If you’re a big fan of hitting the road, throwing caution to the wind, and kicking up the dust on an off-road adventure, you’ll know that you need more than a standard set of tyres to deal with what you plan on throwing their way.

    You need your tyres to be robust, versatile, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, and able to guide you across dry, loose surfaces and wet roads. And that’s something no regular tyre can do!

    For this reason, many people are choosing to switch to all-terrain tyres. An all-terrain tyre is an ideal solution for year-round use, designed specifically to deal with extreme weather conditions and the terrain they sculpt out.

    But finding the perfect set for your car is no easy task. There are hundreds to choose from, each claiming to do something different from the last. So, to make things easy, we’ve done the hard work for you and listed six of the best all-terrain tyres. There is no particular order to these, however, each has its own benefits and drawbacks for its intended application.

    Our top picks

    1. BF Goodrich all terrain TA K02
    2. Falken Wild Peak AT3W
    3. Pirelli Scorpion ATR
    4. Toyo Open Country AT2
    5. Yokohama Geolandar AT G015
    6. Bridgestone Dueler AT 697

    BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO2

    Designed specifically for off-road performance, BF Goodrich all terrain tyres are ideal for anyone looking to take their vehicle on an adventure! Made from Nylon and reinforced with twin steel belts and a cut-resistant tread, these are also some of the most durable tyres you’ll come across.

    They also feature side-biter lugs and a raised, extended shoulder that is designed to improve mud-road management, which, in turn, reduces the risk of accidents. The deep tread and increased biting edges also offer better traction in snow and sand, so they really are ideal for all types of terrain.

    As if that wasn’t enough, these tyres are even “severe snow verified” and hold a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. So, they are good for tackling snowy terrain and a good choice for winter driving.

    Key Specifications & Features

    • Price: From $254
    • Sizes: 15″ – 22″
    • Load index: 114-127 (1180 kg – 1700 kg)
    • Speed rating: P and Q (150 km/h – 160 km/h)
    • Treadwear: 3.2
    • Traction: A
    • Run flat: No

    What does buyer feedback tell us about the BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO2?

    As you might expect from a tyre with so much to offer, the general feedback from previous buyers has been hugely positive. Most people were amazed at how tough and hardwearing they were, particularly on severe terrain. Some also noted that these far outshone other all-terrain tyres they’d tried before.

    The smooth, powerful traction came out on top as the most impressive feature from buyer feedback and their capability of crossing gravel, mud, snow, clay, and sand was reported as being truly outstanding.

    Other buyers also said how impressed they were with getting such a good quality tyre at a low price.

    In terms of downsides, their wet performance wasn’t reported as being the best and some found that handling on slippery roads was a little scary at times. But, unless you live in an area with high rainfall, this isn’t something you might need to worry about too much.

    The amount of road noise they make (which comes in at 76dB) was also a downside that some previous buyers reported. However, for the price and performance, it wasn’t the biggest issue.

    Pros

    • Made from super durable Nylon
    • Features twin steel belts
    • Has a cut-resistant, deep tread
    • Holds a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake
    • Available in a range of sizes

    Cons

    • Less wet performance than some other tyres

    Who is the BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO2 Best For?

    This is an excellent choice of tyre for anyone looking to navigate safely through either snowy or muddy terrains. Of course, it can handle all types of terrain quite well, but it features some elements that make it perfect for these specific terrains.


    Falken Wild Peak AT3W Tyres

    Featuring an optimised tread pattern design that is combined with a silica tread compound, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W Tyres are capable of navigating wet weather conditions, winter weather, and all types of terrain with ease.

    The full-depth sipes and grooves are designed to maintain consistent performance, while the interlocking sipes and shoulders ensure stability and offer extra protection against wear and tear. They also feature tread blocks for navigating through bumpy roads and preventing stones from getting trapped in the grooves.

    Tilted side biters give you some additional traction when transporting heavy loads, while the rugged sidewalls ensure you get superior off road traction even when the tyre pressure is low.

    Key Specifications & Features

    • Price: From $221
    • Sizes: 15″ – 20″
    • Load index: 96-113
    • Speed rating: Q-V (160 km/h – 240 km/h)
    • Traction: A
    • Run flat: No

    What does buyer feedback tell us about the Falken Wild Peak AT3W Tyres?

    One of the things that previous buyers noted again and again about the Falken Wild Peak AT3W Tyres was the surprising amount of durability and traction they had in rocky areas. One buyer even noted that they were able to climb rock steps at 18psi with absolutely no damage at all.

    Another area where buyer feedback was impressive was with the muddy and wet terrain. Not only was handling great, but the tread blocks and rugged sidewalls meant that deep mud was crossed through easily, even when travelling at higher speed.

    Their dry road performance gained some excellent feedback as well, with a particular focus on how well they handled gravel without making a load of noise.

    Many buyers commented on the aesthetics of these tyres as well, and while this doesn’t necessarily add to their performance values, it’s good to know they look as great as they feel.

    In terms of downsides, the only negative feedback about the Falken Wild Peak AT3W Tyres is that a couple of customers found they felt a little off-balance after the first 8k or so. However, this was easily fixed.

    Pros

    • Features a silica tread compound for excellent wet and winter performance
    • Has interlocking sipes and shoulders for extra stability
    • The tread blocks make handling uneven roads easier
    • Rugged sidewalls provide superior off-road traction
    • Features tilted side biters for additional towing traction

    Cons

    • Only available in sizes up to 20″

    Who are the Falken Wild Peak AT3W tyres best for?

    These would be a really good choice for anyone who has to tow heavy loads through multiple terrains. Not only do the rugged sidewalls help with providing superior traction in these situations, but the Internal Cooling Protection technology protects the tyres, even under heavier loads.


    Pirelli Scorpion ATR Tyres

    With a self-cleaning tread pattern and water dispensing grooves, Pirelli Scorpion ATR all terrain tyres aren’t only capable of guiding you safely through all kinds of terrains and weather conditions – they’ll look great while doing so!

    Looks aren’t everything, though, and these tyres offer excellent performance too. To start with, they feature wide, rugged shoulder blocks that provide extra directional stability as well as an enhanced steering response. This is ideal when you’re navigating uneven roads.

    The sipes also provide extra biting edges that offer better traction through both snow and rough terrain, while the twin steel belts are reinforced with a spiral-wrapped Nylon cord. This gives you more control at high speeds and, paired with the built-in puncture resistance, offers peace of mind at all times.

    Key Specifications & Features

    • Price: From $202
    • Sizes: 15″ – 24″
    • Load index: 102 (850 kg)
    • Speed rating: T (190 km/h)
    • Treadwear: 520
    • Traction: A
    • Temperature resistance: B
    • Run flat: No

    What does buyer feedback tell us about the Pirelli Scorpion ATR Tyres?

    It won’t come as much of a surprise that a brand like Pirelli has some excellent feedback across the all of its products, and the Scorpion ATR tyres are no exception.

    Their off road grip, specifically on rocks, gravel, and dry mud has been reviewed several times as being exceptional. Many previous buyers also noted that these tyres were remarkably quiet in these conditions, offering a comfortable ride mixed with enhanced performance.

    Their wet weather handling has been noted as being really good as well with minimal aquaplaning even at high speeds, and particularly on corners. Reviews tell us that the traction isn’t quite as good in deep mud compared to some of the other all terrain tyres on this list, but they are still capable of handling it when needed.

    The only negative feedback was about their performance in snowy and icy conditions, where it’s been noted that the traction isn’t really good enough to handle this kind of terrain. This is especially true across long distances and winding roads. But, for most Australians, this isn’t something that needs to be worried about too much!

    Pros

    • Self-cleaning tread pattern
    • Water dispensing grooves
    • Rugged shoulder blocks for extra stability
    • Spiral-wrapped Nylon cord for better control at high speeds
    • Puncture resistant

    Cons

    • Not the best choice for towing

    Who Are the Pirelli Scorpion ATR Tyres Best For?

    These tyres would be best for anyone who frequently has to travel through wet, muddy terrain. They offer excellent traction and stability, even at high speeds and, better yet, the self-cleaning treads won’t get easily clogged up with mud.


    Toyo Open Country AT2 Tyres

    With a name like “Open Country”, you would expect these tyres to handle whatever you can throw at them. And they definitely can. Toyo Open Country AT2 tyres, without a doubt, some of the best all terrain tyres on our list.

    For starters, they feature tie bars in between each of the blocks that are designed to provide better dry braking performance – ideal when travelling across gravel or sandy terrain. They also feature stone-ejecting blocks that allow you to travel across bumpy roads without affecting the tyre of its stability.

    `The sideways grooves make sure water is drained as quickly as possible and, in the process, prevent hydroplaning. Meanwhile, the upper shoulder lugs are designed to increase traction across loose surfaces, even when you’re driving with low tyre pressure.

    Key Specifications & Features

    • Price: From $312
    • Sizes: 15″ – 20″
    • Load index: 99-129 (775 kg – 1700 kg)
    • Speed rating: T (190 km/h)
    • Treadwear: 600
    • Traction: A
    • Temperature resistance: B
    • Run flat: Yes

    What does buyer feedback tell us about the Toyo Open Country AT2 Tyres?

    One of the things that stood out the most when looking into real-life customer feedback was how good these tyres were at towing, especially in wet and snowy conditions. One reviewer in particular stated that they were able to safely tow a vehicle full of passengers up a snowy hill!

    Now, while it’s unlikely that you’ll find yourself in this situation, what it does tell us is that these are some hardwearing tyres with an amazing amount of traction.

    Their handling on wet roads was also reviewed multiple times are being excellent, with minimal hydroplaning and exceptional control on corners. Their dry road and gravel performance has received loads of good reviews as well, although it should be noted that people found road noise was louder in these conditions.

    The most negative comments on the Toyo Open Country AT2 Tyres surrounded the price with many people saying that there are comparative tyres that have the same performance but at a lower cost.

    Pros

    • Tie in bars provide excellent dry braking performance
    • Features stone-ejecting blocks
    • Sideways grooves prevent hydroplaning
    • Upper shoulder lugs increase traction on loose surfaces

    Cons

    • The asymmetric design could wear faster

    Who Are the Toyo Open Country AT2 Tyres Best For?

    While there’s no doubt these all-terrain tyres are good for almost everyone, most buyers agree that they would be best for those who live in drier areas. This is due to the high braking performance and stone ejecting blocks that will keep you safe and help prolong the life of your tyres.


    Yokohama Geolandar AT G015

    The Yokohama Geolander AT G015 is one of the best all terrain tyres for wet weather and winter driving. It features competitive traction that helps keep you steadily on the road, while the circumferential grooves allow water to drain quickly and prevent hydroplaning.

    It also features a multi-tread design that offers boosted grip in rain and snow, while simultaneously lessens road noise. This unique tread design allows for easy cross-rotation too, which helps prolong the tyre’s life and offers you even more value for money.

    It isn’t just cold, wet weather that these tyres are good for, though. They are also excellent for driving on dry, uneven roads and they feature wide void areas that are designed to stop debris and mud from collecting. This, in turn, adds to their durability.

    Key Specifications & Features

    • Price: From $186
    • Sizes: 15″ – 22″
    • Load index: 95-129 (690 kg – 1700 kg)
    • Speed rating: R, S, T, H (170 km/h – 210 km/h)
    • Treadwear: 600
    • Traction: A
    • Temperature resistance: B
    • Run flat: No

    What does buyer feedback tell us about the Yokohama Geolandar AT G015?

    The reviews for the Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 backs up our research pretty well, with most buyers stating that they perform better in wet, wintery conditions than on rugged, gravel roads. In fact, one reviewer stated that after just 4500km on rocky terrain, these tyres had cuts in them.

    The good reviews for their wet performance were multiple, with people saying how much they significantly reduced aquaplaning and how well they handled tight turns. Their road noise was also low in these conditions and, while not reviewed as the best for dry conditions, they also had low noise levels in all terrains.

    Another area where the Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 tyres received negative feedback was in deep mud, with claims that the traction simply wasn’t there to get through as smoothly as some other all terrain tyres might be able to.

    Pros

    • Competitive traction for wet conditions
    • Circumferential grooves prevent hydroplaning
    • Multi-tread design improves grip and lessens road noise
    • Wide void areas prevent mud and debris from collecting

    Cons

    • Better suited to winter driving

    Who is the Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 Best For?

    We would recommend the Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 tyres to anyone who lives in an area with heavy rainfall or particularly harsh winters. The enhanced wet weather road grip and competitive traction will help you feel safe as you drive while the tread pattern will ensure your tyres are kept as dry as possible in motion.


    Bridgestone Dueler AT 697

    Featuring an aggressive tread pattern, cut and puncture protection, and built using a heat-proof compound, the Bridgestone Dueler AT 697 are some of the most robust all terrain tyres you can find.

    They boast a reinforced sidewall that distributes stress more evenly throughout the tyre and adds further protection against punctures and abrasions. The continuous streamlined grooves also allow water to channel outward really quickly, improving traction and control during wet weather in the process.

    This all terrain tyre features a unique 2-in-1 design as well that merges the tread pattern with the shoulder which enhances durability and reduced irregular wear. This design, along with the optimised high and low patterns in the shoulder lug, also helps to reduce road noise, offering you a peaceful drive regardless of the terrain.

    Key Specifications & Features

    • Price: From $202
    • Sizes: 14″ – 18″
    • Load index: 117 (1285 kg)
    • Speed rating: S (180 km/h)
    • Treadwear: A
    • Traction: A
    • Temperature resistance: B
    • Run flat: No

    What does buyer feedback tell us about the Bridgestone Dueler AT 697?

    The main feedback on the Bridgestone Dueler AT 697 attests to their reliability in all kinds of terrain, which is pretty much what you want to hear when you’re looking at all terrain tyres!

    Obviously, that doesn’t make things very specific. So, a deeper dive revealed that the Bridgestone Dueler AT 697 really came into its own when driving in wet conditions. One reviewer in particular noted that they had never felt more confident on wet roads and that corners felt stronger with absolutely no aquaplaning.

    The deep tread pattern was mentioned in several reviews as well, specifically how well it managed to help the tyres travel across rocky roads with total puncture resistance. Some also noted their amazement at how few rocks were caught in between the tread blocks.

    One common negative that many reviewers mentioned was that these tyres do create quite a lot of road noise, so they may not be the best choice if you’re trying to keep noise levels low. But, if this isn’t a huge issue for you, there’s no doubt that the Bridgestone Dueler AT 697 is one the of best all terrain tyres available.

    Pros

    • Unique 2-in-1 design
    • Aggressive tread pattern
    • Reinforced sidewalls
    • Streamlined groove for quick water channelling
    • Reduced road noise

    Cons

    • Not available in as many sizes as some other tyres on our list

    Who is the Bridgestone Dueler AT 697 Best For?

    Our research shows that the Bridgestone Dueler 697 would be the best all-terrain tyre for a driver who regularly crosses uneven terrain with sharp gravel to navigate. These tyres are super tough, puncture resistant, and have a heat-proof compound that will ensure they remain impenetrable, even on a hot Australian day.


    How to Choose an All Terrain Tyre?

    If you’re not a regular off-roader or not all that well-versed in your tyre choices and technology, here are the key elements you need to consider, along with the reasons why:

    • Tread – the best all-terrain tyres will have a deep, aggressive tread pattern. These help the tyre grip the road on a variety of surfaces, especially wet roads or mud terrain.
    • Sidewall – if you’re planning to go off-road, you need a tyre with a taller sidewall. This will give you better traction while reducing the risk of damage to the tyre.
    • Tyre size – different cars need different-sized tyres and while this can be easy to forget, it’s one of the most important things you’ll need to remember.
    • Braking performance – an all-terrain tyre needs to be able to allow you to brake quickly and safely on wet roads, gravel, mud, snow, ice, and anywhere else you’re planning to drive.
    • Warranty – it’s a good idea to look at what kind of warranty is included with your tyres too. The longer the warranty, the more peace of mind you’ll have over the tyres’ durability.

    Final Thoughts

    There you have it – everything you need to know about buying a set of all-terrain tyres. One of the most important pieces of advice we can offer as a closing thought is that, while many all-terrain tyres do exactly what they claim, some are better engineered for specific purposes than others.

    Always best to think about your personal circumstances when choosing yours. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or long, wet winters – choose a tyre that is better equipped for handling these environments. Likewise, if you drive in dry, arid conditions, a tyre that handles dry braking well could be the better choice.


    Michael Price
    Michael Price is a Contributor at CarExpert.
    Buy and Lease
    Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers
    Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers