The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is just one of the many types in the Geolandar family. Yokohama has designed and engineered an immense variety of truck and SUV tires to cope up with the ever changing road conditions. In this review of the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015, I wanted to find out if the hybrid between a mud tire and highway-terrain tire is something that people should consider given the relatively high price.
Yes, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is an expensive tire. But when you think about it, the tire is designed to offer superior traction and grip on both wet and dry roads while still remaining capable enough to handle mild off-road terrain, even in severe winter and snow conditions. While the tire may look ultimately rugged upon first glance, Yokohama claims the tire is capable of a smooth and silent ride on paved roads.
I find that hard to believe since all the A/T tires I’ve tested in the past were chatty and noisy when driven on smooth concrete and tarmac. I mean, if you really want a silent and smooth ride, you can always choose a set of highway-terrain tires, but what if you like the best of both worlds? Is there such a tire than can meet both demands?
In order to find out, I got myself a 2010 Toyota Sequoia SR5 equipped with stock 18-inch wheels and Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015. I took it out for a test drive so I can come up with a comprehensive review. The owner was thinking about selling the SUV so he can have room in the garage for a newer pickup truck. He bought the Geolandar A/T G015 during the last quarter of 2017, so the tire has seen a lot of action since then.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 Review: Features
Like I said before, I think the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is a cross between a mud tire and highway terrain tire. Want proof? Yokohama claims every size of the Geolandar A/T G015 received the Severe Snow designation. When you think about it, there isn’t a lot of A/T tires that can fulfill that claim.
In order to provide excellent all-season traction, the Geolandar A/T G015 was manufactured using the Enduro compound with Orange Oil for strength and durability. The Orange Oil was also utilized to resist wear and lower the rolling resistance of the tire. There are a plethora of Triple 3D sipes on the face of the tread. The sipes are designed to change their shape to maintain sufficient biting edges even as the treads wear down.
The Geolandar A/T G015 is equipped with four circumferential grooves to prevent hydroplaning on severely wet road conditions. The EdgeTec grooves between the treads are shaped to create even more biting edges to provide excellent traction on deep snow.
The tire received a full nylon cover for added protection against cuts and punctures. The built-in sidewall protectors will also protect the tire from sidewall cuts and surface abrasions.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 Review: Test Drive
It was not my first time to drive the Toyota Sequoia so I was already familiar with the quirks and nuances of the SUV. I particularly enjoyed the power and torque delivery of the 4.6-liter V8 motor and 6-speed automatic transmission, but I despised the bland and cumbersome steering feel. Let’s see if the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 tires are any good.
Dry Traction
On smooth roads, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 tires exhibited high levels of traction and grip. I drove over a coarse patch of isolated backroad and the tires never skipped a beat. It felt it can do more than just roll over a couple of sandy soil and loose rocks. The grooves on the tire are deep enough to handle some mud, too. I got back on smooth tarmac and drove my way to the nearest diner. I never felt the tires were lacking in terms of traction in the dry, and that’s a good thing.
Wet Traction
It’s the same story when you’re driving in the wet. I actually think the tires were a smidge better in the wet than on smooth and dry roads. It’s as if you can feel the multiple 3D sipes and EDGETEC groves working their magic on slippery tarmac. I wish I had the chance to test the tires on a wet off-road trail, but I think the results will be the same.
Snow Traction
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 gave me the confidence to maintain my composure on icy and snow-covered roads. The tires were in their natural element as I sloshed my way on roads covered with slush and 3 or 4-inches of snow. There were times that I felt the steering became loose over thick icy roads, but the tires will regroup themselves quick enough so you can maintain control.
Comfort
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 tires were surprisingly comfortable on the highway. The stiff carcass of the tires were not enough to upset the ride quality of my test vehicle, but I did feel the ride was a bit taut compared to a proper set of highway-terrain tires. Comfort is not the strongest suit of the Geolandar A/T G015, but I’m glad to know the tires were not as harsh as other A/T tires.
Noise
In terms of road noise, it’s a mixed bag. The tires were not as talkative on city roads as they were on the highway. Tire roar is more evident as you add speed, but it’s not as annoying as other A/T tires. But if you’re the type of driver who gets annoyed easily by tire roar, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is not for you.
Treadwear
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 tires are made to last. In fact, it comes with an impressive 60,000-mile warranty. The tires fitted to my test vehicle have traveled at least 2,000 or so miles but they still look new.
Conclusion
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is a brilliant choice for an all-season and all-terrain tire. It may demand a higher price tag over lesser known brands, but it is hard to find a tire that can deliver the same level of performance as the Geolandar A/T G015.
How would you compare the Geolander G015 to the Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws that you tested?
I am on my second set of these tires. I have never been able to get more than 30,000 miles on a set of tires. My first set had about 40k on them when i got rid of my truck. They still had tread and easily passed inspection. They were on a Dakota. When i purchased my Ram 1500, it had wrangler 2 tires. They developed bubbles on 3 of the 4 tires within 10 months. I will never buy those tires. I had such luck with these tires on my Dakota, i decided to put them on my Ram. They were very expensive. However, after 3 years and 37k miles, they look almost new. Deep tread that i can puch my fingers deeply into and still not touch the surface below. I have decided that when needed, i will buy another set. They are VERY loud though. My wife and other people who have ridden with me thought there was something wrong with my truck because of their volume. Its just the way they are and i have accepted that as a trade off for not needing new tires every other year.
I’ve been a geolander fan since 2005. I got two Ford superduty trucks and an f 150 and have no complaints at all. For me Yokohama geolander is the best tire for your money
I put these on my 1996 Land Cruiser. It’s a Very Capable Truck and these Tires Do well. Off Road they Grip like they have spikes. I do not find them Noisy at all. I have heard these are Great Tires, but too Soft and wear out soon. This is an Extra Vehicle so tires rot off before they wear out. With the Rebate Price; very Happy with them. Witht 4″ of snow took it to a parking lot because the kids wanted to do donuts. It was very well behaved, and predictable as they broke loose. Soon as I came off the Gas they re-gripped. For not being snow Tires, they are Impressive. I have not aired them down to 15 psi to see how they grip, but will soon.
I’ve been driving with Yokohama Geolandar A/T-s for the last 35,000 miles on my 2WD F150. I drive on concrete, asphalt and gravel roads.
Never had a traction problem on dry, wet or frozen roads. Carried heavy payloads in my truck and the tires never had a problem. Tread wear is proportional to mileage.
I would definitely buy them again and highly recommend them.
I’ve got a Ram 1500 which is mostly highway driven. I’m looking at two tires to buy and wondering which one you would pick. The two tires I’m looking at are the Goodyear Wrangler SRA and the Yokohama Goelandeer AT. What one would you choose.