by Tread Staff

Tire Buyer’s Guide: Off-Road Tire Options

Choosing the right off-road tire for your favorite trail can be as daunting as that downhill grade that always makes your heart race.

With the off-road industry booming, the selection of all-terrain and terrain-specific tires is bigger than ever—and it can be overwhelming. To help you pinpoint the best fit for your rides, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. Some are old standbys that never let us down, and some are newcomers that promise to take you further than you’ve ever dreamed. No matter which tire you choose, there’s nothing like a fresh set of rubber rollers with some killer sidewall designs to enhance your build and crush some unforgiving terrain. Enjoy!

 

AMP MUD TERRAIN ATTACK M/TA off-road tire - AMP MUD TERRAIN ATTACK M/TA 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain Mud

TREAD DEPTH
N/A

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
16 – 22 inches

NOTES
An ultra-aggressive tread pattern provides excellent traction and handling in the worst conditions. A-shaped sidewalls provide increased stability on the most demanding trails, though on-road manners are slightly compromised due to the deep off-set tread pattern—but with a design like that, it might just be worth it.

 

PRO COMP A/T SPORT off-road tire: PRO COMP A/T SPORT 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
14/32 – 17/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
The A/T Sport provides a happy balance of on-road manners with off-road capability to get you just about anywhere you would want to go. The A/T Sport is a great option for enthusiasts who are looking for an everyday tire that can still hang with the weekend-warrior crew—and still look good doing it.

 

GENERAL GRABBER X3 off-road tire: GENERAL GRABBER X3 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
16/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
The new Grabber X3 mud-terrain tire line delivers outstanding off-road performance coupled with impressive street manners. With even more aggressive styling than the G2, the X3 is definitely a leap forward for the off-road tire industry, and will definitely have you turning heads.

 

GENERAL GRABBER off-road tire: GENERAL GRABBER 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
16/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
General Grabber’s race-proven 3-ply construction provides confidence and performance under extreme conditions. Its sidewall features contoured protectors for protection from punctures.

 

TOYO OPEN COUNTRY R/T off-road tire: TOYO OPEN COUNTRY R/T 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
16.4/32 – 18.9/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 22 inches

NOTES
As one of the only companies that offers a trial-offer, Toyo knows that you’re going to love their tires, and the R/T is no exception. The Open Country R/T is just as at home in the sand, or crawling on the slickest rocks, as it is rolling down the highway. Add in the fact that these tires are 100-percent American-made, and you’ve got a winner.

 

GOODYEAR WRANGLER M/T R off-road tire: GOODYEAR WRANGLER M/T R 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain, Mud

TREAD DEPTH
9.8/32 – 21/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
Goodyear broke the mold when they introduced the Wrangler, with its groundbreaking Kevlar construction. A top choice for manufacturers of off-road vehicles, the Wrangler has been proven time and time again in all kinds of terrain.

 

NITTO TERRA GRAPPLER G2 off-road tire: NITTO TERRA GRAPPLER G2 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
12.6/32 – 17.4/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
17 – 22 inches

NOTES
One of our favorite tried-and-true, go-anywhere and do-anything tire is the Terra Grappler G2. The G2 is an excellent choice for weekend warriors who want a tire with amazing off-road performance that also looks great, without sacrificing cabin noise.

 

MAXXIS RAZR MT MT-772 off-road tire: MAXXIS RAZR MT MT-772

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
2 to 3-Ply (depending on size)

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
Mud

TREAD DEPTH
25/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 22 inches

NOTES
The Razr MT was engineered with deeply-sculpted center blocks that maximize off-road traction while retaining a quieter ride. A new tread compound features chemical fillers for maximum tear resistance, puncture resistance and tread life.

 

GOODYEAR FIERCE ATTITUDE M/T off-road tire: GOODYEAR FIERCE ATTITUDE M/T

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain, Mud

TREAD DEPTH
19/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
16 – 18 inches

NOTES
A unique sidewall tread wrap provides impressive traction in sand and loose terrain, while the price point is equally impressive. The Fierce Attitude also lives up to its name with an equally fierce sidewall design and tread pattern that looks at home on just about any adventure rig.

 

YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER A/T G015 off-road tire: YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER A/T G015

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season, Winter

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
12/32 – 18/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 24 inches

NOTES
New to the Yokohama family is the groundbreaking Geolander G015. A rugged triple-polymer tread
compound is just as aggressive in its looks as it is in its performance. With a wide range of fitment options, the G015 is at home in any garage and looks great on just about any build.

 

NITTO TRAIL GRAPPLER off-road tire: NITTO TRAIL GRAPPLER

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
Mud

TREAD DEPTH
18.3/32 – 21/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 24 inches

NOTES
For those looking for the happy medium between a true mud tire and a solid trail tire, the Trail Grappler is worth a look. With a super-deep tread pattern and reinforced sidewalls, traction in the deepest mud or snow is a walk in the park. It also feels confident on pavement, thanks to its unique tread-block arrangement.

 

KUMHO ROAD VENTURE MT KL71 off-road tire: KUMHO ROAD VENTURE MT KL71

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
High Tensile

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain, Mud

TREAD DEPTH
18.5/32 – 21.5/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 24 inches

NOTES
Available in one of the widest size ranges on our list, the Road Venture MT KL71 is a trail-crushing powerhouse that can haul all of your toys and still look good doing it. Available in multiple load ranges and options for lifted trucks and SUVs, the KL71 has a fitment for every build.

 

FALKEN WILDPEAK M/T off-road tire: FALKEN WILDPEAK M/T

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
14/32 – 17/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
The more aggressive cousin to the A/T3W is the Wildpeak M/T. With its tough looks and impressive
performance, the Wildpeak M/T is a trail-dominating beast. When aired-down, 3-ply “DURASPEC” sidewalls perform extraordinarily well and resist rim slippage.

 

KUMHO ROAD VENTURE AT51 off-road tire: KUMHO ROAD VENTURE AT51

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
Nylon

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
13.1/32 – 15.6/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
Whether you’re faced with muddy roads, a snow-covered mountain road or a rainy trip to work, the AT51 feels right at home. Reduced road noise when on-road is complemented by exceptional pavement-handling, making the AT51 a great choice for those of us who have to endure more on-road time than we would like.

 

FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T3W off-road tire: FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T3W

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
10.3/32 – 15.6/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
The A/T3W draws on Falken’s most advanced research, and provides impeccable off-road performance with
excellent on-road drivability. For those who live in wetter climates, the deep tread design and patented 3D
Canyon sipes provide premium rain and snow reliability.

 

MAXXIS BRAVO SERIES AT-771 off-road tire: MAXXIS BRAVO SERIES AT-771

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
2- to 3-Ply (depending on size)

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
13/32 – 16/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
This tire’s tread pattern and sidewall lug design offer excellent all-terrain traction, while a stiff but conformable carcass improves off-road stability and handling. The AT-771’s tire compound and tread pattern are designed to improve tread wear, wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.

 

TOYO OPEN COUNTRY M/T off-road tire: TOYO OPEN COUNTRY M/T

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
18.4/32 – 21/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
Here’s one for the truck lovers, and it’s a beast to boot. The Toyo Open Country M/T is a truck-specific, off-road conqueror, with rugged looks and impressive all-season performance. Forget those chains, because this tire has what it takes to dominate the snowiest of trails, thanks to its over-the-shoulder tread design.

 

DICK CEPEK FUN COUNTRY off-road tire: DICK CEPEK FUN COUNTRY

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
18.5/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
With an impressive tread depth and a great ride appearance, the Fun Country provides nothing but enjoyment in the harshest environments. Trademark “DC” Sidebiters provide a great look, and help prevent punctures and wear when rubbing on rocks, and keep you stable even when deflated in loose surfaces. Sounds like fun to us!

 

DICK CEPEK EXTREME COUNTRY off-road tire: DICK CEPEK EXTREME COUNTRY

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
2-Ply “Next Generation” High Tensile

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
Mud

TREAD DEPTH
18.5/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
The new Extreme Country mud-terrain tire has been designed with a proven tread compound for excellent traction, responsive handling, even wear, longer life and a quieter ride. Its heavy-duty carcass enhances sidewall strength, and delivers stability and responsive grip on irregular surfaces.

 

MICKEY THOMPSON BAJA MTZ P3 off-road tire: MICKEY THOMPSON BAJA MTZ P3

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
Mud

TREAD DEPTH
18.5/32 – 22/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
The Baja MTZ P3 features mud-pocket scoops, which provide impeccable traction in mud and loose dirt, and siped tread lugs with variable draft angles for better traction. It is at home just about anywhere you take it. Rock rejectors and 3-ply polyester sidewalls help with maintaining traction and lowering the chance of a puncture when you’re out in the sticks.

 

PRO COMP XTREME MT2 off-road tire: PRO COMP XTREME MT2 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain, Mud

TREAD DEPTH
19/32 – 22/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
If you’re looking for a slightly more aggressive and even more capable tire, then the Xtreme MT2 will not disappoint. The Xtreme MT2’s two-step tread blocks help improve the stability of the tire and aid in harsh braking situations. Rock rejectors on the outer tread ensure that smaller debris is cleared out quickly to reduce slip and increase bite.

 

MICKEY THOMPSON DEEGAN 38 off-road tire: MICKEY THOMPSON DEEGAN 38

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain, Mud

TREAD DEPTH
18.5/32 – 21/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
You know a tire is going to be good when a racing icon like Brian Deegan puts his name on it. From the great minds at Mickey Thompson, the Deegan 38 is crafted for exceptional mud performance and the ability to grip in any climate.

 

BRIDGESTONE DUELLER AT/2 REVO off-road tire: BRIDGESTONE DUELLER AT/2 REVO 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
2-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season, Winter

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
11/32 – 17/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
The Dueller AT/2 Revo comes to the table with an impressive pedigree and a wealth of development. It’s a great tire for just about any terrain and any weather condition, but wet conditions are where the AT/2 Revo really excels.

 

BF GOODRICH KO2 off-road tire: BF GOODRICH KO2 

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season, Winter

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
13/32 – 15/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
Kicking off our list is a staple tire in the off-road world, the BFGoodrich KO2. These tires are right at home on just about every truck and Jeep build on the planet—and they’ve got the fan club to back it up. An all-around solid choice for just about any climate and any terrain, its 3-ply sidewalls make it much more resistant to tire punctures.

 

FIRESTONE DESTINATION M/T off-road tire: FIRESTONE DESTINATION M/T

SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
3-Ply Polyester

SEASON
All-Season

TERRAIN
All-Terrain

TREAD DEPTH
18/32 – 22/32

DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
15 – 20 inches

NOTES
The Firestone Destination M/T is a great year-round, all-terrain performer with the gusto to handle the harshest winter conditions. Its 3-ply body construction provides impressive traction and grip on sand, rocks and dirt—meanwhile a specially designed rim guard ensures your wheels stay looking as good as the day you bought them.

A passion for off-roading stems from a passion for living outside of the box. The vehicles that off-road enthusiasts build are just as diverse as the trails they know and love. As every rig is customized to its owner, the rubber those rigs are sitting on might just be the most vital part of every project.

 

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the January/February 2019 print issue of Tread Magazine.

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