Real-world test data, driver impressions, and community feedback — explained by a former Bridgestone test engineer.
I’ve tested a lot of all-terrains, and the Toyo Open Country AT3 has earned its spot as a go-to choice in the U.S. and Canada. It’s an Off-Road A/T that handles gravel, snow, and rocky trails without feeling out of place on pavement — which is why you’ll see it on everything from SUVs like the 4Runner, CUVs like the Outback, to half-ton pickups like the F-150 and even heavier ¾- and 1-ton trucks.
Compared to milder On-Road A/Ts, it bites harder off-road, but it’s not as punishing or noisy as a Mud-Terrain. If you’re weighing options, our Off-Road A/T vs On-Road A/T guides and the Tire Decision Tool make it easy to see where the AT3 lands for your type of vehicle.
The big question for 2025: does it really deliver that mix of comfort, winter grip, and durability day after day?
Quick Look
Toyo Open Country A/T III
The Toyo Open Country AT3 comes across as the kind of tire you can lean on day after day. On dry pavement it feels sharp and confident, stopping in 131.5 feet with 0.78 g of grip through corners—quicker than Falken’s AT4W and steadier than cheaper A/Ts that get a little shaky under pressure. Things stretch out on wet roads, with braking closer to 185 feet versus Falken’s 171, but that stiffer casing pays off when you’re towing or hauling by keeping the truck locked on line. In snow and ice it won’t dig in as hard as KO-series or Falken, yet it delivers calm, predictable control at about 74 feet in snow and just under 50 on ice. Off-road, it feels balanced across dirt, sand, and rock, though mud does slow it down, while everyday driving is where it really shines—quiet, comfortable, and dependable for 45–50k miles when rotated. It’s less about winning spec sheets and more about being the reliable partner that makes every mile easier.
Let’s clear up a couple of common questions before starting
I often get asked about these — and Tire Rack has some great quick reads that explain them better than any post could:
- Is AWD or 4WD really enough for rain, slush, snow, and ice?
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/are-traction-stability-control-and-awd-4wd-good-enough-for-all-seasons - Understanding ply loads / ply rating – Important for Towing & Hauling:
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/what-are-load-ranges-ply-ratings
Raw Test Data
Dry Performance — Confident and Surprisingly Nimble
Looking at independent tests, forum feedback, and a short drive session of my own, I think the Toyo Open Country AT3 dry performance is one of the best parts of this tire. It stopped in about 131.5 feet with 0.78 g cornering grip — that’s road-tire sharpness in an all-terrain package. Honestly, it feels closer to a mild highway tire than something that’s ready for trails. When I hit the brakes, it tracked straight and clean, with none of that “sidewall sway” you sometimes feel on blockier A/Ts.
Comparisons tell the story: against Falken AT4W (131.8 ft, 0.72 g), Toyo brakes just as short but corners noticeably harder. Versus budget options like Cooper AT Trail (132 ft, 0.74 g), it feels sharper and more planted, while still lasting longer. I think the key is Toyo’s staggered shoulders and reinforced carcass, which limit tread block movement under load. That stability really shows on SUVs and ½-ton pickups.
For ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, that reinforced LT-E casing becomes even more valuable. The AT3 tracks straighter and feels more secure under towing than softer designs like Falken AT4W, putting it closer to KO2/KO3 and Nitto Recon Grappler in load stability.
👉 Verdict: The Toyo AT3 dry performance gives you confidence and control — ideal for SUVs and ½-tons on highways, and a steady option for towing-heavy HD trucks.
Wet Performance — Stable, But Demands Extra Distance
In heavy rain, the Toyo AT3 wet performance feels steady but takes longer to stop, around 185 feet with 0.50 traction. That’s longer than Falken AT4W (171 ft, 0.58) and even Nitto Terra Grappler G3 (158 ft, 0.57). It feels steady enough when cruising in rain, but you notice the longer stops if you push it in heavy downpours.
The compound leans more toward durability than wet grip. That harder rubber doesn’t “bite” into slick asphalt as fast as silica-heavy tires like Falken. Water evacuation is fine — Toyo’s grooves clear water well — but adhesion takes longer to build. Drivers in the Southeast or Pacific Northwest will notice this gap more than folks in drier states.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, that gap widens further. With trailers or heavy loads, the AT3’s harder compound resists squirm, but stopping distances stretch longer compared to Falken AT4W. Still, HD owners say it feels more stable than Falken once loaded, since Toyo’s stiff casing doesn’t wander under braking.
The Toyo AT3 wet performance is safe if you drive with margin, but Falken brakes shorter while Toyo holds line better under load.
Note from the Expert: When it comes to rain, I always emphasize two things: compound grip and water evacuation. You can see the full details in my analysis, but if you take just one thing away, remember that an AT tire’s stiff nature makes achieving top-tier wet performance a constant battle. This is why the question, Are All-Terrain Tires Good in Rain?, requires a nuanced answer that balances tread design against rubber stiffness.
Winter & Snow — Calm and Predictable, But Not a Snow-Belt Star
On snow-packed roads, the Toyo Open Country AT3 holds its line with a 74-foot stop and a 44-foot launch. That’s fine for light snow in Canada or the Midwest. In my short session, it felt stable braking in slush — no twitchiness or unpredictable slides.
Still, it doesn’t bite as hard as Falken AT4W (69 ft stop, 41.5 ft launch). Toyo’s balanced siping density and compound spread grip evenly, which feels calm, but don’t dig as strongly in deeper snow.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, the stiff casing means less flex to dig into snow, which reduces bite compared to KO2/KO3. The AT3 is fine for plowed routes and towing, but not ideal for deep-snow duty.
👉 Verdict: The Toyo AT3 snow performance is reliable for occasional snow days, but HD drivers in snow-belt regions should look at KO2/KO3.
Note from the Expert: Our discussions often boil down to the core tradeoff. On one hand, you must understand why all-terrain tires are truly effective in deep snow, but not on ice. On the other hand, you face the 3PMSF Paradox—the hidden cost of that badge. The short answer is: The 3PMSF badge certifies traction, but it costs you durability. Dive into our full analysis on the critical 3PMSF rating for severe winter and off-road service, and its hidden costs, before you risk your rig on the trail.
Ice — Predictable, Not Punchy
When I eased into the brakes on ice, the Toyo AT3 came to a stop in about 50 feet. That’s longer than Falken AT4W (45 ft) or KO3 (~46 ft), but what stood out was how progressive the grip fade felt. It doesn’t grab suddenly — instead, grip fades slowly, giving time to correct.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, weight presses harder into the compound. The Toyo AT3 stays predictable, but slides last longer compared to Falken. Still, HD owners often prefer this stability over sudden grip loss, especially when towing.
👉 Verdict: The Toyo AT3 ice performance is steady and predictable, but KO-series or winters are better for heavy-duty drivers facing ice daily.
Off-Road — Balanced Trail Grip, Better Than Before but Still Mud-Limited
The Toyo Open Country AT3 now shows stronger trail numbers: 7.8 dirt, 7.7 sand, 7.9 mud, and 7.8 rock. On dirt and sand, it feels secure — you don’t get that squirm some softer A/Ts have. In my short run on rocky ground, the casing stayed firm, which matches what HD truck owners say when hauling loads — it feels planted, not wandering.
Still, mud is where it levels off. At 7.9, it’s good enough for weekend trails but not in KO2/KO3 or Recon Grappler territory. Drivers in the Southeast often mention it packs up in clay, and I felt the same. The tread clears, but not aggressively.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, the stiff carcass helps. You’ll notice it resists deformation better than Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, which leans softer. That makes the AT3 closer to KO-series in stability on gravel and rock climbs.
👉 Verdict: The Toyo AT3 off-road performance is well-rounded for dirt, sand, and rock, stable under HD loads, but still not the tire you want if mud is your main challenge.
Note from the Expert: Every successful day on the trail is about preparation and physics, because tire longevity is earned, not given. Before you even start, you must master the critical link between tire pressure and load range for every rig to maximize your contact patch. Once moving, remember your ultimate off-road armor is your sidewall protection against the inevitable pinch flat. And finally, your traction on the obstacle is dictated by choosing the right aggressive vs hybrid tread pattern for your terrain. Master those three steps, and your rig will be ready for anything.
Comfort & Noise — Easy to Live With Every Day
Day to day, the Toyo AT3 is quieter than most all-terrains, with a comfort score of 8.0/10. On the highway, it’s just a low hum instead of a roar. Softer than hybrids like Recon Grappler and far easier to live with than mud-terrains.
One Reddit driver said: “At 70 mph my AT3s are quieter than the stock tires my truck came with.” That sums it up. For commuting, family trips, or long highway runs, it’s one of the easiest A/Ts to live with.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, the ride is firmer, but owners report it feels more planted than Falken AT4W, which can wander when towing.
👉 Verdict: The Toyo AT3 comfort and noise make it one of the most livable A/Ts — quiet enough for daily SUV/½-ton use, and stable for HD drivers.
Note from the Expert: For years, choosing all-terrain meant accepting noise—a true compromise for off-road grip. That’s why the question, Are All-Terrain Tires Louder than Highway Tires?, used to have a simple “yes” answer. Now, with the rise of on-road models, the core issue has shifted from noise to overall refinement. To fully understand which side of the comfort spectrum you’re buying into, you need to determine Are All-Terrain Tires Good for Daily Driving?—a question that depends entirely on the tire’s construction, not just the name.
Tread Life & Longevity — Built to Last With Care
From what I’ve seen in reviews and my own notes, the Toyo AT3 treadwear is strong. Most drivers see 45–50k miles with rotations, and P-metrics sometimes last longer. The compound resists chips on gravel, but if you skip rotations on lighter SUVs, you can get outer lug cupping.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, tread life depends on discipline. Rotated properly, the AT3 matches KO2/KO3 mileage and often outlasts Falken AT4W under constant hauling. Skip maintenance, and you’ll see wear patterns fast.
👉 Verdict: The Toyo AT3 longevity is a key selling point, especially on HD trucks where it resists wear better than softer designs.
Where It Fits Best (Vehicles & Regions)
The Toyo AT3 makes the most sense for Texas, California, and the Carolinas — places where dry grip, comfort, and longevity matter more than constant snow. For SUVs, Jeeps, and ½-ton pickups, it balances daily driving comfort with off-road toughness. For ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, it’s one of the best choices outside of KO3 or Recon Grappler, offering stability and durability without punishing ride quality. In snow-belt regions or the PNW, KO-series or silica-heavy Falken AT4W are safer picks.
👉 In short: The Toyo Open Country AT3 shines in dry grip, comfort, and tread life, with enough off-road skill for weekend adventures — and it’s tough enough for heavy-duty trucks.
Tire Size Selection: The Basics You Can’t Skip
Even the best tread design can’t rescue a tire that’s built too weak. Back when I was testing tires at Bridgestone, I saw all-terrain models that should’ve performed but fell short — simply because the basics (size, load strength, and speed rating) weren’t matched to the vehicle.
P-Metric vs. LT (Light Truck) Tires
The first step is knowing whether you need LT or passenger tires. LT (Light Truck) tires are built with extra reinforcement and stiff sidewalls, designed for towing, hauling, or off-road use. Passenger (P-metric) tires are lighter, smoother, and tuned for daily comfort and fuel efficiency — but they’ll flex more under load.
Understanding Tire Load Range: XL vs. E-Load
Then comes the tire load index and load range — essentially your tire’s strength rating. Here’s where things split between passenger XL and LT E:
XL (Extra Load) is a passenger tire with reinforced sidewalls. It can handle a bit more pressure (~41 PSI) than a standard SL tire and is perfect for SUVs, crossovers, or light trucks that carry extra gear, passengers, or small trailers. XL tires ride softer and quieter than LT options, making them ideal for daily use.
E Load Range is an LT tire class built with a much thicker casing. E-rated tires can handle far more pressure (up to ~80 PSI) and heavier loads, which makes them essential for ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks towing trailers or hauling close to max capacity. The trade-off is weight, stiffer ride, more road noise, and a small drop in fuel efficiency.
Put simply: XL is for “extra luggage and family,” while E is for “truck bed full of bricks or a car trailer.”
Why the Tire Speed Rating Matters for Safety
Finally, don’t overlook the tire speed rating. It’s not just about top speed — it measures how well a tire handles heat and stress at highway pace. Lower ratings (like S) tend to ride softer and last longer, while higher ratings (H, T) feel more stable and responsive under sharp maneuvers. Heat build-up is the silent killer of tires, and speed rating is your safeguard.
Bottom line: Match your tire’s construction (LT vs P-metric), load range (XL vs E), and speed rating to your vehicle’s demands. Get those right, and everything else — off-road grip, winter traction, comfort — will finally perform the way it was designed to.
Sizes
| 15” | 16” | 17” | 18” | 19” | 20” | 22” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P 215/75R15 100T SL OWL | 215/65R16 102T XL BSW | 215/65R17 103T XL BSW | 225/55R18 102H XL BSW | 255/55R19 111H XL BSW | 245/50R20 105H XL BSW | 285/45R22 114H XL BSW |
| P 225/75R15 102T SL BSW | 215/70R16 100T SL BSW | 225/60R17 103T XL BSW | 225/60R18 104T XL BSW | 255/60R19 113H XL BSW | P 245/60R20 107T SL BSW | LT 285/50R22 121/118R E BSW |
| LT 235/75R15 104/101S C OWL | LT 215/85R16 115/112Q E BSW | 225/65R17 102T SL BSW | 235/60R18 107T XL BSW | 255/50R20 109T XL BSW | LT 285/55R22 124/121S E BSW | |
| P 235/75R15 108T XL OWL | 225/70R16 103T SL OWL | 235/65R17 108H XL BSW | 235/65R18 110T XL BSW | 255/55R20 110H XL BSW | LT 295/50R22 122/119T E BSW | |
| P 265/75R15 112S SL OWL | LT 225/75R16 115/112Q E BSW | P 235/75R17 108S SL BSW | 245/60R18 109T XL BSW | 265/50R20 111T XL BSW | LT 295/55R22 125/122T E BSW | |
| LT 30X9.50R15 104S C OWL | P 225/75R16 104S SL BSW | LT 235/80R17 120/117R E BSW | 255/55R18 109H XL BSW | LT 265/60R20 121/118S E BSW | 305/45R22 118S XL BSW | |
| LT 31X10.50R15 109S C OWL | 235/70R16 106T SL BSW | 245/65R17 111T XL BSW | 255/70R18 113T SL BSW | 275/55R20 117T XL BSW | LT 325/50R22 127Q F BSW | |
| 235/70R16 106T SL OWL | 245/65R17 111T XL OWL | 265/60R18 110T SL BSW | LT 275/55R20 120/117T E BSW | LT 33X12.50R22 109R E BSW | ||
| LT 235/85R16 120/116R E BSW | 245/70R17 110T SL BSW | 265/65R18 114T SL BSW | 275/60R20 115T SL BSW | LT 35X12.50R22 121Q F BSW | ||
| P 245/70R16 106S SL BSW | LT 245/70R17 119/116R E BSW | 265/70R18 116T SL BSW | LT 275/65R20 126/123S E BSW | LT 37X12.50R22 127Q F BSW | ||
| P 245/70R16 106S SL OWL | LT 245/75R17 121/118S E BSW | LT 265/70R18 124/121Q E BSW | LT 285/55R20 122/119T E BSW | |||
| 245/75R16 111T SL OWL | 255/70R17 112T SL BSW | 275/65R18 116T SL BSW | P 285/55R20 114T SL BSW | |||
| 245/75R16 111T SL BSW | LT 255/80R17 121/118R E BSW | LT 275/65R18 113/110T C OW | LT 285/60R20 125/122R E BSW | |||
| LT 245/75R16 120/116S E BSW | 265/65R17 116T XL BSW | LT 275/65R18 113/110T C BSW | LT 295/55R20 123/120T E BSW | |||
| LT 245/75R16 120/116S E OWL | 265/70R17 115T SL BSW | LT 275/65R18 123/120S E OWL | LT 295/60R20 126/123S E BSW | |||
| 255/65R16 109T SL BSW | 265/70R17 115T SL OWL | LT 275/65R18 123/120S E BSW | LT 295/65R20 129/126S E BSW | |||
| 255/70R16 115T XL BSW | LT 265/70R17 121/118S E BSW | LT 275/70R18 125/122S E BSW | 305/50R20 120T XL BSW | |||
| 255/70R16 115T XL OWL | LT 265/70R17 121/118S E OWL | LT 275/70R18 125/122S E OWL | LT 305/55R20 125/122Q F BSW | |||
| P 265/70R16 111T SL OWL | LT 285/70R17 121/118S E BSW | 285/60R18 120S XL BSW | LT 325/60R20 126/123R E BSW | |||
| P 265/70R16 111T SL BSW | LT 285/70R17 121/118S E OWL | LT 285/65R18 125/122S E BSW | LT 33X12.50R20 119Q F BSW | |||
| 265/75R16 116T SL OWL | LT 285/70R17 116/113Q C BSW | LT 285/75R18 129/126S E BSW | LT 35X11.50R20 124R E BSW | |||
| 265/75R16 116T SL BSW | P 285/70R17 117T SL BSW | LT 295/70R18 129/126S E BSW | LT 35X12.50R20 121R E BSW | |||
| LT 265/75R16 123/120R E BSW | LT 285/75R17 121/118S E BSW | LT 305/65R18 128/125Q F BSW | LT 35X12.50R20 125Q F BSW | |||
| LT 265/75R16 123/120R E OWL | LT 285/75R17 117/114Q C BSW | LT 325/60R18 124/121S E BSW | LT 35X13.50R20 126Q F BSW | |||
| LT 285/75R16 126/123R E OWL | LT 305/70R17 121/118R E BSW | LT 325/65R18 127/124R E BSW | LT 37X12.50R20 126Q E BSW | |||
| LT 285/75R16 126/123R E BSW | LT 315/70R17 121/118S D BSW | LT 33X12.50R18 122Q F BSW | ||||
| LT 295/75R16 128/125R E BSW | LT 35X11.50R17 118Q C BSW | LT 35X12.50R18 128Q F BSW | ||||
| LT 305/70R16 124/121R E BSW | LT 35X12.50R17 121R E BSW | LT 35X12.50R18 118R D BSW | ||||
| LT 315/75R16 127/124R E BSW | LT 37X12.50R18 128Q E BSW |
For Better Understanding: 215/55R17 94V SL BWL
215: Tire Width
55: Aspect Ratio
R: Radial
17: Rim Size
94: Load Index
V: Speed Index
SL, XL: Load Range( LT sizes use C, D, E of F instead)
OWL: Outlined White Letters
BWL: Black Sidewall
Selecting the right tire size can make a significant difference in your vehicle’s performance. That’s why I highly recommend reading this informative article on the topic: LT Tires vs. Passenger Tires. It will provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
The Toyo Open Country AT3 isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the most balanced all-terrain tires you can buy. It delivers highway-like confidence in dry conditions (131.5 ft stop, 0.78 g cornering) and stays impressively stable under load thanks to its stiff casing, even if wet braking takes extra distance. In winter, it’s calm and predictable on plowed snow and manageable on ice, though KO-series and Falken dig deeper when things get serious. Off-road, it shines on dirt, sand, and rock, with mud being its weak spot. What really sets it apart is how livable it is day to day — quieter than most A/Ts and capable of 45–50k+ miles with proper care.
👉 If you want an all-terrain that feels at home on the highway, handles towing with confidence, and still has enough trail ability for weekend adventures, the Toyo AT3 is a safe bet. For snow-belt drivers or mud lovers, you may want KO2/KO3 or Falken AT4W, but for most SUV, ½-ton, and HD truck owners, the AT3 hits that sweet spot between comfort, durability, and versatility.
Toyo Open Country AT3 Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions about the Toyo Open Country AT3
How does the Toyo AT3 perform in dry conditions compared to Falken AT4W?
AT3 brakes just as short (≈131.5 ft vs 131.8 ft) but corners harder (0.78 g vs 0.72 g). It feels more precise, while Falken rides softer.Is the Toyo AT3 safe in heavy rain?
Stable tracking but longer stops (~185 ft vs 171 ft for Falken). Leave extra margin in heavy rain, especially when towing.Can the Toyo AT3 handle snow and ice?
Calm and predictable on plowed routes (74-ft snow stop, 44-ft launch) and ~50-ft on ice; not a snow-belt specialist — KO-series or winter tires grip better.What are the Toyo AT3’s off-road strengths and weaknesses?
Balanced on dirt, sand, and rock (7.2 / 7.3 / 7.0); weaker in mud (6.8) where it clogs faster than Falken or Recon Grappler.How quiet and durable is the Toyo AT3 for daily use?
Quieter than most A/Ts (comfort ~8/10). With rotations, many see 45–50k+ miles; LT sizes on HD trucks can match KO-series longevity if maintained.
