Conquering rugged terrain requires a tire that can handle the punishment. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, powering through mud, or simply seeking confidence on unpaved backroads, the right set of all-terrain tires is your vehicle’s most critical upgrade. The 265/70R17 size is a popular choice for many light trucks and SUVs, offering a perfect balance of aggressive looks and capable performance without major modifications.
Choosing from the vast array of options can be daunting. Each tire brings a unique set of features, from specialized tread patterns for superior grip to robust sidewalls for puncture resistance. This roundup cuts through the noise to present ten of the best 70R17 all-terrain tires, designed to provide the durability, traction, and control you need for your next off-road adventure or daily drive.
The Best 70R17 All-Terrain Tires for Your Truck or SUV
- Falken Rubitrek A/T All Terrain 265/70R17 115T Light Truck Tire
- Set of 4 Finalist Terreno A/T 265/70R17 115T SUV All Season Tire
- Achilles Desert Hawk AT3 All Terrain 265/70R17 115S SUV/Crossover Tire
- Trail Guide All Terrain 265/70R17 115S WL
- BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire for Light Trucks
- Falken Wildpeak A/T4W All Terrain 265/70R17 115T Light Truck Tire
- TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III – 265/70R17 115T BW
- Nitto Ridge Grappler 265/70R17 115T
- Firestone Destination A/T2 All-Terrain Truck & SUV Tire
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 265/70R17
Falken Rubitrek A/T All Terrain 265/70R17 115T Light Truck Tire
The Falken Rubitrek A/T is engineered to handle the torque of powerful vehicles while providing excellent wet-weather traction. Its 3D Canyon Sipe pattern is a key feature, designed to maintain stability and grip when you need it most. This makes it a reliable choice for drivers who face variable weather conditions.
Durability is a strong point with this tire, thanks to its aggressive sidewall protection and offset shoulder blocks. These features work together to guard against cuts, chips, and punctures from rough terrain. For long-term value, the tire is backed by a substantial 55,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Set of 4 Finalist Terreno A/T 265/70R17 115T SUV All Season Tire
This package from Finalist offers a complete set of four Terreno A/T tires, providing an all-season, all-terrain solution for your SUV. The set is a convenient option for those looking to replace all their tires at once, ensuring consistent performance across the axle. A notable benefit is the inclusion of a Road Hazard Warranty, which adds an extra layer of protection for your purchase.
The Terreno A/T is designed to be a versatile performer, capable of handling a variety of road and light off-road conditions. With a 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty, it is built with longevity in mind. This makes it a solid, value-oriented choice for daily drivers and weekend adventurers alike.
Achilles Desert Hawk AT3 All Terrain 265/70R17 115S SUV/Crossover Tire
The Achilles Desert Hawk AT3 is designed for use on light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Its specialized tread pattern and rubber compound are engineered to deliver a smooth and stable ride on the highway. This focus on on-road comfort does not come at the expense of off-road capability.
When the pavement ends, this tire provides the aggressive traction needed for navigating challenging terrains. It is optimized for balanced performance, offering a reliable grip and stability whether you are on a long road trip or a dusty trail. It’s a great option for drivers who want a single tire that can do it all.
Trail Guide All Terrain 265/70R17 115S WL
For those who drive in winter conditions, the Trail Guide All Terrain tire is a compelling option. It carries the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, which means it is rated for severe snow performance. This official rating provides confidence when facing snowy or icy roads.
Its aggressive open shoulder tread design is built to effectively expel water, snow, slush, and mud. This ensures optimum traction in a wide range of all-terrain conditions. A solid center rib enhances the tire’s structure, providing superior ride comfort and control both on and off the highway.
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire for Light Trucks
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a legendary name in off-road tires, known for its exceptional toughness and durability. It is designed to provide outstanding control and comfort across a spectrum of challenging surfaces, including mud, dirt, snow, sand, and rocks. This makes it a top choice for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Built for 4×4 vehicles but also perfect for light trucks and SUVs, the KO2 delivers reliable all-terrain stability and traction. It is also severe winter rated, bearing the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, which means it provides year-round traction even in harsh winter conditions.
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W All Terrain 265/70R17 115T Light Truck Tire
The Falken Wildpeak A/T4W is marketed as an all-terrain, all-weather tire, positioning it as a highly versatile option for any climate. It is excellently engineered to perform on diverse terrains, from muddy paths and gravel roads to rocky landscapes. This capability makes it suitable for both dedicated off-road adventures and daily highway driving.
This tire is designed to be a true all-weather companion, providing confidence no matter what the forecast holds. Its robust construction and thoughtful tread design aim to deliver a balanced performance that doesn’t force you to choose between off-road prowess and on-road manners.
TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III – 265/70R17 115T BW
The TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III continues the legacy of Toyo’s respected all-terrain line. It is built to offer a quiet and comfortable ride on the pavement while maintaining the aggressive traction needed for off-road excursions. This balance is a key goal for many modern all-terrain tires.
While specific features for this model are not listed in detail, Toyo Tires is known for its durable construction and advanced tread compounds. The A/T III is designed to be a reliable, long-lasting tire that can handle the demands of both daily commuting and weekend exploration.
Nitto Ridge Grappler 265/70R17 115T
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a hybrid all-terrain and mud-terrain tire, designed to offer the best of both worlds. It features a reinforced block foundation that reduces tread flex, which contributes to stability and even wear. This construction also helps in providing a smoother and quieter ride than a traditional mud-terrain tire.
Off-road features include stone ejectors that help protect the tire from stone drilling, a common issue on rocky trails. The staggered shoulder lugs are engineered to enhance off-road grip, giving you the biting edges needed to climb over obstacles and navigate soft ground.
Firestone Destination A/T2 All-Terrain Truck & SUV Tire
The Firestone Destination A/T2 is built tough for dependability, whether you are driving on the highway or off the beaten path. It is engineered to provide reliable traction in a variety of conditions, giving drivers the confidence to tackle their daily routine or a spontaneous detour onto a forest service road.
Firestone has focused on delivering longer-lasting performance with this model. The tread design and compound are optimized for even wear, aiming to provide a long service life without sacrificing the capable traction that all-terrain drivers require.
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 265/70R17
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is a well-regarded tire known for its aggressive tread pattern and self-cleaning properties. It is a popular choice for those who frequently encounter deep mud, snow, and other challenging off-road conditions. The tread is designed to provide a large number of biting edges for maximum traction.
Durability is a hallmark of the DuraTrac, with features like tear-resistant tread blocks and reinforced sidewalls. It is also severe snow service rated, making it a capable tire for year-round use in regions that experience harsh winters. This tire is built for those who demand maximum performance from their vehicle in the toughest environments.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best 10 70R17 All Terrain Tires for Rugged Terrain
When I’m looking for a set of all-terrain tires to handle serious off-road conditions, I know it’s not just about picking the most aggressive-looking tread. The size 265/70R17 is a popular one for midsize trucks and SUVs, and getting the right tire for rugged terrain means balancing a few key factors. Here’s what I focus on to make a good choice.
First, I always check the tire’s construction. For rocky, sharp, and unpredictable trails, I need a tire that can resist punctures and damage. Many manufacturers offer reinforced sidewalls, often with names like “DuraGard” or “Armor-Tek,” which add extra material to prevent cuts and bruises. A robust, multi-ply construction gives me the confidence to tackle rough ground without constantly worrying about a flat tire. This is a non-negotiable for me when the terrain gets truly rugged.
Next, I look at the tread pattern itself. A good all-terrain tire for tough conditions needs large, staggered shoulder blocks. These act like claws, digging into loose dirt, mud, and gravel to provide grip when I need to climb or maneuver. The spaces between the tread blocks, called voids, are also important. Larger voids help the tire clean itself out by ejecting mud and stones, preventing the tire from becoming a slick, packed mess. However, I also have to drive on the highway to get to the trail, so I look for a tire that balances these large voids with a continuous center rib or tightly packed siping to maintain stable and quiet pavement manners.
Finally, I consider the ride quality and treadwear warranty. An extremely aggressive tire might be fantastic off-road, but if it turns my daily driver into a loud, vibrating beast, it’s not a practical long-term solution. I read user reviews specifically about road noise and on-road comfort. Additionally, a solid treadwear warranty (like 50,000 or 60,000 miles) indicates the manufacturer has confidence in the tire’s compound and longevity. This tells me the tire is built to last, not just perform aggressively for a short time. Finding the best 10 70R17 all terrain tires for rugged terrain is about this balance: enough aggression for the trail without sacrificing too much civility for the drive home.
FAQ
Are 70-series tires good for off-roading?
Yes, they can be excellent. A 70-series profile, like in a 265/70R17, means the sidewall is 70% as tall as the tire is wide. This gives you a decent amount of sidewall flex, which is useful for airing down your tires when you’re on sand or rock crawling. The extra sidewall height can help absorb impacts and provide a better footprint on uneven ground. It’s a very versatile size that works well for a mix of off-road capability and on-road driving comfort.
What is the main trade-off with rugged all-terrain tires?
The most common trade-off is on-road noise and fuel economy. Tires designed with aggressive, blocky tread patterns for gripping loose terrain tend to generate more hum and vibration on paved roads compared to a standard highway tire. The open tread design can also create more rolling resistance, which might lead to a slight decrease in your vehicle’s miles per gallon. It’s a compromise I’m usually willing to make for the added capability, but it’s something to be aware of.
How often should I rotate my all-terrain tires?
I make it a habit to rotate my all-terrain tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Consistent rotation is crucial for achieving even tread wear and getting the full lifespan out of your investment. Because these tires often have more complex tread patterns, irregular wear can not only shorten their life but also increase road noise over time. Sticking to a regular rotation schedule is one of the easiest ways to protect your purchase.
Can I use these tires in winter snow?
Many modern all-terrain tires come with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which means they are certified for severe snow service. These tires use specialized siping and rubber compounds to maintain flexibility and grip in cold temperatures. While they are not a dedicated winter tire, a 3PMSF-rated all-terrain tire provides significantly better snow performance than a standard all-season or non-rated all-terrain tire, making it a great year-round choice for those who see moderate snow.
What does the “10” in “best 10 70R17” mean?
That’s a common point of confusion! The “10” isn’t actually a part of the tire size. It’s just a way of writing “top ten” or “best ten.” The correct tire size is 265/70R17. The 265 is the section width in millimeters, the 70 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), and the R17 means it’s a radial tire that fits a 17-inch wheel. So when you see a list for the best 10 70R17 all terrain tires for rugged terrain, it’s simply a list of ten highly-rated tires in that specific 265/70R17 size.
Is it okay to mix different brands or models of all-terrain tires?
I strongly advise against it. For the best and safest performance, especially in demanding conditions, all four tires should be the same brand, model, and size. Mixing tires can lead to unpredictable handling, different levels of traction, and potential damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain. The all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems are designed to work with tires that have identical outside diameters. Even small differences can cause excessive wear on components.