All-Terrain Tires: SUV & Truck Guide

All-terrain (A/T) tires split the difference between highway tires and mud tires. They're designed for truck and SUV drivers who spend most of their time on pavement but need capability on dirt roads, gravel, light trails, and construction sites. Think 70% on-road, 30% off-road.

What Makes A/T Tires Different

Aggressive tread blocks. Larger, more widely spaced tread blocks grip loose surfaces and shed mud. The open channels between blocks let rocks and debris clear instead of getting trapped.

Reinforced sidewalls. Most A/T tires have thicker sidewalls to resist punctures from rocks and trail debris. Many carry a "LT" (Light Truck) designation with higher load ratings for hauling and towing.

3PMSF rating (some models). Several A/T tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning they've passed a snow-traction performance test. These are popular with truck owners in northern states who need year-round capability.

A/T vs. Highway vs. Mud Tires

A/T Tires on a Payment Plan

Truck and SUV tires are larger and cost more than passenger car tires. A/T tires for popular sizes like 265/70R17 or 275/65R18 run $32 to $55 per week on a rent-to-own plan for a set of four.

LT-rated A/T tires (designed for heavier loads) cost more than P-metric versions. If you tow or haul regularly, the LT rating is worth the extra cost: P-metric tires aren't built for sustained heavy loads.

Popular A/T brands available through rent-to-own: BFGoodrich KO2, Goodyear Wrangler, Cooper Discoverer, Toyo Open Country, and Falken Wildpeak.