275/55R20 is undoubtedly one of the most popular all-terrain tire sizes in the market today. This size is commonly found on a range of vehicles, including pickup trucks and larger SUVs like the 2015-2020 Ford F-150, 2019-2021 Ram 1500, 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra, 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade, and 2006-2020 GMC Yukon. Given that these vehicles are often used for highway driving, users generally opt for D or XL load range tires unless they have specific heavy towing requirements. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best tires in this specific size. Let’s dive in.
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best Overall
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best Overall (expect towing)
- Firestone Destination AT2 – Best Riding Experience (average tread life)
- Nitto Recon Grappler – Best Light Towing (wet performance could be better)
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT – Best for Medium & Heavy Towing
- Nitto Ridge Grappler – Best Appearance & Mud Performance
Table of Contents
Criterias
In this article, my primary focus will be on tires that excel in providing a comfortable and quiet ride, offer impressive traction on gravel roads, and perform well in muddy conditions.
When it comes to on-road all-terrain tires, they are your best bet for a smooth and quiet ride. However, they might face challenges when it comes to navigating through muddy terrain.
Off-road all-terrain tires, on the other hand, are the go-to option for tackling mud. Their aggressive tread patterns are designed to handle such conditions. However, it’s important to note that they tend to provide a rougher and noisier ride compared to on-road variants.
Lastly, we have rugged terrain tires, which are the top choice for muddy terrains. These tires not only excel in muddy conditions but also offer a decent riding experience, especially when used on loaded vehicles or applications.
As a side note: If you’d like more detailed information about the different categories of all-terrain tires, you can refer to this article for an in-depth comparison: Link to the Article. It will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of highway, all-terrain, and mud-terrain tires, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the right tire for your needs.
BF Goodrich KO2 - Load Range D
The legendary BF Goodrich KO2 still stands out as my top choice for this specific tire size. It’s available in D load range, which might make the ride slightly rougher compared to p-metric options. However, it’s an excellent choice, especially if you do some towing with your vehicle. The KO2’s combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability makes it a solid all-around performer.
The BF Goodrich KO2 is a fantastic choice if you want to enjoy a smooth driving experience while prioritizing durability. While it may not be the quietest tire, the noise levels are certainly bearable. Being marked with the 3PMSF symbol means it offers decent traction on cold, wet roads and in light snow conditions. Additionally, it excels on muddy surfaces, outperforming most tires in this category. It’s a well-rounded tire that can handle various terrains and conditions with ease.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W - Load Range XL
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is one of my favorite tires, especially when it comes to p-metric sizes. It’s a highly versatile all-weather tire with several notable strengths and a few minor drawbacks.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W truly shines when it comes to wet and snow performance. Its deep tread design also allows it to handle loose ground quite effectively. While it may not be the top choice for muddy terrains, its XL load range design makes it quieter and smoother than the BF Goodrich KO2. However, it’s worth noting that its relatively heavy weight could lead to a decrease in your miles per gallon (MPG).
Note: Toyo Open Country AT3 (vs Wildpeak AT3W) is also a considerable option, yet, I skip it due to its high price.
Firestone Destination AT2 - Load Range SL
Firestone Destination AT2 offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking a smooth ride. However, as with any choice, there are some trade-offs to consider.
Firestone Destination AT2 falls into the category of off-road all-terrain tires, but its tread pattern leans more toward on-road all-terrain tires, which affects its mud performance. Additionally, it has a shorter lifespan due to being available in the SL load range. However, it excels in on-road manners and offers strong highway traction in wet and snowy conditions.
Nitto Recon Grappler - Load Range XL
Nitto Recon Grappler is an excellent choice for towing enthusiasts. It not only boasts an attractive appearance but also delivers decent mud performance thanks to its aggressive tread pattern.
Nitto Recon Grappler is typically recommended for 2500 series trucks due to its aggressive pattern and robust sidewalls. However, in this case, I’m suggesting it for light-duty use combined with towing. One thing to keep in mind is that it may struggle with traction in cold weather conditions due to the absence of the 3PMSF rating.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT - Load Range E
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is the only E load range tire I recommend for this tire size. Thanks to its highway tire-like tread pattern, it provides a smooth and quiet ride. However, it’s important to note that this recommendation is primarily for those who engage in medium or heavy towing.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is a rugged tire made in the USA that excels in both on and off-road conditions. Thanks to its siped and compact tread pattern, it offers good traction on wet and mildly snowy surfaces. Furthermore, it stands out as the top performer on gravel among the tires in this list. However, it’s important to note that it may struggle in deep snow and slush due to its limited evacuation capabilities.
Nitto Ridge Grappler - Load Range XL
Nitto Ridge Grappler is a great tire for p-metric sizes. Besides is extremly aggressive looking, this tire is suprisingly quiet.
Nitto Ridge Grappler stands out as the only rugged terrain tire that I recommend for this tire size. While it may not excel in severe winter conditions compared to some others on the list, its mud traction capability is impressive. Additionally, it offers a decent level of wet traction and handling stability. It’s important to note that despite its aggressive pattern, it wears quite well over time.
Conclusion
275/55R20 tires are primarily designed for on-road usage, and as such, their performance in muddy conditions may not be as satisfying. I have classified them based on your specific needs. I have excluded the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac from this list because, in my opinion, it’s a tire that can handle various conditions reasonably well but may not excel in any particular category. If you prefer to err on the side of caution, it can still be a suitable choice. Just ensure you check OEM or replacement specifications before making a purchase, as OEM tires may offer more comfort but may not last as long as replacement tires.
I hope you find this article helpful. If you have any other suggestions or questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Safe travels!