Top 9 Best All-Terrain Tyres for US SUVs: Balance On-Road Comfort and Off-Road Capability

The Michelin LTX A/T2 is well known for its long tread life, often outlasting many competitors in regular highway use. However, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is also designed for durability and has comparable treadwear ratings. In everyday driving, both should provide excellent longevity, but the Michelin may have a slight edge in tread life, especially with mostly highway miles.

For the 265/70R17 size, most major brands have maintained steady supply, but demand typically increases before winter. While there haven’t been widespread shortages, some popular all-terrain models can sell out quickly. It’s a good idea to contact your local dealers soon and consider placing an order early to avoid any possible delays.

The Michelin LTX A/T2 generally offers stronger wet traction than the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A, especially in heavy rain. Its tread design and compound are optimized for wet grip, which can boost driver confidence during summer storms. However, the BFGoodrich may offer a slight edge in all-season versatility and winter traction. If wet performance is your top concern, the Michelin is a solid choice.

Chip resistance mainly matters when driving on rough, rocky surfaces where sharp stones can break off small bits of rubber from the tyre tread. For casual off-roading on gravel roads, it’s usually less of a problem, but tyres with good chip resistance will generally last longer and maintain their traction better in those conditions.

Based on the list, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S are generally considered budget-friendly while still offering good safety and on-road performance. Both provide reliable traction, comfort, and durability without a high price tag, making them solid options for mostly on-road driving.

Some all-terrain tyres on the list, such as those from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and Goodyear, occasionally offer manufacturer rebates or business-focused discounts, especially during promotional periods. For small business fleets, it’s best to check directly with the tyre manufacturers or authorized dealers, as rebate availability can vary by region and time of year.

If your mountain trips involve frequent or heavy snow, it’s best to consider a tire with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating for better winter traction. However, if your visits are occasional and you’re comfortable using chains when needed, the Michelin LTX A/T2 with chains could be sufficient. Always check local regulations, as some areas require snow-rated tires during winter months.

For a lighter SUV with mostly city driving and only occasional dirt roads, the WildPeak A/T Trail is likely a better fit. It offers solid durability for light off-road use without the extra weight or tread aggression of the Trail-Terrain T/A, which may be more than you need and could add unnecessary road noise or rolling resistance.

The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is a solid choice for occasional off-road camping, especially if you split your driving between highways and light trails. It offers good grip and comfort for mixed use. If you plan on tackling rougher or muddy terrain often, though, a more aggressive all-terrain tire like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 might be worth considering.

If maximizing tread life is your main priority for high annual mileage, the Michelin LTX A/T2 from the list stands out. It’s known for its excellent durability and longer treadwear compared to many other all-terrain tires, making it a very economical choice over time.

For mostly city driving with just occasional gravel road use, you might notice a slight increase in road noise with all-terrain tires compared to standard highway tires, particularly at higher speeds. However, many modern all-terrain models on the list are designed to keep cabin noise minimal, so the difference is often subtle and manageable for most drivers.

The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail strikes a good balance for your needs. It’s designed for mostly on-road driving but provides enough traction for occasional gravel and light off-road use, like monthly camping trips. It shouldn’t feel like overkill, and you’ll still enjoy a comfortable city ride with the added confidence when heading out on rougher terrain.

Not all the tyres listed have high UTQG treadwear scores. Some all-terrain tyres are designed more for off-road durability, which can mean a lower UTQG treadwear rating. The article highlights both options, so if long tread life is your main priority, check the individual tyre specifications before choosing.

Switching to a tire size that differs from your SUV’s original specs can affect speedometer accuracy, handling, and clearance. Always check your owner’s manual or consult a tire professional to ensure any new size is compatible with your vehicle’s requirements before making a swap.

For a small fleet mainly operating on city roads, the Michelin LTX A/T2 is a solid choice from the article. It prioritizes long tread life and good fuel efficiency while still handling occasional off-pavement trips. It’s built for durability and comfort, making it ideal for mixed-use urban delivery vehicles.

For frequent rough gravel driving and durability, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 stands out from the list. It’s known for its tough sidewalls and strong chip resistance, which helps prevent damage from sharp debris. Additionally, it comes with a solid mileage warranty, making it a reliable choice for your needs.

If fuel efficiency is a top priority, look for all-terrain tires with lower rolling resistance such as the Michelin Defender LTX M/S and Continental TerrainContact A/T. These options are known for their on-road efficiency and can help reduce fuel consumption, making them a good fit for frequent commuters while still offering decent off-road capability.

If pricing is a priority, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W stands out for its affordability and durability. It provides dependable performance for daily driving while keeping costs reasonable, making it a solid choice if you want a good balance between budget and long-lasting tread life.

If you’re looking for the best budget-friendly option from our list that doesn’t compromise too much on comfort or fuel efficiency, consider the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail. It’s known for its reasonable price, solid on-road manners, and relatively low rolling resistance, making it a practical pick for those watching expenses.

Since you mostly experience light snow but frequent heavy rain, prioritizing wet grip would be more beneficial for your safety and daily driving comfort. Just make sure the tyre you choose is still rated for basic snow traction so you’re covered during occasional snowfalls.

The Michelin LTX A/T2 generally offers better hydroplaning resistance in heavy rain compared to the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A. Its tread design channels water effectively, helping maintain traction and stability on wet roads. The BFGoodrich is still capable, but the Michelin is slightly ahead for wet-weather confidence, particularly in preventing hydroplaning at highway speeds.

There are a few anticipated all-terrain tyre releases in 2024, such as updated versions from Michelin and BFGoodrich, which focus on improved ride comfort and quieter highway performance. While full details aren’t public yet, these new models could offer strong competition to the current top picks once they’re released.

The Michelin LTX A/T2 generally offers longer tread life than the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A, especially for drivers who mostly use highways. Users report that the LTX A/T2 maintains good tread for 60,000 miles or more with proper care, while the Trail-Terrain T/A typically lasts around 50,000–60,000 miles. Both are durable, but Michelin is favored for extended highway use.

Based on your driving habits, the Michelin LTX A/T2 stands out as an excellent choice. It offers a smooth, quiet ride for highway driving, provides solid grip for occasional off-road trips, and is known for its long tread life. Plus, its design helps maintain good fuel efficiency compared to more aggressive all-terrain options.

If you often encounter moderate snow, it’s wise to prioritize a tyre with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating. This certification ensures the tyre meets specific snow traction standards, offering safer winter performance. While other features like tread design and durability matter for off-road use, 3PMSF will give you added confidence in snowy conditions without sacrificing too much versatility.

The sizes listed are common options, but it’s important to double-check your SUV’s specific requirements, especially for older models. Tyre fitments can vary by year and trim, so refer to your owner’s manual or the placard inside your driver’s door to ensure the correct size before purchasing.

The Michelin LTX A/T2 can handle occasional rocky trails and light off-roading, offering a good balance for mostly on-road driving with some rough terrain. However, if your trails are particularly challenging or you want extra traction and durability on rocky surfaces, a more aggressive all-terrain tyre might be a better fit.

Most of the all-terrain tires mentioned in the article typically offer warranties ranging from 50,000 to 65,000 miles, though it varies by brand and model. If you drive over 20,000 miles per year, you can generally expect around 2.5 to 3 years of tread life, assuming normal driving and regular maintenance. Check each manufacturer’s warranty details for specifics, as some may include mileage or time limits and require proof of rotation.

Yes, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is designed with a quieter tread pattern compared to more aggressive all-terrain tyres. You’ll likely notice less road noise during city driving, while still having enough grip for occasional off-road use. It’s a good choice if comfort and low noise are your top priorities for everyday use.

The 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating on the Trail-Terrain T/A means it has been tested for reliable traction in moderate to severe winter conditions. Compared to the Michelin LTX A/T2, which lacks this rating, the Trail-Terrain T/A should offer noticeably better grip and safety during Midwest snow events.

The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail is likely a better fit if wet grip and occasional light snow are your primary concerns. It’s designed with better wet traction and carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, indicating reliable light snow performance. The Michelin LTX A/T2 focuses more on durability and highway comfort but isn’t as specialized for wet or snowy conditions.

For winter conditions with light snow and gravel roads, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A might be the better pick. It offers solid snow traction (with the 3PMSF rating) and reliable grip on loose surfaces. The Michelin LTX A/T2 is great for durability and on-road comfort but isn’t as specialized for snow performance compared to the Trail-Terrain T/A.

Tread warranties for all-terrain tires typically range from 50,000 to 65,000 miles, but this can vary by brand and model. Frequent off-road driving can sometimes void or limit warranty coverage since most warranties are based on normal road use. It’s best to check the specific warranty details for each tire you’re considering.

The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A’s 3PMSF rating means it’s certified for better performance in snow compared to the Michelin LTX A/T2. If you encounter light snow, you’ll likely notice better traction and safer handling with the BFGoodrich, especially during winter conditions, while still maintaining good comfort for city and highway driving.

Since your SUV is mainly used for daily driving and occasional trips, it’s a good idea to prioritize comfort and low noise. Most modern all-terrain tires are quite durable, so focusing on a quieter, smoother ride will make your regular drives more pleasant while still offering enough durability for occasional adventures.

UTQG stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading, a system that rates treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. In our rankings, we considered UTQG ratings to compare how long each tire might last, how well it grips in different conditions, and how it handles heat—important factors for both on-road comfort and off-road durability in SUVs.

For occasional muddy trails without losing much on-road comfort, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 are strong choices from the list. They offer solid traction in mud while still providing a comfortable, quiet ride for daily driving. Just note that for extremely deep mud, a full mud-terrain tire would be better, but these all-terrains strike a good balance.

All-terrain tyres usually have more aggressive tread patterns, which can slightly reduce fuel efficiency compared to standard highway tyres. However, some options on the list, like the Michelin LTX A/T2 and the Continental TerrainContact A/T, are designed to balance off-road capability with lower rolling resistance to help maintain better fuel economy. Choosing one of these could help you keep running costs lower.

UTQG ratings stand for Uniform Tire Quality Grading and measure treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. While helpful for comparing basic performance, they’re less relevant for all-terrain tires, which are often evaluated based on real-world performance in varying conditions. Rely more on user and expert reviews to understand how a tire handles off-road and performs in daily driving situations.

The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A does perform better in moderate snow than standard all-terrain tires, thanks to its 3PMSF rating. However, it won’t match the traction or cold-weather performance of a true winter tire, which is specifically designed for ice and deep snow. For occasional or light snow, it should be sufficient, but frequent winter driving is best handled by dedicated winter tires.

For frequent light snow, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A offers slightly better winter traction than the Michelin LTX A/T2, thanks to its 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating. You’ll likely notice more confident grip and braking in light snow with the BFGoodrich, while both perform well on highways. If winter capability is a priority, the Trail-Terrain T/A is the stronger choice.

The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail is actually a very good choice for your situation. It’s designed for mostly on-road driving with good comfort and quietness, but still provides reliable traction for occasional mountain trips and light off-roading. It strikes a nice balance for SUV owners who split time between city streets and weekend adventures.

All-terrain tyres generally have a more aggressive tread, which can slightly reduce fuel efficiency compared to standard road tyres. However, some models in the article are designed with lower rolling resistance to help minimize this effect. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, look for all-terrain tyres specifically marketed as ‘fuel-saving’ or with reviews highlighting good gas mileage.

The Michelin LTX A/T2 offers slightly better performance in wet conditions and hydroplaning resistance compared to the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A. While both tyres are solid choices for wet weather, the Michelin is generally recognized for its dependable traction and handling on wet roads, making it a bit more confidence-inspiring during heavy rain.

Heavier SUVs generally put more stress on all-terrain tires, which can shorten tread life compared to lighter crossovers. You might also notice a firmer or less cushioned ride on heavier vehicles, since the tires work harder to support extra weight. Choosing a tire with reinforced sidewalls and a tread design optimized for durability can help mitigate these effects.

The Michelin LTX A/T2 does come with a mileage warranty—it’s covered for up to 60,000 miles. This is among the higher tread life warranties in the all-terrain category, comparing favorably with other top options on our list, where many offer warranties between 50,000 and 65,000 miles.

Given your driving mainly on-road with some light snow, the Michelin LTX A/T2 is likely the better fit. It’s known for its smooth highway manners, long tread life, and reliable performance in light snow. The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is also good, but the Michelin edges ahead for comfort and year-round versatility on mostly paved roads.