Finding the perfect all-terrain tire that doesn’t compromise on-road comfort and performance can be a challenge. Many aggressive tread patterns create excessive noise and vibration, turning a peaceful highway commute into a noisy chore. The ideal tire must strike a careful balance, offering confident capability for light off-road adventures while providing the quiet, stable, and comfortable ride you expect during daily driving.
Our professional road test for 2025 focuses on exactly this balance. We’ve evaluated a wide range of tires, from dedicated highway-terrain designs to rugged all-terrain champions, to identify the top performers that excel on pavement. This roundup considers critical factors for highway use, including tread life, wet and dry handling, ride noise, and overall stability, to help you make an informed decision for your SUV, truck, or crossover.
The Best All-Terrain Tires for Highway Driving
- Finalist Terreno H/T 245/65R17 107H SUV Tire
- Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T All-Terrain Radial
- ATV/UTV All-Terrain Tires 27×9-12 Front & 27×11-12
- Atturo Trail Blade A/T All-Terrain Tires – 50K Mile
- Wolf Pack Golf Cart Tires 18X8.5-8 All Terrain
- MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S2 All-Season Car Tire
- NITTO Ridge Grappler All-Season Radial Tire
- FALKEN Wildpeak A/T3W All-Terrain Tire
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T 35X12.50R17LT
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Finalist Terreno H/T 245/65R17 107H SUV Tire
The Finalist Terreno H/T is engineered specifically for drivers who prioritize a smooth and quiet highway ride. As a Highway Terrain (H/T) tire, it features a less aggressive tread pattern than a traditional all-terrain, which significantly reduces road noise and improves fuel efficiency. Its M+S (Mud and Snow) rating means it handles a variety of common road conditions with confidence.
With a speed rating of H (130 mph) and a standard load range, this tire is built for the demands of modern SUVs. The dimensions of 29.53 inches in diameter and a section width of 9.76 inches make it a compatible choice for many popular crossover and SUV models, providing a stable and predictable on-road performance.
Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T All-Terrain Radial
For those seeking a more aggressive look without completely sacrificing on-road manners, the Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T is a strong contender. This extreme terrain tire is designed to deliver capable off-road performance while maintaining composure on the highway. A key benefit is its 50,000-mile treadlife warranty, which provides long-term value.
The all-season compound ensures consistent performance through various temperatures and weather conditions. Its robust construction, indicated by the XL (Extra Load) load range and 4-ply rating, offers increased durability and load-carrying capacity, making it suitable for heavier trucks and SUVs.
ATV/UTV All-Terrain Tires 27×9-12 Front & 27×11-12
This complete set is engineered for off-road vehicles that require reliable traction in cross-country or desert conditions. The package includes two front and two rear tires, providing a balanced setup for a variety of 2 and 4-wheel drive ATV applications. The aggressive shoulder knobs are designed to provide excellent side bite and traction while also helping to protect the rim and sidewall from impacts.
Durability is a central feature, with a heavy 6-ply rated nylon construction that resists punctures and abrasions. The lug depth and pattern are optimized for enhanced skid and traction control, making these tires a truly versatile all-terrain option for recreational and utility vehicles.
Atturo Trail Blade A/T All-Terrain Tires – 50K Mile
The Atturo Trail Blade A/T stands out with its 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) certification, guaranteeing reliable performance in severe winter conditions. This makes it an excellent all-weather tire for drivers who face snowy and icy roads but don’t want to switch to dedicated winter tires. Its 50,000-mile rating also speaks to its long-lasting tread compound.
Innovative wave-shaped sipes enhance grip on wet and slippery surfaces, while the four wide lateral channels efficiently evacuate water and slush from the contact patch. This design reduces the risk of hydroplaning and maintains a stable footprint, contributing to confident handling and braking in adverse weather.
Wolf Pack Golf Cart Tires 18X8.5-8 All Terrain
These Wolf Pack tires are designed to upgrade your golf cart or utility vehicle with all-terrain capability. The non-directional tread pattern allows for universal mounting and provides even traction on a variety of surfaces, from paved paths to unpaved trails. They offer a smoother and quieter ride than more aggressive off-road patterns, which is ideal for community use.
Built for durability, these tubeless tires feature a 6-ply rating with a load capacity of 1050 pounds at 34 psi. The long-wearing rubber compound is formulated to provide lasting tread life. It is important to note that these are not rated for highway service and are intended for low-speed vehicle applications.
MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S2 All-Season Car Tire
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is a premium choice for light trucks and SUVs, renowned for its exceptional treadlife. Michelin’s testing indicates it can provide up to two years of additional treadlife compared to leading competitors. This is achieved through the advanced EverTread 2.0 compound, which is engineered for long-term durability.
On-road comfort is a primary strength. Michelin uses Piano Acoustic Tuning to smooth out tire noise and disturbances, resulting in a remarkably quiet and comfortable driving experience. For all-weather security, the tire incorporates full-depth SipeLock sipes that maintain reliable traction in wet and wintry conditions throughout the life of the tire.
NITTO Ridge Grappler All-Season Radial Tire
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a hybrid tire that blends the aggressive look of a mud-terrain with the on-road comfort of an all-terrain. Its reinforced block foundation is designed to reduce tread flex, which improves stability and handling on the highway and can contribute to more even wear. The staggered shoulder lugs are engineered to enhance off-road grip when you need it.
Practical features include built-in stone ejectors that help protect the tire from stone drilling, a common issue when transitioning from off-road to paved surfaces. This makes the Ridge Grappler a durable option for drivers who want a bold aesthetic without the typical drawbacks of a purely off-road-focused tire.
FALKEN Wildpeak A/T3W All-Terrain Tire
The FALKEN Wildpeak A/T3W is built to perform in harsh conditions, earning the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for severe snow service. Its silica tread compound is formulated to deliver superior wear life, making it a robust and long-lasting all-terrain option. The rugged and rigid tread blocks enhance vehicle stability and handling on and off the road.
A key technological feature is the heat diffuser technology integrated into the lower sidewall. This design helps keep the internal tire components cool, which is vital for maintaining vehicle stability during long highway drives, especially under heavy loads or in hot weather, thereby promoting tire longevity.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T 35X12.50R17LT
The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is engineered for drivers who demand maximum off-road capability without forgoing on-road civility. Its asymmetric tread pattern is specifically optimized to reduce road noise while providing exceptional off-road traction and confident on-road handling. The Extreme Sidebiters offer a bold aesthetic and provide serious sidewall traction and protection in rocky terrain.
Durability is enhanced by the Powerply XD construction, which uses a heavier denier cord in the angled third ply. This technology provides better puncture resistance, quicker steering response, and greater stability at highway speeds, making it a high-performance all-terrain choice.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a legendary name in the all-terrain category, known for its proven durability and all-around performance. It is built with a tough, tear-resistant tread compound and reinforced sidewalls to resist damage from sharp rocks and other off-road hazards. This rugged construction gives drivers confidence on rough trails.
Despite its off-road prowess, the KO2 is engineered to be a capable highway tire. Its tread design helps to minimize road noise and provide stable handling on pavement. The tire is also recognized for its strong performance in winter conditions, carrying the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol for use in severe snow conditions.
What to Look For in the Best All Terrain Tires for Highway Use
Choosing the right all-terrain tire for a vehicle that spends most of its life on pavement is a balancing act. You want that rugged, go-anywhere look and capability for when you need it, but you don’t want to sacrifice daily driving comfort, fuel economy, and safety. After putting dozens of tires through their paces, I’ve identified a few key areas you need to focus on to make the right choice for your 10 best all terrain tires for highway use search.
First, pay close attention to the tread pattern and compound. Aggressive, blocky treads with large voids are fantastic for mud but create a constant hum on the highway. Look for tires that feature a more closed shoulder design and smaller, siped tread blocks in the center. These elements drastically reduce road noise. The rubber compound itself is also crucial; many modern all-terrains use silica-infused compounds that stay flexible, providing better wet pavement grip and often improving rolling resistance for better gas mileage.
Next, consider the load range and ply rating. While a stiffer, higher-load-range tire (like an E) is great for heavy towing or carrying massive loads, it can make the ride incredibly harsh on a daily driver, especially a half-ton truck or SUV. For most people not consistently maxing out their payload, a Load Range C or D tire offers a fantastic compromise, providing plenty of strength without beating you up on every expansion joint.
Finally, don’t ignore the manufacturer’s warranties. A strong treadwear warranty is a good indicator that the manufacturer has confidence in the tire’s longevity on paved surfaces. It’s a direct promise about how many miles you can expect. Also, look for features like rim protectors, which help save your expensive wheels from curb rash—a common urban and highway hazard. By weighing these factors—tread design for noise, load range for comfort, and warranties for value—you can find an all-terrain tire that looks the part without punishing you on your daily commute.
FAQ
Are all-terrain tires noisier than highway tires?
Yes, generally, all-terrain tires will be louder than a dedicated highway tire. However, the gap has narrowed significantly. The latest generation of all-terrains, often called “highway-terrain” or “on-road all-terrains,” are engineered specifically to minimize noise. They use variable pitch tread blocks and advanced computer modeling to break up the sound waves that create hum. While you’ll likely still notice a slight increase in cabin noise compared to a highway tire, it’s often barely perceptible in the best models we tested for our 10 best all terrain tires for highway use evaluation.
How much fuel economy will I lose with all-terrain tires?
Expect a potential decrease of 1 to 3 miles per gallon. All-terrain tires are heavier and have more rolling resistance due to their deeper, more aggressive tread. This means your engine has to work a bit harder to maintain speed. The exact impact depends on your vehicle, your driving style, and the specific tire. Some newer models are designed with fuel-saving technologies like low-rolling-resistance compounds to help mitigate this loss.
Can I use all-terrain tires in the snow and ice?
Many modern all-terrain tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, meaning they are certified for severe snow service. These tires perform remarkably well in light to moderate snow and slush. However, it’s critical to understand that they are not a replacement for dedicated winter tires on sheer ice. The rubber compounds in all-terrains stiffen in extreme cold, reducing grip. For occasional winter weather, a 3PMSF-rated all-terrain is a great all-season solution, but for consistent icy conditions, true winter tires are safer.
What is the typical lifespan of an all-terrain tire used mostly on highways?
You can realistically expect 50,000 to 70,000 miles from a high-quality all-terrain tire used primarily on pavement. This assumes you maintain proper rotation intervals (every 5,000-7,000 miles) and alignment. More aggressive, off-road-focused tires might only last 40,000 miles, while some of the top-rated highway-focused all-terrains can even approach 80,000 miles. Always check the manufacturer’s treadwear warranty for a solid baseline expectation.
Is it okay to mix all-terrain tires with my existing highway tires?
I strongly advise against mixing different tire models or tread patterns, especially on all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles. Mismatched tires can have different rolling diameters, which can cause excessive wear and strain on your drivetrain, potentially leading to costly damage. For the health of your vehicle, it’s best to replace all four tires at once. If you must, replace them in pairs (both fronts or both rears), but a full set is always the recommended and safest practice.