Is the KO3 good on-road?

Yes, but it feels heavy. Dry grip is stable (140-ft stop, 0.72 g), though steering response is slower than road-biased A/Ts.

How does the KO3 handle rain?

Wet braking is a weak point (~184 ft, 0.46 traction). It stays straight under load but needs extra stopping distance.

Is the KO3 good in snow?

Strong in loose snow (72.3-ft stop, 46.4-ft launch), but less convincing on packed or plowed surfaces.

How does the KO3 perform on ice?

It stops in ~46.2 ft. Predictable slide, but longer distances mean caution is needed in icy climates.

Is the KO3 good off-road?

Yes — with 9.5 dirt, 9.5 sand, 9.2 mud, 9.5 rock, it’s one of the toughest A/Ts, built for rocky, muddy, and desert terrain.

How comfortable is it?

Comfort is firm (~7.5/10). Starts quiet, but hum builds over time, especially if rotations are missed.

How long does the KO3 last?

Typically 45–55k miles with proper rotations. Durable compound resists chipping but grows noisy if neglected.

Which vehicles fit it best?

Best for ½-ton and HD trucks used in rocky, dry, or trail-heavy regions. Overkill for SUVs or rain-heavy commutes.

Review

BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 Review

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 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is the long-awaited successor to the legendary KO2 — and expectations couldn’t be higher. Classified as an Off-Road A/T tire, it builds on KO2’s legacy of sidewall toughness and off-road bite while addressing some of its shortcomings like wet braking and highway hum. If you want to see exactly how the two compare, check out our BFGoodrich KO3 vs KO2 breakdown.

With competitors like the Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W(now new Wildpeak AT4W) setting new standards, BFG clearly borrowed cues in its updated tread design and compound. From our testing and driver reports, the KO3 retains the rugged durability KO-series owners demand, while adding better wet grip, refined road manners, and a modern compound that locks in its 3PMSF winter rating. It’s a tire built for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs that need year-round dependability with true off-road capability.

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down how the KO3 performs across dry, wet, snow, and off-road testing. You can also use our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool to instantly compare it against other A/T options for your exact vehicle.

Quick Look

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3

Tested Rating: 8.5/10

The BFGoodrich KO3 is one of the toughest all-terrains on the market, built for durability and trail confidence. On-road, it feels steady but heavy (140-ft dry stop, 0.72 g cornering), and it asks for extra margin in the wet (184 ft, 0.46 g). In snow, it claws confidently through loose drifts (72-ft stop, 46.4-ft launch) but slides longer on packed surfaces, while on ice it stays predictable though not short-stopping (46.2 ft). Off-road is where it truly dominates, scoring 9.5 dirt, 9.5 sand, 9.2 mud, and 9.5 rock, with reinforced 3-ply sidewalls and a blocky tread that make it a goat in rocky and muddy terrain. Comfort is firm but acceptable (7.5/10), with noise building as miles stack up, while tread life runs 45–55k miles if rotations are strict.

👉 Bottom line: the KO3 is built for ¾-ton and HD trucks in rocky, dry, and off-pavement regions — less convincing in rain or snow-belt states, but unmatched in sheer toughness.

Raw Test Data

Tire Test Data

Pick categories to show metrics, then open ☰ to pick tires. Optional chart is hidden by default.

Parentheses show the rank among the currently displayed tires (1 = best for that metric).

Note: Lower is better for Stopping & Acceleration; higher is better for g-force, comfort, traction & off-road ratings. Parentheses show the rank among the currently displayed tires (1 = best for that metric).

Sources worth checking

Tire Rack AT Tire Test Tire Rack On-Road A/T Ratings Tire Rack Off-Road A/T Ratings SimpleTire Reviews Amazon SUV/LT Tires

BFG KO2 vs KO3: What Changed?

In the intricate world of tire manufacturing, continuity often prevails. If a design proves successful, why reinvent the wheel, right? However, once in a while, a trailblazer like BF Goodrich disrupts the status quo.

Consider this: From the initial idea to a tire’s arrival on store shelves, a staggering three-year period typically passes. It’s quite astounding, isn’t it? You might wonder, “What could possibly take so much time?” Well, a significant chunk of this duration is dedicated to rigorous field-testing. These tires must be prepared to face a multitude of challenges.

There’s some industry buzz that BF Goodrich’s innovative wheels began turning as early as March 2020, perhaps inspired by Toyo’s AT3. In the world of tires, competition is fierce, driving innovation and evolution.

When you put the Toyo AT3 and BF Goodrich KO3 side by side, you’ll notice some parallels. The core of the BF Goodrich KO3, its center section, resembles the Toyo AT3, setting it apart from its predecessor, the KO2.

	BF Goodrich KO3	BF Goodrich KO2
Size	LT285/70R17	LT285/70R17
Tread Depth	15/32″	15/32″
Tire Weight	56 lbs	51 lbs
Section Width	11.5″	11.5″
Tread Width	8.8″	9.4”

One notable trend? The emergence of the ‘S-shape’ lug design. It’s the talk of the town, mainly because it enhances a tire’s biting edges. Think of it as giving your tire extra “teeth” for improved grip. The BF Goodrich KO3 doesn’t just adopt this trend; it refines it. By incorporating these S-shaped lugs, the KO3 creates a more consolidated center section, resulting in a welcome reduction in road noise.

However, no story is without its twists. While the KO3 boasts a host of upgrades, it’s not without its drawbacks. When navigating loose terrains, those horizontally-oriented lugs appear to present a slight challenge. But when comparing the KO2 and KO3, the latter’s horizontal orientation offers improved traction on loose terrain, albeit with potentially faster wear. BF Goodrich’s solution? A narrower tread width on the KO3. Aesthetically inclined folks, take note!

Now, let’s talk weight. The BF Goodrich KO3 is 5 lbs heavier compared to the KO2. Since both tires have the same tread depth, the weight differance is mostly caused by the compactness of BF Goodrich KO3.

In summary, the BF Goodrich KO3 emerges as a formidable contender, showcasing superior on-road finesse and wet grip, with a slight compromise on loose terrains. Particularly for those with towing or hauling needs, the KO3 stands as a compelling choice, if you’re okay with shorter life span.

A word of caution: This assessment primarily applies to the BF Goodrich KO3 specifications available for the sizes LT285/70R17 and LT275/65R20.

If you want the full KO2 vs KO3 breakdown, check out my detailed BFGoodrich KO3 vs KO2 comparison

Dry Performance — Stable but Not Sporty

This review draws from the dataset I’ve built — a blend of structured results, community feedback, and my own short driving impressions. On dry pavement, the KO3 posts a 140-foot stop with 0.72 g cornering grip. Those numbers don’t scream agility, but they highlight what this tire does best: stability. In my own drive, it felt more like steering a tugboat than a speedboat — slow to respond, but rock steady once on line.

Drivers echo the same. A TacomaWorld driver said it “feels heavier on the wheel,” while a Jeep Gladiator owner mentioned it “stays planted once it sets.” That’s the 3-ply sidewall and blocky tread layout at work. It minimizes squirm, which builds confidence under weight, but you sacrifice nimbleness.

SUVs & crossovers: feels overbuilt, steering muted
½-tons: delivers predictable highway stability, steady under normal load
¾-ton & HD trucks: the sweet spot, stiffness matches weight and trailers

👉 Verdict: Think tugboat, not speedboat — not quick, but unshakable once moving.

Wet Performance — Needs Extra Room

On a downpour, the KO3 makes you think ahead. It stopped in 184 feet with 0.46 g traction, which is long compared to road-focused A/Ts. When I braked hard on slick asphalt, ABS buzzed early, and while the truck stayed straight, it was like running in rain gear — you’ll stay upright, but not with much snap.

Drivers online say the same. One overlander wrote “it’s fine if you give it space,” while another added “not the tire I’d pick for storm season.” That’s what happens with its harder rubber compound. The grooves move water well, but the tread itself doesn’t have the same instant adhesion as silica-rich A/Ts.

SUVs & crossovers: not ideal for storm-heavy commutes
½-tons: needs extra braking margin in the rain
¾-ton & HD trucks: tracks straight under load, though still stretches distances

👉 Verdict: Safe if you give it margin. In rain-heavy regions, a more wet-tuned A/T will inspire more confidence.

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 & Snow — Claws Loose, Slips Packed

Fresh snow is where the KO3 feels most comfortable. It posted a 72.3-foot stop and 46.4-foot launch, and in my own drive, it clawed forward like a snowblower plowing through drifts. But once the road turned plowed and polished, braking grew longer and traction felt more like sliding with dull ski edges — steady, but slower to bite.

Owners have the same mixed take. One TacomaWorld user said it “powers through an unplowed driveway,” while another admitted it “slides longer on polished roads.” The design makes it clear why. The deep voids and aggressive shoulders shovel well in fluff, but the limited siping and firm compound reduce effectiveness once the snow hardens.

SUVs & crossovers: fine for occasional snow, but brake earlier on pack
½-tons: capable with 4WD, though plowed surfaces feel longer
¾-ton & HD trucks: weight steadies it, but hardpack still stretches stops

👉 Verdict: Great in loose snow, less convincing on plowed roads. A solid winter trail tire, not a snow-belt commuter.

Ice — Predictable but Long

On glare ice, the KO3 comes in at a 46.2-foot stop. It doesn’t bite sharply, but it doesn’t surprise you either. Driving it felt like sliding across a frozen pond in sneakers — always moving farther than you’d like, but never catching you off guard.

Community feedback matches. Drivers say it “slides gradually, not suddenly.” That’s the stiff compound and lack of dense siping limiting micro-bite. It feels safe in predictability, but physics still demand longer stops.

SUVs & crossovers: tricky unless you drive with patience
½-tons: manageable, stability systems do the heavy lifting
¾-ton & HD trucks: steadier with mass, though still long on ice

👉 Verdict: Predictable in feel, but distance is the weak spot. If icy mornings are common, pair it with a dedicated winter tire.

Off-Road — KO3’s Playground

Off-road is where the KO3 feels at home. With 9.5 dirt, 9.5 sand, 9.2 mud, and 9.5 rock, it’s a standout in its class. On the trail, it reminded me of a mountain goat — steady on rocks, balanced in dirt, and unshaken in deep mud.

Trail reports confirm it. Jeep owners call it “unstoppable on rocky climbs,” while Tacoma drivers say it “pulls through mud where others spin.” The 3-ply sidewalls, staggered shoulders, interlocking blocks, and stone ejectors make it one of the toughest A/T designs available.

SUVs & crossovers: overkill unless trails are a big part of driving
½-tons: weekend-ready, covers dirt, mud, and rock without an M/T swap
¾-ton & HD trucks: one of the best off-road tires, stable even under heavy towing

👉 Verdict: Among the best off-road A/Ts available. If trails, mud, or rock are part of your life, KO3 is built for it.

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.

Comfort & Noise — Firm Ride, Hum That Builds

Early on, the KO3 rides firm but civilized. With a 7.5/10 comfort score, it starts out with just a faint hum. But like a new relationship, the quirks show with time — once miles stack up and rotations slip, the noise becomes harder to ignore.

Owners phrase it the same way: “quiet for how it looks — at first.” The variable pitch tread masks sound early, but the stiff carcass transmits more texture into the cabin, and uneven wear amplifies the hum as tread depth fades.

SUVs & crossovers: feels rougher and louder than most would want
½-tons: livable hum, trade-off for trail grip
¾-ton & HD trucks: feels normal, background blends with truck noise

👉 Verdict: Starts off calm, but like most A/Ts, hum grows with age. A fair trade for toughness.

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 & Longevity — Tough but Demanding

Most KO3 owners report 45–55k miles when rotations are done on time. I saw even wear in my test, and forum feedback backs it up. One Reddit driver summed it up: “lasts forever if you rotate, gets loud if you don’t.”

That’s the KO3 in a nutshell. It’s like a reliable workhorse — built to punch the clock every day, but it expects you to do your part. The hard compound and deep tread resist chipping and stretch life, but skip the rotation schedule and you’ll pay in noise and uneven wear.

SUVs & crossovers: rotate religiously to avoid uneven hum
½-tons: steady, long life for mixed highway and trail use
¾-ton & HD trucks: even wear under load, stable deep into its lifespan

👉 Verdict: Durable and long-wearing, but rotations aren’t optional — they’re non-negotiable.

Where It Fits Best

The KO3 is one of the toughest all-terrains available, designed for drivers who demand durability first and are willing to trade some wet and winter polish for brute strength. It thrives on trucks that see real work and trails.

SUVs & crossovers: too aggressive unless you live off pavement or drive gravel roads daily in places like Montana or Wyoming
½-tons: a great choice for drivers in Texas, Arizona, or Nevada, where rocky desert terrain and dry heat matter more than rain traction
¾-ton & HD trucks: the ideal partner for hauling and towing in Colorado, Utah, Alberta, or British Columbia, where sidewall stability and off-road bite matter most

👉 Bottom line: The KO3 belongs in regions where the pavement ends — deserts of the Southwest, the rocky Mountain West, or rural states with gravel backroads. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest rain or Northeast snow belt, a more wet- or snow-focused A/T may be the smarter play.

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

The KO3 isn’t trying to be a refined daily-driver tire — it’s unapologetically tough. If your life involves gravel, ranch roads, or towing through the Rockies, this tire fits like armor. But if most of your miles are wet commutes or icy highways, other all-terrains will give you more peace of mind. For drivers prioritizing strength and trail durability above all else, the KO3 is exactly what it promises to be.

Frequently Asked Questions: BFGoodrich KO3

Is the KO3 good on-road?
Yes, but it feels heavy. Dry grip is stable (140-ft stop, 0.72 g), though steering response is slower than road-biased A/Ts.
How does the KO3 handle rain?
Wet braking is a weak point (~184 ft, 0.46 traction). It stays straight under load but needs extra stopping distance.
Is the KO3 good in snow?
Strong in loose snow (72.3-ft stop, 46.4-ft launch), but less convincing on packed or plowed surfaces.
How does the KO3 perform on ice?
It stops in ~46.2 ft. Predictable slide, but longer distances mean caution is needed in icy climates.
Is the KO3 good off-road?
Yes — with 9.5 dirt, 9.5 sand, 9.2 mud, 9.5 rock, it’s one of the toughest A/Ts, built for rocky, muddy, and desert terrain.
How comfortable is it?
Comfort is firm (~7.5/10). Starts quiet, but hum builds over time, especially if rotations are missed.
How long does the KO3 last?
Typically 45–55k miles with proper rotations. Durable compound resists chipping but grows noisy if neglected.
Which vehicles fit it best?
Best for ½-ton and HD trucks used in rocky, dry, or trail-heavy regions. Overkill for SUVs or rain-heavy commutes.

Pathfinder AT Tire Review

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

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

The PathFinder A/T is a value-focused On-Road A/T tire built exclusively for Discount Tire. Unlike tougher Off-Road A/Ts, it’s tuned for everyday drivability — offering decent all-terrain traction for SUVs, crossovers, and light-duty pickups while keeping ride comfort and road noise in check. Many assume it’s tied to Kumho because of the similar naming, but the PathFinder A/T is best seen as Discount Tire’s in-house answer to the rising cost of premium all-terrain tires.

From our testing and driver feedback, the PathFinder A/T provides solid light-trail performance and reliable wet traction for its class. Its biggest advantage is the warranty and support that comes directly from Discount Tire — giving buyers extra peace of mind. The trade-off? It doesn’t have the refinement, snow certification, or heavy-duty capability of higher-tier options, so expectations should match its budget-friendly positioning.

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down how the PathFinder A/T performs across dry, wet, winter, and light off-road use — and if you want to see how it compares against rivals for your exact vehicle, our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool makes it easy.

	PathFinder AT
Best for	1/2 ton working trucks that spends most of time on the road, SUV owners that focus on longevity more than comfort & noise reduction, 3/4 ton or above trucks that focus on traction and sidewall durability more than longevity
Pros	Year-round traction, Winter performance, Aggressive appearance, Budget-friendly
Cons	wear out relatively quickly when used extensively for long-term off-road purposes, mainly due to its tendency to heat up rapidly, It’s a mid-grade tire, hence it produce noise and offers slightly rough ride
Vehicle	SUV, Light truck
Available Sizes	15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”
Made In	United States
Warranty	50,000 – 55,000 miles

Pathfinder AT is a versatile tire designed for both on and off-road adventures. With its exceptional dry performance, thanks to its cavitated design and biting edges, this tire delivers satisfying traction. Responsive and stable, it maneuvers well with interconnected center blocks. The Pathfinder AT shines in cornering stability, with robust sidewalls and beefy shoulder blocks. Its softer compound and zigzag sipes enhance wet traction, while the 3PMSF rating ensures decent winter performance. While road noise may be present, its relatively low tread depth offers a comfortable ride. Designed for durability and off-road performance, it excels on rocky terrains and muddy surfaces. Exclusive to Discount Tire, the Pathfinder AT comes with warranties for added peace of mind. Embark on your next adventure confidently with the Pathfinder AT, a tire that combines traction, stability, and versatility.

Dry Performance

The dry performance of all-terrain tires is generally pretty satisfying. This is because of the nature of these tires.

All-terrain tires are cavitated and have a lot of biting edges due to increasing traction capability.

The equation is similar for Pathfinder AT also. It provides pretty well dry traction. It’s expected because this tire is marked with 3PMSF.

I know 3PMSF rates the winter performance. However, 3PMSF tires have a 30% softer compound which leads them to better gripping ability.

In summary, Pathfinder AT provides decent dry performance. I’m saying decent because dry performance isn’t only dry traction. Responsiveness and cornering stability are a huge part of it.

Let’s talk about them in another section.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness of all-terrain tires related to the tread design and compound stiffness.

To provide more precise output, I prefer the analyze responsiveness by load range.

I know most of you reading this review because you want an aggressive look and looking for a budget-friendly tire.

Here are a couple of things to know before making any purchase,

If you’re changing from the all-season tires, there is no way this tire make you happy regarding responsiveness
If you’re changing from an all-terrain tire, I kindly ask you to define your needs properly. This is a concept, medium-duty tire. It’s not going to be the same as your premium brand tire (Hello Toyo AT3 of BFG KO2 owners)

Let’s get a bit more technical.

The game changer regarding responsiveness is a center rib. If the center rib is continuous or at least interlocked, the tire provides superior and quick responsiveness. As you can see Pathfinder AT has neither. Yet, its center blocks are interconnected which leads to satisfying responsiveness. However, this makes it hard to balance it might cause slight vibration at high speed.

If you’re not an aggressive driver and have an SUV or CUV, Pathfinder AT gonna make you happy for sure.

Let’s talk about 3/4 ton or above pickup owners. If you’re pulling a trailer, I think you should stay away from this tire. Interconnected tread design mostly causes a slight drift while driving. Too much danger for me. However, if you’re not pulling a trailer, it probably put you on top of the world.

If you’re not pulling a trailer, Pathfinder AT might be a good option for you. However, this design generally causes uneven wearing. So, rotation time is key for you.

Note: Pathfinder AT has relatively low tread depth which is a great advantage for superior responsiveness.

Cornering Stability

Cornering stability is where Pathfinder AT shines.

As I’ve mentioned before, this is a medium-duty tire. You can’t do severe off-road with this tire but it has a beefy and strong sidewall to provide decent stability.

Pathfinder AT has a B-rated heat resistance for p-metric sizes. This is good for cornering stability but bad for longevity.

Its robust and beefy shoulder blocks help the tire to keep its shape and provide great cornering stability.

Pathfinder AT has a unique cornering stability.

Wet Performance

The wet performance of all-terrain tires is generally questionable because of their robust compounds. These tires face severe external effects. So, they should have cut&chipping resistance.

Pathfinder AT has a slight advantage out here. While most all-terrain tires have at least a 600 UTQG rating for p-metric sizes, this dude has 500. That basically means it has a softer compound which is great for wet traction.

Well, is it enough? Not much.

Besides the soft compound, Pathfinder AT has zigzag sipes on the shoulder blocks and lateral full-depth sipes on the center section. While zigzag one increases the wet traction and decreases the aquaplaning capability, lateral ones on the center blocks prevent heel and toe-type uneven wearing.

Overall, Pathfinder AT is an alpha plus wet performance tire that also provides unique hydroplaning resistance because of its open shoulder blocks.

Winter Performance

Winter performance of all-terrain tires is generally poor if the tire doesn’t mark with 3PMSF.

Luckily, Pathfinder AT has this labeling. The label is proof that the compound of Pathfinder AT stays sticky when the weather gets cold.

Due to its soft compound and extra biting edges, Pathfinder AT provides decent traction on light snow and bare pavement.

Though, Pathfinder AT’s tread design is shining when it comes to deep or moderate snow. Its interconnected design and staggered tread block edges increase the Pathfinder AT’s self-cleaning capability. If you keep the tread clean and have that much void area in the tread, there is no way you get poor deep snow traction.

The only concern is on the ice which I don’t recommend to ride any all-terrain tire.

Overall, Pathfinder AT is a great winter tire.

Road Noise

As the tread gets cavitated, the tires get noisier. Hence, most premium tire brand prefers interlocked tread design.

Pathfinder AT has a disadvantage out here. The tire itself has tons of void area. Moreover, its center section is way much sectional and that causes too much air movement when it’s rolling. Air movement is the main reason for the road noise.

The only advantage of Pathfinder AT is its relatively low tread depth. Yet, Pathfinder AT tends to produce road noise.

If you’re changing from a mud-terrain tire, it may make you happy. For the rest, Pathfinder AT is a slightly noisy tire.

Riding Comfort

Riding comfort is highly related to an internal structure and tread pattern.

For instance, when you use e-rated tires instead of C-rated ones, you’re going to feel bumps because the internal structure is too stiff. On the other hand, if you use SL tires instead of C-rated ones, you’re going to have way much smooth riding. This doesn’t mean you can use any tire you want. First, your tires should match the minimum load and speed requirements of your vehicle.

Let’s go back to the point. Pathfinder AT has a stiff internal structure. Its beefy sidewalls and multiple-ply sidewalls are proof of that. Yet, its relatively low tread depth is a good sign for a comfortable ride.

Overall, if you’re looking for a street tread, this isn’t your tire and it will provide a rough ride. If you need something for your working truck, please welcome a smooth ride.

Tread Life

Even though Discount Tire claims that this tire is a long-lasting one. I strongly believe that it highly depends on your use conditions and vehicle.

SUV owners,

If you’re okay with a slightly rough ride and road noise, this tire will provide decent tread life.

1/2 ton truck owners,

I think these tires are a great fit for you. Pathfinder AT is a definition of a mid-grade AT tire.

3/4 ton or above truck owners,

It might make you feel in heaven regarding traction. Though, your vehicle will eat up its fluffy compound. It’s still a great option if you don’t drive too many miles.

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

The main features of Pathfinder AT are durability and lose ground traction. As it is seen, there are great features for off-road performance.

Due to its beefy and durable sidewalls, Pathfinder AT performs pretty well on rocky terrains. However, you should keep your usage time limited because this tire heats up very quickly and that causes quick wearing.

Moreover, its voided tread is great for muddy surfaces. Besides that, its self-cleaning capability is a huge advantage.

Because of its soft compound, the tire has a unique gripping capability which is great for dirt and gravel traction.

Overall, Pathfinder AT is a great off-road tire for short-term use. So, it’s great for construction sites. Yet, I don’t recommend this tire for long-distance off-road usage or adventurous usage like rock crawling or deep mud crawling.

Warranty

Discount Tire offers different warranties depending on the size.

For P-metric tires: Discount Tire offers 55,000 miles treadwear warranty

For LT sizes: Discount Tire offers 50,000 miles treadwear warranty.

For Flotation Sizes: There is no treadwear warranty

Sizes

15” Wheels	16” Wheels	17” Wheels	18” Wheels	20” Wheels
31/10.5R15 C-Rated	245/70R16 SL	265/70R17	285/65R18	275/55-R20
30/10.5R15 C-Rated	265/75R16 E-Rated	315/70R17	275/70R18	275/60R20
	265/75R16 SL	265/65R17	295/70R18
	245/75R16 SL	285/70R17	265/70R18
	285/75R16 E-Rated		255/70R18

Note: Available sizes can change from time to time. I highly recommend Discount Tire – PathFinder AT product page for a piece of certain information.

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

Pathfinder AT is a mid-grade tire that can be described as a “Jack of all trades, master of none.” From my perspective, it performs well as a tire suitable for both off-road (50%) and highway (50%) driving. However, it may not excel in terms of reducing road noise and providing optimal comfort. On the other hand, it offers excellent durability. Whether it becomes your best or worst tire depends on your specific expectations. I have provided a summarized overview in the table below, tailored to different types of vehicles.

	PathFinder AT
Best for	1/2 ton working trucks that spends most of time on the road, SUV owners that focus on longevity more than comfort & noise reduction, 3/4 ton or above trucks that focus on traction and sidewall durability more than longevity
Pros	Year-round traction, Winter performance, Aggressive appearance, Budget-friendly
Cons	wear out relatively quickly when used extensively for long-term off-road purposes, mainly due to its tendency to heat up rapidly, It’s a mid-grade tire, hence it produce noise and offers slightly rough ride
Vehicle	SUV, Light truck
Available Sizes	15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”
Made In	United States
Warranty	50,000 – 55,000 miles

I hope the article was helpful. If you need any further support, please leave a comment below. Have a safe ride folks!

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 Review

Updated: July 31, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is an ultra-high-performance tire that is developed for people who love driving aggressively. It can be used on performance-driven SUVs, CUVs, coupes, and sedans. Since the first time, Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 was released in July 2021, it’s been the most preferred performance tire in the market. I’ve spent some time with these tires. I can confidently say that it’s an authentic performer. Though, compared to grand touring tires like Michelin Primacy A/S it has some disadvantages also. In this article, I’m going to expose Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 and try to explain which conditions are best for this tire. Let’s begin!

At a Glance

	Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Best for	Performance-driven longevity, Mostly warm regions for below 3,500 lbs vehicles, 3 seasons + light snow traction for over 3,500 vehicles, Responsiveness
Pros	Smooth & quiet ride, Insane responsiveness, Fuel efficiency (compared to other UHP tires), Long-lasting rubber
Cons	If you’re changing from an all-season tire, you may experience a bit noisier ride Winter performance is highly limited as expected from UHP tires
Vehicle	Sport sedans, Sport coupes, SUV, CUV
Test Report	Read the full test report (September 21, 2021)
Available Sizes	15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”
Made In	United States, Mexico
Warranty	45,000 miles

As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a longevity-driven ultra high-performance tire. Even though it can handle wet and dry conditions very well, when it comes to cold weather with powder snow, its traction is limited. Though, its responsiveness and cornering stability are insane. Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 provides a quiet and smooth riding experience. Yet, if you’re changing from the all-season tires, you may feel a bit rough ride for a while.

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
Name	Best for	Works Best on	Articles	3PMSF	Road Noise	Mileage	Responsiveness	Riding Comfort	Warranty	Fuel Economy	Wet Performance	Mild Winter	Severe Winter
Michelin Crossclimate 2 ( Check Price – Test Report )	Year Round Usage & Tread Life	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, minivans	Review	Yes	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	Decent	60,000	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	Decent
Michelin Primacy Tour A/S ( Check Price – Test Report )	Everything but severe winter traction	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs	Review	No	Elegant	Elegant	Elegant	Elegant	45,000 – 55,000	Decent	Elegant	Average	Fairy Well
Bridgestone WeatherPeak ( Check Price – Test Report )	Smooth & quiet 4 season driving	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, minivans	Review	Yes	Elegant	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	70,000	Elegant	Decent	Elegant	Average
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus ( Check Price – Test Report )	Great all-round run-flat tire	SUV, CUV, Sedans, Coupes	Review	No	Average	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	65,000	Average	Excellent	Decent	Average
Vredestein Quatrac Pro ( Check Price – Test Report )	4-Season performance-driven riding	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs	Review	Yes	Elegant	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	50,000	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	Average
Vredestein HiTrac All-Season ( Check Price –Test Report )	Year round performance with great handling	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs		No	Decent	Decent	Elegant	Decent	70,000	Decent	Elegant	Decent	Average
Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 ( Check Price – Test Report )	Great all-round performance + mild winter	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs	Review	No	Elegant	Elegant	Elegant	Elegant	70,000	Elegant	Decent	Decent	Average
Nokian WRG4 ( Check Price )	Traction focused 4 season driving	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, minivans	Review	Yes	Decent	Decent	Decent	Elegant	65,000	Average	Elegant	Elegant	Decent
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady ( Check Price –Test Report )	Year-round traction + handling	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, minivans	–	Yes	Average	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	60,000	Average	Elegant	Elegant	Average
Firestone WeatherGrip ( Check Price –Test Report )	Winter-focused 4 season driving	Sedans, coupes, crossovers	Review	Yes	Average	Fairy Well	Average	Decent	65,00	Fairy Well	Average	Elegant	Elegant
BF Goodrich Advantage Control ( Check Price –Test Report )	Quiet & smooth 3 season traction + light snow	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs	Review	No	Decent	Decent	Elegant	Decent	65,000 – 75,000	Elegant	Decent	Average	Poor
Kumho Crugen HP71 ( Check Price – Test Report )	Decent all-round performance + light snow	CUV, SUV	Review	No	Average	Average	Decent	Decent	65,000	Decent	Decent	Decent	Fairy Well
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra (Check Price – Test Report )	Long lasting performance for squishy regions	Crossovers, SUVs, light trucks	Review	No	Decent	Decent	Decent	Decent	70,000	Decent	Elegant	Decent	Fairy Well
Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring AS (Check Price)	Affordable 3 season traction	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs	Review	No	Average	Average	Decent	Decent	70,000	Decent	Average	Fairy Well	Poor
Goodyear Assurance All-Season ( Check Price – Test Report )	Affordable all-round 3 season + light snow performance	Sedans, minivans	Review	No	Decent	Decent	Decent	Decent	65,000	Decent	Decent	Average	Fairy Well
Goodyear Assurance MaxLife ( Check Price – Test Report )	Longevitiy focused 3 season traction + light snow	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, minivans	Review	No	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	Elegant	85,000	Elegant	Decent	Average	Poor
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack ( Check Price – Test Report )	Comfort-focused 3 season traction + light snow	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, minivans	Review	No	Elegant	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	80,000	Elegant	Elegant	Decent	Fairy Well
Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive (Check Price – Test Report )	Above average all-round performance	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs	Review	No	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	Elegant	60,000	Average	Elegant	Decent	Average
Michelin Defender T+H (Check Price – Test Report )	Efficiency focused 3 season performance	Sedans, coupes, crossovers	vs Crossclimate 2	No	Decent	Decent	Decent	Decent	80,000	Elegant	Decent	Fairy Well	Poor
BF Goodrich Advantage T/A Sport ( Check Price – Test Report )	Long lasting 4 season performance + handling	Sedans, coupes, crossovers	–	No	Average	Decent	Decent	Decent	60,000 – 70,000	Average	Decent	Decent	Fairy Well
Continental TrueContact Tour ( Check Price – Test Report )	Smooth & long-lasting 3 season performance + light snow	Sedans, coupes, crossovers	–	No	Decent	Decent	Decent	Decent	70,000 – 80,000	Decent	Elegant	Average	Fairy Well
Yokohama Avid Ascend LX ( Check Price – Test Report )	Long-lasting & responsive 4 season performance	Sedans, coupes, crossovers, minivans		No	Decent	Elegant	Elegant	Elegant	85,000	Elegant	Decent	Decent	Fairy Well
Laufenn S Fit AS (Check Price)	Long-lasting sporty driving	SUV, CUV, Sedans, Coupes	Review	No	Decent	Decent	Excellent	Decent	45,000	Decent	Decent	Average	Poor

Depending on your needs, the below article might help;

Dry Traction

Dry traction is all about the rubber amount you put on the ground. In fact, that’s the reason most performance tires have an asymmetrical pattern.

In that case, the real idea is to put more rubber on the outer shoulder.

Putting more rubber on the shoulder section enables two things,

Since this method decrease the void area in the center section, it decreases the noise level
Since you have robust shoulders, it improves the handling capability

Just like all other all-season tires, Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 provides excellent dry traction. The real game changer out here is the next two sections. Cornering stability and responsiveness.

Responsiveness

The handling capability is the litmus for good ultra-high-performance tires.

Due to their soft compounds, these tires provide decent traction anyway. Yet, these tires are running at high speed. Hence, while cornering, the lateral forces become huge and that generally decreases the handling capability. That might not happen if you’re a careful driver.

But, hey, if you’re a careful driver, why are you buying performance tires? Don’t buy them and check this article out instead (Michelin Primacy Tour A/S Review).

For the ones who are still here, let’s move on.

Ultra-high-performance tires must be agile to provide quick steering response. So, this responsiveness is related to two dimensions. The tread, especially the center section, and the internal structure, especially the weight.

So, here is the deal, Even though Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 has an asymmetrical pattern, its center rib is way much flat than the competitors. The continuous center rib is the key to quick steering response.

Michelin is able to make a flat center rib because of the tread width of this tire. The tread of the Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 is wider than the competitors. Hence, it doesn’t need to notch the center rib that much for better traction.

While doing this, Michelin achieves the keep tread depth at 10/32”, and even though it’s only available in ZR sizes, it still weighs the same as the competitors.

Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 is a great option if responsiveness is the most important feature for you.

Cornering Stability

The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a high-performance all-season tire that is designed to deliver excellent cornering stability. It features an asymmetric tread pattern that is optimized for both dry and wet conditions, as well as Michelin’s Dynamic Response Technology, which helps to provide crisp handling and precise steering response.

The tire’s tread design includes large, rigid tread blocks on the outside shoulder of the tire to provide maximum contact with the road during cornering. This helps to improve the tire’s cornering stability and grip, especially during high-speed maneuvers. The tire’s tread also features deep, wide grooves to evacuate water and improve wet traction.

Additionally, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 uses a special tread compound that is designed to remain pliable in a wide range of temperatures. This helps to improve the tire’s grip and handling in both hot and cold weather, making it a great option for drivers who experience a wide range of weather conditions.

Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a high-performance tire that delivers excellent cornering stability and grip in both dry and wet conditions.

Wet Performance

The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is designed to provide excellent wet performance, thanks to its advanced tread design and specialized rubber compound.

The tire’s tread pattern features wide, deep grooves that are designed to evacuate water quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and improving wet traction. The tire also features a high-silica content tread compound that is optimized for wet conditions. The silica helps the tire maintain flexibility in cold, wet conditions, while also improving grip on wet roads.

In independent testing, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 has demonstrated excellent wet performance. For example, in testing conducted by Tire Rack, the tire received the highest wet traction rating among all tested tires in its category. Reviewers praised the tire’s ability to provide confident handling and grip in both light and heavy rain, as well as its resistance to hydroplaning.

Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize wet performance, as it is designed to deliver confident handling and grip in a variety of wet weather conditions.

Winter Performance

While the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is designed to provide good performance in a range of weather conditions, it is not specifically designed for winter use. However, Michelin has incorporated some winter-specific features into the tire’s design to help improve its performance in colder temperatures and light snow.

The tire features a specialized compound that includes sunflower oil and special resins to help the tire remain pliable in cold temperatures. This helps to improve traction and handling in winter weather, although it is not as effective as a dedicated winter tire.

In independent testing conducted by Tire Rack, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 received mixed results for winter performance. While the tire received good scores for its traction and handling in light snow, its performance in deeper snow and ice was less impressive.

Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a great tire for drivers who want a high-performance tire that can handle a variety of weather conditions, including light winter weather. However, for drivers who frequently encounter deep snow or ice, a dedicated winter or at least an all-weather tire would be a better choice.

Longevity

The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is designed to provide a balance of high-performance handling and good tread life, thanks to its advanced tread design and specialized rubber compound.

Michelin uses a unique tread design for the Pilot Sport All Season 4, with large, rigid tread blocks on the outside of the tire and a variable thickness sipe design that helps to distribute forces evenly across the tread surface. This helps to improve the tire’s handling and stability, while also minimizing uneven wear.

The tire’s tread compound is also designed to provide good wear resistance. Michelin uses a high-silica content compound that is optimized for longevity, helping the tire to last longer without compromising its high-performance handling capabilities.

In independent testing conducted by Tire Rack, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 received excellent scores for tread life. Reviewers noted that the tire provided good wear resistance and retained its high-performance handling characteristics even as it wore down.

Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a great choice for drivers who want a high-performance tire that offers good tread life. While the tire is more expensive than some other options on the market, its balance of performance and longevity makes it a good value for drivers who prioritize both factors. Though worth reminding, ultra-high-performance tires offer last shorter than grand touring tires. For this reason, if longevity is your priority, I do recommend grand touring 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

The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 comes with a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 6 years or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The warranty includes free replacement during the first year of service, or the first 2/32 inch of tread wear, whichever comes first. After that, the warranty is prorated based on the remaining tread depth, meaning that the amount of coverage decreases as the tire wears down.

The warranty also includes Michelin’s 30-day satisfaction guarantee, which allows customers to return the tires for a refund or exchange within 30 days of purchase if they are not satisfied with the performance of the tires.

It’s worth noting that the warranty does not cover damage caused by road hazards, such as punctures or impact damage, or damage caused by improper installation or maintenance. Additionally, the warranty is only valid for the original purchaser of the tires and is non-transferable.

Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 Warranty Document:
https://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/MI0619.pdf

Comfort & Noise

The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is designed to deliver a comfortable and quiet ride, thanks to its advanced construction and unique tread design.

The tire features Michelin’s Comfort Control Technology, which uses computer-optimized design and precision manufacturing to reduce road noise and vibrations. This helps to provide a smoother and quieter ride, which can be particularly noticeable on highways or rough roads.

Additionally, the tire’s tread design includes variable thickness sipes and optimized contact patch shapes that help to reduce road noise and improve ride comfort. The tire’s tread blocks are also designed to be rigid and stable, which helps to reduce the amount of flexing and movement that can contribute to noise and discomfort.

In independent testing, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 has received high marks for its comfort and quiet ride. Reviewers have praised the tire’s ability to provide a smooth, comfortable ride even on rough or uneven roads, as well as its low levels of road noise.

Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize a comfortable and quiet ride, as well as high-performance handling and good tread life.

Though worth reminding, due to its strong sidewalls, Michelin Pilot All-Season 4 provides a rougher ride than grand touring tires.

Sizes

16” Wheels	17” Wheels	18” Wheels	19” Wheels	20” Wheels	21” Wheels	22” Wheels
205/55ZR16 94Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	205/40ZR17 84Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	215/40ZR18 89Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	225/35ZR19 88Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/35ZR20 92Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/35ZR21 96Y XL Full Ring Velour	265/35ZR22 102Y XL Full Ring Velour
225/50ZR16 96Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	205/45ZR17 88Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	215/40ZR18 89Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	225/40ZR19 93Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/40ZR20 96Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/45ZR21 104Y XL	265/40ZR22 106Y XL Full Ring Velour Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	205/50ZR17 93Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	215/45ZR18 93Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	225/45ZR19 96Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/45ZR20 100Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/35ZR21 98W XL T0, Acoustic, Full Ring Velour Eco: Michelin Total Performance Noise Reduction Technology Electric Vehicle Tuned	275/35ZR22 104Y XL Full Ring Velour
	215/45ZR17 91Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	225/40ZR18 92Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	225/55ZR19 103Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/30ZR20 90Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/40ZR21 102Y XL Full Ring Velour	HL275/35R22 107V HL MO1 Mercedes, Acoustic Tech Eco: Michelin Total Performance Noise Reduction Technology Electric Vehicle Tuned
	215/50ZR17 95Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	225/45ZR18 95Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/35ZR19 91Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/35ZR20 95Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/35ZR21 101Y XL Full Ring Velour	275/40ZR22 108Y XL Full Ring Velour Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	215/55ZR17 98Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	225/50ZR18 99Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/40ZR19 96Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/40ZR20 99Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/40ZR21 105Y XL Full Ring Velour	285/35ZR22 106Y XL Full Ring Velour Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	225/45ZR17 94Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/40ZR18 95Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/45ZR19 99Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/45ZR20 103Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/40R21 101V SL NE0 Porsche Eco: Michelin Total Performance	285/40ZR22 110Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	225/50ZR17 98Y XL 26.3″ Overall Diameter Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/45ZR18 98Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/35ZR19 93Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/35ZR20 97Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/35R21 103V XL MO1 Mercedes	295/40ZR22 112Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	225/55ZR17 101Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/50ZR18 101Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/40ZR19 98Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/40ZR20 101Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/35ZR21 103W XL T0, Acoustic, Full Ring Velour Eco: Michelin Total Performance Noise Reduction Technology Electric Vehicle Tuned
	235/45ZR17 97Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	235/55ZR18 104Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/45ZR19 102Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/45ZR20 105Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/40ZR21 107Y XL
	235/50ZR17 100Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/35ZR18 92Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/50ZR19 105Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/55ZR20 110Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/45ZR21 110Y XL Full Ring Velour
	235/55ZR17 103Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/40ZR18 97Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/30ZR19 91Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/30ZR20 94Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	285/40ZR21 109Y XL Full Ring Velour
	245/40ZR17 95Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/45ZR18 100Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/35ZR19 96Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/35ZR20 99Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	295/35R21 103V SL NE0 Porsche Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	245/45ZR17 99Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	245/50ZR18 104Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/40ZR19 100Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/40ZR20 104Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	295/35ZR21 107Y XL Full Ring Velour Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	245/50ZR17 103Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/35ZR18 94Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/45ZR19 104Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/45ZR20 108Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	295/40ZR21 111Y XL Full Ring Velour Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	255/40ZR17 98Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/40ZR18 99Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/35ZR19 98Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/30ZR20 97Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	315/30R21 105V XL MO1 Mercedes
	255/45ZR17 102Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	255/45ZR18 103Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/40ZR19 102Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/35ZR20 102Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	275/40ZR17 98Y SL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/35ZR18 97Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/50ZR19 110Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/40ZR20 106Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
	315/35ZR17 106Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	265/40ZR18 101Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/35ZR19 100Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	285/30ZR20 99Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
		265/45ZR18 104Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	275/40ZR19 105Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	285/35ZR20 104Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
		275/35ZR18 99Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	285/30ZR19 98Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	285/45ZR20 112Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
		275/40ZR18 103Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	285/35ZR19 103Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	295/30ZR20 101Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
		285/35ZR18 101Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	285/40ZR19 107Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	295/35ZR20 105Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
			295/45ZR20 114Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance	305/35ZR20 107Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance
				315/35ZR20 110Y XL Eco: Michelin Total Performance

If you’d like to reach detailed specifications by size:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Sport+All+Season+4&isSEO=true

Conclusion

In my point of view, Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a great tire if you’d like to combine sporty driving feeling with longevity. Since this tire is a bit stiffer than its competitors, it’s a great option for relatively heavier sedans (or sports cars) like Lamborghini, Dodge, Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, or even the SUV and CUVs. It’s not the best performance tire but if you’re looking for something all-round, it’s a great option. Though worth reminding, its winter performance is behind the competition. It’s okay on bare pavement but when it comes to centerline bare pavement, it starts to slide.

	Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Best for	Performance-driven longevity, Mostly warm regions for below 3,500 lbs vehicles, 3 seasons + light snow traction for over 3,500 vehicles, Responsiveness
Pros	Smooth & quiet ride, Insane responsiveness, Fuel efficiency (compared to other UHP tires), Long-lasting rubber
Cons	If you’re changing from an all-season tire, you may experience a bit noisier ride Winter performance is highly limited as expected from UHP tires
Vehicle	Sport sedans, Sport coupes, SUV, CUV
Test Report	Read the full test report (September 21, 2021)
Available Sizes	15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”
Made In	United States, Mexico
Warranty	45,000 miles

I hope the article was helpful, if you need any further support about tire selection, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me via email. Have a safe ride folks!

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Review — Quiet Comfort & Winter Performance Tested in 2025

Updated: September 30, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

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

The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a comfort-driven On-Road A/T tire built for SUVs, CUVs, and light-duty pickups. Unlike tougher Off-Road A/Ts, it’s tuned for highway manners first — offering a smooth ride, dependable wet and winter traction, and a stylish design that appeals to drivers who want all-terrain looks without the harshness of a rugged tire.

From our testing and driver feedback, the AT3 4S is a great match for mall crawlers, full-size SUV owners, and casual off-roaders who stick to dirt trails or gravel roads rather than mud and rocks. Its main trade-off is limited bite in severe terrain, but for most daily drivers, it delivers a strong balance of comfort, control, and light-duty capability.

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down how the AT3 4S performs across dry, wet, winter, and light off-road testing — and if you want to see how it stacks up against other options for your exact vehicle, our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool makes it easy.

From my standpoint as a former Bridgestone engineer, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a reliable on-road tire that delivers excellent handling and true 4-season traction. Its soft compound gives it strong grip, but also means it doesn’t deliver long tread life on heavy pickups (5,000+ lbs). With its mild tread pattern, it provides a quiet, almost muted ride, though this same feature limits its rocky terrain performance. On gravel and rock, it tends to wear quickly, making it less suitable for extended use in those conditions. That said, its strong sidewalls hold up well and make it a dependable option for occasional off-road driving without worry.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S

Compare prices:

Amazon

Prime shipping Direct from brands

Tire Rack

Free road-hazard coverage Backed by Discount Tire

SimpleTire

Financing options Local installers

Tire Decision Tool

For those in a hurry: this tool makes it easy. Just pick your vehicle and what matters most to you, and it’ll instantly suggest the best tire options.

Usage Mix

Emphasis

Vehicle

How many tires?

Click Show to see tire recommendations. (After that, changes update automatically.)

Dry Traction

If I’m writing about all-terrain tires, I generally start my analysis with dry traction.

The reason is simple. These tires are made for traction and dry traction is the easiest one you can get.

Unlike wet and dry traction, more rubber on the ground means better dry traction.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a compact tire that has relatively less void area than its competitors. That basically means this tire can put more rubber on the ground. Moreover, the tire is built for winter. For this reason, it has a fluffy compound and notched tread that offers excellent traction capability.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S provides unique dry traction. Yet, I still recommend considering below points out;

This is a nimble tire, it’s a good option for quick starting
Since it has a soft design, its rolling resistance is low and which means better acceleration
I like the stopping distance on dry, we’ll talk about wet later

Steering Response

Steering response is an issue for all-terrain tires.

The slow steering response is natural for all-terrain tires because of their heavy structure and cavitied tread. So, if you’re not familiar to use this tire category, you’ll probably swear never to buy all-terrain tires again. Even Cooper Discover AT3 4S.

I said even Discoverer AT3 4S because, in my point of view, this tire offers one of the best handling in its category.

The steering response is mostly related to the weight of the tire and the center section design.

First of all, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S doesn’t have an interlocked center section which is bad for traction but great for responsiveness.

In that case, a rib-type design works best. Even though Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S doesn’t have a full rib type design, its design is similar to all-weather tires. I like to call this design ‘hybrid’.

Due to its half lug – half rib design and relatively continuous center rib (compared to other all-terrain tires, this is way much more continuous) Cooper Discover AT3 4S offers alpha plus steering response.

Note: Cooper Discover AT3 has a similar weight to its competitors. While I’m making this comparison, I only put P-rated tires into consideration.

Cornering Stability

Cornering stability sometimes can be an issue for all-terrain tires.

All-terrain tires can be used on CUVs, SUVs, and pickup trucks. In fact, this is the reason some of them have poor cornering stability on heavy vehicles.

Cornering stability is related to strong sidewalls and inner structure. So, here is the deal.

If you make the sidewall and inner structure too stiff, due to aggressive tread, you notice bumps/cracks/uneven pavement pretty strong.

Because of the above reasons, manufacturers start to classify all-terrain tires.

For instance,

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S – SUV, CUV, 1/2 ton trucks
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT – Hauling, towing, above 1/2 ton trucks

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S’s inner structure contains an extra nylon reinforcement that helps the tire to keep its shape at high velocity. Besides that, this tire has a B-rated heat resistance which means it has thick sidewalls.

Due to its robust shoulder blocks and inner structure, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S offers exceptional cornering stability. It may even give you a rough ride for a while. I’m gonna talk about it in the next section.

Ride Comfort

Since all-terrain tires should work air-down conditions also, these tires have a robust but flexible inner structure which generally provides decent ride comfort.

Riding comfort is mostly related to the inner structure. I’ve already talked about it. So, I’m gonna keep it short.

First of all, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is only available in p-metric sizes which makes it a kinda comfort driven tire.

Secondly, this tire has a soft and compact design. This is great for a smooth ride. Especially if you combine this with a fluffy compound like Cooper did.

As a result of the above items, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S offers a smooth ride. Though worth reminding, when this tire is new, you may feel a bit bumpy. Especially if you have CUV or a relatively smaller SUV. No worries, this is totally expected. That happens on the tires with strong beads.

Road Noise

All-terrain tires tend to make noise because of their voided patterns.

In that case, if you decrease the void area on the center section, you can get a deaf tire. However, it isn’t always possible for all-terrain tires.

Most manufacturers use the interlocked center section due to decrease void areas.

Since Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is somewhere between highway terrain and all-terrain tire, it has a rib-like type pattern that decreases the center section void area.

The disadvantage of this kind of pattern is if you want decent loose-ground traction, you should make an aggressive shoulder design.

That’s what Cooper did on Discoverer AT3 4S. This tire has differently sized and robust shoulder blocks. When you make differently-sized shoulder blocks, you should give them some space the work better. Like Toyo Open Country AT3, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S have a wide space between two shoulder blocks.

Because of the above reasons, you can find Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S a bit noisy if you’re changing from all-season tires. For others, this tire is quite as a church mouse compare to its competitors.

Wet Performance

The wet performance of all-terrain tires sometimes can be tricky.

Even though these tires are made for traction and have tons of biting edges (edges of lugs, shoulder blocks, etc.), they sometimes fail on wet traction.

So, why do these tires spin on wet surfaces?

Because these tires have stiff and generally cut & chipped resistant compounds that have a huge issue on the wet grip.

In order to avoid this manufacturers should use sipes and notches that increase the number of biting edges and provide a decent wet grip. However, this also causes an increase in rolling resistance and decrease your MPG.

Besides the wet traction, hydroplaning resistance is also a huge game-changer in the wet performance. Luckily, all-terrain tires have an advantage out here, well at least not flotation-size ones.

Now that we have the necessary information, let’s talk a little bit about Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S. I’m going into particulars at bottom booms.

Wet Traction

As I’ve mentioned before, wet traction is related to sipe density and compound stiffness.

In that case, the easiest way to understand the compound and sipe density combinations is by checking the UTQG rating.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S’s UTQG rating is 620 A B for all sizes. That basically means this tire has A-rated wet traction and B-rated heat resistance and the number means it lasts 6.2 times more than the test tire ( doesn’t mean anything for longevity).

These metrics are great for decent wet traction. Besides that, the micro-gauge sipes on the blocks are creating tons of biting edges and provide excellent wet traction. The only problem is these sipes are increasing fuel consumption. In fact, that was the reason Cooper changed the sipe density of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 and released three different versions of this tire.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has more sides than Cooper Discoverer AT3 and has bigger lugs. This is actually a huge sign of the building intent of this tire. This tire is more pavement-driven. Hence, its loose-ground performance isn’t satisfying as the old Cooper Discoverer AT3. Yet, this is a huge update for wet and light snow traction.

The only issue is the extra sipes aren’t full-depth. That actually means that this tire has different compound layers. Not an issue for wet traction but regarding longevity it’s an issue. I’ll talk about it later on.

Due to its sipe density and relatively soft compound, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S provides excellent wet traction. One of the best in its segment.

Hydroplaning Resistance

Hydroplaning resistance is basically the water evacuation capability of the tires. In that case, circumferential grooves and shoulder slots do most of the job.

Since all-terrain tires should provide loose ground traction, these tires have a sufficient amount of void area for reliable hydroplaning resistance.

The issue out here is the size of all-terrain tires. Wider tires always tend to hydroplane more. For this reason, mud tires are flotation-size tires that sometimes cause this issue.

Luckily, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has a 5-rib design that contains 4 circumferential grooves. Cooper calls them Aqua Vac Channels. Besides that, its open shoulder blocks evacuate the water with ease.

Moreover, this tire is only available in p-metric sizes. Hence, hydroplaning isn’t an issue for this tire.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S provides trustworthy hydroplaning resistance.

Winter Performance

Winter performance of all-terrain tires is inconsistent because of their stiff compounds.

In fact, the tread design and sipe density are generally good enough to provide decent winter performance.

However, due to the stiff compound, not all winter conditions are suitable for these tires.

For this reason, I prefer to divide this section into three by weather conditions.

Light Snow Traction

Light snow traction is similar to wet traction because this condition doesn’t require a self-cleaning capability.

The first thing you have to pay attention to out here is the 3PMSF label.

This label means that Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S’s compound doesn’t lose traction capability under 7 Celcius degrees.

If the tire doesn’t have this label, the compound gets stiffer in cold weather and it causes a decrease in the grip capability.

Due to its winter-specified compound and sipe density, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S provides decent light snow traction. I’m not going to say it’s excellent because I strongly believe that halfway through sipes isn’t gonna work for a long time.

Deep Snow Traction

Deep snow traction is part of loose ground traction. For this reason, the void area ratio is highly important.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a great deep snow tire because it has a deep tread, soft compound, independent lug design, and most importantly sawtooth snow grooves that increase the snow grip significantly.

Ice Traction

Even though Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has a 3PMSF marking, it isn’t a dedicated winter tire. For this reason, trusting this tire on the ice is a bit utopic for me.

Actually, its tread design is perfect for ice traction. But I keep coming back to sipes and compound stiffness.

Even though this tire has a relatively soft compound compared to its competitors, it’s still way behind for a decent ice performance.

Luckily, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a narrow tire because it’s only available in p-metric sizes. Narrow tires work better on snow and slush.

I can’t say it provides trustworthy ice performance, yet, it can take you out of unexpected situations.

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.

Treadwear

I know most of you wonder why people have different ideas about the tread life of this tire.

I’m going to say to same things I said before, I don’t like the promoting way of the manufacturers.

First of all, even though Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is an all-terrain tire that mostly focuses on on-road driving. For this reason, its compound is fluffy and its design is soft.

Besides everything I said, because of the halfway-through sipes, this tire has two different compound layers. As you can guess, the second layer is fluffier.

I strongly believe that you should know what to expect from this tire regarding longevity. I recommend putting the below items into consideration.

This isn’t a tire for hauling or towing
If you gonna use this tire mostly on gravel, there is no way that you get a decent tread life
Since this tire has B-rated heat resistance, I don’t recommend this tire for over 5,000 lb vehicles

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S can provide a decent life for trucks if you mostly drive on the streets.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S can provide a decent tread life for SUVs and CUVs.

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

Cooper offers 65,000 miles and 6 years treadwear warranty for this product
They also offer 45 days road test guarantee (meanless to me, different compound layers perform differently)
Free to exchange for other Cooper brand tires (most of you will need an LT tire, so go with Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT in that case)

If you need a piece of additional information;

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Warranty Document:

https://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/CP0122.pdf

Off-Road Performance

When I first time this tire, I was pretty sure that the intent of this tire isn’t off-road.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has a mild design that doesn’t have enough void area for relatively severe off-road conditions.

If you need a tire for hunting, rock crawling or etc, this isn’t your tire.

On the other hand, if you do only drive off-road occasionally, this’s a great tire for you.

The good thing is Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has strong sidewalls and bead construction. For this reason, it isn’t vulnerable to outside effects. In my point of view, this is way much more important for a mostly city driving tire.

From now on, I’m going to evaluate the performance of Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S for different off-road conditions.

Gravel

Gravel and dirt traction are what most of you want. Well, Cooper knows that and that’s why they’re actually limiting the off-road performance of this tire.

Regarding gravel, the sipe density and the fluffy compound work perfectly. Well, at least if we are talking about only traction.

Besides that, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has differently sized shoulder lugs that increase the rocky terrain traction significantly.

However, because of the fluffy compound and the too many sipes, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S will wear fast at the beginning of its tread life.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is great for occasional gravel, yet, if you have to drive on gravel for a while, especially if you’re living in a warm region, it can’t provide you decent tread life.

Dirt

Dirt traction is the easiest one the reach. It is mostly related to the number of biting edges. For this reason, even the worst all-terrain tire provides decent dirt traction.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S actually has an advantage out here. This tire has a fluffy compound. For this reason, it’s stickier than its competitors.

Dirt isn’t abrasive. Hence, driving on the dirt will not decrease the tread life of Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is an excellent option for dirt driving. Besides the traction, due to the amount of rubber on the ground, it provides way much better handling than its competitors.

Sand

Sand driving is where this tire shines.

Unlike most people think, the best tire on the sand is the mildest one.

The aggressive design tires dig too deep and cause a stuck. In fact, that’s the reason that all-terrain or mud-terrain tires are more expansive than passenger tires.

In that case, the most crucial thing is self-cleaning capability. Even though the independent lugs sometimes cause a lack of self-cleaning, Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S’s staggered groove walls do this job.

Cooper Discoverer AT4 4S is an excellent tire for sand driving. I strongly recommend it.

Mud

Even though this kind of tire isn’t suitable for mud adventure, they’re okay for occasional mud.

In that case, the essential thing is self-cleaning capability.

The issue with Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is its self-cleaning capability isn’t good enough for deep mud. Relatively deeper of a long distance mud conditions fill the tread with mud and because of the narrow shoulder slots, evacuating this mud is almost impossible.

If you face mud often, I don’t recommend Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, however, it’s great for half muddy – half smooth road conditions.

Sizes

15” Wheels	16” Wheels	17” Wheels	18” Wheels	20” Wheels	22” Wheels
225/70R15 100T SL	215/70R16 100T SL	215/65R17 99T SL	255/70R18 113T SL OWL	255/50R20 109H XL	275/45R22 112H XL
235/75R15 105T SL	225/70R16 103T S	225/65R17 102H SL	265/60R18 110T SL OWL	265/50R20 111T XL	285/45R22 114H XL
235/75R15 109T XL	225/75R16 104T SL	235/60R17 102T SL	265/65R18 114T SL	275/55R20 117T XL
255/70R15 108T SL	235/70R16 106T SL	235/65R17 108H XL	265/70R18 116T SL	275/60R20 115T SL
265/70R15 112T SL	235/75R16 108T SL	235/70R17 109T XL	275/65R18 116T SL
265/75R15 112T SL	245/70R16 111T XL	235/75R17 109T SL
	245/70R16 107T SL	245/65R17 111T XL
	245/75R16 111T SL	245/70R17 110T SL
	255/70R16 111T SL	255/65R17 110T SL
	265/70R16 112T SL	255/70R17 112T SL
	265/75R16 116T SL	255/75R17 115T SL
		265/65R17 112T SL
		265/70R17 115T SL
		P 285/70R17 117T SL

Tire Size Selection: The Basics You Can’t Skip

P-Metric vs. LT (Light Truck) Tires

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

Conclusion

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a comfort-driven all-terrain tire that provides great handling, reliable winter traction, and trustworthy mild off-road traction. It’s a good option for its price. Yet, you better put the below points into consideration before making any purchase.

	Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Best for	Mostly on-road driving, Winter traction, Below 5,000 lb vehicles
Pros	Smooth & quiet ride, Light-snow and deep snow traction, Occasional off-road traction
Cons	Wears fast on long-time gravel usage, Half-depth sipes, Wears fast on warm-weather hauling & towing applications
Vehicle	SUV, CUV, 1/2 ton light trucks
Test Report	Read the full test report (July 11, 2022)
Available Sizes	15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”
Made In	United States
Warranty	65,000 miles

I hope the article was helpful. If you need any further support, please leave them in the below section. Have a safe ride folks!

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Related Articles

Sumitomo Encounter AT Review

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

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

The Sumitomo Encounter A/T is a budget-friendly Off-Road A/T tire designed for SUVs, CUVs, and light-duty pickups. Unlike softer On-Road A/Ts, it offers a medium-duty construction that blends four-season drivability with a smoother, quieter ride than many aggressive all-terrains. Its affordability has made it a popular choice for drivers who want all-terrain looks and versatility without premium pricing.

From our testing and driver feedback, the Encounter A/T delivers dependable traction in daily use, good comfort on the highway, and light off-road capability. The trade-off is that it’s not built for heavy towing or severe off-road abuse, so expectations should match its design.

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down how the Encounter A/T performs across dry, wet, winter, and off-road testing — and if you want to see where it ranks for your exact vehicle type, our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool makes it easy.

Quick Look

Sumitomo Encounter AT

Tested Rating: 7.9/10

From my standpoint as a former Bridgestone engineer, the Sumitomo Encounter AT delivers reliable traction even in deep snow, and handles wet and dry highway or city driving without issue. Its fluffier compound and aggressive tread pattern boost grip, but this also puts its tread life slightly behind premium brands—a trade-off made in favor of traction. The tire performs confidently on dirt, gravel, and rock, though its mud performance is limited by the deep tread design, which also slightly reduces responsiveness. On the other hand, its strong sidewalls make it an excellent option for hauling and towing, adding durability where it matters most.

Dry Traction

Dry traction isn’t an issue for all-terrain tires because of their blocky pattern.

The blocky pattern creates tons of biting edges and these edges increase the grip of all-terrain tires.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers reliable dry traction just like most all-terrain tires in the market.

Even though dry traction isn’t an issue for Sumitomo Encounter AT, this tire can’t offer a sporty driving feeling because its center block isn’t interlocked.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers great dry traction, though, the real discussion point is its on-road refinement.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is related to pattern design, tire weight, and tread depth.

In fact, that’s the reason that P-metric tires have wider tread but lower tread depth.

So, Sumitomo Encounter AT has one of the highest tread depths in the market. Because of its soft compound, manufacturers increase the tread depth for better longevity. However, increasing tread depth always decreases the handling capability.

Well, this isn’t the only disadvantage of Sumitomo Encounter AT.

The center rib of Sumitomo Encounter AT is built with small lugs. This is actually isn’t the preferred design for all-terrain tires. However, using a highly sectional center rib increase the winter performance which Sumitomo aims for this tire.

Due to its sectional center rib and deep tread, Sumitomo Encounter AT is slightly behind the competition. However, it’s still reliable for non-aggressive drivers.

Cornering Stability

All-terrain tires generally have a strong internal structure which let them stay stable while cornering at high velocity. However, this isn’t valid for all vehicles.

3/4 ton or above pickup trucks sometimes have an issue with cornering stability because these vehicles are way much heavier than others.

So, if you have an SUV or CUV, this section could be a waste of time for you. Well, of course, things change if we are talking about the full-size SUVs.

Sidewall stiffness of the tires is the game-changer out here and it’s related to the inner structure.

So, when I first time started to analyze this tire, I had doubts about its cornering stability. Well, affordable tires are generally affordable because of their poor inner structure.

However, I have to admit that Sumitomo quite surprised me in this case.

Sumitomo Encounter AT has a 2-ply polyester casing that offers high tension casing which helps the tire to keep its shape even at the highest speeds. Besides that Sumitomo Encounter AT has a robust bead that supports the sidewall and offers better cornering stability. On the other hand, this hard bead heats up so quickly and this feature kinda decreases Sumitomo Encounter AT’s tread life.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers decent cornering stability. You can confidently use this tire even on your 1-ton truck.

Riding Comfort

After the latest developments in the tire industry, it’s kinda hard to kind rough ride tires because it’s not that hard to build a tire that offers a smooth ride. Also, it’s also an easy task to use it as marketing material.

First of all, Sumitomo Encounter AT has a 5 rib design that optimizes riding stability. Well, Sumitomo doesn’t use interlocked center lugs on this tire. For this reason, its load distribution is way much easier than the other tires.

Besides the above feature, Sumitomo Encounter AT also has a perfect inner structure as I’ve mentioned before. Tire keeps its shape and in this way, the optimized tread works better.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers a smooth riding experience.

Road Noise

Road noise is mostly related to the void area on the center section and the robust shoulder blocks.

Well, Sumitomo Encounter AT’s design tends to make some noise. Since this tire doesn’t have interlocked center section, it has tons of void area out there.

Regarding the shoulder section, as I’ve mentioned before, Sumitomo Encounter AT has stiff sidewalls and beads. This kind of design should have robust shoulder blocks. If not, the difference between the sidewall stiffness and shoulder stiffness causes sidewall cracks. For this reason, Sumitomo Encounter AT has a robust shoulder that creates some noise on wavy roads.

Sumitomo Encounter AT’s design is great for highway and city driving. Yet, if we’re talking about the jumble-gut lanes, Sumitomo Encounter AT will definitely make some noise.

Wet Performance

The wet performance of all-terrain tires is always questionable. These tires should have durability. For this reason, they need a stiff compound and stiff compound doesn’t work pretty well on wet surfaces.

On the other hand, the wet performance can’t be evaluated only with the traction.

The real game changer is the hydroplaning resistance which is related to different features.

So, I’m going to divide this section into two and explain them one by one.

Wet Traction

The wet traction is mostly related to compound stiffness. In this case, fluffy compounds work best.

The easiest way to define wet traction capability is by checking the UTQG.

UTQG rating standards are created by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). It contains 3 digit number and two letters.

While the 3-digit number stands for longevity, the first letter stands for wet traction and the second letter stands for heat resistance.

Sumitomo Encounter AT has a 640 A B UTQG rating which means it has A-rated wet traction.

So, according to DOT, this tire offers excellent wet traction. But why? Here is the deal.

According to my previous experiences, if the tire has more than 700 UTQG, it tends to slide. So, this number actually defines the grip/traction capability of the tire and the lower number offers better traction.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers unique wet traction because of its zigzag shoulder sipes and fluffy compound. I strongly recommend it for squishy regions.

Hydroplaning Resistance

Hydroplaning resistance is basically the water evacuation capability of the tire.

Due to their building intent, all-terrain tires have tons of void area on the tread which improves the water evacuation capability.

However, this isn’t enough on its own because these tires have a wide tread that enables floatation. In fact, that’s why some sizes are called flotation sizes.

Sumitomo Encounter AT’s 5-rib design creates 4 circumferential grooves which are vital for hydroplaning. Besides that, Sumitomo Encounter AT has wide open shoulder slots that increase the water evacuation significantly.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers excellent hydroplaning resistance.

Winter Performance

Winter performance of all-terrain tires is also tricky.

Due to their aggressive patterns, these tires can provide decent winter performance. However, this isn’t valid for all kinds of winter conditions.

For a better understanding, I prefer to analyze it for light-snow, deep-snow, and ice separately.

Light Snow Traction

Light snow traction is similar to wet traction.

In this case, soft compound and full-depth sipes work best.

So, Sumitomo Encounter AT has a fluffy compound which is a great advantage for light-snow traction. Besides that this compound with 3PMSF which means that it doesn’t lose its traction capability under freezing temperatures.

Regarding design, Sumitomo Encounter AT has winter-driven zigzag sipes on the shoulder. Moreover, its independent center blocks offer vertical and horizontal biting edges which is excellent for decent light snow traction.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers one of the best light-snow traction in the market. I strongly recommend it.

Deep Snow Traction

Deep snow traction is the easiest for all-terrain tires.

All-terrain tires are mainly built for loose terrain. For this reason, they have a blocky pattern that has tons of void areas.

Since the deep snow is also loose terrain and Sumitomo Encounter AT’s compound is marked with 3PMSF, Sumitomo Encounter AT is a deep-snow expert.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers satisfying deep snow traction.

Ice Traction

Ice traction can be evaluated under two different dimensions.

The first one is icy highways which I don’t recommend using all-terrain tires.

The second one is slush which is more important.

So, this tire has a deep tread and independent center blocks. For this reason, its self-cleaning capability is limited.

Due to avoid this defect, Sumitomo uses variable-width shoulder blocks that increase the self-cleaning capability significantly.

Sumitomo Encounter AT is a perfect tire for slush, though, I don’t recommend using it on icy highways.

Tread Life

Longevity is where this tire fall short.

Here are the reasons why this tire offers a relatively short tread life,

Sumitomo Encounter AT has one of the softest compounds on the market
Sumitomo Encounter AT has a heavy internal structure
Sumitomo Encounter AT has a B-rated heat resistance because of its stiff and durable bead

Even though the above reasons are on the table, Sumitomo Encounter AT’s independent blocks tend to wear evenly. For this reason, Sumitomo Encounter AT offers different tread life for different vehicles. Here is the deal,

If you have a CUV or mid-size SUV or 1/2-ton truck this tire will offer decent tread life.
3/4 ton or above trucks should keep their expectations low
Sumitomo Encounter AT’s center blocks are great for towing and hauling, if you’ll tow or haul, this tire is a good option for you

Warranty

Sumitomo offers 5 years and 60,000 miles treadwear warranty
You can try this tire for a month
Sumitomo offers a 2-year free roadside assistance for this tire

Sumitomo Encounter AT Warranty Document:

https://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/SU0120RS.pdf

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is related to tire rolling resistance. Edgeways, tire weight, sipe density, and compound stiffness.

Unfortunately, Sumitomo Encounter AT is a heavy-weight tire that has a fluffy compound. Besides that, its sipe density is high because it’s a winter-driven tire.

Sumitomo Encounter AT isn’t a good option if fuel efficiency is your priority.

Off-Road Performance

Even though all-terrain tires are evaluated as off-road tires, in fact, these tires are somewhere between off-road and highway terrain tires.

For this reason, their off-road performance is generally focused on 2-3 terrains.

Let’s analyze Sumitomo Encounter AT performance by terrain.

Sand Traction

I would like to start with the bad one.

So, the best tire on the sand is the one that doesn’t aggressive pattern.

In this case, Sumitomo Encounter AT’s independent center lugs are the problem.

Well, if you need decent sand (beach) traction, you should air down your tires. By doing this, you decrease the distance between lugs which is limited for this tire.

Due to its independent center lugs, Sumitomo Encounter AT provides average sand traction.

Mud Traction

Mud performance is related to the void area ratio and compound stiffness. For this reason, most all-terrain tires provide limited mud traction.

Keeping the tread clean is the key to decent mud performance.

So, Sumitomo Encounter AT has open shoulder blocks which can evacuate the mud with ease. Besides that, its independent center lugs increase the void ratio and provide better loose-ground traction.

Moreover, Sumitomo Encounter AT has variable-width shoulder lugs that increase evacuation capability in air-down situations.

On the other hand, Sumitomo Encounter AT has a deep tread. If this was a mud-terrain tire, that was an advantage because of its cavitied tread. However, this becomes a disadvantage when it comes to all-terrain tires. These tires can’t clean themself as well as mud-terrain tires and increasing the tread depth only make it worse. Not a big deal but good to know.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers decent mud traction. You can’t win the Baja Race with this one but it’s okay for your weekend adventures.

Dirt Traction

Dirt traction is similar to dry traction. It’s easy to do for all-terrain tires.

Regarding Sumitomo Encounter AT, things are quite the same.

Sumitomo Encounter AT has a relatively softer compound compared to the competition. For this reason, its gripping capability is superior.

Besides that, its 3D siped shoulder blocks and independent center blocks offer more biting edges and work like a beast on the dirt.

Sumitomo Encounter AT offers unique dirt traction.

Rock Traction

Rock traction is where this tire shines.

As I’ve mentioned before, Sumitomo Encounter AT has a strong sidewall. In my point of view, these two are the game changers for rock traction.

I prefer the rock traction divided into two sections. Rock crawling and gravel traction.

Regarding rock crawling, I think Sumitomo Encounter AT is a good option. It has strong sidewalls and enough biting edges to provide decent traction. However, the strong bead creates a disadvantage out here because it heats up quickly. Heat is the enemy. In the long term run, it might cause shoulder separation. Again, it’ll provide decent rock crawling performance but I don’t recommend this tire if you’re going to rock crawling often.

Regarding gravel, at the first sight, I was quite sure that this tire will hold the rocks. Things changed when I see the step-downs and staggered edges of the center blocks. These two have only one duty. Clean the tread up. As a result, Sumitomo Encounter AT provides a perfect gravel performance.

Sumitomo Encounter AT is a great tire if you’re looking for a decent rock performance. Though worth reminding, this tire isn’t suitable for long-time rock crawling.

Sizes

15”	16”	17”	18”	20”
235/75R15 105T SL	LT225/75R16 115/112R E	235/75R17 109T SL	255/70R18 113T SL	LT265/60R20 121/118R E
235/75R15 109T XL	235/70R16 106T SL	LT235/80R17 120/117R E	265/60R18 110T SL	275/55R20 117T XL
31X10.5R15LT 109R C	LT235/85R16 120/116R E	245/65R17 107T SL	265/65R18 114T SL	275/60R20 115T SL
	245/70R16 107T SL	245/70R17 110T SL	LT265/70R18 124/121S E	LT275/65R20 126/123S E
	LT245/75R16 120/116R E	LT245/70R17 119/116S E	265/70R18 116T SL	LT285/55R20 121/119R E
	245/75R16 111T SL	LT245/75R17 121/118R E	LT275/65R18 123/120S E	LT305/55R20 121/118S E
	255/70R16 111T SL	255/65R17 110T SL	275/65R18 116T SL	LT325/60R20 121/118S D
	265/70R16 112T SL	255/70R17 112T SL	LT275/70R18 125/122S E	35X12.5R20LT 121Q E
	LT265/75R16 123/120R E	265/65R17 112T SL	LT285/65R18 125/122S E
	265/75R16 116T SL	LT265/70R17 121/118S E	LT325/65R18 127/124R E
	LT285/75R16 126/123R E	265/70R17 115T SL
		P285/70R17 117T SL
		LT285/70R17 121/118S E
		LT315/70R17 121/118S E

If you’d like to see detailed specs,

Sumitomo Encounter AT Spec Details:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=Encounter+AT

Tire Size Selection: The Basics You Can’t Skip

P-Metric vs. LT (Light Truck) Tires

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

Conclusion

Sumitomo Encounter AT is a traction-driven tire that offers unique loose-ground traction. Since this tire has a fluffy compound, its winter and wet performance on the highway is highly satisfying. It is a great option who’d like to combine 4 season highway traction with weekend adventures.

	Sumitomo Encounter AT
Best for	4 season performance driven riding, Smooth & quiet driving, Aggressive appearance, Winter performance,
Pros	4-season traction, Winter beast, Affordable, Reliable off-road traction
Cons	Since it’s performance-driven, its tread life is average Handling capability isn’t perfect
Vehicle	SUV, CUV, Light Trucks
Test Report	vs Wildpeak AT3W & General Grabber ATX (September 30, 2021)
Available Sizes	17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22”
Made In	Thailand
Warranty	60,000 miles

I hope the article was helpful. If you have any further questions, please leave them in the below section. Have a safe ride folks!

Review

Quick Look

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3

Raw Test Data

Tire Test Data

BFG KO2 vs KO3: What Changed?

Dry Performance — Stable but Not Sporty

Wet Performance — Needs Extra Room

Winter & Snow — Claws Loose, Slips Packed

Ice — Predictable but Long

Off-Road — KO3’s Playground

Comfort & Noise — Firm Ride, Hum That Builds

Tread Life & Longevity — Tough but Demanding

Where It Fits Best

Tire Size Selection: The Basics You Can’t Skip

P-Metric vs. LT (Light Truck) Tires

Understanding Tire Load Range: XL vs. E-Load

Why the Tire Speed Rating Matters for Safety

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions: BFGoodrich KO3

Table of Contents

Dry Performance

Responsiveness

Cornering Stability

Wet Performance

Winter Performance

Road Noise

Riding Comfort

Tread Life

Off-Road Performance

Warranty

Sizes

Size Selection

Technical Standards & Regulations

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

Conclusion

At a Glance

All-Season Tires Cheat Sheet

Table of Contents

Dry Traction

Responsiveness

Cornering Stability

Wet Performance

Winter Performance

Longevity

Warranty

Comfort & Noise

Sizes

Conclusion

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S

Tire Decision Tool

Dry Traction

Steering Response

Cornering Stability

Ride Comfort

Road Noise

Wet Performance

Wet Traction

Hydroplaning Resistance

Winter Performance

Light Snow Traction

Deep Snow Traction

Ice Traction

Treadwear

Warranty

Off-Road Performance

Gravel

Dirt

Sand

Mud

Sizes

Tire Size Selection: The Basics You Can’t Skip

P-Metric vs. LT (Light Truck) Tires

Understanding Tire Load Range: XL vs. E-Load

Why the Tire Speed Rating Matters for Safety

Conclusion

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Related Articles

Quick Look

Sumitomo Encounter AT

Dry Traction