Best 5 Off-Road Tires for 2022

For most people, the standard set of tires that come with a vehicle purchase are enough to suit their needs. These tires are suitable for commuting to the office, taking kids to soccer practice, and long road trips on the highway. However, those who plan to drive on surfaces that aren't paved – like rocky or muddy paths – may need more traction and durability from their tires. Off-road tires were created for the purpose of trekking through muddy, craggy conditions. While off-road tires are ideal for providing drivers with an excellent grip on rocks and mud, they don’t fare as well on smooth stretches of highway. If you want a set that can do both, look to all-terrain tires instead!

What’s the Difference Between Off-Road Tires, Mud Tires, and All-Terrain Tires?

All-terrain tires and mud tires both fall under the banner of off-road tires. Both are different types of off-road tires, however, they serve different purposes.

What Are All-Terrain Tires Used For?

All-terrain tires can perform just as well on paved roads as they do charging through rocky terrain and muddy conditions. Compared to on-road tires, all-terrain tires have an open tread that forms an interlocking, zig-zag pattern along the tire – as opposed to a straight line. This unique tread pattern helps an all-terrain tire easily conform to a variety of conditions. It can hug paved asphalt as well as it can offer traction on rocky, rugged paths.

What Are Mud Tires Used For?

Mud tires (sometimes referred to as “mud terrain tires”) are a type of off-road tire made for the express purpose of driving through mud and rocks. Mud tires have wider voids between treads, as well as the ability to kick out any rocks or debris that can get caught in those voids. Their larger voids give mud tires their unique ability to better grip the ground, propelling you forward over muddy terrain.

However, mud tires don’t always perform well on gritty sand or in large snowfalls. They may be fine for driving through a few inches of snow, but typically, all-terrain tires are better equipped to handle slush and larger snowdrifts. Similarly, the tread design of mud tires may lend themselves to digging you deeper into soft sand instead of moving forward. If you’re planning on doing some off-roading through snow and sand, all-terrain tires may be a better choice.

So, what are the best off-road tires on the market? The answer to that question depends on the type of vehicle you drive and how you plan to use it. With that in mind, here are our picks for the best off-road tires, helping you to narrow the field to find the right choice for your needs.

Best Off-Road Snow Tire: Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme (RF12)

If you live in an area that sees moderate to heavy snowfall, you know how difficult it can be to drive on slippery, icy roads and paths. While proper snow tires are ideal for severe winter weather, some all-terrain tires can enhance your handling and give you the traction you need to stay in control in these conditions. We recommend the Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme (RF12) for snowy conditions thanks to its super aggressive shoulders, multi-directional grooves, and dense siping that all work together to improve your vehicle’s grip. Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for use in the toughest winter weather, the Dynarpo AT2 Xtreme (RF12)’s rubber compound keeps the tire flexible for use in frigid temperatures, and the tire’s 60,000 or 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty shows that the tire is built to last.

Tire Price

If you're looking for the best all-terrain tire for snow, you can't go wrong with the Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme (RF12). They typically cost at least $155 per tire, with a full set of four costing at least $620.

Best Off-Road Mud Terrain Truck Tires: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T

Looking for the best off-road tire for a truck? It’s tough to beat the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T. These tires offer excellent off-road performance with extra durability, making them a practical choice for truck owners who want to spend their free time in mud, dirt, and other off-road terrains. The tread blocks run deep and have a 3-ply sidewall to prevent damage and punctures. Additionally, these self-cleaning tires offer solid off-road traction, removing mud and dirt thanks to a balanced void ratio.

They're excellent for wet roads and mudding, providing you with a quiet, comfortable ride with solid traction. No matter what the season, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T makes for smooth driving and handling through light snow in winter, or cruising along the beach in the summer. They also make for excellent handling in light snow, as well as driving through sandy beach terrain. These tires are available in a variety of sizes, giving you the flexibility to find the exact measurements you need.

Tire Price

The Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts typically cost between $275 and $300 per tire. A full set of four can range between $1,100 and $1,200.

Why our customers love them

“These are the absolute best tires! I have a 2016 Jeep Wrangler and this is my second time getting these tires. The first set I got was 4 years ago and they lasted me 40,000 miles. Though the tread life is really good and I made it to 40k miles, I actually forgot how amazing the ride is when they are brand new! My car rides like a dream now for having 35s and a lift, and so quiet! They are really really great in the sand and have lasted me through four snowy New York winters.” - Jaclyn

Why our customers love them

“I own a tire shop and these are the tires I had on my own truck and loved them. strong durable tires that took a beating and never let me down.” - Beydoun

Best Off-Road Tires for Jeep: Falken Wildpeak A/T3W

Many people specifically choose a Jeep for off-roading, and their driving experience can be greatly enhanced by finding a great set of off-road tires to make the most of their vehicle. Our pick is the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, equipped with 3D Canyon Sipe technology that offers excellent traction and grip. These off-road tires provide superior handling on wet paths and trails thanks to deep treads that offer outstanding resistance to snow and hydroplaning.

Key to their outstanding performance, durability, and longevity is a high-silica compound that, coupled with the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W’s heat diffuser technology, guards against heat build-up in the lower sidewall. Falken’s innovative approach to off-road tires gives Jeep drivers enhanced stability, regardless of road conditions and the make and model of your vehicle.

Tire Price

Despite their impressive, high-tech pedigree and ability to handle even the most challenging conditions, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tire is extremely budget-friendly. A single tire may run between $165 and $175, while a full set of four tires may cost between $660 and $700.

Why our customers love them

“I put 285/75/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W's on my 2013 Jeep Rubicon JK. I am amazed at the total improvements in the handling, noise level, and overall performance of these tires… I drive my Jeep year round in Minnesota, with five to six months of ice and snow, and off-road ten to twelve times a year mostly on muddy roads, as well as driving through fields, swamps and woods several weekends in the fall... Treadwear so far seems minimal and even. I really like the AT3W's over the past year and 12,000 miles and highly recommend them.” - Michael H.

Best Budget Off-Road Tires: Atturo Trail Blade A/T

It's no secret that a good set of off-road tires can be a bit pricey, but there are some manufacturers that have managed to make quality off-road tires that won't break the bank. Our pick for the best budget off-road tires is the Atturo Trail Blade A/T. These tires feature aggressive, angled tread blocks that enhance traction in snowy and rocky surfaces, along with deep sipes that enhance grip.

Despite their low price point, durability is not a question with the Firestone Destination A/T tires. These off-road tires are made with a built-in rim protector that guards the sidewall and wheel from damage, and stone throwers that promote self-cleaning for consistent traction and to protect the casing from damage.

Tire Price

A single Atturo Trail Blade A/T tire can cost as low as $108, while a complete set of these budget-friendly off-road tires can cost a modest $432.

Why our customers love them

"Great tire for the money. Load rated E so it's a 10 ply. Pull a stock trailer often has plenty of traction and a quiet tire. The gravel roads don't tear them up unlike some of the more expensive names that you will only get a good year out of if you're lucky" - Todd

Get the Best Off-Road Tires For Your Vehicle with SimpleTire

With hundreds of off-road tires on the market today, it can be hard to sift through the research to find the tires that best suit your needs and offer the most bang for your buck.

Whether you're looking for a spare or a full set of new tires, SimpleTire is here to help! We make it easy to find the tires you’re looking for, compare pricing, and find the best deal. In addition to our low price guarantee, you can choose to have your new tires shipped directly to you or to a shop near you for installation. Contact us today to get started!