Looking for top-rated all-terrain tires that blend optimal performance on and off-road? You need to know a few things before choosing the right all-terrain tires. This article will reveal the best options available for different vehicles, including trucks. We will also provide the best tire recommendations for various sizes, including 265/70r17 and 275/60r20. With this section, you'll find the optimal match whether you own a Jeep, a pickup, or a truck.
What Are All-Terrain Tires?
AT tires, which is another term for all-terrain tires, are products specially designed for on-road and off-road capabilities blended together. Unlike off-road tires that conquer particularly difficult surfaces, good all-terrain tires leave room for comfortable rides on highways while still performing decently off the path. In a nutshell, AT tires do a good job on smooth and off-road surfaces, being a good solution for truckers and pickupers driving on mixed roads.
Key Features of AT Tires
AT products differ from other tire types in the following aspects:
- Aggressive tread patterns with wide voids and large blocks to ensure grip on off-road surfaces;
- Reinforced sidewalls that protect against punctures, cuts, and damage;
- All-weather capabilities in models with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification;
- Special tread compounds that work well in various conditions;
- Stone ejectors to prevent rocks from getting stuck in the tread.
Top 5 On-Road Off-Road Tires
Here are the top-rated all-terrain tires that tick all the features of a capable all-terrain tire: BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2, Toyo Open Country AT III, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac.
| Tire Model | Main all-terrain advantage | Overall Rating |
| BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 | Superior sidewall durability | 4.8/5 |
| Toyo Open Country AT III | Exceptional tread life, decent mud performance | 4.8/5 |
| Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | Decent wet weather performance | 4.6/5 |
| Falken Wildpeak A/T3W | Outstanding winter traction | 4.7/5 |
| Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac | Superior mud performance | 4.8/5 |
All terrain models are an option of choice for drivers who explore both environments: smooth roads and complex terrains. This is what differentiates AT tires from their off-road close relatives. A good all-terrain tire should have the following attributes:
- tighter tread patterns for reduced road noise when on smooth pavement;
- specialized rubber compounds to optimize rolling resistance;
- optimized block patterns for a steady performance in wet conditions;
- rigid construction to deliver enough off-road potential.
BFG All Terrain Tires
BFG all-terrain tires are among the most popular options, especially in the context of the best all-terrain tires for trucks. In particular, the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 model appears as one of the highest-ranked, with a rating of 9.2/10 for off-road traction and 8.7/10 for on-road handling (as per Consumer Reports' latest tests).
The BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 is 3PMSF-certified and has a durable and aggressive structure. This makes the model a top choice for drivers encountering sharp obstacles and those who run their trucks and pickups in various weather conditions.
Cooper All Terrain Tires
Cooper is a manufacturer that offers exceptional value in its all-terrain truck tires. The Cooper Discoverer AT3 lineup is a good example. The various models, such as the AT3 4S, AT3 LT, and AT3 XLT, allow drivers to choose their tires based on their unique needs.
The Discoverer AT3 4S lineup is a solid option for drivers who encounter on- and off-road conditions in a proportion of about 50/50. The AT3 LT series is better suited to light trucks engaged in moderate heavy-duty tasks. Lastly, the Discoverer AT3 XLT series is designed for severe-duty applications, with the highest load rating and the toughest build in the family.
The Discoverer AT3 models ranked at the top of the list due to their traction on aggressive terrains and wet and dry grip. Wet braking capabilities are one of these models' advantages, as confirmed by Tire Rack tests in which AT3 4S outperformed the competition by about 10 feet.
Toyo All Terrain Tires
Open Country AT III is the company's most advanced product in terms of all-terrain technology. This model provides serious off-road traction while still keeping on-road civility. The tire has earned its reputation due to:
- 3D multi-wave sipes that ensure stability while maintaining flexibility
- Stone-ejecting blocks that remove the debris out of the tread
- Exceptional snow traction with the 3PMSF rating
- Up to 65,000-mile treadwear warranty
In addition to off-road and on-road versatility, the Open Country AT III demonstrates strong capabilities in mud conditions. The product delivered 15% better mud traction in the latest Off-Road Magazine tests than the previous Open Country II lineup.
Popular Sizes In Tires for Mixed Conditions
AT tires are available in various sizes, and you should carefully choose the size that best fits your vehicle. Below are the most popular sizes for this tire category and their compatibility with certain vehicle models:
265/70R17 All Terrain Tires
The 265/70R17 tire size matches well with vehicles such as the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler JK, or older models of the Ford F-150. This tire size is generally suitable for drivers looking for both decent off-road capabilities and on-road comfort. This size is a common choice for SUV- and truck drivers switching from regular tires to all-terrain models.
275/55R20 and 275/60R20 All Terrain Tires
275/55R20 and 275/60R20 sizes are typically compatible with larger SUVs and trucks such as GMC Sierra, RAM 1500, Toyota Tundra, Silverado, or newer Ford F-150 models. This size corresponds to the demanding vehicles' capacities. However, there are both pros and cons to choosing larger all-terrain tires.
For example, ground clearance improves with larger diameters, allowing for easier navigation over obstacles. Also, the vehicle floats better on soft surfaces due to the larger contact patch. Yet, you can expect additional fuel consumption from higher rolling resistance and some noise on the highway due to deeper tread.
How to Choose the Right All-Terrain Tires
While the market offers a wide variety of all-terrain tires, your final decision should be based on your specific needs. It is advisable to think in advance about the following factors:
- Climate conditions: if your conditions include harsh winters, make sure your AT tires are 3PMSF-approved;
- Driving distribution: understand how much you drive on vs off-road. If you tend to drive mostly in rough and aggressive environments, off-road products may be a better option;
- Load requirements: opt for tires with a higher load rating if you plan to haul and tow heavy cargo;
- Vehicle type: Diesel-powered trucks and SUVs typically require at least E-load-rated tires (E, F, G). These vehicles are heavier and usually operate with heavy-duty tasks, so their tires must be able to handle higher torque and weight.
Top-rated all-terrain tires based on drivers' needs
| Driving Style | Recommended Tire Type | Example Models |
| 90% on-road, 10% off-road | Highway-biased AT | Michelin LTX A/T2, Continental TerrainContact |
| 70% on-road, 30% off-road | Balanced AT | Cooper AT3 4S, Falken Wildpeak AT3W |
| 50% on-road, 50% off-road | Off-road-biased AT | BFG KO2, Toyo Open Country AT III |
| Severe winter conditions | Winter-rated AT | Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 |
AT Tires: FAQs
How Long Do All-terrain Tires Last?
Service life expectancy of tires for mixed roads varies between 40,000 and 65,000 miles. This mileage is influenced by tire maintenance and driving conditions. Tires should be replaced once they reach 6-10 years old, even if their overall condition is still good.
Are All-Terrain Tires Good in Snow?
Yes, this type of tire provides decent traction and grip in snowy conditions. For superior winter performance, opt for Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified tires such as Falken Wildpeak AT3W and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac. This certification guarantees the product's reliability in severe winter conditions.
Can I Use All-Terrain Tires or Rock Crawling?
All-terrain products perform decent rock crawling but fall short of mud terrain products in overcoming serious rock obstacles. One of the most dedicated products in the all-terrain range, including superior rock performance, is the BFG KO2. This model features an aggressive and tough design that delivers even in extreme conditions while still remaining in the all-terrain category.
Looking For Top Best AT Tires?
NeoTires is here to help. Our catalog includes the most tor-rated models on the market at affordable prices. Explore NeoTires' wide range and call us if you need assistance. Our professional assistants will find the best solution for your needs, budget, and driving conditions.
Why Trust Us?
Our philosophy is to offer our customers high-quality products at affordable prices. We provide a wide range of models for any needs, from passenger tires to industrial ones. NeoTires trained team has extensive experience in the tire and automotive industry.
Feel free to contact us whenever you need great tire deals or tire-related assistance. We are happy to share our knowledge and help you improve your driving experience. Drive safe, and choose your tires wisely!
