Our Favorite All-Terrain Tires for 2024

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Every journey begins with the road beneath your wheels, but what if there are no roads where you're going? That's where all-terrain tires come into play, bridging the gap between asphalt and adventure. Whether you're conquering rugged trails, navigating snow-covered terrain, or simply looking for enhanced performance in certain weather conditions, the right set of all-terrain tires can make all the difference.

We recently spoke with the experts at RealTruck, who offered us some insight on the best truck tires. We didn't want to leave all of our non-truck-driving readers stranded, so we've compiled a list of some of the best all-terrain tires on the market for any vehicle. We weighed their respective pros and cons to help determine which best suit some common needs, and this is what we found:

Things to Consider

There are about as many reasons drivers choose to install all-terrain tires as there are different models on the market. So here are just some of the things to keep in mind before your next purchase.

Tire Size: Ensure that the tire size is compatible with your vehicle. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult with a tire professional for guidance on the appropriate tire size. It is often possible to use tires that are outside the OEM recommended range. This will, however, depend heavily on the the specific vehicle, suspension modifications, and wheel fitment. If you are looking to install larger tires, we recommend consulting a professional.

Tread Pattern: The tread pattern affects traction and handling in different conditions. Deeper and more aggressive tread patterns provide better off-road traction, but they may be noisier and less fuel-efficient on the pavement. All-terrain tires aim to strike a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort.

Speed Rating: Check the tire's speed rating to ensure it aligns with your typical driving speeds. Overloading or exceeding speed limits for your tires can lead to safety hazards. Many all-terrain tires will have a speed rating lower than that of their solely on-road counterparts.

Ply Rating: The number of plies in the tire's construction affects its strength and durability. Higher ply ratings generally mean greater durability for off-road use. This can be a big factor if your goal is to do more serious off-roading, as tire sidewalls can flex under excessive load.

Noise Levels: Some all-terrain tires can be noisy on the highway because of their aggressive tread patterns. If a quieter ride is a priority, look for tires designed for lower road noise.

Ready to take your vehicle off the pavement? Here are our favorite A/T tires.

Thinking of Fitting Larger Tires?

When replacing or upgrading to all-terrain tires, in most cases you'll be faced with the option of moving up (or down) in tire size. As I mentioned above, it is paramount, whenever deviating from your vehicle's standard tire size, to consult a professional.

That said, in many cases, SUVs and trucks will easily be able to move up in tire size. Besides just looking cool, slightly larger tires can come with real benefits, including:

Ground Clearance: Larger tires can increase a vehicle's ground clearance. This can be beneficial for off-roading or driving on rough terrain where more clearance is needed to avoid obstacles.

Traction: Wider and larger tires can provide better traction, especially in off-road conditions or on loose surfaces like sand or mud. The increased surface area can improve grip.

Handling: Larger tires can improve stability at higher speeds.

Be aware, however, that there are some drawbacks to moving to a larger tire. They might negatively affect certain performance metrics, such as fuel economy, braking distance, and speedometer and odometer accuracy.

BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2

The BFGoodrich K02 is a longtime favorite of off-roading and overlanding aficionados. CoreGard technology adds a layer of toughness to the sidewall, which helps prevent splits and cracks in the tire and makes it ideal for more serious off-road use, as it can be run at lower pressures.

Having personally owned a few sets of these, I can say that they are quieter on the road than many of their competitors while still providing mud-terrain levels of grip when things get messy. The K02 is simply the best.

• 50,000-mile tread-wear warranty

Firestone Destination X/T

While the KO2 is clearly the segment leader, Road & Track Reviews Editor Mack Hogan suggests that most buyers would be better off with the Firestone Destination X/T. The all-terrain tire proved more capable than most trucks on a hundred-mile off-road trip in the Northern Cascades, but Hogan says it really shines in day-to-day use. The X/T is quiet, comfortable, and secure on the highway, with none of the wandering or droning you expect from such an extreme off-road tire. Plus, it's Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) rated and offers superb wet-weather performance.

• 50,000-mile tread-wear warranty

Toyo Open Country A/T III

The Open Country A/T III is a serious rival to the KO2. It includes loads of features that offer very respectable off- and on-road performance. It has been praised for its wet-weather performance, and some reviewers prefer it to the K02 for its lower road noise. It is also certified for the Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF).

If you are considering the BFGoodrich KO2 and have any reason to doubt your choice, I strongly recommend taking a serious look at these.

• 70,000-mile tread-wear warranty

Nitto Ridge Grappler

The Ridge Grappler tries hard to toe the line between hard-core mud tire and quiet, comfortable all-terrain tire. It features a high-void tread pattern, alternating tapered edges, reinforced tread blocks, and a load rating intended for the higher demands of heavy-duty trucks.

That said, this is still one of the best all-terrain tires available, as it doesn't sacrifice much on-road performance and comfort. It provides a relatively quiet ride considering its tread design. That design is one of my favorites for its aggressive looks, which make a vehicle look right at home on any trail.

• 55,000-mile tread-wear warranty

Ironman All Country A/T All Season

The Ironman All Country tires may come from a lesser-known company, but having put thousands of miles on a set on my FJ62 Land Cruiser, I can personally attest to their performance. No, these won't be the tires that take you to a mountain summit, but in my time with them, they provided excellent road manners without fuss.

On the few occasions my FJ62 saw light trails, the tires performed as well as I could hope, wading through shallow water, mounting small rocks, and climbing gentle slopes. They also performed nicely in the snow. They also happen to be one of the most affordable all-terrain tires available.

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W

The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is a great all-season tire, and as proof, it is certified for the Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF), meaning it can handle some very slick conditions.

What makes the Wildpeak stand out, though, is its use of heat-diffuser technology to help dissipate the heat that heavy loads can generate. This is ideal for towing, as the added weight of a trailer can put additional strain on tires.

• 55,000-mile tread-wear warranty

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek

The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is a solid all-around all-terrain offering. It features a deep, aggressive tread-block pattern, and large shoulder scoops help with traction over loose surfaces. It stands out for is its dual-sidewall design, which offers a choice of two distinct sidewall patterns. This is ideal for those looking for a tire that doesn't come with the downsides of a mud tire yet still has aggressive go-anywhere looks. It's also one of the more affordable picks on our list.

• 60,000-mile tread-wear warranty

Yokohama Geolandar G015

The Geolander is one of the least aggressive all-terrain tires on the market. While on its face this may sound like a negative, it's actually what makes it worth considering. From the jump, the Geolander doesn't look nearly as aggressive as some of its competitors, more closely resembling a standard passenger tire than a mud tire.

Compared with more off-road-focused offerings, it will provide a more quiet, comfortable ride and superior wet-weather performance while trading some off-road capability. If you don't plan to do serious off-roading, this is an excellent choice.

• 60,000-mile tread-wear warranty

General Grabber A/T X

The General Grabber has a lot going for it. First, it's offered in a wide range of sizes that can be fitted to some passenger cars. It's robust thanks to General's patented DuraGen technology, and it's also on the more affordable end of its category.

What makes it stand out, though, is that it meets the severe-snow-service requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, meaning it can be used with great results in slippery conditions during colder months. It even comes pre-pinned for snow studs.

• 60,000-mile tread-wear warranty

Sumitomo ATH22 Encounter

The Sumitomo Encounter's strongest quality is its simplicity. There is no groundbreaking technology or gimmicks here, just a simple straightforward tire that aims to hit the sweet spot between on- and off-road performance and price. That said, Sumitomo seems to have paid close attention to the tread design, making sure to incorporate all the grooves and channels needed to keep you moving in the right direction. This tire is also certified for the Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF).

• 60,000-mile tread-wear warranty

FAQs

What are all-terrain tires, and how are they different from other types of tires?

All-terrain tires are designed for use on a variety of road surfaces, including pavement, gravel, mud, and light snow. They feature a versatile tread pattern that provides a balance between on-road comfort and off-road traction, making them suitable for a range of driving conditions.

Are all-terrain tires suitable for my vehicle?

All-terrain tires can be used on a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, and some crossovers. However, it's important to choose a tire size and load rating that matches your vehicle's specifications. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional for guidance.

How do I know what size all-terrain tires to purchase?

You can find the recommended tire size for your vehicle in the owner's manual, on the vehicle's placard (usually located on the driver's-side door frame), or by consulting a tire professional. It's important to select the right size to ensure proper fit and performance.

Can all-terrain tires be used year-round, including in winter conditions?

In most cases, yes. While all-terrain tires provide better traction on snow and ice than standard all-season tires, they may not perform as well as dedicated winter tires in severe winter conditions. If you regularly encounter heavy snow and ice, it's advisable to consider winter tires for added safety.

Do all-terrain tires require special maintenance?

All-terrain tires should be properly maintained, including regular tire rotations, balancing, and maintaining the recommended tire pressure. Routine maintenance helps ensure even tread wear and extends a tire's life span.

How can I reduce road noise with all-terrain tires?

All-terrain tires can produce more road noise because of their aggressive tread patterns. To reduce noise, consider choosing tires designed for lower road noise or ensuring that they are properly balanced and inflated. Additionally, regular tire maintenance can help minimize noise.

Why Trust Us

Road & Track and its sibling publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices.

With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with our readers' trust than with our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something if we haven't. We've evaluated dozens of products, from GPS Trackers and Motorcycle Backpacks to OBD2 Scanners. Our picks and recommendations of products and gear are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.

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