How We Chose
Our selection process for the top off-road all-terrain (AT) tyres centers on real-world needs for US pickups and SUVs. We evaluated each contender based on:
- Safety: Braking, stability, and handling both off-road and on-pavement.
- Wet Grip: Performance in rain, mud, and on slick terrain.
- Snow Capability: Winter traction, with 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol where relevant.
- Comfort/Noise: Ride quality and quietness, especially for daily driving.
- Durability: Tread life, cut/chip resistance, and sidewall strength.
- Economy: Price, mileage, and value for both private drivers and fleet owners.
We referenced US-specific test data, UTQG ratings, and owner feedback to ensure each tyre delivers for American conditions. There’s a mix of premium, mid-range, and value-focused brands in popular sizes for trucks and SUVs.
1. BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A — Balanced Adventure & Daily Comfort
Why it stands out
BFGoodrich’s Trail-Terrain T/A blends proven off-road durability with a surprisingly quiet, comfortable ride for everyday driving. Its serrated shoulder design offers extra bite on gravel and light mud, while the advanced tread compound resists chipping and wear.
Best for
- Drivers seeking reliable all-terrain traction and year-round comfort
- Pickups and SUVs spending equal time on and off the pavement
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20, 245/65R17
- Strengths: Ride comfort, wet/snow grip, treadwear
- Trade-offs: Not for deep mud or extreme rock crawling
2. Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT — OEM-Trusted, Versatile Performer
Why it stands out
Chosen as original equipment on many US trucks, the Wrangler Territory AT offers a balanced mix of off-road ruggedness and highway manners. It features biting edges for grip, plus strong sidewalls for puncture resistance.
Best for
- Fleet owners valuing durability and cost efficiency
- Drivers needing a dependable OE replacement for daily and moderate off-road use
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/65R18, 275/65R20, 255/70R16
- Strengths: Tread life, puncture resistance, availability
- Trade-offs: Moderate mud traction
3. Falken WildPeak A/T4W — Advanced Off-Road Tech & Winter Ready
Why it stands out
Falken’s WildPeak A/T4W advances all-terrain performance with full-depth sipes, aggressive sidewall lugs, and a silica-rich compound for wet and winter grip. It’s 3PMSF certified, making it a true all-weather contender for adventurous drivers.
Best for
- Drivers tackling snow, ice, and rocky trails
- Those wanting a blend of off-road bite and on-road confidence
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-weather (3PMSF)
- Popular sizes: 275/60R20, 285/70R17, 265/75R16
- Strengths: Winter grip, off-road traction, tread longevity
- Trade-offs: Slightly firmer ride on pavement
4. Toyo Open Country A/T III — Toughness Meets Everyday Use
Why it stands out
Toyo’s Open Country A/T III is a proven pick for rugged reliability. Its tread pattern offers stable handling on highways and extra edge blocks for off-road grip. The sidewalls are reinforced for added resistance against cuts and punctures.
Best for
- Drivers mixing towing, off-road, and city driving
- Fleet vehicles needing high mileage and durability
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF on select sizes)
- Popular sizes: 275/65R18, 285/70R17, 265/70R16
- Strengths: Long life, stone ejection, stability
- Trade-offs: Slightly more road noise at highway speeds
5. Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek — Aggressive Looks, Real Capability
Why it stands out
The Discoverer Rugged Trek sits between a traditional AT and a mud-terrain tyre. It boasts deep tread blocks and a dual-sidewall design for both style and function—ideal for pickups that see mud, rocks, and highways alike.
Best for
- Drivers prioritizing bold style and off-road prowess
- Weekend warriors and overlanders
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF on select sizes)
- Popular sizes: 275/55R20, 265/70R17, 285/75R16
- Strengths: Off-road bite, aggressive aesthetics, sidewall strength
- Trade-offs: Heavier, slightly reduced fuel efficiency
6. General Grabber APT — Value & Dependability
Why it stands out
The General Grabber APT delivers solid all-terrain performance at an affordable price. Its staggered tread and full-depth sipes ensure grip in dirt and light snow, while the ride remains composed and quiet.
Best for
- Budget-conscious drivers and fleets
- Pickups/SUVs used for occasional off-road and mostly highway miles
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF on select sizes)
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 245/75R16, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Value, ride comfort, wet grip
- Trade-offs: Not for extreme terrain
7. Nitto Ridge Grappler — Hybrid AT/MT for Serious Off-Roading
Why it stands out
The Ridge Grappler blurs the line between all-terrain and mud-terrain, thanks to its dynamic tread and reinforced shoulder lugs. It delivers outstanding traction in mud, rocks, and sand, while maintaining reasonable on-road manners for daily use.
Best for
- Off-road enthusiasts wanting maximum grip
- Drivers who need a do-it-all tyre for work and play
Key notes
- Season/Type: Hybrid AT/MT, all-season
- Popular sizes: 285/70R17, 35×12.50R20LT, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Mud/rock traction, puncture resistance, bold looks
- Trade-offs: Louder at highway speeds, heavier than pure ATs
8. Firestone Destination X/T — Durable Utility & Winter Confidence
Why it stands out
Firestone’s Destination X/T targets working trucks and daily drivers seeking traction and toughness. The tyre is 3PMSF-certified, with a reinforced carcass and a tread built to resist chips and tears on rough surfaces.
Best for
- Work trucks, contractors, and rural drivers
- Those needing reliable winter traction in snowy regions
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF)
- Popular sizes: 275/70R18, 265/75R16, 285/70R17
- Strengths: Winter grip, cut resistance, mileage
- Trade-offs: May transmit more road texture
9. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 — All-Weather Versatility
Why it stands out
The Geolandar A/T G015 is engineered for diverse US climates, with a tread compound optimized for wet, dry, and snowy conditions. Its multi-pitch design reduces noise, making it a top pick for families and daily commuters who expect occasional off-road use.
Best for
- Suburban drivers who want one tyre for all seasons
- Light off-roaders and cross-country travelers
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season (3PMSF)
- Popular sizes: 265/70R16, 245/65R17, 275/55R20
- Strengths: All-weather grip, quiet ride, treadwear warranty
- Trade-offs: Less aggressive for deep mud or rocks
Buying Tips
- Fitment: Check your truck or SUV’s recommended size, load, and speed ratings—ensure your new ATs match or exceed these specs.
- Speed/Load Index: Heavier-duty tyres may offer better durability but can affect ride comfort and fuel economy; consider your typical loads and driving style.
- Rotations: Rotate your all-terrain tyres every 5,000–7,000 miles to maximize tread life and even wear.
- Storage: Store spare or seasonal tyres in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and chemicals to prevent premature aging.
- Alignment: Have your alignment checked after installation and after off-road trips to avoid uneven wear and maintain handling.
Verdict
Choosing the right off-road all-terrain tyre depends on your driving priorities. If you balance trail adventures with highway comfort, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A and Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 stand out for all-around usability. For winter and harsh weather, Falken’s WildPeak A/T4W and Firestone Destination X/T offer true year-round confidence. Enthusiasts who demand bolder looks and mud/rock grip should look at the Nitto Ridge Grappler or Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek. Budget-focused buyers and fleets can find value and dependability with the General Grabber APT or Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT.
Match your tyre to your terrain, climate, and daily needs, and you’ll enjoy confident, capable driving—no matter where the road or trail takes you.
Does the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A hold up for light commercial fleet use, especially in terms of tread life and cost per mile?
The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is a solid choice for light commercial fleet use. It’s designed for durability, offering good tread life even with frequent road miles. Many users report a favorable cost per mile thanks to its longevity and reliability. However, if your fleet sees heavy loads or off-road duty, you might consider a more heavy-duty option.
Are any of these tyres particularly quiet at highway speeds? My old set got really noisy after a few months and it drove the kids nuts.
Several tyres on the list are designed to balance off-road capability with quieter highway performance. The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Michelin LTX A/T2 stand out for low road noise and comfort during daily driving. All-terrain tyres can get noisier over time, but these two are known for staying quieter longer, which should help keep the family happy on longer trips.
Are any of these tire models prone to excessive road noise as they wear down, or do they generally stay quiet throughout their lifespan?
Some all-terrain and mud-terrain tires do tend to get louder as they wear, especially those with aggressive tread patterns. Models designed more for off-road performance, like mud-terrain options, are typically more prone to increased road noise over time. All-terrain tires optimized for daily driving usually remain quieter for longer, but even these can get noisier with age and tread wear. Regular rotation and proper inflation can help keep noise down.
Does the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A lose much traction in deeper mud compared to some of the more aggressive all-terrain options on your list?
The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is built for a balance of on-road comfort and light off-road use, so it does lose traction in deeper mud compared to more aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. Its tread pattern doesn’t clear thick mud as effectively, making options like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac better for those conditions.
I noticed the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is 3PMSF rated, but you mentioned it’s not for deep mud. Would it still work in occasional heavy rain and muddy campsite access, or should I look for something more aggressive?
The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A handles heavy rain and moderate muddy conditions quite well, especially for occasional use like campground access. However, if you regularly face deep mud or consistently tough off-road situations, a more aggressive mud-terrain tyre might be more reliable. For mostly paved roads and the occasional muddy patch, the Trail-Terrain should suit your needs.