5 Best All-Terrain Tire for Highway Driving in 2021

LAST UPDATED: June 1st, 2022

Do all terrain tires perform good enough on highways? Of course, they do.

It’s not the old days!

If you drive on highways most of the time but want to keep the off-road option open, then there’s one thing you need to do.

And that’s getting the all-terrain tire for highway you can find. Why not keep all the options open when you have the chance

Why shouldn’t you when you can have the best of both worlds that can serve all your needs in the best way possible?

Sure it’ll cost more, but that dependability is everything. If you’re a seasoned driver, you’ll know.

But that may not be the case here, as you have come here for information or you want to update yourself a bit more.

Either way, knowing more doesn’t hurt. So the age-old question is, “Why should you buy the best all terrain tire for highway?”

Benefits of All Terrain Tires

The advantage of the best all-terrain tire for highway over other types of tire is the reason you should prefer them.

These all-terrain tires are like an all-in-one solution to people who want or need the best of all worlds especially when it comes to wet traction and snow traction. It’s the most versatile due to these reasons below.

Deeper, Wider Tread Grooves

If you choose all-terrain tires, you’re getting the deeper and wider treads for highway driving or on muddy, snow traction and rocky terrains.

When you’re highway driving or on muddy, gravel roads, these bigger tread design grooves will help to prevent the vehicle from getting stuck in the mud.

And the larger tread blocks will stop mud from sticking to the wheel and offers best road traction.

High Mileage

You’ll be getting a high mileage from these highway driving tires as the design is built to last long years and the fuel economy is better.

It means you’re saving your money by getting tires with good longevity and the road performance is best irrespective of the road conditions.

Of course, you need to buy from good brands that give assurance of quality and offers excellent road traction.

Wears Less and Absorbs Pressure

If you are frequently driving on street, mud, rocky terrains, then you need tires that absorb the shocks of the off-road drive while keeping its shape and road noise should be less.

Mud terrain tires wear faster, and street tires won’t absorb the pressure. Here, the all-terrain tires come in as they have both the quality and can be used for serious off-road and street.

5 Best All-Terrain Tires for Highway Driving

In case you’re not a seasoned driver, it might be hard for you to choose the all-terrain highway tire use as there are too many to choose from.

Or even if you know quite a bit of highway tire, let us update you with our review of the 5 all-terrain mud tires.

Falken Wildpeak AT3W Radial Tire-265/70R17 115T

We’re starting with a Falken tire from their Wildpeak series. As you can see, this is for a 17-inch diameter wheel, and quite arguably the best at this price range.

This Wildpeak tire is not only designed as all mud terrain tire but also for driving in all seasons with heavy loads.

By bringing the best of both worlds, this has become a top choice for SUV, light trucks, and crossover vehicle user when it comes to quiet ride and excellent road handling.

Strong outer and upper sidewall from M/T design has given the tire reinforced durability.

This design delivers better road handling with a quiet ride and rocky terrains. The aggressive design of the sidewall protects the interior of the tire by preventing sharp objects from getting inside.

Then there’s the heat diffusion technology in the lower sidewall that dissipates the harmful heat from the tire.

By dissipating heat, the tire’s interior remains cool, and the overall structure remains protected and the road noise is less with excellent traction.

To reduce wear during high torque, it has a 3D Canyon Sipe technology that locks in the shoulders, giving better stability in handling.

Another M/T feature, the rugged tread blocks, gives better stability in muddy off-roading, whereas the rigidity of the blocks gives it a strong contact surface that handles the rough pavements.

Thanks to the silica tread compound treatment of the rubber tires, the treads are much more efficient in blocking out rocks and mud during off-roading.

The deeper treads with a compound pattern ensure that the tire lasts long, resists hydroplaning, and performs better in snow.

Is that All? No, the aggressive, stronger sidewalls with offset shoulder tread block give stronger traction when the pressure is low, and the camber is in an off position.

With the qualities of both on and off-road drive coupled with all-weather features, this takes a top place among the top all-terrain tire with the best ride quality.

Related Guide: Towing Tires Review

Falken Wildpeak AT3W Radial Tire-265/70R16 112T

Next, we have another tire from Falken’s Wildpeak series. And with the quality they’re providing, we’d say that – keep it coming!

The tire rating says that this one is for a wheel with a 16-inch diameter, but the quality is the same as others.

It’s both an all-terrain tire and an all-season tire, which means you’re set for all year round highway driving on any terrains.

As you can guess, when you merge the best of both worlds, you get better results.

And in this case, the tires get high durability and better stability due to the aggressive upper and outer sidewall.

When you couple this with an offset shoulder tread block, you get extra traction in off-road drive.

Another quality feature is in the lower sidewall; it has a heat diffusion technology that helps to keep the interior of the tire cool by dissipating harmful heat.

Higher heat means deterioration of rubber, so this dissipation of heat also protects the tire from wearing faster.

As the structure remains protected, the vehicle’s stability doesn’t reduce.

One great feature of off-road tires is the rugged tread block, and rough pavements need a tire with a rigid tread pattern.

You’ll be happy to know that the engineers at Falken hit the jackpot by giving this tire a rugged and rigid tread block design and a compound pattern for wear resistance.

The rugged blocks help to prevent stones from getting lodged in the grooves while the support ramps give it a rigidity that helps to keep the vehicle stable on rough pavements.

Usually, the off-road features make the tire wear faster. But due to the compound tread pattern along with the 3D Canyon Sipe technology, you’ll be able to run with your set of Falken Wildpeak tires for a long time. These are special features for reducing tread wear.

Falken Wildpeak AT3W Radial Tire-235/75R15 109T

We said, keep it coming. And Falken’s Wildpeak is here yet again. This time the tire is for people whose wheels have a diameter of 15 inches.

Now, does different size mean different features? No, Falken uses all of the merged features of both on and off-road tires and all-weather capabilities in all of their Wildpeak tires.

When you take the features of M/T, the stronger sidewall is the first to feature in an A/T tire.

Both the upper sidewall and the lower sidewall play a vital role in strengthening the tire’s structure and stability.

First, the aggressive upper sidewall with its offset shoulders prevents rocks from creeping into the grooves while adding extra traction during off-road drive.

The lower sidewall has a heat diffusion technique by which the heat is dissipated. This dissipation of heat keeps the road tire interior cool, and the structure keeps its shape.

Heat softens rubber, and if the heat isn’t dissipated, then the road tire will wear out faster.

Your road tire’s longevity gets longer by having the 3D Canyon Sipe technology that resists wear in high torque, and you’ll have better handling too. This is a better option as compared to the goodyear wrangler.

The main feature, in our view, is the rugged and rigid tread blocks. With the support of the ramps, the rugged blocks of mud terrain tires get a boost that helps to keep its chunky shape on rough pavements and for best ride quality.

The rigidity helps to maintain stability on rough terrains whilst the rugged blocks take care of the adversities of muddy and rocky roads and enhances the ride quality.

All of these, combined with Falken’s affordable price, will make anyone’s day better.

This Wildpeak road tire performs remarkably better in snowy conditions, which makes it stand out among its competitors.

Travelstar EcoPath A/T Radial Tire-265/75R16 116S

For a bit of change, we have the all-terrain driving solution from Travelstar. Their Ecopath series is known to have high tread lifespan.

It might be surprising to you, but Ecopath A/T highway tires can also perform quite well all through the year, making it an all-season tire.

Travelstar says you’ll run 50 000 miles with this tire and have no issue, and while we can’t test this part, consumers seem to agree.

The Ecopath tires are designed for SUVs and light trucks, and it can handle standard loads easily.

Its staggered open tread block give it much better traction on dry, wet, and winter weather — the tires grip on to the paved roads and other terrains which give you good handling.

Just like all modern tire designs, this Ecopath tire also has a self-cleaning ability. This ability is due to the tread design.

In snowy and muddy roads, the grooves get filled with substances resulting in reduced traction.

So when the wheel is spinning, it gets rid of the sticky mud and snow to clear its surface area for better road contact.

However, in wet conditions, it reduces hydroplaning risk by channeling off the water.

And this channeling is done through the circumferential design of the grooves.

It disperses the water from under the tire. That way, the tire stays in contact with the road constantly for continuous traction.

The upper sidewall protects the tire’s interior from sharp objects. Not only that, but it also enhances its forward motion when driving in deeper mud by preventing it from getting stuck in the mud.

Westlake SL369 A/T All_Terrain Radial Tire-265/70R17 115T

We’re ending this list with Westlake’s solution for all-terrain driving. This set of tires is for wheels with a 17-inch diameter.

Built to tackle both on and off-road conditions, the Westlake SL369 tires are designed for drivers of SUVs, trucks, and crossovers.

At a much lower price, these tires have longer tread life due to its aggressive tread pattern and deeper tread block.

The tread pattern on all-terrain tires has wider, deeper treads and a compound tread pattern.

These wider and deeper treads, along with larger blocks, provide high traction on wet and muddy surfaces.

Moreover, the compound tread pattern reduces wear-rate when driving on rough pavements like highways. Both of these make the tires more stable and durable.

You’ll notice that the tire has a circumferential groove design. This design channels the water away while it’s spinning, which increases traction on wet roads.

It reduces any hydroplaning risk. That’s why this tire is also a quality all-season tire.

This tire has a twin steel-belted design and a polyester cord body that provides high rigidity for hard pavements.

One of the disadvantages of the mud-terrain tire’s big chunky tread block is the loud noise it makes when running on hard pavements.

You’ll be glad to know that the pitch tread sequence of the Westlake tires solved this noise problem giving you a much smoother and quieter experience.

The SL369 provides what most drivers need for on and off-road driving at a much lower price. While it isn’t a Michelin tire, in a value per dollar ratio, it holds its own.

What to Look for in an All-Terrain Tire?

So, you’re in the market to buy your set of all-terrain tires, but how do you know which is the right all-terrain tire for highway driving?

There are some factors that come in to help you make a decision. You need to ask these questions,

How Much Pressure and Weight Can It Handle?

The answer to this question is determined by your needs. Are you looking to fit these in a commercial truck or a normal truck?

Commercial trucks will carry more weight, which means the wheels will feel more pressure when on the road.

Even normal trucks will feel pressure during off-road driving. Handling pressure and weight are important for stability.

Does It Have a Strong Sidewall?

Sidewalls are vital for a tire’s longevity as it protects the interior of a tire. The thicker the sidewall, the more protected the tire is.

Thicker sidewalls take in the shock and pressure of the road and protect the wheel. A strong sidewall means long-term durability.

What’s the Speed Rating?

The speed limit of a tire, after which you’ll be at risk of failure, is the speed rating of a tire. But these 3 are not all; there are more. We also discussed these below.

Picking the Right Size

Although we put this here, the sizing and measurements should be completed before you decide what to buy.

If you don’t know what to do, then the tire size guides will be a great help. We’re giving a short summary on it —

Tires for any terrain or all-terrain are to be measured by their outer diameter in inches. Any size conversion guide will help you to figure it out.

The number of tires you need in each wheel and the add-in wheel size are also factors to consider in choosing the right size.

Sizes are available from 17 inches to 22 inches, measure your rim size, and take help from the size conversion guide or an auto-mechanic if you don’t feel comfortable.

There are video tutorials available if you want. Take time in choosing as this step matters more than others.

Wider Tread Pattern

One of the most important factors is the tread pattern of a tire. The tread pattern determines how it performs on different terrains.

It matters most in mud terrains as there are a lot of things that can slow down the vehicles.

Wider tread pattern means it can pass through deep muddy roads as the mud will pass through the wider pathway.

Larger Tread Blocks

Along with a wider tread pattern, you need to look for larger tread block as these chunky looking blocks give more surface areas to contact with the roads, and this means higher traction. That’s a must when you’re driving off-road.

Silica or Carbon Treated Rubber

The material used in the construction of tires is rubber. But rubber alone can’t give the stability a vehicle needs.

For stabilization, the manufacturers use different methods to increase their gripping power.

Either silica or carbon compounds are used to treat the rubber tires for that purpose.

This treatment prevents mud and debris from getting lodged in the tread patterns.

Gripping power is also important in rocky and muddy roads. So look for a good quality treated rubber tires.

Rigidity on Tough Terrains

It’s important to make sure that the tire is rigid enough for tough terrains.

Usually, manufacturers insert steel frames in the tire’s interior to give it a strong structure that will keep its shape when driving on tough terrains.

The level of rigidity determines how good it is on different surfaces.

Prevention from Puncture

When driving on multiple terrains, tires will face rocks and stones on the road.

And many times, sharp objects and stones find their way into the wheel and puncture it.

This happens if the rubber material isn’t strong or the sidewall isn’t thick enough.

Even if they don’t get into the wheel, the lodged-in stones will hamper the rotation of the wheel and cause damage in the long term.

You’ll see a feature named stone ejectors designed to prevent exactly this type of problem.

Stone ejectors prevent stones from getting stuck in the tread pattern. That way, both the tire and the wheel stay protected.

Self-Cleaning Ability

You might ask, is there anything such as a self-cleaning tire? Let alone in an all-terrain tire. But let us tell you that any of the best all-terrain tires have the capability.

The design of all modern all-terrain tires makes sure that any dirt that gets into the tire’s tread finds its way out just as the wheel starts spinning.

As a result, high traction is ensured, and you can have less maintenance to do.

Top-Rated Tire Brands on the Market

It’s hard to determine the top-rated brands for tires on the market. But if we consider the price range, then it becomes easy to decide which deserves the spot in different price ranges.

Michelin

One of the top-rated and premium brands for tire manufacturing is France’s Michelin.

Dating back to 1889, it is one of the oldest running tire companies with a high reputation.

In terms of product and pricing, they provide tires for all kinds of vehicles on street, from bicycles to jumbo jets. Their reputation is in high-quality rubber and designs.

Continental

Next, we have Continental, which is another premier top-tier tire brand from Germany.

It started its journey in 1871, and from there on, they haven’t stopped improving. Up until now, they have occupied a large market share in terms of tire products.

They specialize in car toyo tires and have a knack for luxury vehicles on street. A mix of good handling and comfort, that’s what they are mostly known for. They typically have low prices compared to other premium brands.

Falken

Falken originated in Japan in 1983, which makes it one of the youngest tire brands.

It has achieved its place among the top-rated brands in the world in a short period.

They have roots in the motorsports industry, which gives them the ability to stand out in terms of high-performance tires.

Their experience from the racing industry gives them an edge in high-speed handling, and in recent years they have done well in all season and all-terrain tire markets.

Westlake Tires

With one of the best value per dollar ratio, Westlake tires have a place in the top-rated brands. The company Hangzhou Zhongce?

Hangzhou Zhongce started its journey in 1958 in china. With over 60 years of experience, Westlake tires have the features to tackle all road conditions.

Serrated patterns and biting edges are their tires’ iconic features. Westlake not only provides high-quality tires but also at a lesser cost, which makes them a favorite for low budget customers.

Travelstar from Unicorn

Now, we have Travelstar tires. This tire is produced by Unicorn Tire Corporation. The engineering, manufacturing, and testing processes use top-class technologies in the making.

Although it’s not up there in terms of premium quality, it gives a solid performance and good durability.

If you’re looking for good tires without breaking your bank, Travelstar Tires can be taken into consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does an off-road tire differ from an all-terrain tire?

They differ in many specific details, but if you want a simple answer, then the difference is in their use.

The off-road tires are used only in off-road drive where an all-terrain tire can be used in all kinds of terrains, having the features of both on and off-road drive.

How long does an all-terrain tire last?

If you want to compare, then an all-terrain tire can last more than any off-road tires.

And if compared to on-road tires, then it lasts either the same period or a bit more depending on the use.

What’s the ideal diameter for an all terrain tire?

The answer to this question varies according to the need and size of the wheels. Usually, you’ll find tires with 17 to 22 inches of diameter.

To find out the ideal diameter for your vehicle, follow a size conversion guide.

Where does an all-season tire differ from an all terrain tire?

All-season tires perform well all throughout the year even during snow, whereas all-terrain tires carry a more aggressive heavy compound tread pattern focused on both on and off-road drive. All terrain tires fall a bit behind all-season tires during conditions like snow.

Are all terrain tires safe?

Good tires provide safety no matter what terrain it is. Of course, all-terrain tires give more stability than specific terrain tires,
but the safety is more dependent on the driving style, the driver’s consciousness, the vehicle’s structure, and other factors.

Conclusion

By now you must have figured out the good all-terrain tire for the highway that suits you. If not, then take “Falken’s Wildpeak All Terrain Tires” as our recommendation. Read some reviews before you make the decision.