The 275/65R18 tire size is a very popular choice, commonly used for light-duty usage or highway driving. You’ll find this tire size on popular vehicles such as the 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2011-2021 Ford Expedition, 2019-2021 RAM 1500, 2008-2021 Toyota Sequoia, 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500, and 2016-2021 Nissan Titan XD. While there are many all-season tires available for this size, in this article, I’ll be focusing on all-terrain tires. So, for those looking for a more rugged and off-road capable option or simply a more aggressive look, let’s dive in!
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Commercial usage & winter performance
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Mostly higway driving & mild off-road
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Towing & Year Round performance
- Firestone Destination AT2 – Quiet & comfortable driving experience
- Vredestein Pinza AT – All-round option
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S – Great on-road manners & wears perfectly
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 – Great on-road manners & light duty off-road performance
- Nitto Ridge Grappler – Great looking and riding comfort & perfect if you don’t see snow often
- Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek – Great looking & winter traction
How am I going to Classify Tires?
Since vehicles using this tire size are primarily for highway usage, I’ll exclude mud-terrain tires from this specific size category. In this article, my focus will primarily be on on-road all-terrain tires and off-road all-terrain tires, although I’ll also mention a couple of options from rugged terrain tires.
One crucial aspect to consider is the load range of the tires. Heavier vehicles like the Nissan Titan XT might require E load range tires, while Ford F150 drivers seeking on-road comfort might find SL or C load range tires to be the best option. Please note that if you use p-metric tires (SL or XL) on light trucks, the load-carrying capability of p-metric tires should be derated by a factor of 1.1
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac - Load Range C
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is most popular option for this size. Well, it’s available also in SL load range. However, since most of you looking for a decent tread life and might need a off-road capability, I prefer load range C for this tire.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac (vs BFG KO2) is classified as a commercial rugged terrain tire, which places it somewhere between an all-terrain and mud-terrain tire. However, for this specific tire size, it offers excellent on-road performance. It may not be the quietest or most comfortable option, but it strikes a great balance between wet, winter, and dry highway traction, off-road capability, and an aggressive appearance. You could say it’s the jack of all trades and master of none.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W - Load Range SL
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is another well-liked tire in this size range. While it’s not available in C load range, I suggest going with the SL load range for improved on-road performance. Some may consider the E load range, but it’s worth noting that this tire is heavier than many other options in this size, which could lead to decreased fuel efficiency if you opt for the E load range.
The SL load range Falken Wildpeak AT3W is an excellent choice if you want a tire that balances on-road performance with an aggressive appearance. Its compact tread pattern provides a quiet and smooth ride. However, it’s important to note that the SL load range is better suited for light-duty off-road use. In summary, this tire is ideal for those who plan to spend about 80% of their time on-road and 20% off-road.
Toyo Open Country AT3 - Load Range C
The Toyo Open Country AT3 is a popular tire, known for its white letter option. While it’s available in E load range, I recommend opting for the C load range to prioritize fuel efficiency.
Toyo Open Country AT3 boasts a compact tread design that enhances its on-road traction, particularly in wet and snowy conditions. Its robust sidewalls not only provide stability but also contribute to its towing and hauling capacity. Moreover, it excels on gravel, sand, and grass surfaces, making it an excellent choice for a mix of 30% off-road and 70% on-road usage.
Firestone Destination AT2 - Load Range SL
The Firestone Destination AT2 is a top choice for on-road driving. It’s worth noting that it’s only available in SL load range, so expecting exceptional off-road capabilities may be unrealistic. However, considering its price range, it stands out as one of the best options.
Firestone Destination AT2 features a tread pattern that resembles highway tires, but its outer ribs consist of smaller lugs, enhancing its performance on gravel and dirt surfaces. This makes it suitable for light off-road conditions. Additionally, its compact pattern offers excellent traction on wet and snowy highways. However, it’s important to note that it may struggle in deep snow, performing better in lighter snow conditions but falling short in severe conditions.
Vredestein Pinza AT - Load Range SL
Vredestein Pinza AT is primarily designed for on-road use but surprises with its more aggressive appearance in person. This tire stands out as one of the top choices for this specific size. If you’re seeking something even more aggressive, consider the E load range option.
Vredestein Pinza AT excels in highway wet and snowy conditions, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. While it may lack optimal mud traction, it performs admirably on gravel and dirt surfaces.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S - Load Range SL
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, similar to the Firestone Destination AT2, is an on-road all-terrain tire. Notably, it’s US-made, which contributes to its higher price point and increased durability
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a durable and versatile tire that performs well in various conditions. However, it may have some limitations in loose ground and winter performance.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 - Load Range XL
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is a personal favorite in this list, and it’s known for its impressive off-road performance among on-road all-terrain tires. Additionally, it’s available in XL load range, offering a balance between load-carrying capability.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 (vs Toyo Open Country AT3) is an excellent choice for medium towing, offering a smooth riding experience with its 5-rib design. It performs exceptionally well in both mild and severe winter conditions, making it a versatile option. Additionally, it boasts impressive wet and dry performance, all while looking stylish and offering durability. However, it’s worth noting that its mud evacuation capability may not be as strong as that of off-road all-terrain or rugged terrain tires.
Nitto Ridge Grappler - XL Load Range
Nitto Ridge Grappler is an excellent choice for those who don’t encounter snow frequently. While it can handle snowy conditions to some extent, it’s not marked with the 3PMSF symbol, which means that light-duty vehicles like the 1500 series trucks might face challenges in heavy snow conditions.
Nitto Ridge Grappler is my favorite rugged-terrain tire for highway use. It not only boasts a fantastic appearance but also offers extremely satisfying traction on wet and dry highway conditions. What sets it apart from its competitors is its comfort and relatively quiet performance, which surpasses many off-road all-terrain tires. This tire wears evenly and excels in severe off-road conditions, making it a top choice for those seeking a versatile tire.
Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek - Load Range SL
Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is another rugged terrain tire worth considering. It’s a good choice if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of riding comfort in exchange for better winter performance. This tire’s robust construction and tread design make it suitable for challenging winter conditions, making it an ideal pick for those who frequently encounter snow and icy roads.
Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek (test report) is a well-balanced rugged terrain tire with a tread pattern reminiscent of mud terrain tires. Despite its aggressive appearance, it excels in wet and mild winter conditions, surpassing the performance of mud tires. Its sturdy sidewalls make it a great choice for towing, although it’s important to note that the SL load range option may not have the same longevity as the Nitto Ridge Grappler. So, if you prioritize winter performance and towing capabilities, this tire could be a suitable option for you.
To Sum Up
275/65R18 tire size is an excellent choice if you’re looking to upsize your tires. Since many tires are available in p-metric sizes for this dimension, finding a comfortable and quiet tire is relatively easy. However, if your driving is primarily on highways, it’s worth considering all-season tires as an alternative to all-terrain tires.
I trust that you found this article helpful. If you have any additional suggestions or questions about this list, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Safe travels, everyone!