- A short note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking Discount Tire - Treadwell out. Now, you can effortlessly get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites without going to the Discount Tire store.
TRIED & TRUSTED!
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W are indeed highly regarded as top replacements in the all-terrain tire market. Their similar tread designs and comparable winter performance ratings have sparked numerous discussions among enthusiasts. If you’re considering a change from the popular BF Goodrich KO2, you’ve come to the right place for guidance. Let’s dive into the details and find the perfect tire for your needs!
At a Glance
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Squishy and snowy regions, camping and hunting, working trucks, 3/4 ton or above light-trucks, responsiveness | SUV and LT owners who are looking for an aggressive appearance, quiet ride(especially for p-metric sizes) |
| Pros | Insane wet and snow traction, long-lasting rubber, mild & severe off-road traction | Insane wet and snow traction, mild off-road traction |
| Cons | Slightly noisy ride | It can’t handle severe off-road conditions very well, you might feel a bit delayed in steering |
| Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, in my opinion, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W leans more towards on-road performance, providing a slightly smoother ride. However, Toyo Open Country AT3 excels in other aspects. Its stiff sidewalls enhance cornering stability and overall off-road durability, making it a reliable choice. Additionally, Toyo Open Country AT3 offers a slightly longer tread life compared to the Falken Wildpeak AT3W. While both tires perform well in mild off-road conditions, if you require more aggressive off-road traction, I recommend the Toyo Open Country AT3.
All-Terrain 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.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - What is the 3PMSF symbol?
https://tireterrain.com/what-is-3pmsf-symbol/ - Off-Road Tire Buyer’s Guide
https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-buyers-guide/ - Tire rating charts & reviews
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/rating-chart&reviews - Are all-terrain tires good for daily driving?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/ - Most aggressive all-terrain tires
https://tireterrain.com/most-aggressive-all-terrain-tires/
Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.
If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best All-Round & Longevity
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Round & Squishy Regions
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best All-Round & Off-Road Adventure
- Falken Wildpeak AT Trail – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Severe Off-Road
- Nitto Recon Grappler – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- General Grabber ATX – Best All-Round for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best On/Off Road tire for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Cooper Discoverer 4S XLT – Best Commercial All-Terrain Tire & Hauling and Towing
If you’re looking for something at a bargain price;
- Vredestein Pinza AT – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- Kenda Klever A/T2 – Best All-Round for Medium & Light Duty Usage
- Kenda Klever R/T – Best All-Round for Heavy-Duty Usage
Depending on your needs, also the below articles might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-mud-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Tread Appearance
Depending on your expectations, tread appearance can be a piece of indicative evidence. Furthermore, people will judge your tire with cover, not performance.
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W have similar tread patterns. The only difference that you can see is shoulder wideness. Falken Wildpeak AT3W has wider outboard shoulders. They look cool but can cause irregular wear. Luckily, this isn’t the case for Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Moreover, its broader shoulder blocks create a slight advantage regarding handling.
Well, even though both have S-shaped center lugs, Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s lugs are a bit smaller. With a half-eye, you might think Wildpeak AT3W has less void area, hence, worse loose ground traction. That’s wrong. Falken has a lot of small gaps, while Toyo has larger but fewer gaps. Though, the void area volume is the same.
Regarding sidewalls, Falken has beefy sidewalls. Even though these sidewalls don’t go through the bead, still, they work as a solid sidewall protector and help loose ground traction. On the other hand, Toyo’s sidewalls go through the bead. Hence, their effect on loose ground traction is a bit more than Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Yet, Toyo Open Country AT3’s sidewalls are a bit shieldless due to thin sidewall protectors. Though worth reminding, this claim is only valid for p-metric sizes.
Verdict,
- Toyo Open Country AT3 is a broader and taller tire
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W‘s shoulder and sidewall design look dope.
- Toyo Open Country AT3’s center section looks more aggressive
Durability
Since they are built to perform in severe conditions, durability is essential for all-terrain tires. In this case, I generally prefer USA-made tires. However, things are a bit different this time.
Regarding online customers, both fellows do not have an issue with durability. Yet, I wanted to stay on the safe side and talk with my friends who worked for Toyo and Falken.
Here is the deal,
- If you’ll go with LT sizes, Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W are extremely durable tires.
- For passenger metric tires, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a bit more durable since it has high ply turn-ups wrapping around the bead and rising back up
Note: One of our SL Toyo Open Country AT3 has sidewall damage due to a hit sidewalk. However, the warranty process was the easiest ever. Toyo immediately replaced our tire with a new one.
Noise Comparison
Road noise on the highway is a common problem for all-terrain tires. Due to the lug-based design, tires create some noise mostly after 50mph.
Unlike most all-terrain tires, these two have really satisfying manners regarding road noise reduction. Inter-locked center lugs and narrowed gaps help them to reduce noise.
So, I was talking about it in the tread appearance section. Toyo Open Country AT3 has bigger and fewer lugs. Hence, the gap between the two lugs is higher than Falken. Especially, in the center section.
Narrowed center gaps always mean better noise reduction.
Toyo Open Country AT3 is a slightly more vocal tire. Though worth reminding, the noise level of Falken might increase with wear. Wildpeak AT3W has a deep tread. These kinds of tires tend to make more noise at the end of their tread life.
Note: This section is for everyday users. If you’re an overlander, your chances of hearing the sound these two make are very slim.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Riding Comfort
Toyo Open Country AT3 has a more blocky pattern than Falken Wildpeak AT3W. That’s for sure. So, in that case, I can say Falken Wildpeak AT3W has better riding quality. Yet, I have another reason.
Well, the difference is minor but Falken’s bead apex technology makes this tire a bit more flexible and obviously smoother than Toyo Open Country AT3.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a more smooth tire. However, if comfort is your priority, you might wanna go with XL sizes instead of SL sizes.
For all-terrain tire newbies: All-terrain tires wear well. We all know this. Yet, compared to the all-season tires these tires offer a rough ride. If your interest in all-terrain tires is fresh, I highly recommend reading the linked article before making any purchase.
Dry Performance
I’ve made the most of the dry performance evaluation on the above sections. But I left steering response, cornering, and dry traction for here. In this section, I would like to talk about these features.
Both tires have awesome reviews on e-commerce sites. Yet, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is weighter. Therefore, they will not balance as easily as Toyo’s. That might cause some shaking and decrease your handling in further wearing levels.
In a nutshell, these tires are head to head in this section. You can pick either one. Well, the price difference direct me to Falken’s.
Dry Traction
Due to their blocky patterns and notched rubber, all-terrain tires generally don’t have any issue with dry traction. Well, the equation is similar out here.
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W have extremely well dry traction. I strongly recommend both of them.
Steering Response
Continuity of the center section is the key to rapid steering response. Since we’re talking about all-terrain tires, this continuity is impossible to reach.
So, in this case, if you’ll look closely, you can see that Falken try to create a center rib as much as they can. Moreover, the footprint of Wildpeak AT3W promises a better steering response.
Moreover, when I check the UTQG ratings, I see that Falken Wildpeak AT3W has a higher rating which means it has a stiffer compound. Stiffer compounds always work better regarding handling.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W has quicker steering response.
Cornering Stability
Cornering stability could be an issue for all-terrain tires if the manufacturer can’t optimize sidewall stiffness with a bead stiffness. If the bead and shoulder sections are too stiff compared to the sidewalls, you may feel the floating feeling while cornering in the high velocity.
Since both tires have a strong internal sidewall structure, Falken Wildpeak AT3W and Toyo Open Country AT3 have solid cornering stability. However, the tread depth of Wildpeak AT3W is too high. For this reason, it has slight stability issues while cornering.
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W are trustworthy options in this case. Though, Toyo Open Country AT3 offers more.
Wet Performance
Wet performance contains two different dimensions. Wet traction and hydroplaning resistance. Wet traction is not hard to get for all terrains. Yet, hydroplaning resistance can be cheeky due to heavier vehicles.
Both tires are working equally well on wet surfaces. Hmm, let’s say Toyos are slightly better. Hydroplaning resistance is a game-changer out here. Most of the users say Falken’s has low hydroplaning resistance. On the other hand, Toyo is a beast in either dimension.
I recommend Toyo Open Country AT3 for all-day long.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Wet Traction
Wet traction is related to compound stiffness and the sipe density. In this case, both tires have enough UTQG rating for reliable wet traction.
Side note: The tires with over 700 UTQG generally have traction issues on wet and snow.
Since both tires have a similar footprint and compound stiffness, their wet performance is close-rated. In this case, Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s sipe density is superior. Yet, its compound is also stiffer.
Well, I think these two are balancing each other.
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W have alpha plus wet traction. They’re leading their segment. I strongly recommend both.
Hydroplaning Resistance
Hydroplaning resistance is also known as aquaplaning resistance. It’s simply the water evacuation capability of the tire. If the tire can’t get water out of the tread, it loses the connection with the road and that might cause vital accidents.
In this case, circumferential grooves and open shoulder blocks work best. Luckily, both tires have a compatible design.
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W have elegant hydroplaning resistance.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Winter Performance
It’s a battle between two tires with 3-peak mountain snowflake marking. Those tires are a phenomenon on snow. Well, they will not pick you up to Everest but will satisfy you on daily driving.
Alright, I love Toyo’s winter performance. It’s the truth. They are heroic. But, I was pretty impressed by Falken’s. They clean up really well and that will increase your traction on deep snow significantly. Here is the little video about Falken!
Regarding light snow,
It’s similar to wet traction. Both are extremely trustworthy tires. Yet, Falken is a bit more notched. It’s a slightly better tire on light snow.
Regarding deep snow,
It’s a bit more complicated. If you’ll buy a new tire, you’ll definitely notice how the beast is Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Well, this is caused by deep tread and it’ll decrease in time. Yet, no worries, Wildpeak AT3W has a long-lasting rubber.
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a better deep snow tire in general
- If we’ll talk about the last stages of the tread, I prefer Toyo Open Country AT3
Regarding ice traction,
Here is the deal. Due to narrower gaps and a better-optimized contact patch, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a better tire on ice. Yet, the difference is minor. You can go either way.
Verdict, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a better winter tire in general. Yet, Toyo Open Country AT3 is very close rated, and in my point of view, its performance is more consistent. Thought, both are worth buying for their phenomenal light snow performance.
Off-Road Performance
Falken Wildpeak AT3W has a more capable tread design for off-road. I’ve mentioned it at the beginning. It can be considered a rugged-terrain tire. Does that mean, it’s a better off-road tire? Let’s continue below and find out!
Both of our tires are perfect all-around off-road tires. They are working very well in every condition. However, Falken Wildpeak AT3W has a huge cleaning ability. That will increase your traction dramatically on mud. Moreover, they have better gripping ability and durability for rock driving.
In short,
- Gravel: Falken Wildpeak AT3W tends to hold stones. Therefore, Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better pick for gravel.
- Dirt and Mud: Both can handle dirt pretty well. However, due to its self-cleaning capability, Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better tire for mud driving.
- Rock: LT sizes of Toyo Open Country AT3 can handle rock crawling, it’s better pick for rock crawling
- Sand: Due to deeper tread and stiffer compound, Falken Wildpeak AT3W can stick you into the sand. However, Toyo doesn’t have any of them. Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better tire for sand.
For this section, picking the right size for yourself is key. Therefore, I recommend you to follow ‘Take-Home Point’ in the conclusion section.
Gravel
Due to its deep tread, Falken Wildpeak AT3W tends to hold too much stone. It might negatively affect your traction.
However, gravel is a mild off-road. That means you might face it day in and day out. Hence, I’m going to execute it regarding tire sizes,
- If you want XL and SL load range, I recommend Falken Wildpeak AT3W due to its more durable sidewalls
- If you want LT sizes, I recommend Toyo Open Country AT3. Its gaps are wider. Hence, it offers better gravel traction.
Dirt
Dirt is nothing for these two. I’m pretty sure, you’ll not have any issue with both of them.
Here is the deal, due to its self-cleaning capability, Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better tire on dirt.
Sand
Sand driving is tricky. You need enough width to don’t get stuck. However, this isn’t individually enough.
Since Falken Wildpeak AT3W has a deep tread, you must be careful with the gas pedal. It digs better than Toyo Open Country AT3. Yet, this isn’t what you want for this time. You wanna move forward, not deep.
I recommend Toyo Open Country AT3 for sand driving. Falken Wildpeak AT3W is also good option. Well, if you’re an experienced sand driver.
Mud
Even though Falken Wildpeak AT3W has a deeper tread and this’s a solid advantage for mud traction, for the tires like Falken Wildpeak AT3W (more lug but narrowed gaps), it becomes a disadvantage.
Even though its beefy sidewalls and staggered shoulders help it a lot, it still has some self-cleaning issues on mud.
I recommend Toyo Open Country AT3 for mud driving. Especially for deep mud. For light mud, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is also a good option.
Rock
Due to its wider gaps and softer compound, Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better tire for rock crawling.
Note: This equation is only valid for LT sizes.
Tread Life
The Tread life of all-terrain tires is a game-changer. In fact, it’s the most complicated part of all-terrain tires. They need a stiff compound to last more and a soft compound to grip more. This is hard to reach. You’re a lucky guy, both have outstanding tread life for an all-terrain tire.
In this case, two metrics are highly important. The weight of the tire and the stiffness of the tread.
- Since both tires have cut & chipping resistance, they’re equal in this case
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W has a stiffer compound ( Toyo AT3 –> 600 UTQG, Wildpeak AT3W –> 660 UTQG)
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W has a deeper tread ( depends on size 2/32” – 3/32”)
Falken Wildpeak AT3W is the winner of this section that is for sure. Yet, if you have a 3/4 ton or above pickup, I recommend Toyo Open Country AT3 instead. In that case, even wearing capability is way much more crucial than UTQG rating which Toyo AT3 is better.
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:
Warranty
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has a tread warranty of up to 65,000 miles. Toyo also has a 45-day trial which is limited to 500 miles.
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W has a tread warranty of up to 55,000 miles. Yet, they do not offer a trial.
Toyo Open Country AT3 Warranty Document –> https://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/TO0315.pdf
Falken Wildpeak AT3W Warranty Document –> https://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/FA0119.pdf
Specs
| Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Toyo Open Country AT3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All-Terrain Tire | All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV | Light Truck, SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’ | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’ |
| Weight | 35 – 82 lbs | 26 – 76 lbs |
| Made In | Thailand or China | White, GA, USA |
| Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 55,000 Miles | 65,000 Miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 55,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles |
| Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Toyo Open Country AT3: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/toyo-tire-open-country-a-t-iii
Falken Wildpeak AT3W: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/falken-wildpeak-a-t3w
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
Toyo Open Country AT3: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/toyo-open-country-a-t-iii
Falken Wildpeak AT3W: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/falken-wildpeak-a-t3w
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Toyo Open Country AT3: https://simpletire.com/brands/toyo-tires/open-country-a-t-iii
Falken Wildpeak AT3W: https://simpletire.com/brands/falken-tires/wildpeak-a-t3w
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
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
In summary, these are perfect tires for snow and wet conditions. Moreover, they have exceptional dry traction on all surfaces. You can go either way in this comparison. But, before doing that check our latest tips below.
What Are the Benefits?
Toyo Open Country AT3
- Better severe off-road performance
- Killing it on mild off-road
- More consistent tire
- 65,000 Miles warranty
- Made in the U.S
- Fuel-efficient
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
- Killing it in winter conditions
- Best on mild off-road but capable to handle severe also
- If you want a quiet ride
- Maybe the best for this price
- 55,000 Miles treadwear warranty
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Squishy and snowy regions, camping and hunting, working trucks, 3/4 ton or above light-trucks, responsiveness | SUV and LT owners who are looking for an aggressive appearance, quiet ride(especially for p-metric sizes) |
| Pros | Insane wet and snow traction, long-lasting rubber, mild & severe off-road traction | Insane wet and snow traction, mild off-road traction |
| Cons | Slightly noisy ride | It can’t handle severe off-road conditions very well, you might feel a bit delayed in steering |
| Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
Hope this comparison was helpful. If you have any further questions, please leave them below and I’ll answer them ASAP!
Great info, 250 4x crew, tow a 35′ 5thwheel
mainly 85% roads.Retired like the Warranty
info and your comparisons. I think I’ll go To
Toyo at3 , I have Cooper 35×12.5 x 20 now
thinking 33 x 12.5x 20 ? Bought truck 6 months ago .
Hey Rusty,
I think Toyo AT3 is a better selection based on the information you gave.
A smaller size also prevents spinning while towing.
In my point of view, Toyo AT3 33×12.5×20 will work best for you.
With the falken wildpeak tires Exactly how much will they affect your fuel mileage
Hey Jon,
About %15 but that’s for LT size. If you’ll go with SL or XL size, I guess you’ll lose around %5.
I currently am running a 18 Jeep Rubicon JL with a two and a half inch lift and 37 inch mid tires.
I am looking to go to 35/12.50/17. Majority of driving will be on road but I want to do some light to moderate wheeling off road. Debating between the TOYO AT3 and the Wildpeak AT3.
Your thoughts. Thanks.
Hello Troy,
I hope you’re doing well.
Since you do spend most of your time on the road, I think the lighter Toyo AT3 is a better option for better fuel mileage (MPG). Besides that, it’s going to last more than Wildpeak AT3W.
On the other hand, I love Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s look. If you’re not an aggressive driver on highways, Wildpeak AT3 is also a good option. I found its cornering stability slightly poor.
I recommend sticking with the ‘C’ rated tires for your vehicle.
I hope this helps.
I am waiting on my 2023 Ford Super Duty XLT Crew Cab 6’3/4 box 4×4 7.3L. I am looking at a Carli Backcountry 2.0 suspension upgrade. I am getting Method 704 HD 17×9 wheels and want to get Toyo AT3 35×12.5r17 tires E rated.
Combination of on road, off road, light towing, and winter snow. Looking for your thoughts on running this tire on my 3/4 ton all purpose truck.
Hello Bob,
Sorry for the late reply.
First of all, your vehicle gonna look dope.
I find Toyo AT3 better on 3/4 ton or above trucks. Besides that E-rated Wildpeak has a deep tread which decreases the responsiveness. Since you’re gonna do a light towing, I think Toyo AT3 is a great option for you.
Great video and information!!! I am looking to upgrade my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude with either a Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s or the Toyo Open Country AT3’s. Currently have the stock 265/50 20 but would like to fill the wheel well a little more with a larger side wall but don’t want to add a lot of width. I mostly drive on road and love snowboarding so snowy road performance is important. I do plan on some light off roading. I also don’t want to kill too much fuel efficiency. Just want to add that the aggressive look of the wild peak is my favorite of the 2 tires. What are your thoughts. Thanks for the help deciding.
Hello Kevin,
I hope you’re doing well.
Here is the deal, if you’re not going to change your wheel size or lift your vehicle, 255/55R20 tire size is the only one meet with your terms. This tire size will come up with better responsiveness and, fuel efficiency. So, increasing sidewall height and decreasing width is a wise move for efficiency and winter performance.
Well, Falken’s aren’t available in this size, hence, Toyo Open Country AT3 is your only option.
I’m leaving the suitable tire link below to make things easier for you:
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/toyo-tire-open-country-a-t-iii/p/88401
I’m in New Zealand & looking at tire options for my 2021 Ford Everest which I don’t think you guys have over there.
I’m looking at going for 275/55R20 tires.
The two choices that I am looking at are are the Falken Wildpeak AT3W & the Toyo Open Country AT3.
My Everest is used for 400 km a week of open road commuting to work.
In the weekends over the summer it does a lot of gravel road work along with shingle, rocks and sand around lakes and rivers, also a little bit of mud. Quite often, this is while towing a medium-sized boat.
In the winter time, my commute can have a little bit of snow or ice, but most of the time it is either fine or rainy. In the weekends it involves a lot of snow, ice & slush on sealed roads or gravel along with mud occasionally and again, shingle, rocks and sand around lakes and rivers.
Our gravel roads are particularly hard on weaker tyres with very sharp rocks, puncturing straight through the tread or occasionally the side walls.
Over here the Falken Wildpeak is around 30% cheaper than the Toyo Open Country but I’m not too worried about price more about getting something that is going to last a long time and perform well.
The LT Version of the Falken is not available here, but the LT version of the Toyo is available to be imported.
What would be your recommendations? Thanks very much.
Everything you told me says go with the Falken Wildpeak AT3W but going with not LT sizes isn’t a good option in your case.
So, I would also offer Toyo AT3 but its LT sizes are only available in E-rated which is a bit too stiff for your daily driving conditions.
If you can find D-rated Falken Wildpeak AT3W, go with it.
For other options,
1) General Grabber ATX LT275/55R20 Load Range: D
2) BF Goodrich KO2 LT275/55R20 Load Range: D
3) Toyo Open Country AT3 LT275/55R20 Load Range: E
If you think that, you can avoid sharp rocks or at least you’re an aggressive driver
1) Falken Wildpeak AT3W 275/55R20 XL
2) Vredestein Pinza AT 275/55R20 XL
3) Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S 275/55R20 XL
Before buying XL-rated tires please check the speed index of your tires.
I hope it helps, let me know if you need any further help.
Thank you very much for your help.
I forgot to mention that I had the Falken Wildpeak AT3W 275/55R20 XL on my previous Jeep Grand Cherokee. They were good & I never got a puncture but they didn’t wear very well having only 4mm approx of tread after 40,000km. I thought the Toyos might be a slightly better / newer option?
Maybe I’ve been exaggerating what it gets used for each weekend a bit but it does happen every few weekends, just most of the time is on dry asphalt.
Our tire options in New Zealand are quite limited / some are cheap & some very expensive. The BFG KO2 LT is double the price of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W XL & the Cooper is about the same.
How much difference in ride quality do you think I would notice between the XL tires vs LT D vs LT E ratings if I run them all at the same psi?
Since the tread depth is a lot more on the LT version they should last a lot longer or is it a different compound?
Are the standard non LT versions of the Toyo & Falken the same construction / durability?
Thanks again.
Cheers,
Craig
XL tires have a higher load rating and strong internal structure compared to SL tires for this reason they’re close to LT tires. However, manufacturers generally use harder compounds on LT tires due to decrease wear. Still, they provide similar traction because LT tires are used on heavy vehicles or carry loads. The situation is similar in your case. In my point of view, 40k tread life isn’t bad after all for your conditions.
If tread life is your priority, you should go with Toyo AT3. However, since LT Toyo AT3 has one of the toughest internal structures and compounds in the market, it most probably will decrease your riding comfort. Besides that, these kinds of tires generally spin on wet surfaces before heating up.
Regarding riding quality, it depends on the weight of your vehicle or towed & hauled load. For instance, if you have a 1-ton truck, E-rated will make you feel on the clouds. Moreover, If you run all of them at the same psi, some of them will probably wear unevenly. You should notice the difference if you switch over XL Falken AT3W to LT Toyo AT3. Yet, it seems like you need Toyo AT3 anyway.
Since the tread depth is higher, it decreases the responsiveness first of all. But you’re right, they last way much longer than P-rated tires(SL or XL). Yet, it’s still a different compound.
No, Non-lt tires don’t have the same construction. Sometimes, they don’t even have the same tread.
I definitely prefer D-rated tires but if you mostly drive on the dry asphalt, E-rated Toyo AT3 will be fine with a little comfort decrease.
I went from a factory provided C rated BFG mud tire using 37 PSI per factory spec, to a Toyo AT III E rated tire. The E rated tire runs at 30 PSI per chalk test. In this case I see no ride difference between the tires.
Hey Martin,
Thanks for your comment.
I’m not a fan of this test. It leads people to low inflation pressure but it may cause a structural failure.
While decreasing the inflation pressure, you also decrease the load-carrying capacity of your tire.
I’m going to write an article about it and share it with you as soon as possible.
For now, I recommend keeping PSI at least at 35PSI. You can also use the below link for proper information:
https://www.toyotires.com/media/pxcjubjs/application_of_load_inflation_tables_20200723.pdf
Hi, great informative article. I am running 255-65-R17 114T Falken AT3W tyres (stock factory size) and am looking at the Toyo AT3 tyres in a LT255-65-R17 119/116S. I was wondering what your thoughts are of each as daily drivers. Ride, noise etc. I am only really concerned with wet performance and longevity as I live in a rainy part of Australia. I do prefer the look of the Falkens though but would like a deeper tread. I do have the option of running LT265-70-R17 in the Falken, but that will have other problems.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
Dan
Hey Dan,
Appreciate your input, and you bring up some solid points. When it comes to the relationship between ride quality and noise, I’d argue the gap isn’t as wide as one might think. However, moving from stock factory tires to alternatives like Falken Wildpeak AT3W or Toyo Open Country AT3 could yield subtle shifts in your ride’s comfort level. That’s because OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires are engineered with a specific set of performance criteria in mind for your vehicle.
Now, let’s dive into the rain factor. Falken Wildpeak AT3W tends to have a slight edge when it comes to wet conditions, but your situation has its own set of considerations. You’re looking to transition from P-metric to LT (Light Truck) tires, primarily for the benefit of a deeper tread pattern, correct? In that case, you’ll want to pay close attention to the load range.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Toyo’s AT3 option is D-rated for load, while Falken’s AT3W carries an E-rating. If on-road manners, particularly ride comfort, are a priority for you, then a D-rated tire is your best bet.
So, given your specific conditions and needs, I’d lean toward the Toyo Open Country AT3. It offers a balanced package that should suit your criteria quite well. It’s a strong contender that wins the day for me.
Hope this helps you make an informed decision, Dan. Safe travels!