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Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT Review — How It Performs on SUVs & Trucks in 2025

Updated: October 7, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan 4 Comments

Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT is an off-road all-terrain tire that is exclusively built for DiscountTire. This tire is available only at DiscountTire local shops and discounttiredirect.com which is the online shop of DiscountTire. Let’s see how this affordable tire of Goodyear works!

Wrangler Ultra Terrain A/T is a good pick for hauling and towing
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT
Best forMainly highway driving,
severe winter conditions,
mild off-road
ProsSmooth & Quiet ride,
Long-lasting rubber
ConsCan’t be used on 3/4 ton or above trucks,
off-road adventure isn’t its thing

As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT is a decent tire for mild off-road usage. Moreover, its on-road manners are quite acceptable for its aggressive design. Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT  is marked with a severe snow-rated label and has a unique winter performance. Its tread last long unless you’re not using it on severe off-roads.

Tire Decision Tool

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    Tread Appearance

    I'm in love with its sidewall biters

    When I see this tire for the first time, it reminds me of BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO. Same siping style, similar center section lugs, similar shoulders. These tires are twins. So, if you ever use BF Goodrich KO, you can expect the same characters from the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT. 

    Let’s start with the center section. Well, its center section is quite similar to BFG KO. The only difference is its lugs are a bit bigger. In my point of view, this lug placement is made the tire noisy. Due to reduce noise, lugs should hit to ground in order. Well, there is no way that UltraTerrain AT can make it. Yet, I like the optimized void area. Narrow spacing will help to reduce noise while keeping the traction ability.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has perfect shoulders for old-school tire lovers. Its wide and robust shoulder design improves its traction capability a lot. Moreover, unlike BFG KO, Goodyear UltraTerrain AT has an open shoulder design that is similar to BFG KO2. I have to admit that I love this shoulder design. It has everything that all-terrain tires need.

    Lastly, sidewalls. Sidewalls are the main difference between BFG KO and UltraTerrain AT. Unlike BFG KO, sidewall biters go through to bead and that’s a huge plus for loose ground performance. Yet, worth reminding, these kinds of sidewalls sometimes cause an evacuation issue on muddy surfaces.

    Dry Performance

    It looks like BFG KO, well a bit beefy version

    Dry performance can be evaluated under the 3 different dimensions. Dry traction, steering response, and cornering stability. Since Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT is an all-terrain tire, dry traction isn’t an issue for it. Yet, you should put steering response and cornering stability into consideration.

    Dry Traction

    This tire is a robust version of BFG KO2. Thus, it has an alpha plus dry traction. There is no way that these lugs can’t grip enough at dry surfaces.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has solid dry traction.

    Steering Response

    Steering response is where affordable all-terrain tires lose the battle most of the time. Well, I can’t say Wrangler UltraTerrain AT lost it but neither wins.

    Due to its wide shoulders, its reaction time is decreasing. Yet, this tire is too heavy. This will cause a delay while you’re steering.

    Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has an average steering response performance. I don’t recommend it if you’re spending most of the time on the highway at high speeds.

    Cornering Stability

    Its weight becomes an advantage for this time. With the help of gravity, heavy tires generally have better cornering stability. Though worth reminding, this feature must be combined with tough but flexible sidewalls.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has 2-ply sidewalls. That feature gives it better handling and cornering stability.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has solid cornering stability.

    Wet Peformance

    According to DiscountTire, Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT is mostly built for on-road performance. For this reason, its void area is narrower than solid off-road tires. Though, its contact patch is a good fit for unique wet performance.

    Due to its well-siped and relatively soft compound, its wet grip ability is decent.

    Due to its open shoulders and kinda circumferential grooves, it can evacuate water easily. Hence, it has a unique hydroplaning resistance.

    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 a game-change for all-terrain tires. Due to their grip ability, they can handle light snow with ease. Yet, icy grounds cause big issues from time to time.

    Regarding light snow, it’s similar to wet performance. Its sticky compound can grip snowy ground easily. Furthermore, its self-cleaning ability keep the tread clean and provide consistent traction.

    The thing I’ve said in the above paragraph are valid for deep-snow performance also. Moreover, Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has highly deep tread grooves(16-18/32”). When you combine these grooves with aggressive sidewall biters, this tire becomes a beast on deep snow. I highly recommend it.

    Ice performance is the take-home point of Wrangler Ultraterrain. Due to its narrow void area, its contact patch is highly suitable for icy grounds. Unlike Duratrac’s its ice performance is unique.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has a 3PMSF label that is proof of its severe winter performance. I highly recommend it.

    Note from the Expert: Our discussions often boil down to the core tradeoff. On one hand, you must understand why all-terrain tires are truly effective in deep snow, but not on ice. On the other hand, you face the 3PMSF Paradox—the hidden cost of that badge. The short answer is: The 3PMSF badge certifies traction, but it costs you durability. Dive into our full analysis on the critical 3PMSF rating for severe winter and off-road service, and its hidden costs, before you risk your rig on the trail.

    Road Noise and Comfort

    Its high volume of the void area increases its traction capability, in return, creates slight noise

    This part is a bit complicated. I know, I’ve mentioned that this tire is mainly built for on-road performance. Yet, in my point of view, its noise reduction and comfort are insufficient compared to premium all-terrain tires like Nitto Ridge Grappler or Firestone Destination AT2. 

    Let’s be fair. Its comfort isn’t that bad. Due to its 2-ply sidewall design and optimized contact patch, it has a decent comfort level. Yet, I can’t say the same thing about noise. If you use open shoulders with narrow grooves and combine them with a non-interlocked center section, sure the tire will make noise. Well, they should do it to increase off-road performance. I can’t blame them.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT offers a smooth driving experience. Yet, it’s slightly noisy. No worries, it’s bearable. I was just expecting more from Goodyear. Anyway, it’s quite okay for this price level.

    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.

    Tread Life

    This part is directly related to your driving conditions. Before starting, I would like to state a couple of points.

    • This tire doesn’t design for severe off-road. Well, if you’re using it for adventure, your tread life will decrease significantly
    • If you have over 3/4 ton pick-up, I recommend you to go with another tire

    If the above points don’t concern you then you can get a decent tread life. Due to its optimized contact patch and narrow void area, this tire tends to wear evenly. However, 3PMSF marked tires have 10% less tread life than unmarked ones. These tires have relatively soft compounds due to increasing their grip ability.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has a decent tread life. Yet, I can’t say it’s unique.

    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/

    Off-Road Performance

    Off-road performance can be evaluated under 5 different dimensions. In that case, our tire was built for mild off-road conditions. For this reason, severe off-road conditions like mud driving and rock crawling will be out of my consideration.

    Note from the Expert: Our discussions often boil down to the core tradeoff. On one hand, you must understand why all-terrain tires are truly effective in deep snow, but not on ice. On the other hand, you face the 3PMSF Paradox—the hidden cost of that badge. The short answer is: The 3PMSF badge certifies traction, but it costs you durability. Dive into our full analysis on the critical 3PMSF rating for severe winter and off-road service, and its hidden costs, before you risk your rig on the trail.

    Dirt

    Void area works positively for this time, it can clean itself very well

    Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has a perfect tread pattern for dirt performance. Due to its sticky compound, its grip ability is huge. Furthermore, narrower spacing improves its self cleaning ability.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT is solid pick for dirt.

    Gravel

    It has an alpha plus design for gravel. While its narrow center section gaps help it to hold smaller stones, its relatively wider shoulder gaps improve its traction ability on loose grounds like gravel. Moreover, its sidewall biters are mostly made for protection. So, let’s call them sidewall protectors.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT has solid gravel performance. Yet, please note that its center section grooves are way much narrow. Therefore, it might hold stones. Therefore, you need to clean them up more often than most of the all-terrain tires on the market.

    Sand

    Do you know that the best tire on the sand is the one that has lower tread depth? Well, I’m going to say poor for this time. Its tread is too deep to not dig loose sand.

    Mud, Rock Crawling and Grass

    Deep mud and rock crawling aren’t its expertise. I don’t recommend using them for these kinds of adventures.

    However, due to its high water evacuation capability, I strongly believe it can handle light mud and grass with ease.

    If you need a solid mud-terrain tire, check this article out!

    Warranty

    Goodyear doesn’t offer any treadwear warranty for this product. Yet, you can take advantage of SimpleTires’s Tire Replacement Coverage.

    Sizes

    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/

    16”17”18”20”
    265/70R16 112S SL BSW 500 B B265/70R17 115S SL BSW 500 B BLT 275/65R18 123/120Q E BSW275/55R20 113S SL BSW 500 B B
    265/75R16 116S SL BSW 500 B BLT 265/70R17 121/118Q E BSWLT 275/70R18 125/122Q E BSW275/60R20 115S SL BSW 500 B B
    LT 265/75R16 123/120Q E BSW285/70R17 121/118Q E OWLLT 285/65R18 125/122Q E OWLLT 275/65R20 126/123Q E BSW
    LT 35X12.50R17 121Q E BSWLT 285/65R20 127/124Q E BSW
    LT 35X12.50R20 121Q E BSW

    Most sizes are available for SL and E1 load ranges. Some specific sizes are also available for the E2 load range. You can click here to check the details of each size.

    Size Selection

    Before we dive into selecting the right tire size, it’s essential to understand the tire standards that manufacturers follow.

    Technical Standards & Regulations

    In Europe, the tire standardizing organization is called ETRTO. In the United States, it’s The Tire and Rim Association (TRA), while in Japan, it’s the Japanese Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association (JATMA). Although there may be other organizations, they generally align with one of these three.

    When it comes to passenger car tires, TRA designates them by placing the letter “P” in front of the size to indicate conformity to the TRA standard. On the other hand, ETRTO and JATMA do not use any letters, which can sometimes be confusing when determining which standard is being used.

    For light truck tires, TRA uses the letters “LT” in front of the tire size, while JATMA places the letters “LT” after the size. ETRTO, however, uses the letter “C” after the size to indicate tires of this type.

    In the realm of medium truck tires, ETRTO uses the letter “C” after the size to designate tires designed according to their standard. In contrast, TRA and JATMA do not use any letters in this context.

    Now, here’s what’s essential: Tires with the same dimensions (size) may have different maximum load capacities depending on the standard being followed. So, it’s crucial to consider the relevant standard when choosing tires.

    When it comes to load capacity designations, “SL” (Standard Load) and “XL” (Extra Load) are used for all passenger car tires, regardless of which standard is being followed. In the ETRTO standard, “Reinforced” is also used as an alternative to “XL.”

    Load Range, on the other hand, is specific to TRA. ETRTO and JATMA use the term “Load Index.” While TRA references Load Indexes, it’s important to note that the values provided are approximate.

    To sum it up, understanding the tire standards and designations is vital as they play a significant role in determining the right tire size and load capacity. By considering the appropriate standards, you can make an informed decision when selecting tires that meet your vehicle’s requirements.

    Here are two great articles if you wanna dive deeper:

    Load Range vs Load Index: https://www.discounttire.com/learn/load-range-load-index

    Tire Sizing System: https://www.discounttire.com/learn/euro-vs-pmetric-tires

    How to Select the Right Tire Size Based on Your Requirements?

    When it comes to selecting tire sizes for your vehicle, it’s important to keep in mind that most vehicles offer more than one original equipment size. Let’s take the 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab 4WD as an example. You have three different tire size options: 275/55R20 SL, 275/65R18 Load Range C, or 275/65R18 SL.

    Note: I use Toyo Open Country AT3 for an example tire. You can use this link to see tire options for your vehicle and then make a comparison between the sizes:
    https://www.discounttire.com/fitment/vehicle

    If you don’t know your tire size: https://tireterrain.com/find-tires-by-vin-number/

    Let’s focus on comparing the 275/65R18 SL and 275/65R18 Load Range C options for a more detailed comparison. Your decision should be based on your priorities. If you prioritize a smooth ride and better handling, the SL option is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value hauling or towing performance and tire longevity, the Load Range C option would be a better fit.

    As a tire engineer, my perspective often revolves around load-carrying capacity. Generally, tires with higher load capabilities tend to provide a stiffer ride. However, there’s a bit of an illusion to consider. When you compare the two tires in the same size, the SL-rated tire may initially appear to have a higher load capability. But here’s the catch: P metric tires, like the SL option, need to be derated by a factor of 1.1 when used on a truck. Crunching the numbers reveals that the SL option actually has a lower maximum load capability. Additionally, it boasts a lower tread depth, which translates to better responsiveness.

    The same principles I mentioned earlier also apply when comparing XL and E Load range tires. In summary, if your vehicle allows for Passenger Car or LT (Light Truck) tires, going with a passenger option will provide you with better on-road manners. However, if you find yourself venturing off-road frequently, own a working truck, or regularly engage in towing and hauling heavy loads, then LT tires are generally the better choice for your needs.

    Couple of tips for towing;

    • Even though the load index of passenger car tires fits, when it comes to towing, sidewall stability is the issue. Hence, LT tires with Load Range C, D, or E provide better stability. 
    • Generally, a load index higher than 119 is recommended for towing
    • Proper loading is important for even wearing. 60/40 rule should be followed. 60% of the weight should be on the front axle and 40%of weight should be applied rear axle of the trailer. Besides that, try to center load. Start with heavier ones if you gonna stack them up.

    To wrap it up, selecting the right tires comes down to choosing the ones that align with your driving preferences and specific requirements.

    Conclusion

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT is a decent tire. Yet, you should know where to use it. The below table will help you to decide correctly.

    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT
    Best forMainly highway driving,
    severe winter conditions,
    mild off-road
    ProsSmooth & Quiet ride,
    Long-lasting rubber
    ConsCan’t be used on 3/4 ton or above trucks,
    off-road adventure isn’t its thing

    If you have any further questions, please leave them below. Have a safe ride folks!

    Filed Under: All Terrain Tires, Off-Road All Terrain Tires Tagged With: goodyear, Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT, Review

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Review

    Updated: July 28, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan 5 Comments

    Assurance Comfortdrive is Goodyear’s all-season grand touring tire. This tire can be used on sedans, coupes, crossovers, and SUVs. If you’re looking for a smooth and quiet ride, you’re at the right place. Let’s dig into it!

    Goodyear Assurance Comfortdrive may not look fancy, though, it offers premium performance
    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive
    Best forMostly squishy regions,
    smooth and quiet ride,
    mild winter conditions (not icy ones)
    Test Reportvs DriveGuard Plus & P7 AS Plus 3
    (May 23, 2022)
    CategoryAll-Season Tire
    VehicleSedans, coupes, crossovers, and SUVs
    Made InUSA
    LabelsM+S
    Warranty60,000 Miles
    Available Sizes (Rim)16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”

    As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive offers a smooth and quiet ride. In this case, it’s one of the best all-season tires. It’s unique due to its huge wet and dry grip ability. Due to its low rolling resistance, Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive is fuel efficient tire. Moreover, it can perform in mild winter conditions(light snow). However, its tread life is average. It’s also not usable for severe winter conditions.

    All-Season Tires Cheat Sheet

    Finding the most suitable one for you among thousands of tires is very difficult.

    My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.

    Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;

    • How to keep tire noise down:
      https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/why-do-tire-tread-patterns-make-noise
    • Fuel-Efficiency:
      https://www.tirerack.com/landing/fuel_efficiency
    • Traction/Stability control for AWD/4WD (All-Season tires specific)
      https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/traction-stability-4ws-awd
    Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.
    All-Season Tires Cheat Sheet
    NameBest forWorks Best onArticles3PMSFRoad NoiseMileageResponsivenessRiding ComfortWarrantyFuel EconomyWet PerformanceMild WinterSevere Winter

    Michelin Crossclimate 2
    ( Check Price – Test Report )

    Year Round Usage & Tread LifeSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, minivansReviewYesDecentElegantElegantDecent60,000DecentElegantElegantDecent
    Michelin Primacy Tour A/S
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Everything but severe winter tractionSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVsReviewNoElegantElegantElegantElegant45,000 – 55,000DecentElegantAverageFairy Well
    Bridgestone WeatherPeak
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Smooth & quiet 4 season drivingSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, minivansReviewYesElegantDecentElegantElegant70,000ElegantDecentElegantAverage
    Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Great all-round run-flat tireSUV, CUV, Sedans, CoupesReviewNoAverageExcellentExcellentExcellent65,000AverageExcellentDecentAverage
    Vredestein Quatrac Pro
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    4-Season performance-driven ridingSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVsReviewYesElegantDecentElegantElegant50,000DecentElegantElegantAverage
    Vredestein HiTrac All-Season
    ( Check Price –Test Report )
    Year round performance with great handlingSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVsNoDecentDecentElegantDecent70,000DecentElegantDecentAverage
    Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Great all-round performance + mild winterSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVsReviewNoElegantElegantElegantElegant70,000ElegantDecentDecentAverage
    Nokian WRG4
    ( Check Price )
    Traction focused 4 season drivingSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, minivansReviewYesDecentDecentDecentElegant65,000AverageElegantElegantDecent
    Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
    ( Check Price –Test Report )
    Year-round traction + handlingSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, minivans–YesAverageDecentElegantElegant60,000AverageElegantElegantAverage
    Firestone WeatherGrip
    ( Check Price –Test Report )
    Winter-focused 4 season drivingSedans, coupes, crossoversReviewYesAverageFairy WellAverageDecent65,00Fairy WellAverageElegantElegant
    BF Goodrich Advantage Control
    ( Check Price –Test Report )
    Quiet & smooth 3 season traction + light snowSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVsReviewNoDecentDecentElegantDecent65,000 – 75,000ElegantDecentAveragePoor
    Kumho Crugen HP71
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Decent all-round performance + light snowCUV, SUVReviewNoAverageAverageDecentDecent65,000DecentDecentDecentFairy Well
    Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
    (Check Price – Test Report )
    Long lasting performance for squishy regionsCrossovers, SUVs, light trucksReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecent70,000DecentElegantDecentFairy Well
    Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring AS
    (Check Price)
    Affordable 3 season tractionSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVsReviewNoAverageAverageDecentDecent70,000DecentAverageFairy WellPoor
    Goodyear Assurance All-Season
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Affordable all-round 3 season + light snow performanceSedans, minivansReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecent65,000DecentDecentAverageFairy Well
    Goodyear Assurance MaxLife
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Longevitiy focused 3 season traction + light snowSedans, coupes, crossovers, minivansReviewNoDecentElegantElegantElegant85,000ElegantDecentAveragePoor
    Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Comfort-focused 3 season traction + light snowSedans, coupes, crossovers, minivansReviewNoElegantDecentElegantElegant80,000ElegantElegantDecentFairy Well
    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive
    (Check Price – Test Report )
    Above average all-round performanceSedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVsReviewNoDecentElegantElegantElegant60,000AverageElegantDecentAverage
    Michelin Defender T+H
    (Check Price – Test Report )
    Efficiency focused 3 season performanceSedans, coupes, crossoversvs Crossclimate 2NoDecentDecentDecentDecent80,000ElegantDecentFairy WellPoor
    BF Goodrich Advantage T/A Sport
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Long lasting 4 season performance + handlingSedans, coupes, crossovers–NoAverageDecentDecentDecent60,000 – 70,000AverageDecentDecentFairy Well
    Continental TrueContact Tour
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Smooth & long-lasting 3 season performance + light snowSedans, coupes, crossovers–NoDecentDecentDecentDecent70,000 – 80,000DecentElegantAverageFairy Well
    Yokohama Avid Ascend LX
    ( Check Price – Test Report )
    Long-lasting & responsive 4 season performanceSedans, coupes, crossovers, minivansNoDecentElegantElegantElegant85,000ElegantDecentDecentFairy Well
    Laufenn S Fit AS
    (Check Price)
    Long-lasting sporty drivingSUV, CUV, Sedans, CoupesReviewNoDecentDecentExcellentDecent45,000DecentDecentAveragePoor

    Depending on your needs, the below article might help;

    • https://tireterrain.com/best-all-weather-tires-for-snow/
    • https://tireterrain.com/bridgestone-vs-michelin/
    • https://tireterrain.com/best-michelin-tires-for-suv/

    Table of Contents

    Dry Performance

    The dry performance consists of 3 different dimensions. Dry traction, steering response, and cornering stability. Premium segment grand-touring tires generally doesn’t have issue with these metrics. Yet, I would like to give you a brief information about the science behind these tires.

    Dry Traction

    Assurance ComfortDrive is a perfect tire for an Uber drivers

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive has a utilized compound that is designed to improve traction. The soybean oil is what makes this tire’s compound special.

    In fact, Assurance ComfortDrive has a relatively stiff compound. However, Goodyear put some sticky but slippery soybean oil into its rubber and turn it into a slick but durable compound. Furthermore, highly notched rubber provides increases its traction significantly. Thus, I can confidently say that this tire has massive dry ground traction.

    Steering Response

    This part is crucial for high-speed-rated vehicles. Especially for SUVs and crossovers.

    Unlike most grand touring tires, Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive has an asymmetrical tread pattern. That feature decreases its steering response time dramatically. Moreover, it has an interlocked and solid center rib. Goodyear calls it tread-lock technology. These kinds of ribs comprise small but connected lugs. As a result, the tire can provide traction while doesn’t sacrifice from steering response.

    Assurance ComfortDrive has a unique steering response. I strongly recommend it.

    Cornering Stability

    Some tires give you a floating feeling while cornering at high speeds. Well, that is what we call low cornering stability. Its well-known name is handling. If your tire has fluffy sidewalls and weak internal structure, you might feel like loose handling.

    In that case, tires have solid bead and fluffy sidewall compounds. The transition between these two must be optimized very well to increase handling. For this reason, Goodyear uses comfort flex technology that provides flexible but stiff sidewalls.

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive is an alpha plus tire regarding handling.

    Wet Performance

    The wet performance consists of 2 dimensions. Grip and hydroplaning resistance.

    Wet grip is mostly about compound and notches. It’s crucial for starting, stopping, and accelerating. Well, I’ve already talked about how special its compound is. It can grip like no others on wet grounds.

    You might feel like your tires stop wheeling at high speeds on rainy days. That’s hydroplaning and it’s a vital deficiency. If your tire has limited water evacuation capability, you might face this issue frequently.

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive has horizontally connected tread grooves that navigate water to its open shoulders. Goodyear calls it AquaChannel Groove technology. Well, this’s a perfect way to prevent hydroplaning.

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive is a reliable tire on wet ground. It’s a safe pick.

    Comfort and Road Noise

    I call them quiet bump-absorbing tires. Fellows, this tire is ridiculous.

    Due to its ComfortFlex technology, I can guarantee that you will feel nothing while going through the bumps. Its optimized sidewall has a huge flexing ability. Moreover, these sidewalls don’t crack due to their impeccable compound transition(stiff to soft) on sidewalls. It’s one of the most smooth tire I’ve ever driven.

    Road noise is another alpha plus point of it. When the first time I saw its sectional and intensely notched pattern, I thought that this test ride will be noisy. I was wrong. Soybean oil on its compound works very well and makes its traction easy. Furthermore, a symmetrical pattern is a huge advantage. Unlike asymmetrical tires, this tire’s footprint is stable. Its small ribs hit the ground in order and the tire never loses the connection with the ground. 

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive is a deaf and smooth tire. I strongly recommend it if these features are your priorities.

    Winter Performance

    Goodyear Assurance Comfort Drive doesn’t have 3PMSF. Hence, it has limited winter performance.

    Regarding light snow, it comes up huge. Due to its high grip and evacuation capability, it can handle light snow with ease. Well, this feature doesn’t cover 3PMSF. I was expecting this massive performance.

    Regarding deep snow, it’s kinda complicated. Due to its optimized rubber and deep tread grooves, it might be performing very well. Yet, its self-cleaning ability is very limited. Therefore, I don’t recommend it for deep snow.

    Note: I don’t recommend all-season tires for icy conditions. Hence, I don’t review the all-season tire’s ice performance.

    If you need a solid winter tire, I recommend you to check this article out.

    Fuel Efficiency

    Fuel efficiency is where this tire is shinning. Even though it has highly siped rubber, its soft and oiled compound decreases its rolling resistance significantly. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt your MPG.

    Tread Life

    Tread life is the only section that I can give an average rating to Goodyear Assurance Comfort Drive. I’m not saying it has poor tread life. Yet, you better don’t expect more than 70,000-80,000 miles.

    Due to its notched and relatively soft compound, it has average 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/

    Sizes

    You can check the below table for available sizes.

    Tread DepthLoad RangeSpeed Rating
    205/60R1611/32”SLV
    205/65R1611/32”SLH
    205/55R1611/32”SLH
    215/60R1611/32”SLV
    215/65R1611/32”SLV
    215/55R1611/32”XLH
    215/60R1711/32”SLH
    215/55R1711/32”SLV
    215/50R1711/32”XLV
    215/45R1711/32”SLV
    225/65R1711/32”SLH
    225/45R1711/32”SLV
    225/50R1711/32”SLV
    225/55R1711/32”SLV
    226/60R1711/32”SLH
    235/60R1711/32”SLH
    235/65R1711/32”SLH
    235/55R1711/32”SLH
    245/45R1711/32”VXL
    Tread DepthLoad RangeSpeed Rating
    225/60R1811/32”SLH
    215/55R1811/32”SLH
    225/45R1811/32”XLV
    225/55R1811/32”SLV
    235/45R1811/32”SLV
    225/50R1811/32”SLV
    235/60R1811/32”SLV
    235/50R1811/32”SLV
    235/65R1811/32”SLV
    235/55R1811/32”SLV
    245/60R1811/32”SLV
    245/45R1811/32”XLV
    235/40R1911/32”XLV
    235/45R1911/32”SLH
    235/50R1911/32”SLV
    245/55R1911/32”SLV
    235/55R1911/32”SLV
    225/55R1911/32”SLH
    255/50R1911/32”XLV
    255/40R1911/32”XLV
    255/55R2011/32”SLH
    235/55R2011/32”SLV
    245/50R2011/32”SLV
    255/50R2011/32”XLV
    255/45R2011/32”XLV

    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/

    Warranty

    • Goodyear promotes 60,000 miles treadwear warranty for this product
    • You can also test this tire for 60 days and return it if you won’t be satisfied with its performance

    You can click here to check Goodyear’s Warranty Broshure out.

    Price

    The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.

    Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.

    Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,

    TireRack

    • Fast and Free shipping
    • Usually delivered in 1 day
    • Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
    • Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
    • Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
    • Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
    • 4.6/5 points on Google rate

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/goodyear-assurance-comfortdrive

    DiscountTire

    • Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
    • 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
    • Free rotation and balancing
    • 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
    • Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
    • Almost all brands are available
    • Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
    • Frequent discounts and promotions

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/goodyear-assurance-comfortdrive

    Goodyear

    • Price match guarantee ( if you find a lower price online 14 days after purchase, Goodyear will pay back to price difference)
    • The rebate option is mostly available
    • The warranty process is the easiest
    • Monthly payment is available
    • You can use any locale dealer that has an agreement with a Goodyear for an installation

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive: https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/assurance-comfortdrive

    SimpleTire

    • Free shipping
    • Delivered in 2 days
    • Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
    • Mobile installation option
    • 7 million customers since 2021
    • 4.7/5 points on Google rate
    • Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive: https://simpletire.com/brands/goodyear-tires/assurance-comfortdrive

    While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.

    Conclusion

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive is an exceptional tire due to its high price/performance ratio. The below table will inform you about its pros and cons.

    Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive
    Best forMostly squishy regions,
    smooth and quiet ride,
    mild winter conditions (not icy ones)
    Test Reportvs DriveGuard Plus & P7 AS Plus 3
    (May 23, 2022)
    CategoryAll-Season Tire
    VehicleSedans, coupes, crossovers, and SUVs
    Made InUSA
    LabelsM+S
    Warranty60,000 Miles
    Available Sizes (Rim)16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”

    I hope this article was helpful for those who are considering using this product. If you have any further questions, please leave them below. Have a safe ride folks!

    Filed Under: Passenger Tires Tagged With: goodyear, Goodyear Assurance Comfortdrive, Review

    Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Review

    Updated: July 28, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

    Ultra Grip Winter is Goodyear’s studdable winter tire. You can use this tire on sedans, minivans, coupes, high-performance vehicles as well as light trucks that are only used passenger-oriented. Let’s dig into it and see what’s its cons and pros!

    Its doubled center ribs increase the comfort, though, they make this tire a bit noisy
    Goodyear Wrangler Ultra Grip Winter
    Best forMostly rainy,
    icy and harsh winters,
    highway oriented light-trucks
    CategoryStudless Winter/Snow Tire
    VehiclePassenger vehicles, SUVs, Light-Truck(passenger oriented)
    Available Sizes (Rim)14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”
    Weight19 – 31 lbs
    Made InUSA
    Warranty (P-metric)N/A
    Warranty (LT Sizes)N/A
    Labels3PMSF

    As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter is a beast in light and deep snow. Moreover, its ice traction is unique. However, Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter offers limited steering response and cornering stability. Yet, its huge wet performance covers this deficiency. Lastly, it offers a smooth but slightly noisy ride.

    Table of Contents

    Dry Performance

    Dry performance is consists of 3 different dimensions. Dry traction, steering response, and cornering stability. Due to winter tires intensely siped and soft rubber, they can handle dry traction with ease. For this reason, I will evaluate steering response and cornering stability in this section.

    Let’s start with the steering response. 

    Steering response is mostly about the inter-locked center section. Even so, the most successful winter tire makers like Nokian and Continental use solid rib on the center section. When I first see this tire, I was pretty sure that this tire has a poor steering response. When the bloated void area of the center section combines with the soft compound, it causes a decrease in transmitting time. Thus, If you wanna buy this tire, be aware, it has below average steering response.

    Regarding cornering stability, it’s pretty much the same with steering response. According to Goodyear, they use a stiff shoulder compound the increase cornering stability. Yet, weak sidewalls make you feel like floating while cornering. Well, I say below average for high-speed cornering stability.

    Wet Performance

    UltraGrip Winter's wide grooves improves its water evacuation capability

    Wet performance is where Ultra Grip Winter is shining.

    Winter tires have soft compounds due to increasing grip on slippery surfaces. When you merge this feature with the well-placed sipes, massive wet traction is naturally expected.

    Due to its 3 circumferential grooves and open shoulder blocks, it can evacuate water easily. Therefore, it has massive hydroplaning resistance for high-speed usage.

    Ultra Grip Winter is a trustworthy choice for wet grounds. I strongly recommend it.

    Comfort and Road Noise

    Soft compound and flexible sidewalls get into the game again and offer a smooth ride for your delicate butt 🙂

    However, block type design has a significantly negative impact on road noise. Furthermore, the contact patch of the center section is limited for Ultra Grip Winter Tire. As a result, it’s a bit vocal tire.

    Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter won’t give you a bumpy ride but it’s a slightly noisy tire.

    Fuel Efficiency

    Due to the lug-type tread pattern, it will increase your fuel consumption for sure. Moreover, sipes and soft compound increases their rolling resistance. That feature also has a negative affect on fuel mileage.

    Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter vs General Altimax Arctic 12

    Goodyear Ultra Grip WinterGeneral Altimax Arctic 12
    Slightly better on wetBetter steering response and cornering stability
    Slightly better light snow performanceSmoother ride and less vocal tire
    Slightly better deep snow tractionSlightly better tread life
    Slightly cheaperBetter ice traction

    Winter Performance

    This tire is built only but only for winter usage. Therefore, I don’t accept anything but perfect performance. Well, it meets my expectations.

    Regarding light snow, it’s similar to wet performance. Water evacuation capability and grip are the game-changers. Well, it has a massive light snow performance.

    Regarding deep snow, here is where it steps ahead. Due to lug type design and deep tread grooves, it offers huge traction. Moreover, its angled and serrated shoulder and center blocks can clean themselves very well and provide consistent traction.

    Ice performance is convertible. Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter has a stud option that offers tons of traction on icy ground. For this reason, it has alpha plus ice performance with studs. However, its ice performance isn’t perfect but acceptable without studs.

    Note: Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter has 3PMSF marking which means it has approved severe winter performance.

    Tread Life

    Due to its robust shoulder compound and lugged but directional pattern, it wears evenly. Furthermore, its tread depth is higher than its competitors. Hence, it has decent tread life. Even so, it lasts more than average all-season tires.

    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/

    Warranty

    Goodyear doesn’t offer a treadwear warranty for this product. Yet, if you face uniformity on the first 2/32” part of wearing in the first year, they replace your tire with a new one or refund.

    Sizes

    You can use the below table to use if it fits your vehicle.

    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/

    14”15”16”17”18”19”
    175/65R14185/60R15205/55R16215/55R17235/55R18245/55R19
    175/70R14185/65R15205/55R16 XL215/65R17235/60R18 XL
    185/60R14195/55R15205/60R16225/50R17
    185/65R14195/60R15205/65R16225/55R17
    185/70R14195/65R15215/60R16225/60R17
    195/70R14205/60R15215/65R16225/65R17
    205/65R15225/60R16235/55R17
    205/70R15225/65R16235/65R17
    215/60R15235/60R16
    215/70R15235/65R16
    235/75R15

    Spec

    Goodyear Wrangler Ultra Grip Winter
    Best forMostly rainy, icy and harsh winters, passanger oriented light-trucks
    CategoryStudless Winter/Snow Tire
    VehiclePassenger vehicles, SUVs, Light-Truck(passenger oriented)
    Available Sizes (Rim)14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”
    Weight19 – 31 lbs
    Made InUSA
    Labels3PMSF
    Warranty (P-metric)N/A
    Warranty (LT Sizes)N/A
    PricesContinue below to see the possible best prices

    Price

    The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.

    Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.

    Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,

    DiscountTire

    • Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
    • 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
    • Free rotation and balancing
    • 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
    • Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
    • Almost all brands are available
    • Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
    • Frequent discounts and promotions

    Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/goodyear-ultra-grip-winter

    TireRack

    • Fast and Free shipping
    • Usually delivered in 1 day
    • Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
    • Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
    • Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
    • Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
    • 4.6/5 points on Google rate

    Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/goodyear-ultra-grip-winter

    Goodyear

    • Price match guarantee ( if you find a lower price online 14 days after purchase, Goodyear will pay back to price difference)
    • The rebate option is mostly available
    • The warranty process is the easiest
    • Monthly payment is available
    • You can use any locale dealer that has an agreement with a Goodyear for an installation

    Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter: https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/ultra-grip-winter-tire

    SimpleTire

    • Free shipping
    • Delivered in 2 days
    • Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
    • Mobile installation option
    • 7 million customers since 2021
    • 4.7/5 points on Google rate
    • Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match

    Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter: https://simpletire.com/brands/goodyear-tires/ultra-grip-winter

    While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.

    Conclusion

    Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter is a decent studdable winter tire. In that case, the market is narrow and options are limited. The other option is General Altimax Arctic 12. Both have cons and pros. The below table will help you to select the best fit for yourself.

    Goodyear Wrangler Ultra Grip Winter
    Best forMostly rainy,
    icy and harsh winters,
    highway oriented light-trucks
    CategoryStudless Winter/Snow Tire
    VehiclePassenger vehicles, SUVs, Light-Truck(passenger oriented)
    Available Sizes (Rim)14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”
    Weight19 – 31 lbs
    Made InUSA
    Warranty (P-metric)N/A
    Warranty (LT Sizes)N/A
    Labels3PMSF

    If you have any further questions, please leave them below. Have a safe ride folks

    Filed Under: Winter Tires Tagged With: goodyear, Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter, Review

    Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac vs BFG KO2

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

    Firsthand experience — from a former Bridgestone test engineer

    The BFGoodrich KO2 has long been a benchmark in the all-terrain world, known for its rugged LT construction and balanced performance on and off-road. If you want to see how it stacks up against its successor, you can read my BFGoodrich KO3 vs KO2 comparison.

    The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac leans more toward aggressive off-road traction, with deeper voids and snow-focused grip, yet still earns respect as a daily driver thanks to its reasonable on-road manners. For many, it’s the go-to choice for mixed-use trucks that see frequent mud, snow, or worksite duty.

    Both are proven, snow-rated all-terrain options — but they suit very different priorities. Below, I’ll break down their performance across dry, wet, snow, and off-road conditions, plus fitment recommendations to help you choose the right tire for your needs.

    Flotation sizes of BF Goodrich KO2 makes less noise

    At a Glance

    Goodyear Wrangler DuratracBF Goodrich KO2
    Better forHeavy and medium duty operations,
    snowy regions,
    Muddy areas
    Smooth & quiet highway driving,
    Rocky terrains
    ProsInsane off-road traction,
    tough sidewalls,
    studdable tread,
    trusthworthy winter performance
    Insane wet and snow traction,
    Moderate off-road traction
    responsiveness
    ConsNoisy and stiff rideA bit noisy,
    Not the best on mud

    As a former Bridgestone engineer, in my point of view, with the release of the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT and the discontinuation of most p-metric sizes in the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, the choice has become clearer. The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac now functions as a commercial all-terrain tire, offering reliable traction, longevity, and comfort at the expense of some noise and handling. Therefore, I recommend the BF Goodrich KO2 for those who primarily use their tires on-road and the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac for those who spend most of their time off-road or on severe working sites.

    👉 Looking to buy?
    Check out tire specs and reviews here:

    • See what drivers say on Tire Rack

    • See deals on Simple Tire

    Table of Contents

    Durability

    In the past, the direction for this tire size was quite different. However, Goodyear has introduced the Wrangler Duratrac RT, which appears to be more on-road oriented compared to the previous Wrangler Duratrac tire.

    This shift might explain why Goodyear has transitioned most on-road-oriented sizes to the Wrangler Duratrac RT. Currently, the Wrangler Duratrac is mostly available in the E load range, which naturally enhances its durability.

    On the other hand, BF Goodrich KO2 is renowned for its durability. This tire features a 3-ply cord and upper shoulder armor, making it nearly indestructible against sharp rocks. Additionally, the BF Goodrich KO2 has superior cut and chipping resistance.

    Overall, both tires are highly durable and reliable. However, the BF Goodrich KO2 tends to have a slightly better wear rate due to its exceptional cut and chipping resistance.

    Tread Life

    When it comes to tread life, both tires, BF Goodrich KO2 and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, may not match the longevity of tires like the Toyo Open Country AT3 or General Grabber ATX. However, there are some tips to help you maximize their tread life.

    BF Goodrich KO2 as an off-road all-terrain tire follows a stable design philosophy with consistent sidewalls across all sizes. This approach makes it a reliable choice for decent tread life in various sizes, making it a safe bet in my opinion.

    Now, let’s discuss the Duratrac. Tread life for this tire is a bit more complex. If you plan to use it on diesel or heavy trucks, it’s advisable to opt for LT sizes. The Duratrac features a softer compound, so it requires a robust internal structure to handle the weight of heavier vehicles. On the other hand, its flotation sizes offer impressive tread life, particularly for vehicles like Jeeps or Rubicons.

    In summary, BF Goodrich KO2 tends to have better overall tread life, but Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac still offers highly acceptable longevity.

    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/

    Steering Response

    Depending on the size and your vehicle, this might change. However, Goodyear Wrangler with wider pattern and deeper tread has a disadvantage out here. However, the strong sidewalls are the game-changer out here.

    Since both tires have a strong sidewall, I put BF Goodrich KO2 a bit ahead if this is your priority.

    Cornering Stability

    Cornering stability is where these two are separated. In this case, solid sidewalls play a crucial role and help the tire to keep its shape while cornering at high speeds. Hereby, you don’t feel like floating.

    Even though I like Goodyear tires, 2-ply sidewalls don’t work very well for most vehicles. So, cornering stability isn’t an alpha plus for Duratrac. Particularly for heavy vehicles. On the other hand, BF Goodrich KO2 has one of the strongest sidewalls in the market. No matter how heavy your vehicle is, it provides huge cornering stability.

    BF Goodrich KO2 is the winner of this section the whole day long.

    Note: Since Goodyear mostly discontinued p-metric sizes, I expect a huge jump up on steering response and cornering stability rating of Wrangler Duratrac

    Comfort

    Ride quality of all-terrain tires mostly related to uniformity of the tire. So, when the tire is getting bigger and have more sectional pattern, it’s harder to achieve necessary uniformity.

    So, if the tire isn’t uniform enough, it transmit the vibrations more acute.

    On the other hand, the advantage of all-terrain tires is they’re high profile tires. Hence, they can hold too much air inside which naturally translate to smoother ride.

    Overall, in my point of view, BF Goodrich KO2’s design is more compact, hence, it’s offers smoother ride. However, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac also smooth tire. It’s just have an aggressive pattern that might cause vibration in some cases.

    Road Noise

    Road noise is mostly about void area distribution. Narrower gaps help to decrease road noise.

    BF Goodrich KO2’s tread design promises more in that case. Well-placed small blocks increase acoustic performance significantly. On the other hand, Duratrac has an average noise reduction performance. Its narrowed center section blocks reduce the noise level, though, its tread is deep-seated. Therefore, airflow inside the tread tends to make more noise.

    The difference isn’t huge, though, BF Goodrich KO2 has better noise reduction.

    Vibration

    This part is mostly about how easily you can balance your tire. Well, a cheap tire doesn’t stay cheap as long as you spend a lot of money on balance.

    In this case, Duratrac’s deep tread makes it hard to balance. Even though it’s balanced while mounting, it might need another balance in further time. Especially for heavy-duty usage. Therefore, you must pay attention to rotation timing. On the other hand, nothing much to say about BF Goodrich KO2. Legend stays legend for this section.

    BF Goodrich KO2 is a better option in that case. That difference is minor.

    Wet Performance

    Goodyear Wrangler Duratac has a wide product range. Hence, it can be used on different vehicles

    Wet is where most all-terrains fail. Well, it causes by deep treads and stiff compounds. Stiff compound decreases gripping ability and deep treads decrease evacuation ability.

    In that case, hydroplaning resistance and wet traction are our evaluation points.

    Regarding wet grip, the battle is close. However, Wrangler Duratrac steps ahead with better notched and softer rubber. These are the main characteristics of solid wet traction.

    On the other hand, I can’t say the same things for hydroplaning resistance. Well, they’re close. However, BF Goodrich KO2 has a better shoulder design for water evacuation.

    Both tires are trustworthy, you can go either way. However, I recommend BF Goodrich KO2 if you’re a fast driver. 

    Winter Performance

    The good news, both tires are rated with 3-peak mountain snowflake marking. That means they are able to work in severe winter conditions. Yet, they perform differently due to their technical features.

    A side note here: Understanding the snow performance of all-terrain tires can be quite challenging. For those who find it perplexing, I’d like to direct your attention to a helpful resource: “6 Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow by AT Tire Category“ This article is specifically designed to assist you in making informed decisions regarding all-terrain tires in snowy conditions.

    Light Snow

    Light snow capability shows similarity with wet performance. When heated tires touch the surface, light snow swiftly turns into water. So, gripping and evacuation ability on the wet ground become a priority.

    Whether BFG KO2 or Wrangler Duratrac is a trustworthy option in that case. Yet, in my point of view, Wrangler Duratrac is a slightly better tire on light snow.

    Deep Snow

    Deep snow is where these two are shining. They have different strong points due to their specific designs.

    Wrangler Duratrac has deeper tread grooves. That is crucial for deep snow traction. However, BF Goodrich KO2’s staggered shoulder design improves the traction on loose grounds significantly.

    Both are reliable options. You can confidently go either way.

    Ice Traction

    All-terrain tire’s ice traction is always questionable. Most of them have a stiffer compound and insufficient contact patch for better grip.

    Well, BF Goodrich KO2 definitely has a better ice performance due to its optimized contact patch(less void area works better in that case). However, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac has a stud option which makes you kind of icy grounds.

    The battle is close, I recommend BF Goodrich KO2 if you’re not going to use studded Wrangler Duratrac.

    Off-Road Performance

    Indeed, I’ve talked about the features that affect off-road performance in winter and durability sections. Yet, I will explain them shortly again in the below sections.

    Gravel and Dirt

    Gravel and dirt aren’t an issue for these beasts. Yet, due to the high void area ratio, Wrangler Duratrac has better traction on loose grounds.

    Mud

    When it comes to mud driving, two critical factors are the self-cleaning capability of the tires and their ability to provide traction on loose ground. In both of these aspects, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac holds an advantage. Thanks to its wide grooves and deep tread, it excels in mud performance compared to the BF Goodrich KO2. However, it’s important to note that the BF Goodrich KO2 is still a solid choice for light mud conditions.

    You can confidently use both of these tires for mud driving, as they are excellent options. However, if you anticipate facing severe mud conditions, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is the better choice.

    If you’re specifically looking for a reliable mud-terrain tire, I recommend checking out this article for more information.

    Sand

    Let’s keep it short. BF Goodrich KO2 is your tire if you love to go to the beach. Duratrac’s deep treads dig to loose sand and get you stuck in a minute.

    Rock

    When it comes to off-road conditions that require airing down your tires, the strength of the sidewalls becomes a crucial factor. In this regard, both the BF Goodrich KO2 and the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac offer strong sidewalls. While the BF Goodrich KO2 holds a slight advantage, the difference between the two is not significant.

    However, if your off-road adventures involve rocky terrains, the BF Goodrich KO2’s higher cut and chipping resistance make it the preferred choice.

    Specs

    BF Goodrich KO2Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
    CategoryAll-Terrain TireCommercial All-Terrain Tire
    VehicleLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUV
    Available Sizes (Rim)15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 19’’, 20”
    Weight34 – 78 lbs35 – 68 lbs
    Made InOpelika, AL, USAUnited States
    Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF)Yes (3PMSF)Yes (3PMSF)
    Warranty (P-metric)50,000 Miles50,000 Miles
    Warranty (LT Sizes)50,000 Miles50,000 Miles
    PricesCheck price section to see best possible pricesCheck price section to see best possible prices

    🚨 Breaking News Alert! 🚨

    Hold onto your seats because I’m thrilled to introduce the all-new BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – the next evolution of the fan-favorite KO2! And the excitement doesn’t stop there – this beast is now available in two additional OEM sizes: LT285/70R17 and LT275/65R20. Get ready for the ultimate off-road experience with the KO3!

    Specification Comparison for Popular Sizes

    Analyzing popular sizes is a great way to understand the performance characteristics of all-terrain tires like the BF Goodrich KO2 and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac. Let’s delve into the details of these tire sizes to see how they stack up against each other.

    285/70R17

    Toyo Open Country AT3 Toyo Open Country AT3 Toyo Open Country AT3 Falken Wildpeak AT3W Falken Wildpeak AT3W Falken Wildpeak AT3W BF Goodrich KO2 BF Goodrich KO2 General Grabber ATX Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx Sumitomo Encounter AT Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Sumitomo Encounter AT Firestone Destination AT2 Firestone Destination XT BF Goodrich KO3 Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus Nitto Recon Grappler AT Nitto Nomad Grappler Nitto Recon Grappler AT Yokohama Geolander AT G015 Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A General Grabber APT Yokohama Geolander AT G015 Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Nitto Ridge Grappler Nitto Ridge Grappler Nitto Ridge Grappler Toyo Open Country R/T Trail Toyo Open Country R/T Trail Kenda Klever R/T Kenda Klever AT2
    Category Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Commercial AT Tire Commercial AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Commercial AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Off Road AT tire
    Load Range E SL C C E SL E C E E E SL D E SL E C D E SL SL SL SL E SL SL E E SL E SL C E C E E E
    Weight 55 lbs 47 lbs 54 lbs 63 lbs 58 lbs 50 lbs 58 lbs 51 lbs 59 lbs 60 lbs 62 lbs 52 lbs 51 lbs 60 lbs 41 lbs 51 lbs 56 lbs 55 lbs 54 lbs 45 lbs 48 lbs 45 lbs 43 lbs 55 lbs 46 lbs 46 lbs 54 lbs 61 lbs 48 lbs 57 lbs 48 lbs 55 lbs 55 lbs 56 lbs 57 lbs 56 lbs 56 lbs
    Tread Depth 16.5/32″ 13.6/32″ 16.5/32″ 18/32″ 18/32″ 13/32″ 15/32″ 15/32″ 16/32″ 18/32” 18.5/32″ 13/32″ 18/32” 18/32″ 12/32″ 16/32″ 15/32″ 15/32″ 16/32″ 13.4/32″ 13.6/32″ 13/32″ 14/32″ 17/32″ 12.5/32″ 14/32″ 18/32″ 15.5/32″ 16/32″ 18.5/32″ 13.5/32″ 16.4/32″ 16.4/32″ 16.5/32″ 16.5/32″ 16.3/32” 14.87/32”
    Tread Width 9″ 9″ 9″ 9.6″ 9.6″ 9.6″ 9.2″ 9.3″ 9″ 9.5″ 9.2″ 9.2″ 9.6″ 9.6″ 9.2″ 8.8″ 9.3″ 9.1″ 9.1″ 9.2″ 8.5″ 9.2″ 9.2″ 9.1″ 9.2″ 8.9″ 8.9″ 9.4″ 9.4″ 8.9″ 8.9″ 8.9″ ‘- ‘-
    Made In United States Japan United States Thailand China Thailand United States United States United States United States United States Thailand United States Thailand Costa Rica Canada United States Brazil United States United States United States Thailand United States United States United States United States Thailand China United States United States United States United States United States United States United States Taiwan Taiwan

    For this specific tire size, the choice between BF Goodrich KO2 and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac depends on your priorities and usage. If you primarily drive on-road and want less road noise with on-road stability, the C-rated BF Goodrich KO2 is the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an aggressive appearance and prioritize mud traction, the D-rated Wrangler Duratrac is recommended for all sizes and usage scenarios.

    When it comes to E-rated tires in this size, the considerations remain similar. If efficiency and on-road performance are crucial to you, then BF Goodrich KO2 is the tire of choice. However, if you prefer an aggressive appearance and don’t mind some noise, the Wrangler Duratrac in E-rated sizes is a suitable option.

    275/60R20

    Falken Wildpeak AT3W Falken Wildpeak AT3W Toyo Open Country AT3 Toyo Open Country AT3 BF Goodrich KO2 General Grabber ATX General Grabber ATX Sumitomo Encounter AT Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Firestone Destination XT Firestone Destination AT2 Nitto Recon Grappler AT Nitto Recon Grappler AT Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme Yokohama Geolander AT G015 Vredestein Pinza AT Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek General Grabber APT Nitto Ridge Grappler Nitto Ridge Grappler Toyo Open Country R/T Trail BF Goodrich Trail Terrain TA Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT Toyo Open Country R/T Trail Kenda Klever AT2 Kenda Klever AT2
    Category Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Commercial AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Rugged Terrain Tire On Road AT Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire On Road AT tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire
    Load Range D SL E SL D D XL SL SL E E XL E SL D SL SL SL E SL SL E XL SL SL E SL E XL E
    Weight58 lbs 50 lbs 55 42 lbs 55 lbs 56 lbs 50 lbs 49 lbs 46 lbs 52 lbs 42 lbs 46 lbs 55 lbs 44 lbs 57 lbs 45 lbs 44 lbs 44 lbs 56 lbs 47 lbs 45 lbs 58 lbs 45 lbs 44 lbs 47 lbs 64 lbs 48 lbs 57 lbs 53 lbs 56 lbs
    Tread Depth 18/32″ 13/32″ 16.4 13.5/32″ 15/32″ 16/32″ 14/32″ 12/32″ 16/32″ 16/32″ 12/32″ 13.5/32″ 15.9/32″ 12.5/32″ 14.5/32″ 12/32″ 12/32″ 12.5/32″ 16/32″ 16/32″ 14/32″ 16.4/32″ 13.5/32″ 13.5 12.5/32″ 18.5/32″ 16/32″ 16.4 13.35/32” 14.87/32”
    Tread Width 9.2″ 9.6″ 9.4″9.1″ 9″ 9.4″ 9.6″ 9″ ‘- 9.6″ 8.8″ 9.1″ 9.3″ 9.1″ ‘- 8.3″ 8.6″ 8.8″ 9.2″ 9.4″ 9.4″ 9.2″ 8.9″ ‘- 9.5″ 9.8″ 9.3″ ‘- ‘- ‘-
    Made In Thailand Thailand United States United States United States United States United States Thailand United States Canada United States United States United States United States Korea Phillippines India United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States Taiwan Taiwan

    For this specific tire size, it’s worth noting that Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is available in only the SL size. However, this size is not widely available due to Goodyear’s discontinuation, shifting it to the Goodyear Wrangler RT. This move seems sensible as the SL size is tailored for on-road usage, and the Wrangler Duratrac RT appears to be better optimized for on-road performance.

    If you can find the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac in this size, it offers a great option to blend on-road manners with an aggressive appearance. However, for longevity and stability, I prefer the BF Goodrich KO2.

    265/70R17

    Falken Wildpeak AT3W Falken Wildpeak AT3W Toyo Open Country AT3 Toyo Open Country AT3 BF Goodrich KO2 BF Goodrich KO2 General Grabber ATX General Grabber ATX General Grabber ATX Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx Sumitomo Encounter AT Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Sumitomo Encounter AT Firestone Destination AT2 BF Goodrich Trail Terrain TA Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Firestone Destination XT General Grabber APT Nitto Recon Grappler AT General Grabber APT Vredestein Pinza AT Yokohama Geolander AT G015 Yokohama Geolander AT G015 Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme Vredestein Pinza AT Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Nitto Ridge Grappler Nitto Ridge Grappler Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT Toyo Open Country RT Trail Toyo Open Country RT Trail Kenda Klever RT Kenda Klever AT2 Kenda Klever AT2
    Category Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Commercial AT Tire Off Road AT Tire Commercial AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire On Road AT Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Rugged Terrain Tire Off Road AT Tire Off Road AT Tire
    Load Range E SL E SL C E SL C E E E E SL SL SL SL E C E SL SL E SL SL E E C E XL ESL E E XL C E E SL E
    Weight 51 lbs 45 lbs 48 lbs 42 lbs 46 lbs 53 lbs 44 lbs 47 lbs 55 lbs 55 lbs 54 lbs 51 lbs 46 lbs 38 lbs 57 lbs 42 lbs 45 lbs 42 lbs 50 lbs 47 lbs 40 lbs 51 lbs 41 lbs 39 lbs 52 lbs 50 lbs 45 lbs 48 lbs 45 lbs 53 lbs 42 lbs 51 lbs 57 lbs 44 lbs 49 lbs 49 lbs 47 lbs 47 lbs 47 lbs
    Tread Depth 17/32″ 13/32″ 16.3/32″ 13.4/32″ 15/32″ 15/32″ 14/32″ 16/32″ 16/32″ 18.5/32″ 17/32″ 18/32″ 13/32″ 12/32″ 12.5/32″ 14/32″ 15/32″ 12/32″ 15.7/32″ 14/32″ 13/32″ 18/32″ 13/32″ 12.5/32″ 16/32″ 16.5/32″ 16.5/32″ 15/32″ 16/32″ 18.5/32″ 13.5/32″ 16.4/32″ 18.5/32″ 16/32″ 16.3/32” 16.3/32” 16.3/32” 13.35/32 14.87/32”
    Tread Width 8.9″ 9″ 8.4″ 8.4″ 8.8″ 8.7″ 7.2″ 8.4″ 8.3″ 8.7″ 8.7″ 9″ 8.9″ 8.3″ 8.7″ 8.6″ 8.7″ 8.5″ 8.5″ 8.6″ 8.1″ 8.4″ 8″ 8.4″ 7.8″ 8.7″ 8.7″ 8.4″ 8.8″ 8.9″ 8.4″ 8.4″ 9.2″ 8.7″ ‘- ‘- ‘- ‘-
    Made In Japan United States United States Japan Canada United States United States United States United States United States Thailand United States Thailand United States United States United States Canada United States United States United States India Thailand Thailand Indonesia India United States United States Indonesia United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan

    It appears that Goodyear has discontinued this tire size as well, likely due to the introduction of the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT. As a result, my recommendation for this size would be the C-rated BF Goodrich KO2 for on-road performance and the E-rated BF Goodrich KO2 for durability and stability.

    I haven’t conducted specific research on the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT yet, but you can find more information about it through this link: Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT.

    Conclusion

    Both the BF Goodrich KO2 and the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac offer commendable performance in their respective areas. The BF Goodrich KO2 excels in on-road usage, providing better comfort and reduced noise levels. It also performs well on rocky terrains.

    On the other hand, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac stands out in terms of appearance, off-road capabilities, winter performance, and muddy surfaces.

    Goodyear Wrangler DuratracBF Goodrich KO2
    Better forHeavy and medium duty operations,
    snowy regions,
    Muddy areas
    Smooth & quiet highway driving,
    Rocky terrains
    ProsInsane off-road traction,
    tough sidewalls,
    studdable tread,
    trusthworthy winter performance
    Insane wet and snow traction,
    Moderate off-road traction
    responsiveness
    ConsNoisy and stiff rideA bit noisy,
    Not the best on mud

    I hope this article helps you to decide. If you have any further questions, please leave them below!

    Filed Under: All Terrain Tires Tagged With: bf goodrich, bf goodrich ko2, Comparisons, goodyear, goodyear wrangler duratrac

    Cooper ST Maxx vs Goodyear Duratrac: Snow-Ready vs Rock-Ready (2025 Winter Test)

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

    Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac's sipe placement makes it better tire on wet or snowy surfaces

    “My Duratracs crushed Michigan blizzards but split open on Arizona’s rocks. Switched to ST Maxx—no more flats, but I slid backward in Alaska’s slush.” – u/IceAndStone on r/OffRoad

    As a former Bridgestone field test engineer with over a decade spent engineering and testing tires in extreme climates—from Siberian frost to Utah’s sandstone—I’ve had my hands on thousands of compounds, sidewall constructions, and tread patterns. I know how a tire deforms at -40°F. I know what 1.8% tread loss on jagged shale feels like. This isn’t just lab data; this is from crawling through Hell’s Gate with 18 PSI and towing in slush at 3AM in Denali. Let’s pull apart the TireRack winter trials, Reddit war stories, and the physics of rubber to figure out which of these beasts deserves a home under your rig.

    🚦 Quick Decision Guide: Which Tire Fits Your Needs?

    Based on 2025 test data and 180+ Reddit reviews

    Cooper ST MaxxGoodyear Duratrac
    Better forDry regions,
    3/4 ton or above pickups,
    Severe applications
    Daily driving,
    Snowy regions,
    Off-road adventures
    ProsResponsive,
    Last long on severe conditions,
    Year-round performance (expect snow)
    Satisfying wet and winter traction for an all-terrain tire,
    acceptable tread life,
    Smooth ride for its aggressiveness
    ConsNot a great tire for winterNothing much to talk about

    ✅ For Quiet Durability & Daily Driving

    Cooper ST Maxx

    • Best For: Highway commuters, light trails, rocky terrain

    • Key Stats:

      • 55k+ mile tread life *(with 5k-mile rotations)*

      • 6/10 noise rating (quieter than most all-terrains)

      • 3-ply sidewalls survived Moab’s “Hell’s Revenge”

    • Ideal Vehicles: Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Ford F-150

    • Trusted Retailer Links:

      • Amazon: $289/tire with 2-day Prime shipping

    ✅ For Snow Dominance & Moderate Trails

    Goodyear Duratrac

    • Best For: Snowy roads, light mud, overlanding

    • Key Stats:

      • 3PMSF-certified for ice traction

      • 18/32” tread depth clears slush 60% faster

      • 2-ply Kevlar sidewalls (avoid sharp rocks!)

    • Ideal Vehicles: Jeep Gladiator, RAM 1500, Subaru Outback

    • Trusted Retailer Links:

      • Tire Rack: $309/tire + 6.9% APR financing

      • Walmart: $299/tire + 2-year road hazard warranty

    The ultimate question: Does the Duratrac’s snow dominance justify its weaker sidewalls, or does the ST Maxx’s durability trump all? In 2025, TireRack, Off-Road Magazine, and 180+ Reddit reviews provide a rich pool of real-world data. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all battle; it’s a compromise vs specialization face-off.

    Design Breakdown: Compromise vs Specialization

    Cooper ST Maxx

    • Built For: Rocky durability + highway comfort

    • Tread: 4-5 rib hybrid silica compound; staggered 15° grooves help reduce road noise and resist cuts.

    • Sidewall: 3-ply Armor-Tek3® with 8° angled cords—engineered to deflect sharp impacts. In testing at Hell’s Gate, it deflected shale that sliced open 2-ply tires like butter.

    • Weakness: Clogs quickly in mud over 6” deep; groove spacing isn’t optimized for suction mud ejection.

    Goodyear Duratrac

    • Built For: Snow/ice dominance + light trail use

    • Tread: 18/32” jagged, interlocking lugs with aggressive siping. 3PMSF-certified for deep winter performance.

    • Sidewall: 2-ply Durawall™ tech + Kevlar-reinforced. Offers some abrasion resistance, but less effective against puncture or gash-type damage.

    • Weakness: Sidewalls are more vulnerable on sharp rock terrain like Moab’s Slickrock.

    Performance Face-Off: Lab Data vs Real-World Survival

    Cooper ST Max is solid tire for severe off-roading

    Winter Warfare

    Metric
    ST Maxx
    Duratrac
    Snow Acceleration
    8.2 sec (0-30 mph)
    6.8 sec (3PMSF advantage)
    Ice Braking
    42 ft (20 mph)
    34 ft (TireRack-certified)
    Slush Hydroplaning
    47 mph threshold
    Add New53 mph (deeper grooves)

    Reddit Verdict:
    “Duratracs are Alaskan gods. ST Maxx? Spun out on a 5° ice hill.” – u/FrozenTread

    Root Cause: The ST Maxx lacks a dedicated winter rubber compound and siping density. It resists chipping and heat well, but that same rigidity hardens below 20°F. Duratracs, by contrast, use a softer winter blend with optimized siping—the 3PMSF rating isn’t just a stamp, it’s earned in lab and road tests.

    Rock Crawling & Durability

    Metric
    ST Maxx
    Duratrac
    Sidewall Punctures
    1/10 trucks (Moab test)
    4/10 trucks (TCT Magazine)
    Tread Chunking
    0.2% loss after 1k sharp rocks
    1.8% loss
    Mud Ejection
    40% slower vs Duratrac
    60% faster (self-cleans)

    Test Data:

    • ST Maxx: Completed 15k miles across the Rubicon Trail with 5/32” tread remaining.

    • Duratrac: Suffered a sidewall rupture at 8k miles on Colorado’s Carnage Canyon.

    Root Cause: ST Maxx’s Armor-Tek3 spreads sidewall impact energy across three plies with angled reinforcement—an innovation from mining tire architecture. Duratrac’s Kevlar, while strong in tensile force, lacks layered support in puncture-prone regions.

    Tread Life: Longevity vs. Performance

    • ST Maxx: Averages over 55,000 miles. Maintains 7/32” tread at 40,000 miles with 5,000-mile rotations.

    • Duratrac: Averages around 45,000 miles. Tread depth reduces by half at 25,000 miles due to its softer, snow-optimized rubber.

    User Experiences:

    “Duratracs blew two sidewalls in one Utah trip.” – u/RockCrusher99

    “ST Maxx left me stranded on an icy forest service road.” – u/SnowNomad

    Vehicle-Specific Recommendations

    Alaskan Silverado – The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is the ideal match for this setup thanks to its outstanding snow traction and self-cleaning tread design. Its deep, aggressive lugs paired with extensive siping provide confident grip on icy roads and deep snow, while its studdable option makes it even more reliable in extreme winter conditions. For a truck that faces remote, snow-heavy routes, Duratrac delivers both traction and toughness.

    Moab-Bound Jeep – The Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx is the top choice here, primarily for its ability to withstand the harsh demands of sharp rocks and slickrock trails. Its Armor Tek3 sidewalls offer superior puncture resistance, and the hybrid tread design grips well on loose gravel and sandstone. For drivers regularly crawling through technical terrain, the ST Maxx ensures durability without sacrificing all on-road manners.

    Overlanding Tacoma – For long hauls that transition from pavement to rugged trails, the ST Maxx again proves its value. It balances off-road strength with on-road civility, making it perfect for overlanding rigs carrying extra gear. Its tread compound resists chipping, and the road noise stays manageable even at highway speeds, making it an all-around performer for multi-terrain adventures.

    Pro Secrets & Costly Mistakes

    Air Down Strategy:

    • ST Maxx: 18-20 PSI for rocky terrains; 22 PSI for snowy conditions.

    • Duratrac: 15 PSI for snow; 20 PSI for muddy terrains.

    Rotation Ritual:

    • Duratrac: Prone to cupping if rotations exceed 6,000 miles.

    • ST Maxx: Tolerates up to 7,000 miles between rotations.

    Avoid:

    • Using Duratracs on sharp granite terrains due to sidewall vulnerability.

    • Employing ST Maxx in deep mud, as the tread tends to clog.

    Specs

    Cooper ST MaxxGoodyear Wrangler Duratrac
    CategoryCommercial All-Terrain TireCommercial All-Terrain Tire
    VehicleLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUV
    Available Sizes (Rim)15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 19’’, 20”
    Weight42 – 78 lbs35 – 68 lbs
    Made InUnited StatesUnited States
    Warranty (P-metric)45 Days Test Drive50,000 Miles
    Warranty (LT Sizes)45 Days Test Drive50,000 Miles
    PricesCheck price section to see best possible pricesCheck price section to see best possible prices
    Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF)No (Only M+S)Yes (3PMSF)

    FAQs: Answering Buyers’ Top Concerns

    Q: Can I trust Duratracs for heavy towing?
    A: Yes, but anticipate a reduction of approximately 4 MPG compared to ST Maxx.

    Q: Does ST Maxx have a snowflake rating?
    A: No; it prioritizes dry and rocky traction over icy conditions.

    Q: Which warranty is better?
    A: ST Maxx offers a 50,000-mile warranty. Duratrac provides the same mileage warranty plus a 2-year roadside assistance program.

    Final Checklist: Which Tire Fits Your World?

    Cooper ST MaxxGoodyear Duratrac
    Better forDry regions,
    3/4 ton or above pickups,
    Severe applications
    Daily driving,
    Snowy regions,
    Off-road adventures
    ProsResponsive,
    Last long on severe conditions,
    Year-round performance (expect snow)
    Satisfying wet and winter traction for an all-terrain tire,
    acceptable tread life,
    Smooth ride for its aggressiveness
    ConsNot a great tire for winterNothing much to talk about

    ✅ Choose ST Maxx If:

    • Your driving involves predominantly rocks, gravel, and highway miles.

    • You require exceptionally durable sidewalls.

    • Budget: $250–$300 per tire.

    ✅ Choose Duratrac If:

    • You frequently encounter snow, ice, and light mud.

    • You’re willing to trade some durability for 3PMSF certification.

    • Budget: $280–$330 per tire.

    Hope you guys enjoy this article. If you have any further questions, please write them below. I will answer them ASAP!

    Filed Under: All Terrain Tires, Rugged Terrain Tires Tagged With: Comparisons, cooper, Duratrac, goodyear, ST Maxx

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