2021 Off-Road Tire Buyer’s Guide

The Latest Rubber For Your Ride

Review the 2021 off-road tire buyer’s guide to see the latest rubber on the market for your rig. There’s no question that the off-road and overlanding industry is on a record trajectory. This is especially true when looking at which off-road tire to buy. Look around your neighborhood and you’re bound to see at least a couple of off-road capable trucks, jeeps, and SUVs, if not more. As one may begin their search for a new set of tires via a tire buyer’s guide, or to upgrade from stock, he/she may find there are many different options to choose from.

Why Get Good Tires?

The importance of having the proper set of tires equipped on your ride can’t be stressed enough. This is true of virtually all vehicles, but none more so than on off-road trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. Combining a heavy load with uncivilized terrain can be a recipe for disaster if your vehicle can’t grip the ground. Depending on the season’s conditions and what type of usage you intend on putting your rig through, your choice of tire is an important decision.

Tires vary from one another in just about every aspect, from tread pattern and rubber compound to sidewall construction and even seasonal rating. Especially for those who go off-road, finding the right tire for your truck and driving situation is critical. Everyday drivers might require the quieter on-road performance of a hybrid-type tire, while those who only bring their trucks to the trail to take on aggressive paths would find mud-terrains more suitable.

While it’s easy to say that you won’t cut corners when you outfit your vehicle, your wallet may have another thing to say about it. The one thing you should never skimp on is your tires. They have the capability of getting you to your destination and back, safely and without incident.

Let’s take a look at what tires are out there for your rig. Some classic models are tried and- true performers while some others are brand new to the market. No matter which you choose, you’re bound to find that perfect tire for your ride.

Cooper Tires Discoverer S/T Maxx

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread Depth
18.5/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
coopertire.com

Notes
The Discoverer S/T MAXX is designed for tough terrain, including rocks and gravel, with on-road stability and performance. Its tread design helps prevent stone retention. It has Armor Tek3 construction for added tire durability. Cut and chip-resistant tread compound/composition.

Cooper Tires Discoverer STT Pro

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18.5/32, 19/32, 19.5/32, 20/32, 20.5/32, 21/32, 22/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18,  20, 22 inches

Url
coopertire.com

Notes
The Discoverer STT Pro tire delivers best-in-class off-road performance, empowering the extreme off-roader to take on the toughest challenges. Armor Tek3 tire technology adds strength to the tire sidewall, providing increased resistance to damage while driving over boulders and uneven, tough terrain. The rubber is formulated to combat shredding and damage from stones and off-road obstacles. The tread pattern is designed to get you through extreme off-road trails while providing a quiet ride when back on the pavement.

Pro Comp A/T Sport

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
13/32, 15/32, 16/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
procompusa.com

Notes
If you’re trying to navigate to that killer kayaking spot, seeking to make the first tracks on a fresh powder day, or just need some time away from civilization, Pro Comp’s new A/T Sport is the tire to get you to your next adventure. Its unique all-terrain rubber compound is a result of Pro Comp’s years of all-terrain tire experience and specially formulated for the perfect balance of on- and off-road use.

Cooper Tires Discoverer AT3 XLT

Sidewall construction
2-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
16/32, 16.5/32, 17/32, 18/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
coopertires.com

Notes
The Discoverer AT3 XLT with Durable-Tread Technology hauls heavy loads with less wear and are built to withstand the ongoing assault from dirt and gravel. They are designed to prevent cutting and chipping on rocky and gravel terrain with extreme durability for hauling.

4 Wheel Parts Factory Xtreme R/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid

Tread depth
19/32

Diameters available
17, 18, 21, 22 inches

Url
4wheelparts.com

Notes
The 4WP R/T Xtreme tires were engineered and designed for the Jeep and truck owner in mind. These R/T tires have open shoulder grooves and mud ejectors that launch dirt, mud, sand, gravel, and snow while providing maximum traction, proving these hybrid tires can handle any off-road terrain. Its unique tread design breaks airways to prevent howling and harmonic sounds that irritate inside the cabin, making this tire one of the quietest on the market.

Toyo Open Country R/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid

Tread depth
16/32, 18/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
toyotires.com

Notes
This powerful 4×4 tire offers excellent off-road traction, durable construction, and aggressive styling. It has the ability to tackle dirt, sand, and rocks, with less on-road noise and a longer-lasting tread. It is also 100 percent American-made in White, Georgia. High turn-up, 3-ply polyester casing strengthens the tire for excellent handling, durability, and tread life and also features two spiral cap plies, contributing to high-speed endurance and uniformity.

Goodyear/Wrangler M/T R with KEVLAR

Sidewall construction

2-Ply Polyester, 1-Ply Aramid

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32, 21/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
goodyear.com

Notes
Goodyear’s best tire designed for extreme off-road expeditions, featuring Dupont Kevlar that helps resist punctures when powering over rocks, mud, and sand. Dupont Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls help increase sidewall puncture resistance by 35 percent. Hardworking wraparound tread helps to deliver sidewall traction in deep mud, sand, and rocks. Innovative asymmetric tread design helps provide aggressive off-road traction and enhanced handling on the road.

Nitto Terra Grappler G2

Sidewall construction
2-Ply or 3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
12/32, 13/32, 15/32, 16/32, 17/32

Diameters available
17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
nittotire.com

Notes
The Terra Grappler G2 is specifically designed to meet your everyday on- and off-road adventures. Whether you’re commuting to work, towing a trailer, or headed up to your favorite mountain trail, the balanced off-road and on-road performance of the Terra Grappler G2 will get you to your destination with confidence. New Terra Grappler G2W sizes are 3Peak rated for additional all-weather capability.

MAXXIS Tires RAZR MT

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
17/32, 18/32, 19/32, 20/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
maxxis.com

Notes
The Razr MT was engineered with know-how gained from their involvement in off-road racing. The tire features a new off-road compound with new chemical fillers for maximum tear and chip resistance, as well as tread life. The new pattern features deeply sculpted center blocks which maximize mud traction, while the Razr MT’s stone and mud ejectors improve self-cleaning performance and minimize rock retention.

Kenda Klever M/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
13/32, 19/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
kendatire.com

Notes
The Klever M/T is an excellent choice for the off-road enthusiast. The durable rubber compound will hold up in the most demanding environments. It also features self-cleaning lugs for maximum traction during the harshest conditions. A variable shoulder block design improves wear and increases ride comfort with low road noise. The Klever M/T is built to perform.

Yokohama Geolander A/T G015

Sidewall construction
2-Ply or 3-Ply Polyester (depending on tire size)

Season
All-Season, Winter

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
11/32, 12/32, 13/32, 16/32, 17/32, 18/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 inches

Url
yokohamatire.com

Notes
Go beyond where the road ends with the Geolandar A/T G015. This all-terrain tire has been engineered to give you ultimate traction across conditions, whether you’re rolling down the highway or leaving the pavement behind. Every size received the severe snow service designation. Edgtec grooves create more void to help expel dirt and mud.

Nitto Trail Grappler M/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
nittotire.com

Notes
The Trail Grappler M/T provides an aggressive mud tread design with on-road quiet ride performance. The 3-ply sidewall and thick rubber construction increase puncture resistance. Leading-edge tread and side lug blocks provide additional biting edges that command lateral stability and enhance forward traction.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
12/32, 13/32, 14/32, 16/32, 17/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
mickeythompsontires.com

Notes
The Baja Boss is an ultra-premium extreme mud-terrain radial tire that features an asymmetric tread pattern to reduce noise and improve handling and on-center feel. The four-pitch Sidebiters are 50 percent larger to provide unparalleled off-road traction. And the use of the silica-reinforced compound for on-road tread wear, cut and chip resistance, and improved wet handling and braking performance.

Atturo Trail Blade Boss

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Extreme Off-Road Terrain

Tread depth
21/32, most sizes 22/32

Diameters available
15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
atturo.com

Notes
The BOSS features a heavy-duty tread inspired by the Quartermaster QSA-1 BOSS HOG knife, which is a blade made for hard-core use. The extra-large tread blocks don’t get distorted as the pattern is expanded up to the 15-inch width. This gives the truck owner a more uniform tire and wheel assembly instead of having to stretch an undersized tire onto their wider wheels, making mounting safer and faster for the installer.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

Sidewall construction
2-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
15/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
bfgoodrichtires.com

Notes
The All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a light truck tire developed to meet the needs of Jeep, pickup truck, and sport utility vehicle drivers who want confidence and control on- and off-road. It was designed to deliver go-anywhere traction along with outstanding durability, great wear, and year-round traction, even in snow. A Tradesmen Support Program gives a discount for those working in skilled trades can get a discount.

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W

Sidewall construction
2-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season, All-Weather Rugged Capability

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
12/32, 13/32, 14/32, 17/32, 18/32, 19/32, 20/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
falkentire.com

Notes
The Wildpeak A/T3W is engineered for adventure, anytime and in any weather. It combines aggressive off-road ability and rugged terrain driving without compromise on the pavement. An optimized tread design combined with a silica tread compound enables the A/T3W to excel in wear, winter, and wet performance. Designed for severe snow conditions, every A/T3W tire is qualified by the Rubber Manufacturers Association for the three-peak mountain snowflake (3pmsf) symbol.

MAXXIS Bravo Series AT-771

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
13/32, 14/32, 16/32, 17/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
maxxis.com

Notes
The Bravo series AT-771 was engineered to provide the confidence to tackle your favorite local trail or your everyday urban work route. The unique tread pattern and sidewall lug design offer excellent all-terrain traction while reducing pattern noise with multi-pitch noise reduction technology. The overall construction utilizes a stiff but conformable carcass with several key reinforcements to improve stability and handling while offering a refined ride on smoother surfaces.

Toyo Open Country M/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
toyotires.com

Notes
Developed to meet the needs of late-model truck owners and dealers, these new tires address the increase in payload and towing capacity of today’s trucks, giving owners the freedom to personalize the look and style of their vehicles with a tire that is properly load rated. Legendary for durability, off-road performance, long tread life, and an aggressive tread pattern and designed to help trucks work hard on the pavement and just as hard when roads are muddy, snowy, and rocky—or when there are no roads at all.

Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ P3

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid

Tread depth
18/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
mickeythompsontires.com

Notes
The Baja ATZ P3 has a unique “hybrid” design between an all-terrain and mud-terrain to give you the grip you need for your weekend adventures and the smooth ride to get you down the road in comfort. Features an extra-wide footprint and beefy tread blocks for great all-around traction. All sizes feature the PowerPly 3-ply sidewall construction.

Dick Cepek Fun Country

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid

Tread depth
18/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
dickcepek.com

Notes
The Fun Country was developed using unique technology and engineering to deliver excellent off-road traction, a quieter ride, and superior durability. A unique tread pattern and design, circumferential grooves, stone ejector ribs, and a tough shoulder and sidewall design make this tire one of the best all-terrain tires in the line.

Dick Cepek Extreme Country

Sidewall construction
2-Ply “Next Generation” High Tensile

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
dickcepek.com

Notes
The 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. Delivers stability and responsive grip on irregular surfaces. Heavy-duty carcass enhances sidewall strength, and wide outer tread voids and angled shoulder scallops provide better traction in mud and loose soil.

Toyo Open Country A/T III

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid

Tread depth
16/32, 18/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
toyotires.com

Notes
The Open Country A/T III is an all-terrain tire that delivers gripping off-road traction with responsive and predictable on-road handling. With a strong focus on wet performance, durability, and treadwear life, it also provides a quiet ride with exceptional stability. The Open Country A/T III is built to get there and get back home, regardless of terrain or weather.

Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32, 22/32, 23/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
mickeythompsontires.com

Notes
The Baja MTZ P3 carries on the legacy of a legendary and proven construction and design. To fulfill the ever-changing needs of today’s demanding consumer, a proprietary compound and innovative design elements have been incorporated to deliver a versatile mud terrain, which provides both excellent on- and off-road performance.

Pro Comp Xtreme MT2

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32, 22/32, 23/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
procompusa.com

Notes
The Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 radial is designed for full-size trucks and SUVs that see a combination of on- and off-road use. No matter if it’s hauling heavy loads or exploring rugged terrain, the Xtreme MT2 delivers the toughness and traction needed to get the job done. The aggressive open tread design delivers unsurpassed grip and control without excessive noise as well as improved self-cleaning performance in mud and snow.

Toyo Open Country C/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
All-Terrain

Tread depth
17/32, 18/32, 19/32

Diameters available
16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
toyotires.com

Notes
The Open Country C/T is the ultimate tire for the overlander. Designed for commercial traction (C/T), the all-season Open Country C/T is popular with overlanders due to its available sizes, load ratings, durability, and capabilities such as having excellent traction while still remaining quiet on the road.

Fuel Off-Road Gripper M/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
21/32

Diameters available
17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 inches

Url
fueloffroad.com

Notes
The Fuel Off-Road Mud Gripper M/T goes great with your Fuel Off-Road wheels. The Fuel Gripper M/T features a 3-ply sidewall with full width steel belts. Like the Gripper A/T, the M/T also integrates their classic “F” logo for great looks and better traction.

Falken wildpeak a/T trail

Sidewall construction
2-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid

Tread depth
10/32, 11/32

Diameters available
16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
falkentire.com

Notes
The Wildpeak A/T Trail is built for adventure, delivering rugged off-road capability without compromise on the open road. Matching the engineering of modern crossovers, the A/T Trail gives the perfect balance between aggressive off-road traction and dependable all-weather performance. Developed for the rugged CUV, the crossover-specific design matches unibody construction and a higher center of gravity to provide enhanced handling year-round. These tires are great in the snow and encourages all-weather adventure.

Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
17/32, 18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
yokohamatire.com

Notes
You can’t off-road with tires you don’t trust. That’s why the all-new Geolandar M/T G003 is engineered with rock-solid, geo-shield technologies from casing to tread. Delivering crushing performance, intimidating looks, and an industry-leading tread life, the Geolandar M/T G003 inspires confidence—even in the most brutal terrain.

Nitto Ridge Grappler

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid

Tread depth
13/32, 16/32, 18/32

Diameters available
16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
nittotire.com

Notes
The Ridge Grappler provides the best of both worlds from Nitto’s mud-terrain and all-terrain product offerings. Featuring a revolutionary dynamic hybrid tread pattern, the Ridge Grappler provides a quiet and comfortable ride, while deep, aggressive sidewall lugs and tread pattern provide capability off-road.

Nitto Mud Grappler

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
19/32, 20/32, 21/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches

Url
nittotire.com

Notes
The Mud Grappler extreme mud-terrain tires provide traction over various off-road terrain, whether it’s dirt, rocks, or mud. Massive side lugs, 3-ply sidewall construction, and large lug design add more protection when facing the most challenging off-road obstacles.

atturo trail blade x/t

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid On-/Off-Road Terrain

Tread depth
14/32, 15/32, 18/32, 20/32

Diameters available
17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
atturo.com

Notes
A new type of multi-terrain tire, the Trail Blade X/T cuts into the segment between traditional M/T and A/T tires by offering the open shoulder and sidewall tread lugs of a mud-terrain combined with the off-road ability of an all-terrain and the road feel of a highway tire. The tire’s large shoulder blocks give excellent grip in loose sand and mud while the smaller center tread blocks maintain excellent on-road handling.

Firestone Destination M/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32, 22/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
firestonetire.com

Notes
The destination M/T is Firestone’s off-road maximum traction tire developed to meet the needs of pickup truck and sport utility vehicle drivers who desire the looks and performance associated with rugged, off-road driving. The Destination M/T was the first Firestone light truck tire to use UNI-T technology to combine off-road traction with enhanced on-road capabilities.

Atturo Trail Blade MTS

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
16/32, most start at 21/32

Diameters available
18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
atturo.com

Notes
The MTS is built for superior traction with a tread pattern that features additional grooves and sipes and a unique four-lug design. Its intimidating tread block is modeled after the OTR-5 Karambit knife. The self-cleaning ability of the MTS is enhanced with the built-in stone ejectors. The shoulder blocks feature a special pattern embossed into the side of the tread, which helps distort sound waves created by the large and deep tread.

Falken Wildpeak M/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches

Url
falkentire.com

Notes
Trusted by the pros to take on the harshest conditions, the tough Wildpeak M/T is built to get you there and back whether you’re on the pavement, mud, snow, or rocks. The M/T features Falken’s proprietary 3-ply Duraspec sidewall technology developed to sustain the most punishing off-road conditions. The Wildpeak M/T also features exceptional road manners, thanks to an optimized variable three-pitch tread pattern and precision manufacturing technology.

Delinte The Bandit M/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Mud-Terrain

Tread depth
18/32, 19/32

Diameters available
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
delintetires.com

Notes
The natural balancing and extreme tread blocks of the Bandit M/T DX9 give extended wear to the tread. The 3-ply puncture guard toughness means this tire is engineered with three tough layers of polyester cords and high-strength steel belts that guard against rock and sharp debris. This tank of a tire is designed for outstanding off-road performance in dirt, mud, sand, or snow. F-Rated size options are also available for serious hauling.

Delinte The Bandit R/T

Sidewall construction
3-Ply Polyester

Season
All-Season

Terrain
Hybrid

Tread depth
15/32

Diameters available
16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches

Url
delintetires.com

Notes
The Delinte Bandit R/T represents rough terrain capabilities without giving up comfort and style. F-Rated size options for serious hauling confidence with hybrid comfort, the Bandit R/T is built to perform. Three tough layers of polyester cord fabric and high-strength steel belts protect against rocks and sharp debris. The hybrid tread design is engineered to give comfort on the highways and traction in dirt, mud, sand, or snow. It is ready to prove itself on the street or on the trail.