As the only medium connecting you to the pavement or backcountry trails you’re navigating, the tires on your vehicle are ironically one one of the more overlooked aspects of the vehicle. Frankly, it shouldn’t be this way. From ice and snow to slick rain-washed freeways to off-road muddy throughways relying on the trusty tires beneath your feet is just as important as fueling up the vehicle in the first place. And with winter behind us, many of us, unfortunately, think there’s nothing but smooth sailing ahead in term of road conditions. But what about the occasional off-road adventure, wet pavement, or dusty and questionable desert road? The answer lies in all-terrain tires.
Outfitted to grip both the asphalt and the rough terrain while keeping you sturdy and the friction high, all-terrain tires are purposed to perform exactly how you think they should. That is, provide enough utility for everyday use through the urban and suburban landscape but with enough clout to keep you from embarrassingly getting stuck when off-road. These aren’t your overly-ambitious swamper tires. Instead, the options outlined in this list of the best all-terrain tires bridge that gap to the best of their ability.
General Tire Grabber AT 2
If you thought that a tire called The Grabber was built for superior off-road adventuring then you certainly wouldn’t be mistaken. In fact, these reliable all-terrain tires are actually designed with self-cleaning treads that simultaneously provide superior traction while out and about. Specifically, a 5-row tread pattern enhances grip in the backcountry, the tire’s double-v tread pattern increases the life of the tire, and the acoustic pattern of the Grabber’s tread also helps to keep things quiet during highway driving. In addition, select tires meet RMA and RAC requirements.
Hankook Dynapro AT-M
You might recognize these all-terrain tires from the 2015 Ford F-150 pickups as they were introduced as Original Equipment on that series. Now, Hankook is back with Dynapro AT-M tires that are available in a range of sizes and their best grip yet. Basically, the new offering boasts a wide independent block with an enlarged footprint that both enhances grip and your acceleration. The new design also prevents uneven wear from occurring and they boast an all-around rugged appearance thanks to the wraparound tread design. Also internally, two high strength steel belts enhance strength and quality of the ride. Biting edges also improve winter weather performance as well.
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2
Designed specifically for drivers who prefer Jeeps, crossovers, SUVs, and pickups, this all-terrain option is designed specifically to tackle your favorite mountainous trail but also maintain on-road handling capabilities. Simply put, whether it be dry, wet, or wintry out there the Revo is equipped to get you to your destination in one piece. These tires feature stable shoulder blocks for handling on the asphalt, open shoulders for enhanced traction on loose surfaces and to evacuate water, sweeping lateral grooves around the circumference of the tire to prevent hydroplaning, and biting edges for improved traction on those snow covered wintry roads.
Michelin LTX A/T2
Keeping up with their reputation as a go-to source for reliable rubber treads, Michelin continues to impress with the variety of offerings the tire manufacturer releases into the market. And with their LTX A/T2 option, both on and off-road needs are met in a fantastic manner. All while helping you maintain ideal fuel economy. Initially, they feature a light truck tread rubber compound that hosts an independent tread block design for superior traction across all mediums. Also, their branded Biting Edges keep you steady during those snowy winter months while Michelin’s Comfort Control Technology reduces unwanted vibrations and road noise that results in an easy-going ride no matter where the paved or dirt road leads you.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2
Outfitted as a light truck tire that’s as dependable in all conditions as it is rugged, the Terra Grappler G2 tire is the next generation of all-terrain tires from Nitto. Here, Nitto is looking to be your one stop shop for reliable rubber. In doing so, they built a tire that allows you to keep your footing while upping the performance – be it commuting to work, towing a heavy load, or cruising through the uplands to a preferred trailhead. Block edge rigidity is enhanced here thanks to the tire’s coupling joints, shoulder lugs provide you with biting edges in off-road conditions, strategically arranged tread blocks reduce tire noise on the highway, and new sidewall designs provide the Grappler G2 with a more aggressive look.
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure
Goodyear is no sleeper brand. They’re visible all across America and maintain a presence at practically any petrol-powered event. So it’s no surprise one of their most off-road-ready tires made this list. Each Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tire comes equipped with DuPont Kevlar for additional rugged strength but also helps with traction through rain and snow. Also, the tire’s Durawall Technology helps prevent cuts in the sidewall, an open tread pattern provides premier traction in both wet and muddy conditions, and biting edges grip the road year-round.
Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ P3
You know you can trust the integrity of a Mickey Thompson tire named after one of the most unforgiving regions in North America. And you better believe they’re serious as well due to their 45,000-mile warranty. Each Baja ATZ tire is a hybrid tire that combines both all-terrain and mud terrain characteristics into a reliable means to get you through the backcountry during the next weekend adventure but with a smooth ride on the pavement. It features a silica-reinforced tread compound for performance in slick conditions, aggressive side biters for both on and off-road traction, and scalloped shoulder lugs to keep the friction going when the time comes to leave the pavement behind.
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A K02
Anyone who’s familiar with off-road adventuring has heard of BF Goodrich. Their rugged treads have been a part of custom backcountry builds and rough rally car races through the unforgiving desert for some time now. And their All-Terrain T/A K02? It’s one of their most accessible and toughest tires ever built. It comes prepared with 20 percent tougher sidewalls featuring race-proven CoreGuard Technology, longer tread life that will help extend any amount of on-road/off-road adventuring you may plan on tackling, and exceeds RMA severe snow traction requirements. A definite trustworthy purchase for the go-to truck or sport-utility-vehicle.
The Difference Between Torque and Horsepower
Did you know torque is actually the force turning those wheels while horsepower gets you where you’re going? If not, check out this guide on how torque and horsepower affect your vehicle in different ways.
