The Best All-Terrain Tires of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Automakers don’t typically choose all-terrain tires as OEM equipment because most drivers look to all-around performance and longevity over off-roading performance. However, four-wheel drive vehicles, SUVs, and pickup trucks often need a capable tire when going off-road and are adaptable to all types of terrain. When it’s time to upgrade, deciding on the appropriate all-terrain tires comes down to weighing your needs and aligning them with your budget.

Without question, all-terrain tires offer improved traction on a variety of surfaces and make driving in difficult weather easier. Their open-tread design makes easy work in off-road driving situations, and the best ones will seamlessly transition from pavement to dirt.

If you’re a little fuzzy on the exact application, read our article that breaks down the differences between all-season, all-weather, snow, and all-terrain tires. For rigs sure to go off-road, a quick read of our explainer, All-Terrain vs Mud-Terrain tires, will help sort out which type of tire is best suited for your use case and vehicle.

Nonetheless, the 12 all-terrain tires listed below are a great place to start if you plan on getting adventurous this fall or if you want an upgrade for winter weather. Skip to our Buyer’s Guide and frequently asked questions if you’re completely new to tire shopping and need a primer on what to look for.

Editor’s Note: This guide received an October 31st, 2024 refresher, adding the Firestone Destination X/T and the Nokian Tyres Outpost nAT to our line-up of the best all-terrain tires.

The Discoverer AT3 XLT is one of the few all-terrain tires that is designed with light trucks in mind. These versatile tires will perform well on all surfaces and in all weather conditions. A rugged traction shoulder offers extra off-road protection and grip. From the get-go, the tires are durable and are designed to handle large loads — so towing should not be an issue.

The company’s Even Wear Arc Technology means it has a pretty good chance of lasting up to 60,000 miles, as warrantied by Cooper. The Discoverer AT3 XLT comes in the most common LT-metric sizes, which makes fitment for pickup trucks straightforward. The all-terrain tire is also relatively quiet and comfortable on the highway.

We put a solid 40,000 miles on test set of these tires and loved them. After getting a good feel of what the Cooper all-terrain tires can do, we admired the all-season traction performance and on-road manners of the Coopers.

The General Grabber A/TX all-terrain tire fits pickups, Jeeps, SUVs, and more. The tire has a 5-row extra-deep tread pattern with multiple edges for increased traction. They have no issue with long-distance drives and remain smooth on gravel and dirt.

Not only do they fit on bigger SUVs and trucks, but they also have sizing that will fit passenger cars. Altogether, they are one of the more affordable quality all-terrain tires on the market. Central to the Grabber A/TX is the company’s Duragen Technology, which provides robust strength and durability.

The tire is specifically designed to create less road noise and meets the severe snow service requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC). Thus, the Grabber A/TX works well as both an all-terrain tire and an all-season tire. Many who have used these tires say they handle brilliantly in the snow. So, you should have no fear of using these tires when the winter weather gets bad.

The KO2 is a popular all-terrain model from BFGoodrich. The tire comes with CoreGard Technology, which beefs up the sidewall rubber to help prevent splits and cracks in the tire, as well as add a layer of added toughness to the sidewall. The tread rubber is specifically designed to reduce chips and wear on the tire. The upper sidewall traction bars provide increased traction in snow and mud and on rocky terrain.

If you are taking your vehicle into more serious off-road conditions, the BFG T/A K02 is designed to run at a lower PSI, and the side lugs will provide traction when the tire is aired down even on softer terrain, as well as in deep snow. Like with many all-terrain tires, you will have increased road noise when driving on pavement, but this tire is not too noisy. The one downside of these tires is that they may be better off-road than on-road — so keep this in mind when you are thinking about what percentage of your driving is on vs. off-road.

The BFGoodrich HD Terrain T/A KT is a great choice for contractors who like to play as hard as they work. An aggressive, mud, gravel, and off-road focused tire that was designed for commercial applications. It’s a tire that allows you to take your work truck straight from the job site to the remote cabin and/or trailhead and not worry about getting stuck along the way.

The BFGoodrich HD Terrain T/A KT tires perform great on pavement whether dry, wet, or icy. But, when you get into mud, muck, and dirt, they really excel. They are heavy load rated and feature a special rubber compound meant to battle chipping and tearing when pulling heavy loads.

Created to fill a need for heavy-duty, load-rated tires that have more aggressive tread to tackle the rigors of the job site. The BFGoodrich HD Terrain T/A KT tires are a great choice for work trucks that need equal parts on-road and off-road capabilities.

According to our real-world test, the Open Country AT3 all-terrains were “no fun at all, because these tires made it a downright boring ride. No sideways, no slip, just grip.” Click the link to see what else we learned and how well the Toyo Open Country A/T III tires worked for us.

Overall, the Open Country A/T3 tires perform brilliantly on wet roads, have first-rate build quality, and can go the distance with a long-lasting tread life. On top of that, the Toyos stay durable and stable for years of use.

The advanced tread design has an aggressive footprint and shoulder design for added traction. On hard pavement, the tread, void areas, and lateral grooves minimize the level of noise generated. That tread features an all-new compound that performs better in all conditions while providing longer treadwear.

The three-peak mountain snowflake rating is also notable and important. It is a great fit for trucks and sport utility vehicles. And towing should be no issue, as the tire is designed to carry large loads.

Read Review: The Toyo Open Country A/T III

While Nokian is a lesser-known manufacturer in North America, the Finnish brand is starting to raise eyebrows with excellent tires coming out of its Dayton, Tennessee factory. A case in point is the Outpost nAT.

We’re in the early stages of testing this tire, but after about 3,000 miles of driving, can attest that it’s a great all-terrain tire off the rack. Outfitted on a 2010 Ford F-150, the Outpost nAT is remarkably quiet for such an aggressive tire. Even with super fresh tread, it adds very little road noise at highway speeds.

And yes, the Outpost nAT is an aggressive tire. Its beefy tread pattern handles rough off-road driving well in our early tests. It’s looking tough so far, with no real signs of wear. An Aramid “Tough Shield” made from cut-resistant aromatic polyamide adds a layer of puncture resistance.

So far, the only downside is that the deep lugs do grab small stones, which can ride in the tire for quite some time, even at highway speeds. They fling off but can hold on for a longer than expected ride after driving on gravel roads.

This all-season, all-terrain tire for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks has a 3-peak mountain snowflake rating, meaning it should handle snow and ice well. We haven’t had it through winter yet, but are excited for more icy testing.

Like many all-terrain tires, these Falken tires are great for year-round use. The tire has heat diffuser technology to protect the lower sidewall and internal tire from overheating. This will help keep the tire and your vehicle stable even when you are towing or carrying heavy loads.

The tire has rigid tread blocks with support ramps and step-down features to enhance vehicle stability and handling. The tread pattern also prevents stones and other irritants from becoming trapped in the groves of the tire. The aggressive upper sidewall helps protect the tire from sharp rocks and provides additional off-road traction, especially if you are running a lower tire pressure.

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires are qualified by USTMA and TRAC for the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol. For high torque support, Falken uses 3D Canyon Sipes that interlock the tire’s shoulders.

If you are looking for a versatile tire that is comfortable on-road and delivers excellent traction off-road, the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac should fit the bill. This all-terrain tire offers improved stability over the standard truck and SUV tires. You will enjoy a smooth ride on pavement and find that they provide great traction in mud and dirt. The symmetric tread design also helps the tires handle snowy conditions with ease.

These tires fit Jeeps and other large SUVs and trucks. By far, the Wrangler DuraTrac offers great on-road stability and a solid grip when conditions get nasty. Additionally, it has an aggressive, deep tread pattern and siping that assist with snow and ice traction. The spacing between the tread blocks will help eject mud when off-roading.

Goodyear designed the DuraTrac to work equally well on the highway and on slippery terrain but also sturdy enough for towing and hauling. The combination of toughness, durability, on/off-road performance, and assertive looks make them a phenomenal choice.

The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 all-terrain tire fits Jeeps, light pickups, and SUVs. Its circumferential grooves help with straight-line traction, and the tire also has high-density siping, which helps prevent hydroplaning. The tires also have coupling joints to reduce tread flex and increase high-speed stability.

The tread pattern has staggered shoulder lugs which offer increased all-terrain performance. While this is an all-terrain tire, it may not be the best performing in the snow. Generally, the tire is designed to perform well in rough terrain, as opposed to extreme weather.

The Firestone Destination X/T is slated as being a hybrid tire that has plenty of off-road capability and solid longevity and comfort when the gravel finally meets the pavement. Firestone touts them as having “Anywhere, Any Whether” traction, and after driving them through just that, we agree.

In testing, we went into this with the notion that the 1/2 inch, aggressive tread would translate to some serious noise when highway miles were needed between off-road adventures. As it turns out, the Destination X/Ts ride shockingly smooth and relatively quiet on pavement.

The Hydro-Grip hosts serious shoulder lugs and wide slots, giving these tires a crazy grip when the mud gets gnarly, while still spitting water out and grabbing for more.

We’re still in the early stages of testing on this tire, but have put over 5,000 miles on them under a 2011 Tundra. Most of the testing has been in rural Montana and Idaho, and we’re excited to see how these perform as the temps drop and conditions get slick.

The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is a premium extreme hybrid all-terrain tire that performs well on loose surfaces and has proficient traction and handling characteristics on the pavement. The asymmetrical tread pattern thrives in the mud and is optimized for reduced noise, all-weather performance, and on-road handling.

A standout feature is the new Extreme Sidebiters sidewall that is 50% deeper than the Baja ATZP3. Not to mention the extreme off-road traction and protection it offers.

Available in a wide range of sizes for fitment on trucks and SUVs, these all-terrain tires have a hardline look and are 3PMS weather-rated for severe conditions. Mickey Thompson backs up their tires with a 50,0000-mile treadwear warranty on LT sizes and a 60,000-mile warranty on all other sizes.

The Geolandar X-AT all-terrain tire from Yokohama can fit almost any kind of light truck, crossover, or SUV. The tire works well on all different terrains, as well as in many different weather conditions, such as rain and snow. It provides the perfect balance between an off-road tire and an all-season tire. Even if you don’t do a ton of off-road driving, this tire could still be a solid addition to your car solely based on its outward character.

For those who are into more adventurous driving and off-roading, these tires will stand up to a hefty beating. With its 17/32-inch deep tread blocks, the Geolandar X-AT is more than ready for steep inclines, mud, dirt, rocks, gravel, sand, and more.

They are long-lasting and durable, making them a great long-term fit and good value. The all-terrain X-AT comes with a 45,000-mile Limited Treadwear Warranty.

Just as important, the Geolandar X-AT has overwhelmingly strong reviews, as many people who have purchased these tires have enjoyed putting this versatile tire to use.

This Guide is a product of GearJunkie editors Bryon Dorr, Sean McCoy, and Rachelle Schrute. Byron is the man in the driver’s seat behind all the motors and overland stories for GearJunkie, and he knows a thing or two about tires. From desert races to overland crawls, Bryon has pushed many a tire set to their limits. Bryon puts in plenty of miles each year covering auto and overland shows while staying on top of all things motors, including the latest in tires.

Sean McCoy is a lifelong hunter and fisherman, and often, his destination of choice can only be reached on bad roads or hardly-existing roads. He’s burned through his share of tires getting to hunt camp, occasionally even towing a trailer. Mud, creek crossings, and rock gardens are usually on the menu for his trusty F150, and these days Sean swears by the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT.

There is little doubt that buying all-terrain tires is a great investment for your vehicle. From driving on different terrains to dealing with tough weather, there are too many benefits to pass up on this opportunity. What are some things you should look for when deciding which tire to buy?

All-terrain tires have a few key features that contribute to their performance. First, there is the tread. The best all-terrain tires have deep and aggressive tread patterns. These tread patterns help the tire get the best grip possible on a wide variety of surfaces, especially wet, snowy, or dirty ones.

That being said, a balance between grip off-road and a pleasant ride on-road is important. All-terrain tires tend to have more road noise when driving on pavement than typical All-Season or Performance tires, but less than mud-terrains. Though many brands tout their noise-reduction technologies, some all-terrain tires will be louder than others.

Another thing to look for is the sidewall of the tire. While a lower sidewall looks cool and is functional on vehicles that stay on the pavement, it doesn’t provide the best off-road performance. For offroad driving, you want a lot of sidewall (the area between the wheel and the tread). The tall sidewall is necessary when it’s time to air down the tires and get better traction off-road without damaging the wheel.

Another benefit is that a taller sidewall provides a more comfortable ride. But, when a tire is aired down and squishy, you lose fuel efficiency and tire life. A firmer tire will perform well on asphalt but not as well on off-road terrain.

You should also pay attention to the rating of the tire when making a purchase. Tires are rated for speed, load, and conditions. If you plan on towing or hauling a lot of gear on your all-terrain tires, be sure to check the tire’s load index rating.

While there are some differences between all-season and all-terrain tires, there are also many similarities. A lot of all-terrain tires also double as all-season tires. The main difference is that all-terrain tires have deeper treads for use on different terrain. But those deeper treads can also make all-weather driving easier.

Standard tires are usually designed to drive on wet or dry roads, but with all-terrain tires, you can do that and much more. So, if you plan to drive through snow or off-road conditions, all-terrain tires are your best bet.

On average, an all-terrain tire should last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles. How long they last mostly depends on how rough you are on the tires. The more wear they get from off-road driving, the more likely they will last around 20,000 miles. The weight of your vehicle, or what you are towing, will also affect the longevity of your tires.

Tires that are used more conservatively may last toward the higher end of the range. Obviously, this range is only an estimate, and there are a lot of factors that go into how long your set of all-terrain tires will last.

The purpose of all-terrain tires is to provide traction on all types of surfaces. They are designed for driving on regular roads but also on mud, dirt, and any other abnormal or unpaved terrain. They also provide more durability against road debris and naturally sharp objects, like rocks and sticks.

When towing, all-terrain tires are usually the better option over standard tires. That is because they are good for regular driving and durable enough for towing. When shopping, be sure to look at the specific tire’s weight rating to ensure it can handle the weight of whatever you plan to tow.

Though all-terrain tires won’t kill your gas mileage, they will decrease it by a few percent over more on-road focused tires. That small drop-off shouldn’t discourage you from upgrading to all-terrains, as there are a host of other benefits that make up for this decrease in fuel economy.

However, the size of your all-terrain tires can affect fuel economy greatly. If you increase your tire size when adding all-terrain tires, you can expect a significant loss of fuel efficiency. One of our editors lost close to six miles per gallon when jumping from 31-inch to 33-inch tires on his F-150! Increased rotational weight of the tire, likely a larger contact patch, and the reduced aerodynamics of the now taller vehicle are to blame.

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