How We Picked These Tires
Truck tires are the single most consequential modification you can make to a pickup or body-on-frame SUV. They affect towing stability, fuel economy, off-road capability, payload capacity, and comfort — all at once. We evaluated tires across four key categories: all-season highway, all-terrain, mud-terrain, and winter performance.
Our picks are based on aggregated expert testing data, owner reviews, tread life warranty terms, and value-per-mile calculations across common truck sizes (LT265/70R17, LT285/75R16, LT275/65R20, and equivalents).
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How to Choose a Truck Tire
❓ Do you tow or haul heavy loads regularly?
You need LT-rated tires. Look for a higher load index (110+) and C, D, or E load range for maximum payload support.
❓ Do you drive off-road more than 20% of the time?
All-terrain tires will serve you better. If you frequently drive through mud or rocky terrain, consider mud-terrain.
❓ Do you live in a region with heavy winter snow?
Look for tires with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating, or pair all-season highway tires with a dedicated winter set.
❓ Is fuel economy a priority?
Highway/all-season tires with lower rolling resistance will save you more at the pump than all-terrain options.
| Driver Profile | Best Tire Type | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Daily driver, light towing | All-Season Highway | Michelin Defender LTX M/S |
| Weekend off-roader | All-Terrain | BFGoodrich KO2 |
| Snow belt driver | All-Terrain (3PMSF) | Falken Wildpeak AT3W |
| Serious off-road/overlanding | Mud-Terrain | Goodyear Wrangler MT/R |
| High-mileage highway commuter | All-Season Touring | Continental TerrainContact H/T |
Best All-Season Highway Truck Tire
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
From $190–$320 per tire
The Defender LTX M/S is the tire most truck owners should buy. It balances tread life, comfort, and all-weather traction better than any other all-season truck tire, and Michelin's longevity more than justifies the premium price over the full service life.
Pros
- ✓Exceptional tread life — often outlasts the warranty
- ✓Quiet and comfortable at highway speeds
- ✓Reliable wet traction
Cons
- ✗Higher upfront cost than competitors
- ✗Not for serious off-road use
Continental TerrainContact H/T
From $160–$270 per tire
Continental's highway truck tire offers near-Michelin performance at a noticeably lower price. If the Defender LTX M/S is out of budget, this is the tire to buy.
Pros
- ✓Excellent wet braking
- ✓Very quiet for a truck tire
- ✓Lower price than Michelin with comparable performance
Cons
- ✗Slightly less tread life than Defender LTX
Best All-Terrain Truck Tire
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
From $200–$360 per tire
The KO2 has been the gold standard of all-terrain tires for a decade. It handles gravel, mud, and rocky trails while remaining tolerable on the highway — a rare balance that's hard to beat.
Pros
- ✓Industry benchmark off-road capability
- ✓Reinforced sidewalls handle rocky terrain
- ✓More road-friendly than most AT tires
Cons
- ✗More road noise than highway-focused tires
- ✗Doesn't carry 3PMSF rating
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
From $160–$280 per tire
The Wildpeak AT3W is the best value in the all-terrain segment. Its 3PMSF winter rating means it doubles as a winter tire substitute for most conditions — a real advantage for truck owners in snow-belt states.
Pros
- ✓3PMSF-rated for genuine winter capability
- ✓Longer warranty than KO2
- ✓Strong off-road performance at lower price
Cons
- ✗Heavier than KO2
- ✗Slightly less grip in deep mud
Best Mud-Terrain Truck Tire
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar
From $250–$400 per tire
When you need maximum mud traction and sidewall protection for serious off-road use, the Wrangler MT/R delivers. Accept the highway noise tradeoff — you're buying a purpose-built off-road tool.
Pros
- ✓Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls resist cuts and punctures
- ✓Excellent self-cleaning tread in deep mud
- ✓Strong brand support and wide availability
Cons
- ✗Loud on highway
- ✗Significant fuel economy penalty
- ✗Not comfortable for daily driving
LT vs P-Metric Tires for Trucks
LT (Light Truck) Tires
- ✓Heavier reinforced construction — 6 or more plies
- ✓Higher load ratings (C, D, E load range)
- ✓Required for towing near GVWR rating
- ✓Stiffer sidewall = harsher ride but more stable under load
- ✓Usually 10–15% more expensive than P-metric equivalents
- ✓Recommended: towing, hauling, off-road, full-size trucks
P-Metric Tires
- ✓Lighter construction — 4-ply standard
- ✓More comfortable ride on paved roads
- ✓Lower load ratings than LT equivalents
- ✓Better fuel economy due to lower rolling resistance
- ✓Fine for light-duty use — commuting, light hauling
- ✓Recommended: daily drivers, lifestyle trucks, light SUVs
The Rule of Thumb
If your truck came with LT tires from the factory, replace with LT tires. If it came with P-metric tires, P-metric replacements are fine unless you've started towing or hauling loads beyond the vehicle's original design intent.