Best All-Terrain Tires: Go Anywhere
Keep your ride on the road, or off it, with the best all-terrain tires.
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When you buy a vehicle with looks that suggest off-road performance, you need to make sure the tires you choose can back up the promises those looks are making. Enter the all-terrain tire, which splits the difference between purpose-built (but noisy) mud-terrain tires, and the comfort-oriented all-season tires many vehicles come equipped with. Nor are these dedicated snow tires, but represent a nice middle ground in capability while giving vehicles the ability to stay surefooted in most off-road situations.
All-terrain tires are a popular choice for light trucks, SUVs, crossovers, or basically anything with four-wheel drive. While many tires are equipped with the M+S rating, many newer tires come branded with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, a rating based on performance, not just design. We’ve created this guide to help you consider the wide range of tires available and to give you recommendations for some of the best all-terrain tires on the market.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Superior traction in snow, rain, and mud
- CoreGard technology gives added durability and stiffness to sidewalls
- 50,000-mile warranty
- Highway performance is significantly poorer than off-road
- Comfort on road is worse compared with competition
General Grabber A/TX
- Deep, angled treads help in loose terrain
- Can be studded for additional traction
- Performance suffers on wet roads
- More noise than more expensive tires
Kumho Road Venture AT51
- Good feel and performance in range of conditions
- Low price for non-LT tires
- Road noise not excessive
- Number of customers reported tires wearing out prematurely
- Lower treadwear rating than competition
Summary List
- Best Overall: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Best Value: General Grabber A/TX
- Honorable Mention: Kumho Road Venture AT51
- Best for Trucks: Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
- Best for Snow: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
- Best for Highways: Firestone Destination A/T2
- Best for Daily Driving: Sumitomo Encounter AT
- Best 35-Inch: Cooper Discoverer STT Pro
Our Methodology
To choose the best all-terrain tires on the market, we employed a comprehensive research methodology. We evaluated dozens of tires before choosing the top contenders. Although we haven’t personally tested all of these products, our selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and our institutional knowledge of the automotive industry.
Though there’s a wide range of tires rated with the M+S designation, for “Mud and Snow” we found the designation was not tied to any performance criteria, but rather to a design style. Stepping up from the basic design designation are tires rated to the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) which requires tires to pass a performance acceleration test on medium-packed snow. All things considered, the all-terrain tire is notably not a dedicated winter tire, but narrowing our criteria to include the 3PMSF rating gives us confidence these tires will keep drivers going in all but the most extreme conditions.
Some brands are already well-established in this niche, and priority was given to their products. However, other lesser-known brands were also evaluated. The main features taken into consideration were price, off-road performance, treadwear, winter/snow performance, and ride quality/noise.
For this guide, we picked an imaginary test vehicle: a 2018 Ford F-150 with 4WD, with 265/70-17 tires. All prices and weights are in relation to that dimension but should translate across the segment.
Best All-Terrain Tires Reviews & Recommendations
Product Specs
- Brand: BFGoodrich
- Model: All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Weight: 45 pounds
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is as much an icon in the all-terrain segment as the Jeep Wrangler is in the off-road SUV segment. The tire itself can be considered a lot like Jeep, in that its contribution to the conversation largely defines the conversation. The All-Terrain T/A KO2 took the “Best Overall” crown not because of its place near the top of best-seller charts, but because it truly deserves the title.
The iconic BFGoodrich tire not only boasts aggressive looks that upgrade the curb appeal of any off-road vehicle, but it also does it without the huge trade-offs some of the competition accept: namely treadwear and on-road noise. Performance may be easier to match, but the competition in the all-terrain segment has become known for lots of road noise. Though some of the competition has surpassed the All-Terrain T/A KO2 in one category or another, the BFGoodrich tire remains our top pick for best overall.
Pros
CoreGard technology—split/bruise resistant sidewalls
50,000-mile warranty
Serrated shoulder design for mud/snow/rock traction
Cons
Ride comfort trade-off compared to competition
More on-road noise than competition
Product Specs
- Brand: General Tire
- Model: Grabber A/TX
- Weight: 46 pounds
The General Grabber A/TX was designed with drivers in mind, especially when they drive pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and work vans in less-than-ideal conditions. Compared to the others in our buying guide, the Grabber A/TX tires were a little louder, and a little less comfortable, trade-offs we considered worthwhile. Performance was on-par with the leaders in the segment, and price put it near the bottom of every tire we considered. The only tire that beat it at price (by just a dollar) was rated noticeably lower than everything else in the segment.
In Tire Rack’s more scientific testing, the General Grabber A/TX was rated well for feel but fell slightly short on outright quantifiable performance. Now, a tire that gives more feel is one that’s also eminently drivable, which translates to a driver that’s more in control of their vehicle. If you’re constrained by price when looking for an all-terrain tire, the Grabber A/TX should make your shortlist.
Pros
Treads made of cut- and chip-resistant compound
Deep, angled treads help in loose terrain
Can be studded for additional traction
Cons
Performance suffers on wet roads
Product Specs
- Brand: Kumho
- Model: Road Venture AT51
- Weight: 40 pounds (LT 52 pounds)
The Kumho Road Venture AT51 tires have the interesting distinction of being available in both the light-truck (LT) rating and a passenger tire rating. For buyers who intend to do more serious hauling or towing, getting an LT tire is a smarter decision. But, if you’re like me, you want something with all-season capability, and the passenger-rated Road Venture AT51 can be had for significantly less. Several years ago, I equipped my 4WD 1995 Ford F-150 with a set of Road Venture AT51 tires which were on sale for less than half the price of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s. That being said, the truck isn’t used for towing or excessively heavy payloads, but rather getting around the backcountry on occasion and stomping down gravel roads.
The performance of the Road Venture AT51s has been commendable, especially for the price. Mud, snow, and inclement weather have all challenged the tires, but my incidents of getting stuck usually were due more to the limits of the truck than the tires or a sheet of ice underneath a layer of snow. That being said, a number of commenters on Tire Rack and Walmart reported rapid wear, getting fewer miles from the tires than hoped, and poor durability. Durability issues are more likely on the non-LT tires.
Pros
Good feel and performance in range of conditions
Road noise is not excessive
Low price for non-LT tires
Cons
Lower treadwear rating than the competition
Durability question likely linked to cheaper non-LT tires
Product Specs
- Brand: Pirelli
- Model: Scorpion All Terrain Plus
- Weight: 48 pounds
The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tire is a well-rounded tire that performs almost as well as the best on our list, but with a more reserved look. The Scorpion All Terrain Plus also is one of the few tires available in a light-truck (LT) version for people who want to do serious hauling and towing. In the 265/70R17 size we compared for this buyer’s guide the Scorpion All Terrain Plus was available in a Load Range E, with a max load of 3,200 pounds per tire. That should be plenty of capacity for most trucks or full-size SUVs.
The Scorpion All Terrain Plus is a popular tire, but it also performed admirably in Tire Rack’s test, with great grip on wet pavement in addition to solid off-road performance. The only notable downside was an unsettled feeling over long stretches of broken pavement, but it was noticeably quiet on pavement otherwise. In a full-size truck, a little imprecision tends to come with the territory over broken pavement, so it’s not something we were overly worried about.
Pros
Capability without the over-the-top “off-road”
Available in LT for higher load range
Quiet ride on pavemen
Cons
LT tires are more expensive
Ride quality over broken pavement poor
Some users report accelerated tire wear
Product Specs
- Brand: Cooper
- Model: Discoverer AT3 4S
- Weight: 42 pounds
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is the highest-rated all-terrain tire on Tire Rack’s user-reported rankings. Not only does it outperform the majority of the tires out there, but it also gets a stellar rating for customers recommending it to their friends. Combing through reviews on different sites revealed a lot of positive comments, but a number mentioned the road noise. I can also confirm the noise comment from the passenger seat, as a friend’s truck is equipped with these tires, which were noticeable over its turbo diesel engine. Though comfortable and capable, at intermediate speeds (think 30-50 miles per hour), the tire noise was apparent.
We picked the Discoverer AT3 4S for best all-terrain tire for snow because it was rated quite well for light and medium snow performance. All-terrain tires won’t outperform a dedicated snow tire, but the Discoverer AT3 4Ses do tend to handle snow better than most other all-terrain tires according to Tire Rack’s user-reported ratings.
Pros
Silica-based tread compound increases grip
Aqua Vac Channels help resist hydroplaning
Most recommended to friends in Tire Rack’s ratings
Cons
Road noise
Can be pricey
Product Specs
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: Destination A/T2
- Weight: 38 pounds
The Firestone Destination A/T2 is a solid performer in the segment, with a price point near the top (behind the BFGoodrich tires). That price though seems worth the squeeze, as it gives up a little performance in deep snow, which trades off well with excellent on-road comfort and excellent treadwear ratings. A number of the tires on this list have been dogged by user-reported incidents of less-than-desirable life, but the Destination A/T2s have the opposite situation as people report not only reaching the warranty limit of 55,000 miles but exceeding it. Not a bad problem to have.
Firestone designed these tires with durability and traction in mind, and it shows. The Destination A/T2s are a nice update to the previous Destination A/T tires that were discontinued last year. In a head-to-head test at Tire Rack, the Destination A/T2s were called out as solid, reliable tires that were good all-around performers. We chose these for best all-terrain tires for highway use because of their generous treadwear warranty (55,000 miles) and the frequent comments from other buyers who’ve met, or exceeded, that number.
Pros
Solid all-around performer
Downright astounding life from some users
As pleasant on-road as it is off
Cons
Pricey—nearly T/A KO2 money
Product Specs
- Brand: Sumitomo
- Model: Encounter AT
- Weight: 46 pounds
The Sumitomo Encounter AT is a solid performing tire (like everything on this list) but one that got more notable comments about on-road comfort. During a test by Tire Rack, drivers noted that the Encounter AT broke traction gradually on the wet track, which means it’s easy to know when the tire is losing traction. They also said the tire had a nice on-center feel, which is exactly what you want on a daily driver that’s liable to see all kinds of conditions.
When combing through customer reviews, it became apparent that the Sumitomo Encounter ATs were the kind of tire many people bought for just this situation: daily driving and towing, with the option of going wherever the road took them. The price makes them an appealing alternative to the more expensive all-terrain tires out there, while the 60,000-mile warranty is a nice plus.
Pros
Great in rain
Good on-center feel
Generous warrant
Cons
Some commenters noted noticeable road noise
Product Specs
- Brand: Cooper
- Model: Discoverer STT Pro
- Weight: 67 pounds
Now, say you wanted to step up to a 35-inch tire. There are a few available in that size, but not everything. When you want to run 35s on a vehicle, you often need to do some supporting modifications: a lift, larger brakes, and more power are three of the most essential. The larger tires need extra clearance to fit under the vehicle without “rubbing” or contacting the fender, or anything else under the vehicle. And power? Well, the heaviest all-terrain tire on our list didn’t exceed 50 pounds and the Cooper Discoverer STT Pros weigh in at 67 pounds each. Adding weight in wheels or tires has an outsized impact on performance and braking, making every act of acceleration slower and every braking longer.
Why get them then? The Cooper Discoverer STT Pro is the kind of tire you get when your regular roads lead to mud, deep snow, and rocks. The Discoverer STT Pro is described as a maximum traction tire, and it shows. Performance on-road is noticeably affected, and especially in the 35-inch size, they have the drawbacks widely attributed to all-terrain tires. However, that tradeoff is worth it if you have the commute to justify some aggressive and awesome 35-inch tires.
Pros
Excellent mud and rock performance
Look amazingly aggressive
Great in deep snow
Cons
Likely requires supporting modifications on most vehicles
Noticeably louder on-road
Not rated for 3PMSF standard
Our Verdict on All-Terrain Tires
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is the best overall all-terrain tire. These are tried-and-true all-terrain tires, and they have the reputation they deserve as the best in the business. But, if you want all-terrain tires that can get you through just about anything without hitting the bank so hard, then take a look at our value pick, the General Grabber A/TX.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: What are all-terrain tires good for?
A: All-terrain tires work to provide traction on all types of weather conditions on- and off-road, across snow, rain, ice, and other adverse conditions. It is a good compromise between mud tires for off-roading ability and highway tires for general comfort, good on light trucks, full-size pickups, and SUVs. Some hallmarks of all-terrain tires include off-shoulder tread blocks, long-link carbon/steel belt construction for puncture resistance, wide tread grooves for traction, and spiral-wrapped shoulder seams to maintain a tire's shape.
Q: What should I expect to pay for all-terrain tires?
A: Tires in the all-terrain segment can set you back a healthy sum, but they’re often worth shelling out for. Almost $70 each separates our most expensive pick, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, from our best value pick, the General Grabber A/TX. Many of the tires in between offer a different mix of performance and trade-offs, which is fitting for the category. Be prepared to shell out more for all-terrain tires than the bargain all-seasons on sale. Though, if you choose to wander into 35-inch (and larger!) territory, you had better sit down before you get the bill.
Q: What are some tips and tricks to all-terrain tires?
A: Check your tire pressure regularly. We suggest before long trips to check on each tire. Spring for a decent tire pressure gauge for the best accuracy.
Rotate your tires regularly, because the tread will wear down unevenly if you don’t. We suggest aiming to rotate tires every 6,000 miles or so, but try not to push it past 8,000 miles.
Keep an eye on tread depth. Use a tread depth gauge or penny to measure wear.
Don’t exceed the load capacity! Some all-terrain tires are built for capability and sacrifice some load-carrying capacity.
Q: What are key features of all-terrain tires?
A: Tread Design: Tread-design options are virtually limitless, each rib and shoulder block pattern intended to bring key benefits when it comes to improved tread life, weight distribution, tear/puncture resistance, load-carrying capacity, and more. We favored a combination of wide shoulder lugs for traction, angled shoulders, carbon-reinforced construction for wear resistance, and heavy-duty three-ply sidewalls over traditional two-ply sidewalls for overall toughness. Unfortunately, many cheaper all-terrain tires have rightfully earned a reputation for the drone associated with lifted trucks. On mud-terrain tires, or the cheapest all-terrain tires, that’s the sound of the wind running over the larger tire’s more rugged surface, which increases with speed.
Ratings: Look for all-terrain tires with mud and snow ratings such as the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. These distinctions vouch for an all-terrain tire's ability to ride well in muddy and snowy environments with an increased number of sipes and softer treads for better handling.
Tread Life: Expect your average all-terrain tire to last for roughly 40,000 miles. In some cases, it can exceed 60,000 miles depending on road conditions. Many all-terrain tires come with longer treadwear warranties. In general, the longer the treadwear warranty (e.g. 60,000+ miles) the harder the tread. Softer tread all-terrain tires tend to wear out a lot quicker.
Q: What are the two types of all-terrain tires?
A: Passenger: A number of our choices are available in a Passenger or Light Truck (LT) rating, which is more than just the load rating difference. The P-rated tires are often more comfortable on the road while remaining equally capable off the road. These tires are most frequently found on crossovers, light SUVs, and light trucks. Be careful when shopping, however, as the passenger versions of the same tire are often significantly less expensive than the LT tire
.
Light Truck: The Light Truck (LT) versions of all-terrain tires are made to take heavier loads without sacrificing off-road capability. The LT version of these tires often has stiffer sidewalls, leading to a noticeably worse ride. Like the rest of the all-terrain segment, it’s a game of trade-offs. If you need the payload or towing capacity of your vehicle to remain intact, while adding more traction in adverse conditions, then be prepared to spring for the heavy-duty LT version.
Q: Can I use all-terrain tires all year?
A: Yes, all-terrain tires are designed to be used all year. They work equally well on the road and off.
Q: Which is better: all-season or all-terrain tires?
A: It depends on the driving environment. All-season tires are better designed to limit road noise and glide well on the highway. All-terrain tires have specialized construction (such as open tread and shoulder grooves) that make them work better on rougher terrain with improved grip and traction.
Q: When should I replace my all-terrain tires?
A: Look for the following signs of defective wear with your all-terrain tires before deciding to keep them or replace them:
-Shallow and unevenly worn tread.
-Damaged valve stems.
-Rougher ride than usual.
-Excessive vibration on dry and wet surfaces.
Q: How do I check tire tread depth?
A: Tire tread depth is an excellent indicator of how worn out your all-terrain tire is. To check for tire tread depth, insert a penny into several of your tire's grooves. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln's head, then your tread depth is below 2/32-inch, which is the minimum. For deeper treads, we recommend using a certified tire-tread gauge. Always refer to the manufacturer for tire-tread depth guidance.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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