Real test data, off-road insights, and daily-driving impact — from a former Bridgestone engineer.
The Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain A/T, a Discount Tire exclusive, and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W are two dependable Off-Road A/T tires that cater to drivers who want balanced performance on and off the pavement. The UltraTerrain A/T emphasizes aggressive tread styling and dependable loose-surface traction while maintaining road comfort — making it a strong pick for SUVs and half-ton trucks looking for an affordable alternative to premium A/Ts. The Falken AT3W, meanwhile, is one of the most well-rounded choices in the segment, combining tread life, wet braking, and its snow-certified 3PMSF rating to deliver year-round dependability. If you’re curious how Falken’s updated design stacks up, check our Falken Wildpeak AT4W vs AT3W comparison.
That’s the real decision here — UltraTerrain for value-driven toughness vs AT3W for proven balance and winter confidence. In the sections ahead, we’ll compare them across dry, wet, snow, and off-road testing. You can also line them up in our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool for quick recommendations by SUV, CUV, or truck class.
Drawing from my experience as a former Bridgestone engineer, I see the Falken Wildpeak AT3W as the better tire choice, particularly because of its longevity. Despite Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT having comparable performance in wet, dry, and winter conditions, the Wildpeak AT3W stands out with a more comfortable riding experience. This aspect, combined with its durability, makes it a preferable option in my professional opinion.
Table of Contents
Tread Appearance
Starting with the shoulder blocks, I personally find the wider shoulder blocks of Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT more aesthetically pleasing. Functionally, these blocks excel in loose ground traction. However, they do contribute to a slight increase in road noise.
Moving on to the sidewall scoops, or ‘biters’, Falken Wildpeak AT3W features beefier and deeper scoops compared to the thinner ones on the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT, which might not perform as effectively in air-down situations.
In terms of the center section, the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has a 3-3 lug design, whereas the Falken Wildpeak AT3W presents a 3-2 design. Despite both having uniquely shaped lugs, the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT appears to have more void area, which often leads to more road noise. However, in terms of riding comfort, I believe it has an edge.
In summary, while both tires have a very aggressive look, for SL sizes, the higher tread depth of the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain AT makes it a preferable option in my opinion. For LT sizes, I don’t see a significant difference between the two.
Noise Level
In my experience with all-terrain tires, it’s typical for both the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W to produce some noise, especially at high speeds.
At lower speeds, I’ve noticed that the Falken Wildpeak AT3W tends to have a slight edge in terms of noise reduction. This advantage can be attributed to its narrower and less aggressive shoulder blocks.
While I wouldn’t describe the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain as excessively noisy, it does emit a bit more sound compared to the Falken Wildpeak AT3W. So, if noise level is a significant concern for you, you might find the Falken Wildpeak AT3W to be the quieter option.
Tread Depth and Weight
From my experience in evaluating these tires, I’ve found that both the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain AT and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W are above the market average in terms of weight and tread depth. For the p-metric sizes, the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain AT is notably taller and lighter. On the other hand, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, while matching the tread depth of the Goodyear in LT sizes, is still the heavier of the two.
Cornering & Steering
In terms of cornering, there isn’t much difference between the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, as both have 2-ply sidewalls. This isn’t a major concern unless you’re driving a truck heavier than 3/4 ton. From what I understand, the 2-ply construction of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is comparable in thickness to some 3-ply tires, potentially making it a more suitable choice in certain cases.
When it comes to steering, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s more consistent center section design contributes to quicker steering response. On the other hand, the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT, with its deeper tread and softer compound, tends to have a slower steering response.
Overall, while both tires are dependable, I would rank the Falken Wildpeak AT3W a bit higher in this aspect.
Wet Traction
When it comes to wet traction, hydroplaning resistance is a crucial factor, as it directly influences traction performance. Studies have shown that hydroplaning resistance is correlated with tread depth, with deeper treads generally offering better resistance.
Both the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W exhibit reliable hydroplaning resistance. Their aggressive and compact treads efficiently channel water to the shoulder slots, handling hydroplaning effectively. However, it’s important to remember that hydroplaning resistance also depends on driving habits, especially for aggressive drivers. No tire is completely immune to hydroplaning.
In terms of traction, I’ve found both tires to be very dependable. The softer compound of the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT typically performs better in wet conditions, but the zigzag siping of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is also quite effective.
Overall, based on wet performance, I regard both tires as reliable choices and among the best options available in the market.
Winter Performance
Both the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W carry the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking, which is a strong indicator of their winter performance capabilities.
In light snow conditions, I’ve noticed that both tires excel, thanks to their relatively soft compounds and ample biting edges. They provide excellent performance on light snow.
For deeper snow, my recommendation leans towards the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT, particularly in p-metric sizes (SL or XL) due to its higher tread depth. Apart from that, there’s not much difference between the two – both are above average in this respect. They both exhibit good self-cleaning capabilities and sufficient void area for effective traction.
When it comes to ice, no all-terrain tire is perfect, but I’ve found the Falken Wildpeak AT3W to be quite satisfactory for icy conditions. The softer compound of the Wrangler Ultraterrain AT offers good traction on ice, though in terms of handling, it doesn’t quite match up to the Wildpeak AT3W.
Tread Life
When considering tread life, both the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W offer commendable longevity. However, it’s important to note that tread life is greatly influenced by your driving conditions and habits.
Take the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT, for instance. Its softer compound may lead to quicker wear, but it also has a deep tread depth that extends its service life. That said, I’ve found that this softer compound often doesn’t fare as well on vehicles heavier than 3/4 ton.
Conversely, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is exceptionally well-designed for durability. Its step-down feature is particularly beneficial for heavier vehicles. Additionally, its UTQG rating is higher for p-metric sizes (ranging from 600 to 500), indicating better wear resistance.
In summary, if you’re prioritizing tread life, I’d lean towards the Falken Wildpeak AT3W as the safer choice.
Warranty
While Falken Wildpeak AT3W offer 60,000 miles tread wear warranty, Wrangler UltraTerrain AT doesn’t have any.
Off-Road Performance
Both the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W have deep treads, which contribute to their solid performance on loose ground.
In my experience with gravel, both tires perform admirably. However, the softer compound of the Wrangler UltraTerrain tends to wear more quickly on gravel, though both tires handle it well enough.
When it comes to mud, the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has a slight edge, thanks to its wider shoulder blocks. It’s almost on par with a rugged terrain tire in muddy conditions. Therefore, for muddy environments, I’d lean towards
the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT as the better option.
In rock crawling scenarios, while neither tire is my top recommendation, if I had to choose one, it would be the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT.
Overall, both tires are competent for mild off-road activities, but for more severe off-roading, the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has a slight advantage. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t specifically recommend either tire for extreme off-road conditions.
Value for Money
Given that the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT are similarly priced, the tread wear warranty of the Wildpeak AT3W makes it a more appealing choice in my view. The assurance of a 60,000-mile warranty adds significant value.
If, however, you have a preference for tires made in the USA and don’t mind spending a bit more, I would suggest considering options like Toyo Open Country AT3 or BFGoodrich KO2. Both of these brands offer quality performance and are known for their reliable products.
Conclusion
From my perspective, while the p-metric options of both tires are comparable, I strongly recommend the Falken Wildpeak AT3W for LT sizes. Its combination of durability, performance, and warranty coverage makes it a standout choice in this category.
I hope you found this article informative and helpful. Should you have any more questions or need additional insights, please feel free to leave a comment below. Safe travels, folks!
