What is the best tire for a pickup truck?

The tire testing involved several timed laps averaged out. To ensure accurate results, Benson utilizes control tires to benchmark the track’s surface evolution and calculate each all-terrain tire’s rating in individual testing categories. The factors he measured for the tires included wet handling, dry handling, dirt handling, gravel handling, and overall comfort.

Each tire was given a rating out of 10.0 based on these criteria.

Wet Handling

Wet handling is one of the most important measurements in all-terrain tire tests because the wet grip of a tire can greatly affect how your vehicle responds in an emergency event. This wet handling test included three timed laps around one of Uvalde Proving Grounds’ tracks in very wet conditions.

Dry Handling

While all-terrain tires are meant to perform on- and off-road, they are primarily going to be used on the road by most drivers. This test included three timed laps around one of Uvalde Proving Grounds’ tracks in extremely dry conditions to simulate average road conditions.

Dirt Handling

Dirt handling is one of the most important factors to consider if you’re looking to take your pickup truck off the road on a regular basis. Benson went about testing each all-terrain tire’s dirt handling by averaging out the times of three laps around one of Uvalde Proving Grounds’ off-road tracks.

Gravel Handling

By nature, gravel handling is an important test to run, but especially difficult to do right. For each three-lap run, it takes 20 minutes of combing dirt and rocks to “fix” the track between each all-terrain tire test. As previously explained, this test consisted of three timed laps around one of Uvalde Proving Grounds’ off-road tracks.

Comfort

Benson considered each tire’s comfort on- and off-road in addition to their general road noise levels. He kept this category in mind and kept notes on comfort while performing testing for each of the other categories.

How We Score Products

Star ratings help us to differentiate between the top-performing products on the market. For the all-terrain tires in this review, we wanted to test on a scale of 1.0 to 10.0 stars because our testing involved an experienced tire expert. Based on our calculations, the all-terrain tires in this review scored an average of 8.82 out of 10.0 stars.

• 10.0 Stars

  : A 10.0-star rating is the highest rating these tires can receive in our review. If the tires exceeded our expectations when it came to each testing criterion, you’d see a high score for the tires and likely a higher overall placement on the list of our top picks.


• 9.0 to 6.0 Stars

  : A range between 9.0 and 6.0 stars means that the tires still exceeded our expectations but could have room for improvement. On the higher end of 9.0 stars, there may be slight changes we would like to see in the tire. For a 6.0-star rating, we may have some concerns about traction over time in wetter conditions.


• 5.0 Stars

  : A 5.0-star rating is an average score. If the tires met our expectations but could use improvements across all the testing criteria we considered, you’ll likely see a 5.0-star rating with an indication of why our testing expert scored the tire lower than others.


• 4.0 to 2.0 Stars

  : This range of scoring is below average. If the tires could not handle wet traction well and posed concern when we considered different climates potential buyers may be living in wetter conditions.


• 1.0 Star

  : A 1.0-star rating is the lowest rating we would give in any review. If the tires in this review were defective in some way that affected installation, traction, or handling, we would give the tire a lower rating of 1.0 stars.

Why Trust Motor1.com

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

Because our testing expertise is centered around aftermarket car products and accessories, we decided to leave tire testing in the hands of a true tire expert. That’s why we reached out to Jonathan Benson who has more than 15 years of experience. His insight and hands-on testing, combined with our extensive knowledge of aftermarket car products have been a perfect match.

*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.

Pickup trucks are versatile vehicles designed to handle multiple terrains and tasks. But does taking your beast off-road and getting dirty make your lips numb? Choosing the best truck tires is important to optimize your truck's performance. 

Let's explore tires that could change how you think, so you can drive your truck hard and put it away wet. We will focus on two key aspects: off-road confidence and aggressive tread patterns, delving into their benefits and how they can positively impact driving dynamics.

Truck Tire Types For Enhanced Off-Road Confidence

For drivers seeking to unlock the full potential of their pickup trucks off the beaten path, the correct set of tires can be transformative. Off-road adventures demand enhanced traction, durability and reliability. The following recommendations are poised to boost your off-road confidence.

• All-terrain tires: These strike an ideal balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. They are designed with deeper and more aggressive tread patterns and provide excellent traction on diverse surfaces, including dirt, gravel and mud. With reinforced sidewalls, they also offer increased durability, protecting against punctures and cuts. Learn more about all-terrain tires.
• Mud-terrain tires: If you're adventurous and craving extreme off-road challenges, mud-terrain tires are your ultimate companions. These tires are engineered with large, chunky tread blocks widely spaced to effectively clear mud, gravel and rocks. With an aggressive design, mud-terrain tires maximize traction and grip, enabling you to conquer the most challenging terrains. Learn more about mud terrain tires.
• All-season off-road tires: Ideal for those who want a versatile tire that performs well in various weather conditions, all-season off-road tires are a good solution. They combine off-road capabilities with reliable performance on paved roads, making them suitable for everyday driving. They feature moderate tread patterns that balance off-road traction and on-road comfort, ensuring year-round usability. Learn more about off-road tires.

Aggressive Tread Patterns

Tires with aggressive tread patterns can be a game-changer for those with a more adventurous spirit. Let's check out some tires that encourage you to explore beyond the pavement.

• All-purpose performance tires: Designed for those seeking a sportier feel and enhanced grip on wet and dry roads, all-purpose performance tires and high-performance truck tires feature a more aggressive tread pattern than standard all-season tires. They offer improved handling and responsiveness, allowing you to experience increased control and confidence, particularly during intense driving. Pirelli P Zero tires are examples of performance tires.
• Highway terrain tires: Highway terrain tires, also known as H/T tires, balance on-road comfort and a more aggressive aesthetic. With bolder tread patterns, these tires provide improved traction on wet and dry surfaces, enabling you to tackle corners and curves confidently. They are excellent for pickup truck owners who prefer an aggressive look while maintaining a smooth on-road experience. Bridgestone Dueler tires are examples of H/T tires for trucks.
• Winter tires: When the weather turns harsh, having the right tires is critical for maintaining control and safety. Winter tires, with their aggressive tread patterns and specialized rubber compounds, deliver exceptional grip on snow, slush and ice. They offer improved traction during winter months, significantly enhancing confidence and reducing the risks associated with treacherous road conditions.

Best Brands of Tires for Pickups, LT Trucks

Whether your passion lies in conquering off-road trails or seeking a more adventurous spirit during on-road drives, the proper set of tires can transform your pickup truck's performance. Here are some of the top-rated pickup truck tires.

Michelin LTX M/S2 all-season. Elevate your driving experience with the Michelin LTX M-S2A all-season tires -- where longevity, safety and efficiency converge to redefine excellence.

Firestone Destination LE3 Highway Terrain all-season. No matter the conditions, whether rain, shine or even snow, the Firestone Destination LE3 tires ensure a smooth ride, unaffected by the whims of Mother Nature.

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus II Highway Terrain. These are advanced touring all-season tires tailored for crossover vehicles, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. They have been meticulously engineered, boasting a new tread compound and an optimized footprint that significantly improves wet braking and handling.

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza PLUS Touring All-Season. These exceptional tires are meticulously crafted to deliver outstanding year-round performance while ensuring a whisper-quiet and comfortable ride. Utilizing Advanced Tread Polymer Technology, these tires offer an extended tread life and enhanced fuel efficiency, providing you with impressive wear performance that lasts.

Continental TerrainContact H/T. Equipped with TractionPlus Technology, this tire delivers enhanced traction and durability, ensuring superior grip on wet surfaces while keeping road noise to a minimum. Experience the ultimate combination of versatility and refinement.

Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015. The ultimate all-terrain tire that excels in any weather condition. Engineered to perfection, it offers a seamless fusion of on-road and off-road capabilities, ensuring optimal performance and comfort for drivers of modern light trucks and SUVs.

Buy Truck Tires Online

Ready to shop for tires for your light truck? Tire Agent offers over 80 brands (and growing) of tires for sale, and we ship within the United States for free, and fast. Have your tires shipped to your home or to your local auto shop. Need help finding an auto shop near you? We can recommend tire pros near you during your checkout process. 

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