Toyota 4Runner has long been famous for its outstanding off-road ability. However, owning an off-road vehicle is not enough to have a great and safe off-road driving experience. You also need a good set of tires that are reliable and capable of all-terrain.
If the requirements make it difficult for you to choose, immediately refer to the best tires for Toyota 4runner below. Through reviews, comparisons, and buying guides, you can find the best all-terrain tires for 4runner that’s right for you.
In-depth Reviews Of The Best Tires For Toyota 4runner of 2024
Understanding the differences in driving habits and the unique needs of each individual, I always try to make a list as diverse as possible. And after a long time of comparison and analysis, here is my curated list:
Tires | Best for |
---|---|
Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus | Best for Comfort |
Michelin Defender LTX M/S | Best for Dry Handling |
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar | Best for Light Snow |
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 | Best for On-road Traction |
Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ P3 | Best for Off-road Traction |
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W | Best for Responsiveness |
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 | Best Mud Tire for Toyota 4runner |
Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 | Best for Treadwear Warranty |
Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus
Best for Comfort
Specification:
- Load Index Rating: 100.0.
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 55.0.
- Speed Rating: V.
According to Bridgestone, Dueler H/L Alenza Plus focuses on enhancing all-weather performance and driving experience.
After a long enough experience, I have every basis for affirming that Bridgestone has done an excellent job with the set goal.
In terms of working well in all weather conditions, I immensely appreciate the symmetrical tread pattern that Bridgestone brings. The knurled shoulder blocks and ribbed lines of this model do a great job of maintaining responsiveness and stability.
Bridgestone has proven the Dueler H/L Alenza Plus to be a high-performance four-season tire in its price range with wide lateral and side grooves that provide strong traction. The appearance of this type of groove makes it possible for the product to work well on both dry and wet pavement.
In particular, traction on snow is one of the advantages that surprised me quite a bit about this four-season tire. Because it doesn’t use the usual zigzag bars, the product’s ability to grip the snow is much higher than the four-season tires you’ve ever used.
The only downside when it comes to the performance of the Dueler H/L Alenza Plus is that the ice brakes aren’t impressive.
Although in my personal opinion, the representative from Bridgestone is just a four-season tire. Therefore, this problem is probably not enough to prevent me from choosing the Dueler H/L Alenza Plus for my Toyota 4Runner.
The comfort that this tire brings also deserves a compliment. The technology that makes this advantage can not fail to mention the name Pitch Tread Variable. This technology makes this representative from Japan significantly lower noise compared to competitors.
The asymmetrical spike design has advanced noise reduction technology that boosts performance and delivers an unquestionable comfort level.
Pros
- Work well in all weather conditions.
- No noise.
- Comfortable.
- Enduring.
- 80,000-mile warranty.
Cons
- Brakes on ice are not so good.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for four-season tires to use on your Toyota 4runner, there aren’t many options that are both as comfortable and efficient as the Dueler H/L Alenza Plus.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Best for Dry Handling
Specification:
- Load Index Rating: 121.0.
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 70.0.
- Speed Rating: R.
If I had to point out my favorite part about this tire model, I would choose the ability to handle dry roads.
Specifically, the four-track design has a particular width and depth for better traction than most competitors in the price range.
Meanwhile, the MaxTouch structure helps distribute the tension when braking, cornering, and accelerating evenly. In particular, the stopping distance when braking of Defender LTX M / S is much better than competitors in the price range also from famous brands.
Therefore, this product offers impressive handling, not only on dry surfaces, even on wet or harsher surfaces.
A good grip tire will not be too comfortable to use. However, Michelin proved the opposite when I almost detected no noise during the journey. Although when it comes to both dry handling and comfort, this tire will not disappoint.
If you live in an area with cold winters with heavy snow and ice, the Michelin Defender probably won’t be too suitable. My only advice is to look for specialized winter tires for better performance.
Pros
- Good dry handling ability.
- Comfortable.
- MaxTouch texture helps distribute tension evenly.
- The stopping distance when braking is short.
- High tread life.
Cons
- Not too suitable for harsh winters.
Bottom Line
The Defender LTX M/S is a combination of excellent traction, braking, and handling in dry conditions and comfort and durability. Therefore, it would be remiss if your list of the most suitable tire models for your Toyota 4Runner lacks this French representative.
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar
Best for Light Snow
Specification:
- Load Index Rating: 112.0.
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 70.0.
- Speed Rating: T.
When it comes to Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure, I immediately remember the series of technologies and features that Goodyear has equipped for the product.
The first is a specialized proprietary tire compound with high durability. After a long time using the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure on a gravelly abrasive surface, I discovered that the scratches and chips of this tire model are significantly lower.
In addition to the specialized tire compound for off-road trips, the Goodyear representative also uses leading Durawall technology for better load-carrying. Combined with that is the DuPont Kevlar, whose main task is to maintain the stability and strength of the tire with reinforced steel belts.
With all the above technologies, the product is the perfect choice to drive off-road and overcome rocky roads and other obstacles.
Not only does it meet your off-road driving needs well, but it also provides an impressive daily driving experience on dry, wet, and even snowy roads.
The Goodyear didn’t let me down on dry roads with its excellent performance. I have a good enough grip to accelerate confidently, and the braking distance is also short enough to ensure safety when driving at high speeds.
Similarly, it’s hard for me to find a point to complain about for performance on wet roads. Drainage is quite impressive because of the wide circumferential grooves on the tire body, even in heavy rain.
But what impressed me most was the snow performance. With a strong tread pattern, the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure offers grip and handling that not many similar tires can.
The proof is the symbol of three snowflakes on the tire body – the product’s character that can work well on even the harshest snow and ice.
The only problem with this product is that the mud performance is not so impressive. The experience of driving in the mud with Goodyear wasn’t too bad, but for this All-Terrain Adventure, I was expecting more.
Pros
- Excellent performance on both dry and wet roads.
- Safe driving in the snow.
- Using many advanced technologies.
- Enduring.
- Can meet the needs of off-road driving well.
Cons
- It needs to improve the ability to drive on mud.
Bottom Line
In addition to the ability to handle mud that needs further improvement, the experience that Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure gives me is pretty impressive. That’s why I would recommend this tire to anyone looking for the best all-terrain tires for 4runner.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Best for On-road Traction
Specification:
- Load Index Rating: 126.0.
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 75.0.
- Speed Rating: R.
The All-Terrain T/A KO2 is the fourth upgrade of BFGoodrich’s first all-terrain tire model. BFGoodrich has proudly announced that this product has 10% more traction on mud 19% on snow than its predecessor.
The manufacturer is wholly grounded when giving these positive numbers because this tire model has quite impressive performance.
Specifically, the performance of the T/A KO2 comes from its racing-inspired design, which is then computer-optimized for a most potent compound.
The method of the tread is also in the same way. As a result, you get a tire that has impressive traction on the road, even in icy conditions.
If you’re driving through mud, heavy snow, or uphill, the BFGoodrich’s side lugs come into play, providing the traction you’ve always been looking for.
Durability is also one of the advantages I appreciate in this product. You can’t doubt the durability of the tear-resistant compound as well as the woven design. Compared to its predecessor, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 has twice its lifespan.
It can be that with all the above advantages, the representative from BFGoodrich is a formidable opponent when it comes to the best all-terrain tires for 4runner.
However, this product still has some disadvantages, including the price. Having a much higher price than the standard ground makes All-Terrain T/A KO2 challenging to become the first choice of most drivers.
Pros
- Twice the life of its predecessor.
- The ability to handle snow and mud is quite good.
- Design inspired by racing cars.
- The noise is acceptable.
- The method of spike blocks can push objects clinging to the tire body.
Cons
- High price.
Bottom Line
The price of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is something to consider. However, you certainly will not be disappointed when you invest in this durable and high-performance tire.
Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ P3
Best for Off-road Traction
Specification:
- Load Index Rating: 121.0.
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 70.0.
- Speed Rating: Q.
The Baja ATZ P3 is a hybrid tire that combines the best features of the two tires best suited to Toyota 4runner: off-road and muddy terrain.
In particular, the product’s design bears the impression of mud terrain tires when giving a solid image by creating four-row spiked lugs.
Combined with a series of design innovations, the representative from Mickey Thompson for off-road ability is quite good. It is almost impossible to make this terrain tire difficult for mud, gravel, obstacles.
But the downside of most mud tires is their short lifespan. Understanding this, the manufacturer has used a durable silica compound to increase the life of two tires.
The silica compound also provides good traction, even on wet roads. Combined with the short spiked lugs, this gives me good stability on the highway and a quick enough response for safe cornering.
However, you should note that the Baja ATZ P3 is a hybrid tire. Therefore, if you are looking for a product as capable as an actual mud tire, you will be a bit disappointed in the experience.
Pros
- Enduring.
- Good off-road grip.
- Short shoulder lugs.
- Safe cornering.
- Stable on the highway.
Cons
- Performance can’t be with real mud tires.
Bottom Line
The above drawback does not affect the overall experience of this tire model too much. Because you will know what you need in a hybrid tire like the Baja ATZ P3: good grip when driving off-road, safe, stable, and durable.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Best for Responsiveness
Specification:
- Load Index Rating: 116.0.
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 75.0.
- Speed Rating: T.
The design of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is unique when it has an outer wall that is responsible for preventing punctures, scratches, and damage. Meanwhile, the sidewall is accountable for protecting the tire from high temperatures.
So whether you’re driving on the highway or off-road, your AT3W tires will always last longer than any other option you have today.
However, I am most impressed with this product is not simply its durability. If you care about tire responsiveness when using your Toyota 4runner, my recommendation is always the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
Because on dry and wet roads, the navigation and responsiveness of the product are pretty impressive. Even when cornering on dry asphalt, this tire is responsive, without skidding – better than I expected.
However, the above advantage is only on dry and wet highways. If you drive on softer terrain such as mud and sand, this tire model’s navigability decreases significantly.
Pros
- Diffusion technology keeps tires cool.
- Deep grooves drain well.
- Integrated anti-wear technology.
- High responsiveness.
- Incredible offroad performance.
Cons
- The ability to navigate on mud and soft terrain is generally not good.
Bottom Line
Usually, responsiveness is not the strong point of off-road tires. However, Falken Wildpeak AT3W, with the above advantages, has proven the opposite when you can drive your 4runner on the most twisty roads.
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
Best Mud Tire for Toyota 4runner
Specification:
- Load Index Rating: 86.0.
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 40.0.
- Speed Rating: Y.
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W can’t meet your mud running needs. But the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 can. But what the manufacturer claims, this product can take you anywhere you want, including muddy terrain.
To achieve the above impressive effect, BFGoodrich has used Mud-Phobic bars whose main task is to discharge compressed sludge.
In addition, the large tread blocks on the tire body play a role in increasing traction, while the Krawl-TEK compound provides more robust traction.
This tire model has 5% better mud traction and 8% higher rock traction when combining the above advantages than its predecessor.
Not only impressive with traction, but this tire also surprised me with its durability. Thanks to CoreGard Max technology that improves sidewall stiffness, I no longer have to worry about punctures or damage during my off-road trips.
The only complaint about this mud terrain tire model is the price. Like most products in BFGoodrich’s Off-Road Maximum Traction line, the cost of this product is not too easily accessible.
Pros
- Traction on rock is 8% higher.
- Traction on mud is 5% higher.
- Premium, durable Krawl Tek compound.
- Provide good climbing ability.
- Mud-Phobic bar discharges compressed sludge.
Cons
- Expensive.
Bottom Line
With technology and a host of new additions like the Mud-Phobic bar, the Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is one of the most notable names when choosing the best tires for Toyota 4runner.
Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2
Best for Treadwear Warranty
Specification:
- Load Index Rating: 109.0.
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 65.0.
- Speed Rating: T.
The first notable feature of the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 is that the FleX-Ice tire compound contains many silica-silane. This filler sets the X-Ice Xi2 apart from other tires: it remains flexible even in low temperatures.
Besides, this unique compound also changes the life of the tread. As Michelin shares, this product will wear 75% longer than similar tires.
Michelin backs up its claim with a 40,000-mile warranty. The above figure is still imposing compared to any winter tire, promising you can use this tire for many winters to come.
You’ll want to use the Latitude X-Ice Xi2 winter for many years to come, not only because of its longevity but also because of its excellent snow and ice performance.
This tire model uses Cross Z Sipe to help prevent flexing, preventing the tire from slipping excessively.
The Latitude’s micro-pumps do a great job of creating a vacuum when the spikes bend, thereby removing water between the ice and the tire. This addition significantly improves the grip of this tire on harsh terrains such as ice and snow.
However, when driving on mud, the overall performance of the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 is not as excellent as the terrain tires on the list.
Pros
- The warranty period is more extended than many winter tire models.
- Cross Z Sipe prevents bending.
- Micro-pumps remove water.
- Wear 75% longer than similar models.
- Pretty good performance on snow and ice.
Cons
- Not so great when used on mud.
Bottom Line
I will thoroughly explain the above disadvantages of the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 because this product is designed for use on snow and ice.
Therefore, it is more reasonable to choose this tire model in winter instead of overcoming soft terrains such as mud and sand.
Choosing tires for Toyota 4runner: Buying Guide
You can find a lot of advice when choosing the best tires for Toyota 4runner, from advice on size and style to when to use price.
Within the framework of this article, I will not repeat the above issues. Instead, I want to share with you two things I always consider first when choosing tires for any vehicle: driving habits and weather conditions:
Your driving habits
Driving habits are more about your personal preferences. In addition, habits are also affected by job characteristics or many other reasons. Finding your tires shouldn’t be too difficult as long as you determine which driving style you prefer.
If you are simply driving on the street every day and have high requirements for comfort, touring tires will be the most reasonable choice. This tire advantage, while not excelling at a particular point, gives you all you need at a decent level.
If you want a product that has a larger load capacity than a touring one, look to highway tires. In addition to the enormous load, this tire type is quite similar to the tourist tire for stable driving in many different weather conditions.
Meanwhile, if you are an adventurous person who loves to drive off-road, all-terrain tires are for you. This type of tire is also the most common on the 4Runner because most owners of this vehicle use it for off-road driving.
Seasons and Weather
When it comes to the weather, you have three main tire options: summer, winter, and all-season tires.
As the name suggests, winter tires can perform well over a relatively wide range of temperatures. Throughout the year, this tire provides good grip and traction.
However, you should note that not all four-season tires can be available in heavy snow and ice conditions. Even some four-season tires can lose performance even when exposed to thin snow.
In this case, no option is more suitable than a winter box. Choosing this type of tire for the 4Runner, you will have excellent traction and braking performance on what seems to be the most unfavorable surface.
In contrast to winter tires, summer tires work well on hot terrain. You can also use this product on wet roads, but do not use it on the snowy landscape if you do not want the tire to freeze and lose flexibility.
FAQs
There is so much more I want to share with you when it comes to the best all-terrain tires for 4runner. But within the limited scope of the article, I can only answer some common questions below:
Is it possible to replace it with an original Toyota version?
First, I must confirm that you can ultimately continue to use the original tire that the manufacturer provides.
Yet, there are some compelling reasons to choose third-party spare parts. Better performance and tailored to your habits, your driving needs being one of them.
How long is the life of Toyota 4Runner tires?
The minimum lifespan of Toyota 4Runner tires is 50,000 miles.
What tire size is on a Toyota 4Runner?
Depending on the version, tire sizes vary.
Specifically, the SR5, TRD Pro, and TRD Off-Road versions have tire sizes of 265/70R17. Meanwhile, the Limited version fits P245/60R20 tires.
Conclusion
You can see that the list of best tires for Toyota 4runner above has affordable products and high-end tire models. Besides, you can also find products that work well on mud and other suitable products for snow and ice terrain.
I hope the above options of various prices and features will help you. I hope that you will find the right replacement parts for your Toyota 4runner soon, thereby having a memorable off-road journey.
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Alvin Reyes has expertise in automotive evaluation. He collaborated with famous newspapers and is still making efforts in tire review for DrivingPress.com