Falken Wildpeak AT Trail

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail vs AT3W vs AT4W — 2025 Buyer’s Guide

Updated: November 11, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

As a former Bridgestone field test engineer, I see the same dilemma over and over: Wildpeak AT Trail vs AT3W vs AT4W. They share a name, but they’re built for different drivers. The simplest way to pick the right one is to start from your size and vehicle type, then match performance priorities (winter, comfort, towing, off-road). This guide does exactly that—then gives you quick recommendations you can act on.

Important Note on the AT3W Legacy:

You may have searched for the discontinued Falken Wildpeak AT3W. While production has ceased, some closeout stock is still available. This comparison is based on some popular-sized sized can still be found on retailers like Tire Rack:

Click here for the Full Technical Breakdown: AT4W vs Discontinued AT3W Test Results

Quick Take

Falken Wildpeak A/T4W

Tested Rating: 8.4/10

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail

Tested Rating: 8.6/10

The Falken Wildpeak lineup splits into three very different personalities. The AT Trail is designed for crossovers and SUVs first — it’s quiet, composed, and light off-road capable, making it the best choice if you want the A/T look without sacrificing daily comfort. The AT3W, while traditionally seen as a light-truck A/T, is also a smart pick for SUV and CUV owners in snow belt regions who want real winter performance, thanks to its 3PMSF certification and dense siping. It balances road manners with credible traction on dirt and snow, offering a more “planted” feel than the Trail. The new AT4W pushes deeper into truck territory — tuned for towing stability, heavier loads, and rocky terrain, it feels more locked-in at speed but rides firmer than the other two.

225/65R17 — Compact & Mid SUVs (RAV4, CR-V, Forester, CX-5)

Availability & Fitment
In this size, Falken splits the lineup in an interesting way. The AT Trail comes in an SL load rating at 31 lbs, making it light and efficient — a natural fit for smaller crossovers that don’t need reinforced sidewalls. The AT4W is also offered in 225/65R17, but only in XL load rating at 35 lbs, which adds toughness for off-road but also a bit more rolling resistance. The AT3W isn’t officially sold in this exact size anymore, though Falken does offer a special edition 235/65R17 in SL load (31 lbs), which some SUV owners in snow-heavy regions still seek out for its winter traction.

Daily Ride & Handling
For everyday driving, the AT Trail feels closest to stock — quiet, smooth, and quick to settle in lane changes. The AT4W rides firmer thanks to its XL build, but that stiffness translates into better stability when loaded or aired down. Drivers who spend most of their time on pavement will notice the Trail’s refinement, while the AT4W carries a bit more weight in the steering wheel.

Winter & Snow
This is where the AT3W’s special edition size still matters. If you’re in the snow belt and prioritize winter grip, the AT3W remains the reference point, with its 3PMSF badge and dense siping. The AT Trail is fine for light snow, while the AT4W provides good bite but leans more “truck-like” in feel, prioritizing carcass stability over soft-road grip.

Light Off-Road / Gravel Roads
The AT Trail is comfortable on forest roads and gravel — think fire roads, mild camping access, or light exploration. The AT4W’s XL build gives it more bite and stability on rougher tracks, but you’ll pay for it at the pump with a slight mpg hit compared to the Trail.

👉 Verdict: For compact and mid-SUVs, the AT Trail is the best everyday choice if you value comfort and efficiency. If you live in a snow-heavy region, hunting down the AT3W in 235/65R17 SL is still worthwhile for real winter confidence. If you want extra toughness and don’t mind a firmer ride with slightly worse mpg, the AT4W in XL is the right upgrade for mild off-road use.

255/65R18 — Bigger SUVs (Explorer, 4Runner, Highlander)

Availability & Fitment
In this size, buyers have three paths. The AT Trail is offered in SL load at 42 lbs, tuned for comfort and daily efficiency. The AT4W comes only in XL load at 42.4 lbs, with deeper tread (13/32”) and higher pressure capacity (50 PSI), making it tougher and more stable. The AT3W isn’t available directly in 255/65R18, but some SUV owners upsize to 285/65R18 if they want its proven winter traction and burlier construction.

Daily Ride & Stability
The AT Trail rides closest to stock — smoother, quieter, and easier on mpg. The AT4W feels firmer and more “locked in” at speed, giving extra confidence in highway crosswinds and when carrying gear. That stability, however, comes with a small fuel economy trade-off compared to the lighter Trail.

Winter & Snow
The AT3W isn’t available in this size anymore, so it’s only an option if you upsize to 285/65R18 — a move some snow-belt SUV owners still make for its outstanding winter grip. For drivers sticking with 255/65R18, the AT4W is the stronger choice for harsher winter use, offering dependable traction and stability even in challenging conditions, though it carries a more truck-like feel. The AT Trail can handle light winter duty just fine, but it doesn’t inspire the same confidence once snow piles up or roads turn icy.

Off-Road / Gravel & Rock
Here the AT4W is the clear winner. Its XL build and shoulder geometry give it more bite and composure when aired down on rocky or rutted surfaces. The AT Trail handles forest roads and light gravel without issue, but it isn’t designed for sustained off-road punishment.

👉 Verdict: For bigger SUVs, the AT Trail is the comfort-focused choice if your driving is mostly highway and city. The AT4W is the tougher option for towing, hauling, and rougher terrain, though it costs a bit of mpg. And if you’re in a snow belt and willing to upsize, the AT3W in 285/65R18 remains Falken’s best winter performer.

LT265/70R17 — Trucks (Tacoma, 4Runner, F-150, Wrangler)

Availability & Fitment
In this core truck size, only the AT4W is offered. The AT3W isn’t built in 265/70R17 anymore, and the AT Trail never scaled to LT construction. If buyers want the AT3W, they’ll need to step out of stock sizing:

Downsize: 265/65R17 (−3%) → works fine, slightly less clearance.
Upsize: 275/70R17 (+3%) → popular choice, minimal trimming needed.
Aggressive: 285/70R17 (+3.5%) → requires leveling/lift, but unlocks AT3W availability.

Daily Ride & Stability
The AT4W’s firmer carcass and XL/LT build make it more planted under load — especially when towing, hauling, or dealing with highway crosswinds. Downsizing or upsizing into the AT3W gives a slightly softer ride, but that means stepping outside factory spec.

Winter & Snow
For stock 265/70R17, the AT4W handles winter well enough, though its tuning leans more toward stability than soft-road grip. Buyers in the snow belt who want the AT3W’s legendary 3PMSF bite will need to resize into 265/65R17, 275/70R17, or 285/70R17.

Off-Road / Gravel & Rock
The AT4W is the go-to here, with its reinforced shoulders and stability when aired down. The AT3W is still excellent off-road — but only if you make the size jump.

👉 Verdict: If you’re sticking to LT265/70R17, AT4W is your only choice — and it’s built for stability, towing, and rocky trails. Winter-focused buyers can resize into an AT3W, with minor adjustments depending on whether they go downsize (265/65R17) or upsize (275/70R17, 285/70R17).

285/65R18 — Trucks & SUVs on 18s (Silverado, F-150, Ram 1500, etc.)

Availability & Fitment
This is the size where the AT3W and AT4W directly compete. Both are offered, giving buyers a true choice. The AT Trail is not produced in this LT truck fitment.

Daily Ride & Stability
The AT3W rides softer and more compliant, making it the better choice for trucks that split commuting and light off-road. The AT4W is firmer and more stable under towing or heavy payloads, especially noticeable in highway sweepers and crosswinds.

Winter & Snow
The AT3W is still the benchmark for winter traction among Falken’s A/Ts, thanks to its siping density and 3PMSF certification. The AT4W narrows the gap, performing well but with a more truck-like feel.

Off-Road / Gravel & Rock
The AT4W is the tougher choice for rocky and technical trails, with stronger casing support and better stability when aired down. The AT3W handles dirt and gravel easily, but doesn’t feel as bulletproof in harsher conditions.

👉 Verdict: In 285/65R18, buyers finally get a real choice. For winter traction and smoother daily driving, pick the AT3W. For towing, payload, and rocky off-road confidence, go with the AT4W.

265/60R18 — Light Trucks & Larger SUVs

In this size, the Wildpeak AT4W is your only option, and it’s a good one. With its XL/LT construction, it covers everything from towing and payload stability to rocky trail use, while still handling daily highway duty confidently. If you run 265/60R18 stock, the AT4W matches all needs without compromise — there’s no AT3W in this exact size, and the AT Trail doesn’t apply.

👉 Verdict: Stick with the AT4W here. It’s built to handle the full mix of truck and SUV demands.

Head-to-Head by Condition

Condition	Wildpeak AT Trail CUV/SUV	Wildpeak AT3W Winter/Balance	Wildpeak AT4W Truck/Load
Dry & Wet Roads	Most comfortable and quiet; tuned for CUV/SUV daily pavement use.	Balanced manners; a bit more A/T presence but good grip in both dry and wet.	Firmer and more “locked-in,” especially under load; best for towing stability.
Winter & Snow	Fine for light winter use; not as secure in heavy snow/ice.	Wildpeak benchmark for snow/slush (3PMSF + siping density).	Close behind AT3W; dependable snow traction with a truck-tuned feel.
Off-Road (Gravel/Rock/Mud)	Forest roads, fire trails, mild gravel.	Capable on dirt and light trails; good for casual off-roaders.	Leader on rocky/rutted terrain; tougher carcass & shoulders; better aired down.
Comfort & Noise	Quietest and smoothest; closest to a stock highway tire.	Middle ground — comfortable daily, some A/T hum.	Firmest and noisier; trades softness for loaded stability and control.

What Drivers Say

AT Trail (CUV/SUV)

“They’re very quiet, and the ride… is in no way harsh.” subaruoutback.org
“Lost 1–2 mpg in a larger size… quiet. Note these are the TRAILS.” rav4world.com
“Overall… very pleased… my only complaint is tread wear appears faster than stock.” subaruforester.org

AT3W (Balanced + Winter)

“I changed to Wildpeak AT3W… better wet traction… better dirt and mud… no regrets.” cumminsforum.com
“I’ve never had problems in the snow with them… from 5°F to deep snow.” Tacoma World
(Counterpoint) “Off-grid in the Cascades… disappointed by winter performance.” Reddit

AT4W (Truck/Load)

“For being A/T tires, they’re very quiet… excellent so far on dry highway.” Reddit
“Better durability, towing stability, on-road handling, and treadlife than AT3W.” (owner discussion) forum.ih8mud.com
“When towing I like the extra weight… don’t feel the wind or trucks as much.” Facebook

Final Verdict

When choosing between the AT Trail, AT3W, and AT4W, it comes down to your vehicle type, climate, and how much weight or off-road abuse you throw at your tires.

AT Trail is the comfort-first choice for CUVs and SUVs that want the all-terrain look without the trade-offs. It runs smooth and quiet, but tread life won’t match the heavier-duty AT4W if you load it down or live on gravel.

AT3W remains the winter benchmark in the Wildpeak family, with proven snow and slush performance. While it’s being phased out of some stock SUV and truck sizes, it’s still worth considering if you’re in the snow belt and willing to upsize.

AT4W is Falken’s modern truck/all-terrain workhorse. It feels more stable under towing, carries heavy payloads without squirm, and brings extra off-road bite. The trade-off is a firmer ride and a small hit to mpg compared to the lighter AT Trail.

👉 Size & Load Note:

AT Trail = P-metric/SL & XL SUV sizes (lighter, efficiency-focused).
AT3W = still available in broader P/XL/LT sizes, but shrinking in some key SUV/truck fitments — often an upsize option now.
AT4W = built around modern LT truck sizes with XL or LT load ranges, making it the go-to if stability and load are priorities.

Bottom line:

Daily driver SUV with mild winters → AT Trail.
SUV/Truck in snow belt, or drivers who want year-round balance → AT3W.
Truck owners who tow, haul, or hit tougher trails → AT4W.

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail Review — Expert All-Terrain Tire for SUV & Crossover Drivers in 2025

Updated: November 11, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan 6 Comments

Real test data, off-road insights, and daily-driving impact — from a former Bridgestone engineer.

The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is a road-focused On-Road A/T tire built specifically for crossovers and small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Mercedes GLC300. Unlike traditional Off-Road A/Ts such as the Wildpeak AT4W, it sacrifices deep off-road bite in exchange for smoother highway manners, better fuel efficiency, and a lighter build.

In testing and from driver feedback, the A/T Trail proves far more durable than typical all-season or all-weather tires, while delivering an aggressive look and reliable year-round performance. Its main trade-off is limited capability in mud, sand, and rocky terrain compared to its tougher AT3W sibling (now tougher, Wildpeak AT4W).

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down how the A/T Trail performs across dry, wet, winter, and light off-road testing — and if you want a fast comparison for your exact vehicle, our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool shows how it stacks up against other A/T options.

Quick Look

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail

Tested Rating: 8.6/10

From my standpoint as a former Bridgestone engineer, the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail is an excellent choice if you’re after an aggressive look with everyday usability. It delivers solid wet and dry performance, while its well-optimized tread pattern keeps the ride quiet and comfortable. Built with long-lasting rubber and backed by a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, it proves its durability on the road. In winter, it provides unique confidence on packed snow and icy conditions, though it’s not designed for deep snow. Off-road, its capability is limited to mild trails, where it performs without hesitation, but it’s not a tire I’d recommend for severe off-road use.

Vehicle Fitments

Even though Falken Wildpeak AT Trail seems so strong and durable, it’s product range is limited and it’s not available for LT sizes. Furthermore, it’s only available for XL and SL load range. For this reason, I don’t recommend to use it on Ford F-Series, Chevy Sileverado or RAM. The below vehicles are the best fit for this fellow!

CHEVROLET EQUINOX
JEEP RENEGADE TRAILHAWK
SUBARU OUTBACK
FORD ESCAPE
MAZDA CX-5

TOYOTA RAV4
HONDA CR-V
NISSAN ROGUE
JEEP CHEROKEE
SUBARU CROSSTREK

Tread Appearance

The tread pattern is the most important part of tire design. It has a huge impact on dry performance, wet performance, snow traction, and especially noise. Thus, I prefer to evaluate tread before starting to detailed analysis.

Tread Depth,

Tread depth has a huge impact on loose ground traction. Especially for snow.

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail’s tread depth is changing between 10/32” and 11/32”. Compared to its younger brother Falken Wildpeak AT4W, its tread is shallow, though, that depth provides massive snow traction because of its staggered lug edges.

Shoulder Desing,

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail has a broad shoulder design. This feature has a positive impact on its handling and balance capability. Furthermore, its shoulders consist of small lugs that decrease its noise level without sacrificing loose ground traction. In that case, open shoulder design is also a huge plus regarding self-cleaning ability.

Center Section,

The Center section is the location that produces most of the road noise. In this regard, the narrowed void area is a game-changer. Falken Wildpeak AT Trail has less void area than almost any all-terrain tire in the market. Though, it stays quieter than its competitors.

Sidewall,

Sidewall design is what makes it an all-terrain tire instead of the all-weather tire. It has a beefy and aggressive design. These beefy sidewalls provide loose ground traction as well as sidewall protection. However, it offers protection only for the upper sidewall.

Dry Performance

The dry performance consists of dry traction, cornering stability, and steering response. Let’s evaluate them one by one.

Dry Traction

Dry traction isn’t an issue for it due to its very well-siped rubber and lug-type design. Its biting area intensity is significantly higher than regular all-weather tires. Therefore, it provides everything you need while starting and stopping.

Cornering Stability

Cornering stability is an issue for all-terrain tires due to their robust shoulders and flexible sidewalls. Flexible sidewalls stand relatively fluffy compared to robust cap compounds. That provides a floating feeling while cornering.

However, Falken solves this problem with two tough steel belts and polyimide cap ply. Polyimide ply works as a shell and keeps the tire in shape while cornering.

Cornering stability is the biggest promoted point of Falken. Well, they have a point here!

Steering Response

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail’s contact patch is particularly optimized for quick steering response. Its unibody construction and perfectly aligned center of gravity make it the common choice between CUV drivers.

I strongly recommend it if solid on-road manners are your priority.

Wet Performance

The wet performance consists of two different dimensions. Wet traction and hydroplaning resistance. While wet traction is crucial for starting, hydroplaning resistance is highly important for safe high-velocity driving.

Wet Traction

Its narrowed void area increases its grip surface with the ground. Moreover, its high-silica compound along with the notches boosts up its wet grip ability.

It’s alpha plus wet traction.

Hydroplaning Resistance

Hydroplaning resistance is related to water evacuation capability. Due to its open shoulders and circumferential grooves, it throws the water out with ease. That feature makes it a decent tire at high speeds.

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 Performance

Winter performance is where Falken all-terrain tires shine. Even though Falken prefer to use stiff compound, they apply 3D sipes in almost every design due to increase biting edges. Thus, they meet 3PMSF marking requirements with ease. Falken Wildpeak AT Trail also has 3PMSF. That marking is a huge sign for solid winter performance.

Regarding light snow,

Light snow performance is what you need most for daily driving in winter. In that case, Falken Wildpeak AT Trail meet customer expectations due to intense sipe placement. Moreover, these sipes are full-depth. For this reason, these sipes compart big interlocked lugs to the smaller lugs. So, it can clean itself easily. Keeping the thread clean is highly important due to increasing light snow traction consistency.

Regarding deep snow,

Its deep snow performance isn’t perfect but decent due to shallow tread depth. You might think that its narrow void area is a negative sign for decent loose ground performance. However, staggered lug borders increase its loose ground grip ability significantly. Therefore, it outperforms all other tires in its segment. I strongly recommend this tire if you like to wheel on deep snow.

Regarding ice,

All-terrain tires fail on ice. It’s a well-known truth. However, Falken was aware of this problem. Well, they sacrifice a bit from deep snow performance to achieve solid ice performance. As a consequence, they narrow the void area of Falken Wildpeak AT Trail. So, its contact patch can grip way much better than highly aggressive all-terrain tires like Falken Wildpeak AT4W and Toyo Open Country AT3.

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail is a beast in any severe winter conditions. If you’re looking for an alpha plus winter tire, you may stop searching and start having fun with your Falken’s.

Road Noise

All-terrain tires produce road noise due to their aggressive design and stiff compounds. Well, Falken Wildpeak AT Trail meet with this sentence at some point.

This tire has a stiff compound. However, its design is different than many all-terrain tires. It’s mainly focused on on-road manners. For this reason, its void area is narrow. Though Wildpeak AT Trail doesn’t lose contact with the surface and its lugs hit to ground less than regular all-terrain tires. Though, I have to admit that its stiff and durable compound produces noise from time to time.

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.

Comfort

A smooth ride is related to the internal structure. Its two-ply polyester casing helps it to absorb the reaction force that comes from the road. Therefore, you can trust its comfortability. In that case, you might think it has a stiff compound anyway. Yes, that’s correct but tread compound isn’t a game-changer regarding comfort.

If you compare this tire with all-season tires, it’s not the smootest tire. However, in my point of view, it’s ranking in the top 3 regarding comfort.

Off-Road Performance

Severe off-road performance isn’t its priority due to its application range. If you’re using CUV or small SUV, you don’t drive off the road regularly. Well, Falken knows that. Therefore, they focus on mild off-road instead of severe.

If you need a solid tire for mud riding or rock crawling, I recommend you to go with Falken Wildpeak AT4W. Sand, gravel, and dirt performance will be evaluated in the below sections.

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.

Gravel

This tire has a perfect tread design for decent gravel performance. While beefy sidewalls provide protection for external impacts, on the other hand, its narrow void area and well-siped rubber are a perfect fit for gravel traction.

I strongly recommend this tire for gravel usage.

Dirt

Its sipe placement and self-cleaning ability are highly acceptable for decent dirt performance. Moreover, these tires are 5 lbs heavier than average all-season tires. Thus, it can grip the dirt way much better than all-season tires.

I strongly recommend it for dirt usage.

Sand

I think this tire is perfect for sand driving, though, nobody mentioned this. Sand performance is a bit tricky for all-terrain tires. Due to their deep and aggressive tread patterns, they sometimes dig a bit further than expected and you might get stuck in the middle of nowhere.

In that case, Falken Wildpeak AT Trail has a relatively less aggressive pattern and shoal tread. Therefore, it’s a perfect choice for sand lovers.

Tread Life

Tread life is tricky. It’s highly related to your vehicle, driving habits, and application range. So, let’s say all our inputs are average.

Its silica enriched tread compound provides a long-lasting rubber. Though worth reminding, tires with 3PMSF marking tend to have 10% less tread life.

Due to its optimized contact patch and symmetrical design, this tire can wear evenly. Therefore, it provides a highly satisfying tread life.

Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,

If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:

https://tireterrain.com/how-to-make-tires-last-longer/

Fuel Efficiency

As I’ve mentioned before this tire is 5lbs heavier than the average all-season tire. So, if you change your all-weather tire with this one, your MPG might hurt slightly. On the other hand, if you change an aggressive all-terrain tire to this one, your MPG number will jump up!

Warranty

Falken offers 65,000 miles treadwear warranty for this product.

If you want to learn details, you may check this document.

Sizes

The below table will give you a piece of brief information about sizes and technical features.

Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/

Size	Load Capacity	Max Load(lbs)	Speed Index
205/70R16	SL	1609	H
215/65R16	XL	1874	H
215/70R16	SL	1764	H
215/60R17	SL	1565	H
215/65R17	SL	1709	H
225/55R17	XL	1819	V
225/60R17	SL	1709	H
225/65R17	SL	1874	H
235/55R17	XL	1929	V
235/60R17	SL	1874	H
235/65R17	XL	2205	H
245/65R17	SL	2149	H
225/55R18	SL	1653	V
225/60R18	SL	1653	H
235/50R18	SL	1609	V
235/55R18	SL	1764	V
235/60R18	XL	2149	H
235/65R18	SL	2094	H
245/60R18	SL	2039	H
255/55R18	XL	2271	V
255/65R18	SL	2403	H
225/55R19	SL	1709	V
235/55R19	XL	2039	V
245/55R19	SL	1929	V
255/55R19	XL	2403	H
255/60R19	SL	2271	V
245/50R20	SL	1874	V
255/50R20	XL	2271	V
255/55R20	XL	2337	V
265/50R20	XL	2403	V

Note: Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail isn’t available in LT sizes.

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail vs AT Trail A01

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail A01 is the original equipment version of Falken Wildpeak AT Trail. Let me explain the reason behind the visual difference.

Tire manufacturers work in two different areas.

The first one is the replacement market, that is, the tires we buy from the internet or dealers. Falken Wildpeak AT Trail in our case. The second one is the OEM (Original Equipment) tires. Our vehicles come out from the factory with these tires. Basically the first tires of your vehicle. Falken Wildpeak AT Trail A01 in our case.

For OEM tires, vehicle manufacturers involve tire manufacturers in the homologation process. To be successful in this process, you must meet certain conditions. These tests are about noise, fuel efficiency, and handling in general. You can check the below link for more.

https://www.tuvsud.com/en/industries/mobility-and-automotive/automotive-and-oem/automotive-testing-solutions/tyre-testing

In general, OEM tires have a slightly softer design and compound in order to meet these conditions. This is partly why the first tires of our vehicles are slightly shorter-lived, but high-performance and comfortable tires.

In summary, Falken Wildpeak AT Trail A01 offers better on-road manners, handling, and MPG. Yet, it doesn’t last as long as Falken Wildpeak AT Trail. Moreover, the loose ground performance of Falken Wildpeak AT is superior. If you mostly drive on the highway and don’t drive too many miles in a year, Falken Wildpeak AT Trail A01 might be a better option.

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.

Conclusion

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail is an all-round tire that performs almost perfectly in every aspect. If you enhance your application range and put an aggressive look on your vehicle without sacrificing on-road manners, I strongly recommend this tire.

	Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
Best for	SUV and CUV owner who is looking for an aggressive appearance, Squishy and snowy regions, weekend adventure
Test Report	vs Trail Terrain T/A & Geolander AT G015 (September 13, 2021)
Category	All-Terrain Tire
Vehicle	Light Truck, SUV
Weight	26 – 42 lbs
Made In	Thailand or China
Warranty (P-metric)	65,000 Miles
Warranty (LT Sizes)	Not available on LT sizes
Available Sizes (Rim)	16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”
Labels	3PMSF

If you have any further questions, please leave them in the below section!