The all-terrain tire market has seen quite the action in 2024. Leading brands like BF Goodrich and Falken have both rolled out exciting new hero products, raising the stakes in an already competitive space. In this article, I’ll dive into the standout features of these new releases and explore how they stack up against their predecessors. Let’s get started!
- BF Goodrich KO3 – Durability & Longevity
- Falken Wildpeak AT4W – Durability & Traction
- Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail – Highway driving focus + not good at ice
- Nitto Terra Grappler G3 – Highway driving focus + decent winter performance
- Yokohama Geolandar AT4 – Greatly balanced tire
Table of Contents
All-Terrain Tire Segmentation
To better grasp the all-terrain tire market, let’s take a brief look at the key segments:
On-Road All-Terrain Tires
Designed for 80% on-road and 20% off-road use. These tires can handle light off-road conditions like gravel and dirt, making them ideal for everyday driving with occasional off-road detours.Off-Road All-Terrain Tires
Balanced for 50% on-road and 50% off-road usage. These can tackle most terrains, except for deep mud, offering a versatile option for drivers who spend equal time on both paved roads and rugged trails.- Rugged All-Terrain Tires
Offering a 40% on-road and 60% off-road split, these are great if you want an aggressive, off-road look without sacrificing too much Commercial All-Terrain Tires
Built for heavy-duty use with a 30% on-road and 70% off-road ratio. Known for their superior durability, they’re mostly available in LT (Light Truck) sizes and can withstand tougher conditions, perfect for commercial or industrial applications.
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3
BF Goodrich began rolling out popular sizes of the highly anticipated All-Terrain T/A KO3 earlier this year, completing the release process in August 2024. As the most popular brand in the U.S., it naturally caught our attention. We decided to put the KO3 to the test and conducted some in-depth research to see how it performs.
As a former Bridgestone engineer, I consider the BF Goodrich KO3 to be one of the top contenders in the all-terrain tire market. However, it’s important to note that this tire is currently only available in LT sizes, which may result in a slightly stiffer ride if you’re switching from P-metric sizes.
That said, the KO3 is a bit narrower compared to the KO2, which enhances its ride quality and reduces road noise—an impressive feat for an off-road-focused tire. Just keep in mind, if you primarily drive on-road, there are better-suited options for your needs.
BF Goodrich KO3 vs. KO2: Key Differences
- Weight: The KO3 is a heavier tire.
- Tread Pattern: The KO3 features a narrower tread pattern, which impacts its handling.
- On-Road Performance: The KO3 offers better on-road manners, providing a smoother and quieter ride.
- Off-Road Traction: The KO2 excels in loose-ground traction, making it the superior choice for rugged terrains.
- Wet Traction: Thanks to improved hydroplaning resistance, the KO3 outperforms the KO2 on wet roads.
- Winter Performance: In my experience, the KO2 is the better option for winter conditions, offering superior traction in snow and ice.
For a more detailed comparison, check out the full review here.
Falken Wildpeak AT4W
In early 2024, Falken released Wildpeak AT4W. Unlike BF Goodrich, suprisingly, they build a completely new tire.
The Falken Wildpeak AT4W is a robust tire designed for durability, making it an excellent choice, especially for 3/4-ton vehicles and above. Unlike its predecessor, the AT4W is heavier and features more aggressive lugs along with a stiffer rubber compound. This design not only enhances its off-road capabilities but also contributes to its overall strength.
While the AT4W excels in off-road performance, it’s worth noting that this added toughness comes at a cost: it offers a slightly stiffer ride on paved roads. Additionally, its premium construction might stretch your budget a bit. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a tire that can handle rugged terrains without compromising durability, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a strong contender.
Falken Wildpeak AT4W vs AT3W
The KO3 tread design features an “S” pattern down the center, accompanied by distinct “C” and “Z” shaped lugs. The “C” type lugs are full depth, offering consistent performance over time. In contrast, the “Z” type lugs are angled out more aggressively, making them shallower compared to those on the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
However, when comparing the Falken Wildpeak AT4W to its predecessor, the AT3W, Falken seems to have made some key sacrifices.
- Strength: The AT4W is noticeably stronger overall. Its lugs are more robust, and the tire’s durability is superior.
- Mud Traction: The side lugs on the AT4W are designed for better mud traction, being deeper and more staggered than those on the AT3W.
In short, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W is clearly more off-road oriented. It’s almost like there’s a fight in the market: Falken is targeting BF Goodrich KO2 users, while BF Goodrich is going after Falken Wildpeak AT3W drivers.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3
The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is the latest evolution in Nitto’s on-road all-terrain lineup. Compared to its predecessor, the Terra Grappler G2, the G3 boasts larger lugs for improved traction and durability. Additionally, Nitto has upped the ante with a higher mileage warranty, making the G3 a more long-lasting option for those seeking both on-road comfort and off-road capability.
The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 stands out for offering a quiet and comfortable ride, setting it apart from the other options discussed in this article. While the G3 features a 3-2 lug design (compared to the 3-3 design of its predecessor), this adjustment increases the amount of rubber in contact with the road.
For severe off-road enthusiasts, this may not be ideal, as it slightly reduces off-road aggressiveness. However, for heavy-duty users, this tire could become a new favorite. It’s also worth noting that the G3 carries an A temperature rating for its H-speed-rated models, meaning it generates less heat, which in turn leads to less wear and longer tire life.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 vs Nitto Terra Grappler G3
Both the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and G3 are excellent choices for on-road driving, but each has its own set of advantages:
- The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 offers higher mileage, especially for 3/4-ton or larger vehicles.
- In terms of durability, the G3 is the more robust option.
- Both the G2 and G3 deliver an equally comfortable and quiet ride.
- For winter-oriented driving, I recommend the Terra Grappler G3 for its better performance in colder conditions.
- On wet roads, the G2 has a slight edge, providing better traction.
Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT
The Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT is a new-generation all-terrain tire, designed to broaden Cooper’s already strong presence in the market. While Cooper has earned a stellar reputation with the Discoverer AT3 4S, they aim to expand their lineup with the Road + Trail AT, offering drivers even more versatile options for both on-road and off-road adventures.
The Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT is a dependable all-terrain tire that provides a solid amount of off-road traction. Compared to the Discoverer AT3, this tire has a more aggressive tread design, which translates to superior traction, especially on rugged terrain. While it performs exceptionally well on both wet and dry surfaces, its ice-stopping distance falls slightly behind the competition due to the increased void area in the tread.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S vs Road + Trail AT
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a fantastic option for those who prioritize on-road performance, though it leans more towards the appearance of an all-season tire. However, market demands have shifted towards more aggressive-looking all-terrain options for on-road use, which led to the release of the Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT.
Compared to the AT3 4S, the Road + Trail AT offers:
- Better traction on wet and dry surfaces
- A more aggressive appearance
- Less longevity due to its more rugged design
- Improved off-road capability
- Slightly worse responsiveness on-road
Yokohama Geolander AT4
The Yokohama Geolandar AT4 is a new on-road all-terrain tire and the successor to the Geolandar AT G015. Its design strikes a balance between the rugged Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the more road-oriented G015, offering a versatile option for drivers who need a tire that performs well both on the road and off.
Much like Cooper, Yokohama is shifting its focus toward a more aggressive tread design, enhancing the tire’s visual appeal. In my opinion, the Geolandar AT4 is one of the best-optimized all-terrain tires for those who want to balance on-road performance with mild off-road capability and a comfortable driving experience.
However, just like with the Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT, the more aggressive tread pattern of the AT4 results in slightly reduced tread life, as it prioritizes traction and performance over longevity.
Conclusion
All-terrain tires are evolving. While many manufacturers are shifting their focus towards on-road performance and appearance, brands like BF Goodrich continue to prioritize durability above all.
In my opinion, it’s crucial to identify your specific needs if you want to get the most out of your all-terrain tires. Whether you’re looking for enhanced on-road comfort, rugged off-road capabilities, or a balance of both, knowing your priorities will help you achieve maximum performance.
The document below will guide you through this decision-making process. Please note, however, that it currently does not include the latest all-terrain tire releases.
All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
Finding the ideal all-terrain tire among the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, my team and I have taken on this challenge head-on. Besides our hands-on experiences with these tires, we also analyze thousands of customer reviews and test reports.
Please note that: Light-Duty is 1500 series, Medium-Duty is 2500 series and Heavy-Duty is 3500 series. If you do towing or hauling, I recommend considering at least Medium-Duty tires.
Mobile users can scroll the table to the left to see the whole data.
For those who prefer a more textual representation and dislike sifting through tables of data:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires-for-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-1-2-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
A couple of popular size analyses:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-35×12-50r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-55r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-65r18-all-terrain-tires/
Want to learn more about all-terrain tires:
- https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
- https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/tire-load-index-and-load-range/
- https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-loud/
- https://tireterrain.com/how-long-do-all-terrain-tires-last/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/
- https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-pressure-load-range-for-every-rig/
I hope you found this article helpful! If you need any further information or have more questions, feel free to reach out. Have a safe and smooth ride!
