KO2 or Duratrac?
For mostly wet and snowy conditions, the Goodyear Duratrac tends to perform better due to its aggressive tread and strong snow traction, even earning the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. The KO2 is excellent off-road and reliable in winter, but the Duratrac generally has the edge for snow and wet grip while still handling off-road terrain well.
Did you compare the road noise levels between the KO2 and the Duratrac, especially for someone commuting daily on highways? I’m curious which one is quieter for regular use.
Yes, the article does mention road noise. The BFGoodrich KO2 is generally quieter on highways compared to the Goodyear Duratrac. The KO2 has a more road-friendly tread pattern, making it a better choice for daily commutes if minimizing noise is important to you.
Do the KO2s or Duratracs offer a quieter ride for daily highway driving? I’m worried the aggressive tread might get annoying on long trips.
Between the KO2s and Duratracs, the BFGoodrich KO2s are generally quieter on highways. They have a less aggressive tread pattern compared to the Goodyear Duratracs, which tend to produce more road noise. For daily driving and long trips, KO2s are usually the better choice if a quieter ride is important to you.
Are there any new all-terrain tire models that have recently hit the US market and might challenge the popularity of classics like the KO2?
Yes, the article mentions several new all-terrain tire models that are gaining attention. For example, the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W and Toyo Open Country A/T III have recently launched and are being praised for their performance. These newer models could definitely challenge long-standing favorites like the KO2 for off-road enthusiasts.
Do you have any insight on how these all-terrain tires impact fuel economy for SUVs or pickups compared to standard highway tires?
All-terrain tires typically have more aggressive tread patterns than standard highway tires, which can increase rolling resistance and lead to slightly lower fuel economy. On SUVs or pickups, you might notice a reduction of 1-2 miles per gallon compared to highway tires, though the exact impact depends on the tire model and driving conditions.