Hey there, I’m Alvin Reyes, a jack of all trades with experience in flying planes, crunching numbers, and fixing cars. I’m also a seasoned writer who has covered everything from engine oil to…wait for it… tire reviews!
Now, if you’re an off-road enthusiast, you know that finding the right tires can make all the difference in your adventures. The best off-road tires should give you the confidence to conquer even the toughest terrains, without compromising on smooth handling for those everyday commutes.
But let’s face it, finding that perfect balance between off-road capability and everyday drivability can be as tricky as finding a needle in a haystack. Luckily for you, I’m here to guide you through the tire selection process.
In this article, I’ll dish out some top-notch recommendations and insider tips to help you pick the best on/off road tires that fit your unique needs. So buckle up and let’s go on this tire-some journey together!
About On/Off Road Tires
On/off-road tires handle both jobs well: off-road driving and everyday driving. These products will meet the basic off-road driving needs of users.
At the same time, on/off-road tire manufacturers will focus on improving ride quality by ensuring that the tire always moves smoothly and remains static.
Meanwhile, real off road tires will better handle non-road surfaces such as mud, sand, gravel, and sharp rocks.
The noticeable feature of this tire is the rather aggressive tread. The average life of the tread is also relatively low. Finally, off-road tires are significantly noisier compared to on/off road tires.
The Best On/Off Road Tires Reviews
After reading through the information about on/off road tires, you must be eager to know the best products for you. Without making you wait any longer, here is an honest review of the best on/off-road tires to consider.
General Grabber A/TX
Best for Overall
With the Grabber A/TX, General has applied a series of interesting off-road features such as five-row tires, rotating shoulder replacements, and solid body reinforcement. These innovations provide grip for both everyday and off-road driving. And the General accomplished this goal.
The cuts on the tread surface performed excellently on rough terrain. Combined with that is the technology to increase the tire’s footprint, expanding the surface contact area. It is this technology that gives the tire excellent durability.
General’s 60,000-mile warranty is a standout. In addition to durability, Grabber A/TX also possesses a series of advantages that anyone who is passionate about off-road driving should not ignore.
The first is a smooth driving experience on hilly terrain. Any impact is relatively well absorbed, providing surprising comfort.
Traction is also an advantage I appreciate in this product. Whether on dry or wet roads or snow and ice, Grabber A/TX’s performance has never been affected.
Additional grooves on the tire always maintain a large contact area, ensuring maximum traction.
In the end, I am also quite satisfied with the product’s smoothness. I have used this tire model to travel on dry roads for a long time, but I have never been bothered by the growl of the tire.
Up to now, General Grabber A/TX is still one of the off-road tires I am most satisfied with. However, the manufacturer will impress me even more if it comes with maintenance indicators. The lack of a hand on the tread makes it quite difficult for me to determine tire wear.
Pros
- Enduring.
- Cozy and quiet.
- Tire warranty up to 60,000 miles.
- Reliable performance on many surfaces.
- Smooth driving experience on hilly terrain.
Cons
- It does not come with a maintenance indicator
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Best for All-Around Option
In my experience, excellent dry-road handling products are often underwhelming in off-road performance. However, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S made me change my mind.
This off road tire offers excellent handling on dry tarmac. Even when traveling at high speed beyond the limit, the tire provided a sharp navigation experience.
As an all-around option, it is not surprising that the product performs exceptionally well in many different conditions, including rain. The special AquaVac channels help the tires grip the road in the most adverse conditions.
The braking distance is quite impressive, and the waterproofing is excellent. All the above advantages make a reliable tire to travel in the rainy season.
My snow experience with the Discoverer AT3 4S was also quite enjoyable. The product can’t handle deep snow but makes up for it with a confident driving experience. The tooth blocks in the grooves of this tire are strong enough to provide traction on light snow terrain.
To evaluate the tire model from Cooper more objectively, I used the product in off-road situations. On loose surfaces, the product provides fairly solid traction.
Yet, this product has enough traction to move on mountainous terrain. If you’re looking for tires that conquer rough surfaces, look for fat-filled tires instead of this all-around option.
Pros
- Resistant to vitrification.
- Superb handling on dry roads.
- Excellent performance on wet roads.
- Drive confidently on shallow snow.
- Provide sufficient traction on loose surfaces.
Cons
- Not ideal for off-roading.
Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus
Best for Snow
Most of the on/off-road tires I’ve used consistently handle light snow.
However, the above handling capacity may not be enough if you live in an area with harsh winters. You should still look for specialized products or be interested in Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus.
This tire model has achieved 3PMSF certification. Compared to in-class winter models, this Pirelli version offers an impressive vertical snow grip.
I also appreciate the self-cleaning ability of the tread. Thanks to this advantage, I have a good grip on light snow and move confidently on wet, even muddy roads.
The Scorpion All Terrain Plus continues not to let me down on the dry road. When driving at medium speeds, I could barely feel the characteristics of the all-terrain tires. Instead, it retains its responsiveness and ease of handling.
When accelerating, traction and braking performance remain pretty good. The product also always satisfied me with its excellent stability on the highway.
Some tires are much less aggressive than competitors, but not because of that; the off-road performance of this Italian product is affected.
I often have to move on hard packing surfaces. And on every trip, I am satisfied with the stability and traction of the product.
I had a little problem when I switched to moving on the muddy road. Deep mud for Scorpion All Terrain Plus is a difficult challenge to overcome. And I wouldn’t recommend using Pirelli tires on this terrain if you don’t want to get stuck.
Pros
- 3PMSF certified.
- Quick response on a dry road.
- Tire spikes remove soil, ice, and snow.
- Maintain traction even when accelerating.
- Stable and good handling on hard packing surfaces.
Cons
- Poor deep mud treatment.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Best for Off-Road Performance
If the representative from Italy above does not satisfy your off-road driving preferences, turn your attention to the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2.
This product promises to help you confidently move to any place you want.
This all-terrain tire is perfect if you simply want to ride safely on paved roads. During half a year with the T/A KO2, I had no problems with brakes or handling.
I also made quite a few trips in heavy rain with this tire model from BFGoodrich.
And the result was exactly as I expected: the product is waterproof, safe when cornering, and handles all unexpected situations on the road well.
Even when traveling on snow a bit deeper than average, this tire removes obstacles well and maintains a short enough braking distance.
But the advantage I appreciate most in this BFGoodrich tire is the ability to drive off-road. The product’s performance on gravel and rock outperforms many tires of the same price range I have used. Even the rugged and durable sidewalls of the tire helped me overcome large rocks and rough terrain.
Mud can’t make it difficult for KO2. Of course, the performance of the product cannot be compared with specialized mud models. However, All-Terrain T/A KO2 had a pretty excellent performance.
My only complaint about this model is that the noise is quite loud at high speeds.
I know BFGoodrich has gone to great lengths to reduce noise and provide a smooth ride. However, the changes made by the manufacturer are not strong enough to overcome the disadvantages commonly found in tires in this category.
Pros
- Good waterproof.
- Safe cornering.
- Short braking distance.
- Impressive off-road performance.
- Rugged and durable side walls are hard to puncture.
Cons
- Loud noise at high speed.
Firestone Destination A/T2
Best for Pickup Trucks and larger SUVs
Firestone-oriented Destination A/T2 is an on/off-road all-terrain tire exclusively for pickup trucks and large SUVs. The manufacturer has equipped the product with a series of essential features to meet the needs of significant car drivers.
The first is a highly flexible rubber compound that works well in even light snow.
In addition, the product also impressed me through the shoulder bridge design, which is a bit stronger than its predecessor.
Finally, I also discovered some improvements to increase performance on wet roads, such as wide grooves and full depth 3D sipe.
Observing the naked eye, I was pretty confident in the handling performance that Destination A/T2 brought to my pickup. And the results of a series of tests confirmed my initial opinion.
The product provided enough traction for my pickup, providing a reasonably reliable ride on the highway. When the weather turns bad, the Destination A/T2’s traction and grip are still quite ideal. Thanks to that, the tire is always stable during the rainy season.
Like all pickup truck owners, I also dislike off-road driving. And fortunately, this tire from Firestone has met my preference quite well.
The Destination A / T2’s hard-surface driving performance is not inferior to any other off-road tire currently on the market. Not only that, but the product also conquers more unfavorable terrains such as deep mud or sand.
For me, a representative from Firestone is always a worthy choice for any pickup truck owner wishing to drive off-road.
However, not all pickup truck owners consider the Destination A/T2 a top choice. Considering its actual quality, the high price is not too difficult to accept.
Pros
- Handle well on rough terrain
- Safe during the rainy season.
- Wide grooves increase traction.
- Good traction for pickups.
- The compound is flexible even in light snow.
Cons
- Expensive.
Toyo Open Country A/T III
Best for Tread Compound
My first impressions of the Toyo Open Country A/T III were the rather peculiar tire compound.
During my first test drive, I quickly discovered the product’s braking and wet handling are superior to many competitors in the same price range. And to this excellence, the high-performance tire compound plays a big part.
I must commend the durability of this compound. Sharp rocks, roots, gravel, and other harmful elements are almost impossible to shred, affecting the tire’s life.
That is probably also why Toyo Open Country A/T III has a treadwear warranty of up to 65,000 miles, an impressive number compared to most competitors.
But beyond the compound, the Open Country A/T III impressed me with its handling performance across various conditions.
The first test that I gave this tire model was off-road driving. I have tested the product on completely roadless rural surfaces. This model conquered me with its precise steering and strong traction to overcome rough terrain.
Another notable advantage is that the tires absorb shock quite well. I can still hear the noise when sitting in the cabin. However, this tire model still delivers a pretty good off-road trip.
In addition to off-road performance testing, I also had a few test drives with Toyo tires on wet roads. The wet traction the product provides is pretty good.
The big problem with this tire model lies in the distance when cornering. I do not recommend you steer on wet roads when traveling at high speed because Open Country A/T III is unreliable enough for you to perform this unsafe act.
Pros
- Good shock absorption.
- Provides precise steering
- Durable tire compound.
- Warranty mileage 65,000 miles.
- Traction is stable when driving off-road.
Cons
- Improved distance when cornering.
Continental TerrainContact A/T
Best for Highway Ride
Having used quite a few different tire models, I do not expect too much from the off-road performance of smooth products on the road and vice versa.
But Continental with TerrainContact A/T has done the seemingly impossible.
The product is a tire model that balances the ability to operate on all terrains and move smoothly on the highway.
I appreciate the highway experience that Continental TerrainContact A/T offers.
During my first test drives, I often confused the experience this on-off road tire offers with a highway-season tire. The reason is that it provides outstanding performance for my daily driving needs.
On a dry surface, the braking distance of the product is more impressive than many competitors in the same category.
On wet pavement, cornering and water resistance are bright spots. Meanwhile, the product retains the short braking distance and necessary flexibility on light snow.
In the beginning, I often confused this model with highway tires because of its excellent comfort.
During the trip, the tire still emits a slight but not annoying growl. Combined with solid impact vibration cancellation, the TerrainContact A/T is one of the most comfortable long-distance all-terrain tires.
In terms of off-road driving, the TerrainContact A/T met my basic needs.
If you want to navigate through large rocks or deep mud, this model from Germany starts to show disadvantages. The product does not have enough traction and upper ridges to overcome this harsh terrain.
Therefore, if you are an off-road enthusiast who always enjoys traveling on rough surfaces, the TerrainContact A/T will not be the ideal choice.
However, this Continental model will not let you down if you often drive on the street and occasionally through rough areas.
Pros
- Good waterproof.
- Meet basic off-road driving needs.
- Absorb impact, eliminate vibration.
- Flexible tire compound in all conditions.
- Short braking distance on the highway.
Cons
- Not ideal for complex off-road terrain.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
Best for Noise Resistance
The common disadvantage of many on/off-road models is the loud noise. The more unusual the off-road performance tire, the more distracting the noise is.
However, Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is an exception. The product possesses many exclusive grooves, ensuring smoothness during the ride.
I mainly tested this tire on paved roads. And so far, the product handles quite well and ensures a comfortable ride.
Only in some cases, when accidentally driving through large potholes, did I feel the vibrations and annoying noises in the cabin.
In addition to being smooth and quiet, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is also a product with pretty good handling performance on dry roads.
During the first test drive, I did not overestimate this product’s responsiveness and driving feel. The first imperfect experience made me think this Cooper model is unsuitable for daily driving.
However, after a long time of sticking, I discovered that its grip and stability are pretty excellent. And these advantages are more than enough for Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT to become a reliable tire.
I especially love the product’s off-road performance. The deep and aggressive spikes help the Discoverer AT3 XLT to grip and handle quite well on hard packaging surfaces. The product still provides excellent traction and stability on looser terrain such as shallow mud.
Despite owning quite a few disadvantages, Cooper tires have not made me completely satisfied.
When using this tire model in winter, I expected the product’s performance. Because I believe the flexible compound Cooper uses will provide enough traction and grip.
However, in reality, the product only works fine in light snow. The AT3 XLT isn’t a good enough choice for you to trust entirely on snowy or icy terrain.
Pros
- Stable dry grip.
- Smooth and quiet ride.
- Provide traction on shallow mud
- Handle well on hard packing surfaces
- Stable performance on the light snow surface.
Cons
- Need to improve traction on ice.
How to choose On/Off Road tires
If you can’t choose the right product because of too many suggestions, narrow your search by selecting one of the off-road tire styles below.
Highway Tire
Initially, highway tires were known only as a comfortable, well-priced product for the budget. However, after a long period of improvement, highway tires have become capable of running off-road lightly.
The performance on the harsh road of this tire is not too high, but the handling is relatively stable. Besides, unlike specialized products, highway tires have low noise and long service life.
All-terrain Tire
To distinguish an all-terrain tire from a highway tire, check the tread stiffness and the size of the ridges.
All-terrain products for good grip will need rugged treads and broad ridges. The most significant advantage of this tire style is the balance between two tasks: off-road driving and daily driving.
Mud Tire
Mud tires are the first choice of off-road enthusiasts or truckers specializing in rough terrain.
To meet the needs of the above subjects, mud tires have stiff sidewalls and wide treads. These characteristics will come into play in stormy conditions, such as when traveling on mud, providing the necessary adhesion and handling ability.
FAQs
After reviewing the information above, if you still have questions regarding on-off road tires, find the answers to the frequently asked questions below.
What makes a good off-road tire?
The best off-road tires will have stiff, solid, and puncture-resistant spikes. This type of tire will have to withstand heavy loads, durable on harsh terrains such as rocks, mud, and sand.
How long are off-road tires good for?
The average life of an off-road tire is 40,000 miles. Many manufacturers promise the product will provide a range of more than 70,000 miles.
Are off-road tires good on the road?
Off-road tires have a contact patch area that is not too large, so they will not provide enough traction on the street. In addition, loud noise is a drawback that makes off-road tires not a good choice on the road.
Do off-road tires wear faster?
All-terrain tires will wear out faster than regular street tires.
Are off-road tires noisy?
The downside often found in most off-road products is quite loud noise. Manufacturers have overcome this drawback by changing the design of stiff spikes to limit air passage through the spines.
Conclusion
With the desire to bring you the most comprehensive selection, I have tested many products from many different brands.
After a long time of researching, I have a deep impression and long-term attachment to General Grabber AT/X, a high-performance and durable product.
In addition, I always favor using Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus in winter and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 for regular city roads.
Hopefully, through this article, you have chosen the best on/off road tire.
Thank you for reading!