How We Chose
Our selection process for the top off-road all-terrain (AT) tyres targeted US pickup trucks and SUVs, focusing on models suited for both daily driving and serious adventures. We prioritized:
- Safety: Reliable braking and handling on- and off-road.
- Wet Grip: Performance in rain-soaked conditions and light mud.
- Snow Capability: Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating where relevant.
- Comfort/Noise: Ride quality and low cabin noise for highway use.
- Durability: Puncture resistance and tread life, referencing UTQG and real-world reports.
- Economy: Value, mileage, and availability in popular US sizes.
We only included current-generation tyres, drawing from independent US tests, user feedback, and manufacturer data.
1. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac — Trail-Ready Versatility
Why it stands out
The Wrangler Duratrac is famous for its rugged tread, self-cleaning shoulder blocks, and exceptional traction on loose surfaces. Its snow performance is backed by the 3PMSF rating, making it a true year-round solution for adventurers.
Best for
- Drivers seeking a balanced tyre for daily commutes and serious off-road weekends
- Pickups and SUVs facing snow, mud, and gravel
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20, 285/75R16
- Strengths: Traction on varied terrain, winter grip
- Trade-offs: Louder highway ride
2. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W — Wet Weather Confidence
Why it stands out
The Wildpeak A/T3W combines aggressive off-road ability with impressive wet and snow traction, thanks to deep sipes and a silica-rich compound. It’s a favorite for overlanders and daily drivers alike.
Best for
- Owners prioritizing wet and winter grip without sacrificing off-road prowess
- Frequent travelers in variable climates
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 285/75R16, 275/55R20
- Strengths: Wet/snow grip, tread life
- Trade-offs: Slightly heavy, may affect fuel economy
3. BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A — Everyday All-Terrain
Why it stands out
This newer BFG model is tuned for the modern SUV and light truck driver who needs off-road capability with on-road comfort. Its mild tread offers reliable traction on gravel and dirt but remains quiet and civilized on the highway.
Best for
- Drivers balancing city commutes with light adventure
- Family SUVs and daily-driven pickups
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 245/65R17, 265/60R18, 275/55R20
- Strengths: On-road comfort, treadwear
- Trade-offs: Not ideal for deep mud or rock crawling
4. Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT — Load and Towing Specialist
Why it stands out
The AT3 XLT is engineered for heavier loads and towing, with reinforced sidewalls and a tough compound. It delivers reliable grip off-road while maintaining composure under full payloads.
Best for
- Truck owners hauling trailers or heavy cargo
- Off-roaders needing extra durability
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 275/70R18, 285/75R16, 265/75R16
- Strengths: Load capacity, off-road durability
- Trade-offs: Slightly firmer ride
5. Toyo Open Country A/T III — Balanced Performer
Why it stands out
The Open Country A/T III strikes a balance between off-road traction and on-road manners. Its aggressive tread block design chews through mud, but the optimized pattern keeps noise in check on highways.
Best for
- Drivers needing one set of tyres for all seasons and surfaces
- Off-road enthusiasts who rack up highway miles
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 275/65R18
- Strengths: Versatility, road comfort
- Trade-offs: Not the most aggressive for extreme terrain
6. General Grabber A/TX — Value and Traction
Why it stands out
The Grabber A/TX offers a budget-friendly route to reliable off-road traction, with a tread pattern that excels in gravel, sand, and moderate mud. It’s also 3PMSF certified for winter use.
Best for
- Budget-conscious drivers seeking off-road capability
- Trucks and SUVs in all climates
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R16, 275/65R18, 285/70R17
- Strengths: Price, snow/mud traction
- Trade-offs: Slightly less refined on-road
7. Michelin LTX A/T2 — Highway-Friendly Toughness
Why it stands out
Michelin’s LTX A/T2 is renowned for its on-road quietness and long tread life, while still offering respectable off-road grip for occasional adventures. It’s a top pick for comfort-focused long-distance travelers.
Best for
- Drivers prioritizing low noise and ride quality
- Light off-roading and highway use
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/65R18, 265/75R16
- Strengths: Quiet, long-lasting
- Trade-offs: Not 3PMSF rated, moderate off-road limits
8. Nitto Ridge Grappler — Aggressive Off-Road Hybrid
Why it stands out
The Ridge Grappler blends mud-terrain aggression with all-terrain comfort. Its bold tread and reinforced construction handle rocks, ruts, and mud, while the variable pitch pattern reduces highway noise compared to typical mud tyres.
Best for
- Serious off-roaders seeking daily usability
- Trucks and SUVs frequently in rough conditions
Key notes
- Season/Type: Hybrid all-terrain/mud-terrain
- Popular sizes: 285/70R17, 35×12.50R20LT, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Extreme off-road grip, sidewall protection
- Trade-offs: Higher price, heavier weight
9. Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme — All-Weather Versatility
Why it stands out
The Dynapro AT2 Xtreme focuses on multi-surface adaptability, with a tread optimized for wet, dry, and snow. Its 3PMSF certification and balanced road manners make it a strong contender for all-weather drivers.
Best for
- Drivers in regions with unpredictable weather
- Owners needing year-round performance on- and off-road
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season, 3PMSF
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/55R20, 285/75R16
- Strengths: Snow rating, comfort
- Trade-offs: Not as aggressive as some pure off-road tyres
Buying Tips
- Fitment: Confirm tyre size, load index, and speed rating for your vehicle. Refer to the owner’s manual or door placard.
- Speed/Load Index: Choose a rating that matches or exceeds your needs, especially if towing or carrying heavy loads.
- Rotations: Rotate tyres every 5,000–7,500 miles to ensure even wear, crucial for AT designs.
- Storage: Store spare/off-season tyres in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and chemicals.
- Alignment: Get a wheel alignment after fitting new tyres to prevent uneven wear, especially after off-road use.
Verdict
For drivers dividing their time between highway and trail, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Toyo Open Country A/T III deliver all-weather performance and comfort. If snow and rough terrain are priorities, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac and General Grabber A/TX stand out. For heavy loads and towing, opt for the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT. The Michelin LTX A/T2 remains a top pick for those valuing quiet rides and long tread life. More aggressive off-roaders should look to the Nitto Ridge Grappler for hybrid mud/AT capability. Always match your tyre choice to your driving habits, climate, and typical terrain for the best results.
I see you mentioned the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is louder on the highway. How noticeable is the noise compared to a standard highway tire, and does it get better as the tread wears down?
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is noticeably louder on highways than a regular highway tire, especially at higher speeds. You’ll likely hear a distinct hum or growl inside the cabin. While the noise can lessen slightly as the tread wears down and becomes less aggressive, it generally remains more pronounced than with standard highway tires.
Could you clarify how much the heavier weight of the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W actually impacts fuel economy compared to something like the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac?
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is generally heavier than the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, which can lead to a slight decrease in fuel economy—typically, you might see a drop of 1–2 mpg depending on your vehicle and driving habits. Heavier tires require more energy to roll, especially during acceleration, but the real-world difference is usually modest for most drivers.
I’m shopping on a budget—are there big price differences between the top-rated tyres here, and do any offer notably better tread life for the money?
Yes, there can be significant price differences among the top-rated off-road tyres featured in the article. Some brands, like Falken and General Grabber, tend to be more budget-friendly while still offering solid performance. For tread life, look for tyres with higher mileage warranties—some affordable options balance durability and value, making them great choices if you want long-lasting performance without overspending.
For drivers focusing on deep snow rather than just light winter conditions, would you recommend prioritizing the 3PMSF rating above all other criteria listed?
If you often drive in deep snow, the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating is very important since it verifies proven performance in severe winter conditions. However, also consider tread pattern and rubber compound for snow traction. While 3PMSF should be a top priority, balancing this with your off-road and durability needs is wise.
The Wildpeak A/T3W is mentioned as slightly heavy and could affect fuel economy. Do you have any data or user feedback about how much MPG drop owners typically see on full-size pickups?
While the Wildpeak A/T3W is known for its durability and off-road performance, its weight can lead to a slight decrease in fuel economy. Most user feedback suggests a typical drop of about 1 to 2 MPG on full-size pickups. The exact amount can vary depending on driving habits and vehicle setup.
Are there any specific maintenance tips to help extend the life of the Wrangler Duratrac when frequently switching between off-road and city driving?
To extend the life of your Wrangler Duratrac tyres, regularly check and maintain proper air pressure as it often differs between off-road and city driving. Rotate the tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 miles and inspect for uneven wear or embedded debris. After off-roading, clean the tyres thoroughly and ensure any stones are removed from the tread to prevent damage on paved roads.
For the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, how significant is the highway noise issue compared to other all-terrain tyres you tested?
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a bit noisier on the highway compared to several other all-terrain tyres we tested, mainly due to its aggressive tread pattern. While it’s not the loudest in the group, drivers sensitive to road noise might notice it more than with options like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W.
How big of a difference does the 3PMSF snow rating really make between these tyres if most of my winter driving is just light snow?
If your winter driving is mostly in light snow, the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating offers some extra reassurance for traction and braking compared to regular all-terrain tyres, but the difference may not be dramatic in mild conditions. It’s most beneficial in heavier snow or consistently cold, icy weather. For light, occasional snow, non-3PMSF all-terrains can still perform reasonably well.
Does the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W significantly impact fuel economy compared to the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, or is the difference pretty minor for daily commuting?
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac are both aggressive all-terrain tires, so their impact on fuel economy is generally similar. For regular daily commuting, any difference between the two is usually minor. Both may slightly reduce fuel efficiency compared to highway or touring tires, but the difference between these specific models is not significant for most drivers.
Which of these all-terrain tyres tends to offer the best tread life for a small landscaping business that racks up a lot of miles each year?
For a small landscaping business with high annual mileage, the Michelin LTX A/T2 on the list is known for excellent tread life and long-lasting durability. It’s a popular choice for commercial use because it balances on-road comfort, off-road traction, and impressive wear, making it a solid investment for your needs.
For drivers who mostly stick to highways but need true snow capability a few times each winter, would you recommend the Duratrac or the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W?
For mostly highway use with occasional serious snow driving, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W would be a better fit. It offers excellent snow traction (with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating) while maintaining a quieter, more comfortable ride on pavement compared to the Duratrac, which is more aggressive and can be noisier on highways.
I see popular sizes listed, but if I have an older pickup with less-common wheel dimensions, are these models generally available or should I look at different options?
Most of the tyre models mentioned do come in a wide range of sizes, but availability for less-common or older wheel dimensions can vary by manufacturer. It’s best to check each brand’s full size chart or speak to a local dealer. If your size isn’t available, some specialty or classic truck tyre brands may be a better fit.
Are there any recommendations for all-terrain tyres that prioritize comfort and cabin quietness over maximum off-road grip for those who drive mostly on highways?
If you drive mostly on highways and want a comfortable, quiet ride, look for all-terrain tyres like the Michelin LTX A/T2 or the Continental TerrainContact A/T. These models focus on minimizing road noise and improving ride comfort, while still offering decent all-terrain capability for occasional off-road use.