Tuning the performance of your car is very important if you want to get the best out of it. One way to do so is by upgrading your tires. As you well know, the tires that come with your car might not hold up well if you drive to work every day. Experts recommend that you invest in the best off-road tire for daily driving.
Off-road tires are considered to be performance-oriented, and that is why drivers prefer to have them on their trucks. However, not all off-road tires can be used on paved roads. The tires we are going to be discussing are designed to offer rugged off-road performance without compromising on safety and comfort.
The good thing about off-road tires is that they have the required traction to deal with gravel, sand, dirt, and mud. You will be investing in a tire that is going to last for long without the need for replacement. In this article, I will be walking you through the entire process of making the purchase and my top picks as well.
Top 6 Best Off-Road Tires For Daily Driving Reviewed
I understand that most drivers might find it challenging to identify the best tire for their needs. Luckily, I have done the hard part for you, and through rigorous research, I have curated a list of the top-rated tires in the market. Below are the reviews of the tires that proved to be ideal for daily driving.
1. Goodyear Wrangler Radial Tire
Features
- Product Dimensions: 28.9 x 28.9 x 9.3 inches
- Weight: 27.6 pounds
- Construction: Radial
- Speed rating: S
Other feature: has a deep siping tread, it is an all-season tire, has a load index of 20-28 lbs
The Wrangler Radial Tire by Goodyear is quite popular among drivers even though it has been around for years. It has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that it can offer reliable year-round traction and handling on most terrains. The P235/75R15 105S model works perfectly on jeeps, SUVs, and pickups as well. Below are some of the reasons why the Wrangler Radial Tire is my top pick.
This tire is designed to offer utmost comfort irrespective of the terrain you are driving on. It is able to achieve this mainly because it features a radial construction that flattens bumps to ensure that you have a smooth ride. It does not matter whether you are driving off-road or on the highway, the Wrangler Radial Tire will ensure that you get the comfort of a Cadillac.
The other cool thing is that the tire offers unmatched traction on different surfaces. This can be attributed to the fact that the tread depth is 13 millimeters. At least you won’t have to worry about losing balance when driving on slippery, wet, or dry roads.
The Goodyear Wrangler Radial Tire is made from sturdy rubber to ensure that it gives you years of service. You will also notice that the treads and lugs can resist wear and tear. This means you can sell it as a second-hand tire since it will still be in perfect condition.
Pros:
- Has a one-year limited warranty on the treads
- It can be used on pickups, SUVs, and jeeps as well
- It is sturdy and durable
- Offers great traction, performance, and handling
- Has a decent tread life
Cons:
- Might show its age after several months of use
- You might experience a little road noise
2. Federal Couragia M/T Mud Terrain Radial Tire
Features
- Product Dimensions: 32.8 x 32.8 x 12.3 inches
- Weight: 44.1 pounds
- Construction: Radial
- Speed rating: Q
Other features: Has a load rating index of 114, has a nice tread pattern
The Federal Couragia M/T is one of the top sellers in the off-road tire market. It is a great tire to use on lifted trucks such as Dodge Rams, Cadillac Escalades, Ford Rangers, Jeeps, Landrovers, Durangos, and others. Below are some of the attributes I like about the Couragia M/T.
The tread design of the Couragia M/T is the most conspicuous attribute. It uses a high tread rating to ensure that you get enough traction when driving on various conditions offroad. The good thing is that the aggressive tread design does not interfere with the performance when driving on paved roads. In any case, the tire will maintain a quiet and smooth ride.
Unlike most tires, the treads of the Couragia M/T are designed in a way that helps the tire to self-clean. You don’t have to worry about rocks or mud sticking in the voids of the treads. Moreover, you will enjoy excellent traction in the mud because of the impressive combination of the large, siped, and stepped lugs.
The other cool thing about Couragia M/T is the fact that it has a durable design. For instance, the tire uses the Sloped Radius Gradient technology for improved tread life. Besides, the tire uses extra belts and advanced tread compounds to resist wear and tear.
Pros:
- The tire is very quiet on the highway and paved roads
- Has a unique tread design that self-cleans mud and particles
- Provides exception off-road performance
- It has a fantastic and aggressive look
- Works perfectly with lifted trucks and SUVs
Cons:
- Not as durable as they claim
- Might become noisy after a few thousand miles
3. Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 Off-Road Tire
Features
- Product Dimensions: 28.9 x 31.7 x 10.5 inches
- Weight: 39.8 pounds
- Construction: Radial
- Speed rating: T
Other features: Has a load index rating of 114 and it comes with a tread-wear indicator
If you are still not convinced by the first two tires, then you should check out the Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10. This tire is designed to provide top-notch performance on the highway and all-terrain performance as well. You can use it on SUVs, vans, and all types of pickups.
This tire features a zig-zag tread design and two-step sipes that increase traction and grip on wet road surfaces. Secondly, this off-road tire comes with stone ejectors around the center and shoulder tread grooves. Also, it has angled side grooves that help to push mud out. With all these features, you will enjoy better handling and ultimately boost your confidence behind the wheel.
Another feature is the fact that Hankook comes with a rim cushion that prevents tire separation in case of low tire pressure. The rim cushion also helps to prevent damage to the sidewall. Another safety feature is the rim protector that reduces the chances of damaging your wheels.
Unlike most of the off-road tires, the RF10 has its tread width widened by up to 8%. This feature helps to enhance the grip in all kinds of terrain. Besides, the tread width allows the tire to wear evenly.
Pros:
- Has a long tread life
- It is very quiet on paved roads
- Offers an impressive feel and steering response
- Works great on mud, gravel, snow, and dirt
- Has a 4 ply construction which makes it incredibly durable
Cons:
- The sidewall is not as stiff as it should be
- Might break belts in a few months
4. Westlake SL369 All-Season Radial Tire
Features
- Product Dimensions: 30.5 x 30.5 x 10.6 inches
- Weight: 45.5 pounds
- Construction: Radial
- Speed rating: Q
Other features: has a load index rating of 109 and it is an all-season tire
The Westlake SL369 is a great choice if you are always on the road most of the time. It is designed to provide you with incredible performance, both on-road and off-road. Westlake SL369 is designed to be used on crossovers, pickups, and SUVs. The good thing about this tire is that it is very affordable and can be used on all terrains.
As you would expect with most off-road tires, the Westlake SL369 comes with deep tread blocks and an aggressive tread pattern. This guarantees you that the tire will provide you with enough traction to transverse wet and dry roads. Besides, the tire will perform well in light off-road terrain, which is a massive advantage for daily drivers.
Looking at the siping pattern as well as the aggressive tread block, you will notice that the tire will offer responsive grip and braking irrespective of the terrain. Moreover, the pattern of the treads shows you that the SL369 is an all-season tire.
The other cool attribute of the Westlake SL369 is the fact that it has a variable pitch tread that is integrated with distinctive siping patterns to reduce noise. At least you won’t have to deal with loud road harmonics when cruising on paved roads.
Pros:
- It is more affordable than its competitors
- Has an extended tread life
- It is quiet on all terrains
- It has incredible on and off-road traction
- Works well in all seasons
Cons:
- Does not have enough traction for muddy roads
- The sizes are limited
5. Toyo Tire Open Country Mud-Terrain Tire
Features
- Product Dimensions: 33 x 33 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 72 pounds
- Construction: Radial
- Speed rating: Q
Other features: Has a 114 load index rating and it is most suitable for off-road terrain
The Open Country M/T by Toyo Tire is worth looking at if you want to turn your Jeep, SUV, or pickup truck into a daily-driven rig. I am saying this because it is designed to provide you with sufficient traction on and off the road. Let us see why Open Country M/T is one of the best off-road tires for daily driving.
This off-road tire has been engineered superbly to ensure that it serves you for a long period. For starters, it comes with a spiral-wound nylon cap ply and a three-ply polyester casing. These construction elements are meant to improve the uniformity and durability of this tire.
If you are going to be off-roading often, then the Toyo Open Country has all the features you need. For instance, it comes with hook-shaped center blocks that will provide you with unrivaled off-road traction. Secondly, it features an over-the-shoulder tread design that delivers an extra bite in snow, mud, and sand.
The sidewall of this tire is well-designed to reduce the possibility of punctures and cuts happening. Finally, you will love the fact that the scalloped shoulder block will help clear the build-up of mud and rock particles.
Pros:
- Has an aggressive sidewall that delivers improved traction off-road
- The hook-shaped blocks help to deliver great on-road performance
- It ejects stuck mud and dirt through the open channels
- It is incredibly durable
- The deep sipping in the tread blocks is great for maintaining grip on slippery surfaces
Cons:
- Not great for regular highway driving
- It is cumbersome
6. Patriot Tires M/T All Season Radial Tire 114Q
Features
- Product Dimensions: 33 x 33 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Construction: Radial
- Speed rating: Q
Other features: Has a 114 Load Index Rating and it is great for all seasons
The Patriot Mud Terrain happens to be our last pick, but that does not mean it is terrible. In fact, the brains behind this tire did an excellent job of designing a tire you can use for daily driving.
For instance, it features a rugged hook-shaped tread design, which improves mechanical traction is a major way. Unlike most off-road tires, the Patriot M/T treads are designed in such a way it will deliver the same gripping force when moving forwards, backward, or sideways.
The Patriot Mud Terrain does not disappoint when it comes to driving performance and handling. For starters, the staggered shoulder blocks should offer the best driving performance on both snow and mud. Secondly, the center groove pattern design is crucial when it comes to delivering excellent handling.
Pros:
- Provides excellent traction on muddy and slippery surfaces
- The treads are resistant to cutting and chipping
- Has an extended tread life
- Offers increased mechanical traction
- The staggered shoulder blocks help to improve driving performance
Cons:
- The tire is a little too loud
Things To Consider When Buying Off Road Tires
Shopping for the best off road tire for daily driving calls for you to be vigilant. There are so many brands, and finding the perfect tire for your needs might be quite challenging. In this section, I will walk you through the key factors to consider whenever you want to buy an off-road tire.
Terrain
The first factor you have to consider is the kind of terrain you are going to drive your car. In most cases, off-road tires are designed depending on the purpose. If you are going to be driving on muddy roads, then you have to choose a tire that has knobby tread blocks. Such a tire will improve your ride quality in a major way. On the other hand, you will find the same tires to be noisy when you drive in the suburbs.
If you drive on highways and well-maintained city roads, then you should use an all-terrain off-road tire. Such a tire will deliver good performance on and off the road. Besides, it will offer the comfort you need for your daily work commutes. The Westlake SL369 is a good choice if you are always driving in the city and suburbs. Most of the all-terrain tires are designed to be quiet and smooth, which is advantageous when driving on the streets.
Tire Size
Before you purchase any off-road tire, you should ensure that it is the right size for your car. Using a small or oversized tire causes additional stress on the heel of your car, and this might result in a road accident.
Apart from the diameter, you should make sure that you get a tire with the right width. The width is indicated by the first three digits on the tire. Wide tires tend to have a better grip because it has more contact with the road. Narrow tires are not great in terms of providing a good grip, but at least they do not make noise.
Tread patterns
The other key feature you have to consider is the tread patterns. Remember that the pattern you choose will be determined by your driving needs and habits. In most cases, off-road tire patterns can either be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or directional. If you want a tire that is going to offer quiet performance, then the symmetrical tread pattern is the best bet.
The directional tread pattern is ideal when driving on wet roads. This type of treads come in a wide V-shape, which explains why they provide exceptional grip. Unfortunately, the directional tread pattern makes tires much noisier.
If you want to get the best out of both worlds, then you should opt for tires that come with asymmetrical treads. They might be a bit expensive, but they will offer an excellent grip and less noise as well.
Speed Rating
If you have gone through the reviews section, then you might have noticed that I highlighted the speed rating of every tire. The rating is shown by the last letter on the tire label. Tires that have a high-speed rating come with an excellent grip and stopping power. However, the same tire might wear out fast and thus requiring you to change it more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the queries that come up when car owners are shopping for the perfect off-road tires for daily driving.
- How long does an off road tire last?
There is no definite answer to this question because the lifespan depends on the quality of the tire and your normal driving conditions. Most of the good off-roading tires should average 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
- Are all-terrain tires noisy?
All-terrain tires are designed to offer good driving performance on all road surfaces. However, some might be noisy, while others might be relatively quiet for road use. The tread pattern should give you a hint on the noise levels to expect. Tires with a less aggressive tread pattern are pretty quiet as compared to their counterparts.
- How do I recognize a tire with strong sidewalls?
If you are looking for a tire with strong sidewalls, then I would suggest that you go for one that utilizes three-ply sidewalls. Besides, you should go for tires that come with tread lugs that run down the sidewall for additional strength.
- Why go for radial tires?
Radial tires have flexible sidewalls that provide excellent traction when taking corners. Besides, they come with nicely arranged plies that help in improving the contact with the road.
Conclusion
With all the insights I have provided in this article, I am convinced that you will make the right decision when shopping for an off-roading tire. Today, there are so many companies making tires, but you should not fall for their marketing gimmicks. Make sure that the product you are choosing will offer better handling, driving performance, and comfort as well. Moreover, the best off-road tire should come in handy during your daily city commute. I am pretty sure that the factors to consider will help you distinguish the best tires from the terrible ones.
