Best All Terrain Tires for Trucks and SUVs: A Practical Buyer's Guide

If you have started shopping for all terrain tires, you have probably already noticed the problem. Every listing claims to be rugged, capable, and quiet, and every brand insists their tire is the one you need. But the best all terrain tires for your truck depend on things that have nothing to do with brand names: your vehicle's specified tire size, your load requirements, how much towing or hauling you actually do, and whether your driving is mostly pavement with occasional gravel or genuinely rough terrain. A tire built for a half-ton pickup that never sees a trailer hitch is a different tool than a tire built for a heavy duty truck that hauls equipment every weekend.

This guide looks at five well regarded all terrain tires, but it does not treat them as five interchangeable competitors fighting for the number one spot. They come in different sizes, different load ranges, and different constructions, and they are built to answer different questions for different buyers. Our goal is to help you figure out which category you fall into so you can shop with a clearer sense of what matters for your vehicle, and to flag a few technical points, including a recall notice, that buyers should be aware of before purchasing.

If you're also preparing your truck or SUV for everyday driving, a reliable battery and a secure phone mount can make a noticeable difference. Our guide to Car and Truck Batteries for Maximum Starting Power covers practical battery options for dependable starting power, while Best Car Phone Mounts for Everyday Driving looks at ways to keep your phone secure and accessible on the road.

Sources and Methodology

The specifications referenced in this guide, including sizing, load index, load range, speed rating, and construction details, come from manufacturer product pages and listings from established tire retailers, cross checked against the Amazon listings linked throughout. Where a claim originates from a manufacturer's own marketing or product description rather than independent testing, we note that distinction. CarPicky did not mount, drive, or physically test these tires, and this guide does not present firsthand impressions of ride quality, road noise, durability, or traction. It is built to help you understand the documented differences between these products so you can make a more informed decision.

Product	Size	Load Range	Load Index	Speed Rating	3PMSF	Best For
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W	LT275/60R20	D	119/116	S	Yes	Half-ton and similar trucks or SUVs specified for this size, wanting a balanced daily driver with all terrain capability
Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT	LT265/70R18	E	124/121	S	Yes	Vehicles specified for this size with towing or payload requirements consistent with Load Range E
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3	LT265/70R17	E	123/120	S	Yes	Drivers whose routine includes both highway miles and rougher trail or job site conditions
Toyo Open Country A/T III	35X12.50R20	F	125	Q	Yes	Properly set up, larger tire and wheel configurations that require Load Range F capacity
Nokian Outpost nAT	LT285/70R17	E	126/123	S	Yes	Buyers who want documented wet and cold weather positioning alongside Load Range E capacity

How We Chose These Tires

This is a research based buying guide, not a hands on tire test. We did not measure road noise, ride quality, tread wear, or traction ourselves. The criteria below reflect what can be verified from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and, where available, published third party testing, and they are meant to help you match a tire's documented characteristics to your own vehicle and driving pattern.

Vehicle compatibility and tire size. This sounds obvious, but it is a common source of frustration for buyers. A tire that is available in an attractive size is not automatically appropriate for your specific vehicle. Fitment depends on your manufacturer's specified sizing, wheel dimensions, offset, and available clearance, and it is worth confirming before you buy rather than assuming a size will work because it appears in a compatible category.

Load index and Load Range. These figures describe how much weight a tire is rated to carry, both per tire and as part of a full set. A higher load index and a heavier Load Range designation, such as E or F, generally correspond to a tire built with a stiffer internal structure. That construction is relevant if you tow a trailer or regularly carry heavy cargo, but it is not automatically an advantage if your truck rarely carries more than passengers and light gear. Additional load capacity you do not use typically comes with a firmer ride rather than a clear benefit.

Speed rating. Every tire carries a maximum rated speed under specified test conditions, shown as a letter such as Q or S. This number is part of the tire's engineering specification, and buyers should be aware of it, though it does not by itself guarantee performance or safety in every real-world condition. Vehicle manufacturer requirements and tire manufacturer operating recommendations should always take priority.

On road behavior and road noise. All terrain tread patterns are generally more aggressive than dedicated highway tires, and tread design, void pattern, and compound all influence how much road noise results. We rely on manufacturer descriptions and published information here rather than firsthand comparison.

Off road traction. Tread patterns marketed as "all terrain" vary in how they handle looser surfaces, mud, and rock, often based on void spacing, stone ejecting features, and sidewall design as described by the manufacturer.

Durability and sidewall construction. Manufacturers often describe reinforced sidewall technology intended to resist punctures and cuts. These are manufacturer-described features rather than claims we have independently verified.

Weather capability. Several tires in this category carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, which indicates the tire has met a defined severe-snow traction requirement through a standardized test. It does not mean every 3PMSF tire performs identically in winter conditions, and it does not make an all terrain tire equivalent to a dedicated winter tire in every situation.

Towing and hauling requirements. If you regularly tow or carry heavy loads, load index and Load Range become central to your decision. If you do not, a lower Load Range option often provides a smoother ride without giving up capability you would not use.

Construction and sidewall features, and real world practicality. Ultimately, the right tire is the one whose documented specifications match your vehicle's specified fitment and your actual use, not the one with the most aggressive tread in a product photo.

Understanding Load Range and Ply Rating

Before getting into the individual tires, it is worth clearing up a point of confusion that affects this entire category. Load Range (shown as a letter such as C, D, E, or F) is a standardized classification that indicates a tire's maximum load-carrying capacity at a specified inflation pressure. Terms like "10-ply rating" or "12-ply rated" are historical carryovers from an era when load capacity was tied more directly to the actual number of fabric plies in a tire's construction. Modern tires achieve their load rating through a combination of materials and construction methods, and a tire labeled with a traditional ply rating, such as 10-ply, does not necessarily contain ten physical plies. Where this guide references a ply rating, it refers to that traditional load-equivalent terminology, not a literal ply count.

The Five Tires

Falken Wildpeak A/T4W

Best for: Half-ton and similar trucks or SUVs specified for this size, looking for a well rounded all terrain tire for daily driving with occasional trail or gravel use.

The Wildpeak A/T4W, available here in LT275/60R20 with a 119/116 load index and Load Range D, provides less load capacity than the Load Range E and F tires elsewhere in this guide. That is not a weakness, it may simply be a better match for vehicles whose actual towing and payload requirements do not call for the higher capacity of those options. Buyers should weigh ride comfort as a general consideration, but the Load Range designation alone does not establish how a given tire will ride or how much road noise it will produce.

Falken describes this tire as using staggered shoulder blocks and stone ejecting design elements aimed at keeping the tread clear in gravel and dirt, and it carries the 3PMSF certification, indicating it has met the standardized severe-snow traction test. The tire's S speed rating corresponds to a maximum rated speed of 112 mph under specified test conditions; this is a component of the tire's engineering specification, not a guarantee of safe operation in all real-world conditions, and drivers should follow their vehicle manufacturer's requirements and Falken's own operating recommendations.

This tire is intended for trucks and SUVs that see a mix of pavement, occasional dirt roads or trailheads, and seasonal weather, rather than vehicles used as dedicated work trucks hauling heavy loads on a regular basis. As with any tire, buyers should confirm this size is listed on their vehicle's tire placard before purchasing.

Pros:

• Lower Load Range than the Load Range E and F tires in this guide, which may suit vehicles that do not require that higher capacity
• 3PMSF certification for standardized snow traction performance
• Falken markets this as a lighter duty all terrain option relative to the heavier Load Range tires in this lineup

Cons:

• Load Range D offers less load capacity than tires built for trucks that tow heavy trailers or carry consistent heavy payloads
• Positioned by Falken as a general all terrain tire rather than one built for extreme-terrain specialization, such as a dedicated mud-terrain tire

Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT

Best for: Vehicles specified for this size with towing or payload requirements consistent with Load Range E capacity.

The Stronghold AT, in LT265/70R18 with a 124/121 load index and Load Range E, ten-ply rated construction, is positioned for buyers who need more load capacity than a lighter all terrain tire provides. Load Range E represents a higher load-carrying classification than Load Range D, and it is relevant when a vehicle's actual payload or towing requirements call for that additional capacity. A higher Load Range can also result in a firmer ride than a lower Load Range tire, so the added capacity is a trade-off, not a pure upgrade.

Cooper also lists a 3PMSF winter rating for this tire, so buyers in colder regions are not necessarily giving up snow traction certification to get the added load capacity. The S speed rating corresponds to a maximum rated speed of 112 mph under specified test conditions.

This tire is best matched to vehicles specified for this size that have actual towing or payload requirements consistent with Load Range E capacity, rather than any particular truck class by default. If your truck rarely approaches its payload limits, this level of Load Range is more capacity than you may need, and a Load Range D tire may better suit that use.

Pros:

• Load Range E capacity is relevant for towing and hauling needs, per manufacturer specifications
• Cooper describes reinforced sidewall construction intended to help resist cuts and punctures
• 3PMSF certification broadens the tire's documented usability into colder climates

Cons:

• Higher Load Range construction generally means a firmer ride than a Load Range D tire
• Less relevant for trucks that rarely carry heavy loads, where the added capacity brings no clear benefit

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3

Best for: Drivers whose routine includes both highway miles and rougher trail, job site, or unpaved road conditions.

The KO3, in LT265/70R17, Load Range E, ten-ply rated construction, with a 123/120 load index, is BFGoodrich's update to a long running all terrain lineup. According to BFGoodrich's product information, the tire uses a three-ply polyester casing with steel belts and CoreGard sidewall technology, a feature the company describes as aimed at resisting cuts and punctures from rocks and debris in rough terrain.

BFGoodrich states that this generation's tread compound and pattern were revised to improve wet weather grip and highway comfort compared to the previous KO2, while retaining the aggressive tread blocks associated with that tire's off road reputation. That combination is worth noting for someone who does not cleanly separate their driving into "mostly highway" or "mostly off road," since the manufacturer positions this tire as intended for both. These characteristics reflect BFGoodrich's own product descriptions rather than independent test results.

The tire carries a 3PMSF certification and an S speed rating, corresponding to a maximum rated speed of 112 mph under specified test conditions. As with any all terrain tire, the certification indicates it passed a standardized snow traction test, not that it will perform identically to a dedicated winter tire or to every other 3PMSF-rated tire in this guide.

Pros:

• Manufacturer-described sidewall reinforcement intended for cut and puncture resistance
• BFGoodrich describes tread and compound updates aimed at improved wet traction and highway comfort over the prior generation
• Load Range E capacity suits trucks that occasionally tow or haul

Cons:

• Drivers who spend almost all of their time on pavement may not need the KO3's more off-road-oriented construction
• Load Range E construction brings a firmer ride than a lower Load Range option, which is a trade-off for buyers who do not need that capacity

Toyo Open Country A/T III

Best for: Properly set up trucks running larger tire and wheel configurations that require Load Range F capacity.

The Open Country A/T III, in 35X12.50R20 with a 125 load index and Load Range F, twelve-ply rated construction, stands apart from the rest of this list because of its size and its Load Range F rating, a step above the Load Range E tires here. The Load Range F configuration provides a higher load-carrying classification than the Load Range E tires elsewhere in this guide, making it relevant to buyers whose vehicle and application require that additional capacity.

Fitting a 35-inch tire is not a universal bolt-on upgrade. Whether it fits depends on the specific vehicle, wheel width and offset, suspension configuration, and available clearance, and some vehicles may require suspension or other modification to run this size. Gearing changes are sometimes relevant for larger tire sizes, but this depends on the vehicle rather than being a universal requirement. Buyers should verify complete fitment for their specific truck, ideally with guidance from their vehicle manufacturer or an experienced installer, before purchasing.

The Q speed rating corresponds to a maximum rated speed of 99 mph under specified test conditions, lower than the S rating on the other tires in this guide. A lower speed rating is not inherently safer, better, or worse for a given driver; it is a specification to be aware of, and drivers should follow their vehicle manufacturer's requirements and Toyo's operating recommendations. The tire also carries a 3PMSF certification.

Important safety note: Toyo has issued more than one voluntary safety recall campaign covering certain Open Country A/T III tires. Recall coverage in these campaigns has applied to specific sizes and production ranges rather than the entire product line, and not every Open Country A/T III tire is affected. Buyers should not assume the 35X12.50R20 size discussed here is included in any current recall without checking directly. Before purchasing or installing this tire, check the tire's DOT/TIN identifying information against Toyo's current recall notices, available through Toyo's customer care recall page or the NHTSA recall lookup tool, since recall campaigns are updated periodically and coverage can change.

Pros:

• Load Range F construction provides a higher load-carrying classification than the Load Range E tires in this guide
• 3PMSF certification despite the larger size and higher Load Range
• Manufacturer describes reinforced construction intended for larger tire and wheel packages

Cons:

• Lower Q speed rating than the other tires in this guide
• Appropriate only for trucks properly set up for 35-inch tires, which requires fitment verification and may require modification
• Buyers should check current recall status for this product line before purchase

Nokian Tyres Outpost nAT

Best for: Buyers who want documented wet and cold weather positioning alongside Load Range E all terrain capability.

The Outpost nAT, in LT285/70R17, Load Range E, ten-ply rated construction, is listed with a 126/123 load index. Nokian has a long history in winter tire development, and the company describes this tire as using an all-weather compound and reinforced tread aimed at performing in rain, slush, and cold conditions rather than only dry gravel and dirt. That history is useful background, but it is not by itself evidence that this tire outperforms other 3PMSF-rated tires in winter conditions; the more relevant factors are the tire's documented specifications, construction, and its own 3PMSF certification, which indicates it has met the same standardized snow traction test as the other winter-rated tires in this guide.

The S speed rating corresponds to a maximum rated speed of 112 mph under specified test conditions. The Load Range E construction makes this tire relevant for trucks specified for this size that tow occasionally and are regularly driven in wet or cold conditions.

Pros:

• 126/123 load index within the Load Range E category covered here
• Nokian describes an all-weather compound positioned for wet and cold performance
• 3PMSF certification, consistent with the other winter-rated tires in this guide

Cons:

• Buyers in consistently dry, warm climates may not need this level of winter oriented positioning
• Higher Load Range tires can have different ride characteristics than lower Load Range options, and this is a consideration for buyers who do not need the extra capacity

How to Choose the Right All Terrain Tires

Rather than starting from the five tires above, it helps to work through your own vehicle and driving pattern first, using your vehicle manufacturer's specifications as the baseline.

Start with the size shown on your tire placard. Check your owner's manual or the tire information placard inside the driver's door jamb, and treat that as your starting point rather than a size that simply looks appealing.

Match the minimum required load index and Load Range. Compare your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and payload capacity to the tire's load index, and confirm whether your manufacturer specifies a minimum Load Range, particularly if you tow or haul regularly.

Confirm the required speed rating. Your vehicle manufacturer typically specifies a minimum speed rating. Treat this as a requirement to meet, not a detail to skip past.

Check recommended inflation pressure. Tire load capacity is tied directly to inflation pressure, so use the pressure specified for your vehicle and load condition, not just the tire's maximum rated pressure.

Be realistic about towing and payload needs. If you tow a trailer or carry heavy loads regularly, prioritize a Load Range that matches those actual requirements. If you do not, a lower Load Range option may better match your use, provided it still meets your vehicle manufacturer's specified minimum requirements. A lower Load Range is not automatically the better choice; it is only appropriate when it satisfies what the manufacturer calls for.

Consider how much driving is actually on pavement versus off-road surfaces. Many all terrain tires spend the majority of their life on highways and city streets. If that describes your use, weigh comfort and wet traction more heavily. If you regularly drive on gravel, dirt, mud, or rock, look for manufacturer-described features like reinforced sidewalls and self-cleaning tread design.

Factor in winter and wet weather conditions. If you drive somewhere with real winters or heavy seasonal rain, a 3PMSF certification is a meaningful indicator that the tire has passed a standardized snow traction test, though it is not a guarantee of performance equivalent to a dedicated winter tire.

Consider expected use and ownership duration. A truck used daily for years may benefit from a higher Load Range tire if that capacity is actually needed, while a truck used mostly for weekend trips may not need that level of construction.

Confirm everything against your vehicle manufacturer's specified fitment before buying, particularly if you are considering a size, Load Range, or speed rating different from what came on the vehicle originally.

Common Mistakes When Buying All Terrain Tires

Choosing based only on brand reputation. A well known name does not guarantee that a specific tire and size matches your vehicle's specified fitment and actual use.

Ignoring load requirements. Buyers sometimes choose a tire based on price or tread appearance without checking whether the load index and Load Range meet their vehicle's towing or payload needs.

Assuming every all terrain tire behaves the same on pavement. Tread design, compound, and Load Range all affect road noise, comfort, and wet traction differently, even among tires marketed similarly.

Buying a tire simply because it fits physically. A tire that clears your wheel wells is not automatically approved for your vehicle. Speed rating, load index, and manufacturer fitment guidelines all matter.

Ignoring the speed rating. A lower speed rating like Q is not automatically a problem, but it is a specification buyers should understand and compare against their vehicle manufacturer's minimum requirement rather than overlook.

Overlooking winter conditions. Not every all terrain tire carries a 3PMSF certification. If you drive through winter weather, this is worth confirming rather than assuming.

Choosing an aggressive tread for a vehicle that spends almost all its time on highways. A tire built for rock crawling or deep mud may not suit a truck that mostly commutes on pavement, where a more aggressive tread pattern can produce more road noise without a corresponding benefit for that use case.

Assuming a higher Load Range automatically means a better tire. More load capacity is useful when a vehicle's actual towing or payload requirements call for it. When it does not, the extra capacity can bring trade-offs such as added stiffness, weight, or a firmer ride, though the specifics vary by tire design and are worth checking rather than assuming.

Final Verdict

There is no single best all terrain tire among these five, because they are built to address different requirements. The Falken Wildpeak A/T4W suits half-ton trucks and SUVs specified for its size that want a well-rounded daily driver with occasional trail use. The Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 both offer Load Range E capacity in common truck sizes, with the Cooper positioned for buyers who need that towing and payload capacity and the BFGoodrich positioned for buyers who split time between highway and rougher terrain. The Toyo Open Country A/T III serves a specific category of buyer: properly set up trucks running 35-inch tires that need Load Range F capacity, with the added note that buyers should check current recall information for this product line before purchasing. The Nokian Outpost nAT is positioned for buyers who prioritize documented wet and cold weather performance alongside Load Range E all terrain capability.

The right choice depends on your vehicle's specified tire size and load requirements, along with how you actually use your truck. Start with those specifications, confirmed against your owner's manual, and the right tire on this list, or elsewhere, becomes much easier to identify.

FAQ

What should I check before buying an all terrain tire?

Confirm your vehicle's specified tire size, along with the minimum load index, Load Range, and speed rating required for your truck's weight and towing capacity. This information is typically found in your owner's manual or on the tire information placard inside the driver's door.

Are all terrain tires good for highway driving?

Many are suitable for highway use, though they generally produce more road noise than a dedicated highway tire and may have a firmer ride, particularly in higher Load Range options. If most of your driving is on pavement, look for an all terrain tire the manufacturer positions around comfort and wet traction rather than the most aggressive tread pattern available.

What does Load Range E mean on a truck tire?

Load Range E is a standardized classification indicating a tire's maximum load-carrying capacity at a specified inflation pressure. It is sometimes referred to by the historical term "10-ply rating," but this does not mean the tire contains ten actual physical plies; modern tires achieve their load rating through a combination of materials and construction rather than a literal ply count. Load Range E is relevant when a vehicle's actual load or towing requirements call for that capacity.

Are all terrain tires suitable for winter driving?

Some are and some are not. Look specifically for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, which indicates the tire has passed a standardized snow traction test, rather than assuming all all terrain tires perform equally in winter conditions. Even among 3PMSF-rated tires, performance is not necessarily identical, and a 3PMSF all terrain tire is not automatically equivalent to a dedicated winter tire.

How do I know which tire size and load rating my truck needs?

Check the tire information placard, usually located on the driver's side door jamb, or your owner's manual. This will list the manufacturer's specified tire size along with the recommended Load Range, load index, and inflation pressure for your specific truck.