Stock Jeep tires are – well, they're stock tires. They're designed for the necessary on-road performance and comfort – but their off-road abilities are somewhat limited.
And as any Jeep Wrangler owner knows, new tires are one of the best ways to upgrade both the appearance and the performance of their vehicle. Even if everything else remains unchanged – including the suspension system and the lift – a new set of tires can make a world of difference.
What are the best tires for Jeep Wrangler, though?
Stick around and find out!
In a Hurry? The Winner after 41 Hours of Research:
How I Picked:
19 Resources | 359 Reviews Compared |
---|---|
51 Hours Of Research | 45 Popular Products Considered |
Last Updated: June 20, 2021
By James Ruhle: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding all season tires available for those who are interested in the best performance throughout the year without changing tires. The best 5 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best all season tires currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Best Tires for Jeep Wrangler – Comparison Table
Product | Width | Dimensions | Rim Diameter | Speed Rating | Our Rating | Current Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BFGoodrich T/A KO2 All-Terrain Radial Tire | 12.5 in | 35x35x13″ | 17″ | R | 93/100 | |
Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 All-Terrain Radial Tire | 285 mm | 32.7x32.7x11.3 in | 17 inches | Q | 92/100 | |
Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Pro Radial Tire | 285 mm | 31.6x31.6x10.5″ | 17″ | R | 89/100 | |
285 mm | 32.9x32.9x11.7″ | 16″ | Q | 89/100 | ||
Falken Wildpeak AT3W All-Terrain Radial Tire | 285 mm | 31.7x31.7x10.8″ | 17″ | T | 90/100 | |
Toyo Tires Open Country A/T II All-Terrain Radial Tire | 285 mm | 33x33x12″ | 17″ | T | 88/100 |
Top 6 Tires for Jeep Wrangler Reviewed
Choosing the right tires for Jeep Wrangler can be a tough decision, especially if this is your first time replacing the stock vehicle tires that came with your Jeep with a new tire set.
To make your tire choice more manageable, I did some research and tested the industry's most reliable tires that will give you – and your vehicle – all the versatility you may need for smooth transitions from city streets to dirt roads!
Outstanding off-road, all-terrain tire performance sits at the very core of the brand's identity. And according to their own words, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is their best – and more importantly, most robust – all-terrain Jeep Wrangler tire to date.
When a tire manufacturer that's known for their all-terrain performance assigns such attributes to one of their products, you better take note – because there's no way that they won't deliver on the promise!
Design
To redesign and update a tire that has long reigned as the golden standard that all other all-terrain tires strived to meet – and turn it into something that's better-performing and more robust than ever – was no easy feat.
Still, inspired by the Baja T/A KR2, the KO2 radial tire has seen some drastic improvements in its strength and durability thanks to the CoreGuard technology:
The sidewall is "split and bruise" resistant, boasting increased rubber thickness that extends down the sidewall, and the so-called Advanced Deflection Design, which deflects any protruding objects and prevents them from damaging this critical failure zone.
The tire tread was also updated, starting with the compound blend that reduces chipping and tearing. Furthermore, the new-and-improved footprint now boasts a more contemporary look, complete with increased tread depth, Mud-Phobic bars, serrated shoulder lugs, 3D active sipes, and stone ejectors!
Performance
The new T/A KO2 now combines the rugged off-road traction that's mostly reserved for mud terrain tires with the paved-road manners of a light-duty, all-terrain tire. In short, it's best suited for Jeeps that split their time between city roads and dirt trails.
Driving down the highway, the KO2 offers exceptional directional stability, a surprisingly good grip, and proper steering responsiveness. Also, the noise levels are much better than expected based on their aggressive looks.
And off the roads, the aggressive tread pattern and the biting edges – which maintain their functionality thanks to mud and stone ejectors and 3D sipes – ensure superb traction in extreme conditions, including rain, snow, mud, and even icy roads.
On that note, they meet – and exceed – severe snow traction requirements, performing neck-to-neck with dedicated winter tires.
Mickey Thompson has been in the tire-making business for decades now. I'm confident that this tire manufacturer knows how to design tires for Jeep that gets down and dirty.
Throughout the impressive product line-up, the Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 all-terrain tire stands out as the best choice for Jeep Wrangler owners on a relatively tight budget – and you'll see why soon enough!
Design
The extra-wide footprint and tough, sculpted, larger tread blocks – and the overall aggressiveness of their design – are already pretty good indicators of what these Baja ATZ P3 radial tires can handle.
They adopt a silica-reinforced tread to improve longevity and resistance to cuts and chips. Even more so, the tires feature a three-ply sidewall – the Powerply – to add to their strength and durability, making this one of the most robust tires for Jeep.
Off to the side, you'll find size-related info – these are LT315/70 R 17 tires with a Q speed rating – as well as the so-called Sidebiters integrated into the shoulder tread.
These sharp, aggressive-looking, A-shaped ridges "bite" into the ground – hence the name – and, as you're about to see, make a world of difference in its off-road performance!
Performance
When it comes to balancing off-road and paved road performance, very few tires for Jeep nail it as perfectly as the Baja ATZ P3:
The hybrid design – a tread pattern that combines all-terrain and mud-terrain properties – along with the wide footprint and sculpted tread blocks with open voids ensures high-speed stability and traction for a smooth ride on the road.
It's when you reach the rugged terrain that these genuinely shine, though:
The aggressively-designed shoulder lugs and Sidebiters work together to help the tires grab the ground for maximum traction, keeping your Jeep Wrangler moving forward. Furthermore, the design of the grooves, along with the deep voids, ensures that the tires don't hold onto any stones or other debris.
In essence, the tires clean themselves, which is a welcome addition when you're switching from off-roading to highways, for example, and want to make sure that the tire's contact with the surface is intact.
Our Rating: 89/100
The next tires for Jeep Wrangler that I'd like to talk about today are the Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires – the brand's high-performance option for both on-road and off-road conditions.
If you're on a hunt for an all-terrain tire, these are certainly worth considering:
Whether you'll be driving around town, going down the highway, or heading off-road, these tires can perform with the best of them.
Design
There are several reasons why these Goodyear 265/70 R 17 all-terrain tires have been such a popular choice for a few years now – and their construction is one of them:
For that added touch of toughness – and a versatility boost – these tires come fitted with an added DuPont Kevlar layer.
The thing about this layer is that it adds strength to the tires, but at the same time, ensures that they aren't too aggressive – and more importantly, noisy – out on the road.
To add to it, Goodyear developed the silica-enhanced Durawall technology, which brings enhanced protection against cuts and punctures to the sidewalls, helping them avoid a common pitfall for most all-terrain tires.
The open tread pattern and the traction ridges are, again, there to improve the off-road traction – especially in wet conditions. What's interesting is that the tires also feature the so-called rim protection, offering some protection against accidental curb damage.
Performance
First off, it's nice to see that Goodyear stands behind these tires, offering a 50000-mile guarantee. But what kind of performance – on-road and off-road – can you expect from them for the next 50000 miles, though?
The previously discussed construction is a pretty good hint of how well these tires maintain the balance between the different environments:
Beyond adding strength and durability, the Kevlar layer also contributes to a much smoother ride, absorbing some – not all – of the noise and vibrations on paved roads.
This layer works together with the open tread pattern and traction ridges to provide that extra bite for better off-road performance and improved traction in both wet and dry road conditions. On that note, the winter tires emblem is a clear indicator of their improved performance in winter conditions, as well!
Pros
Cons
The Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx is a beefy, robust, aggressive off-roading tire explicitly engineered for the off-road experience. But interestingly enough, unlike a lot of other mud tires, they provide exceptional on-road handling, as well.
If you're looking for a set of Jeep Wrangler tires that can cover rugged terrain and various settings with ease – while also remaining "civil" enough on city streets – these could be your best choice!
Design
The Discoverer S/T Maxx 285/75 R 16 mud terrain tires, with a 126 load index, and a Q speed rating, boast the Cooper's signature, tried-and-true three-ply Armor-Tek3 carcass construction.
You're looking at two polyester plies that run diagonally, bed-to-bed, across the tread, with the third one set at a 45-degree angle.
That creates a weave pattern that reinforces puncture resistance – a crucial factor in rough conditions – adding strength to both the tire's sidewall and the tread area.
The carcass construction is further enhanced by the proprietary cut- and chip-resistant tread compound, a blend of natural rubber and silica.
The modern hybrid 4-5 rib tread also features dual-draft and non-parallel groove walls, stone ejectors built into the lateral grooves, an enhanced buttress design – all amounting to its consistent paved and off-road performance.
Performance
Surprisingly enough, the S/T Maxx manage to avoid this common concern, balancing the duties of your go-to off-road and on-road performers quite skillfully.
Again, it all comes down to the sturdy carcass construction at its core – the additional plies in the sidewall and the central tread reduce the risk of punctures and slices to an absolute minimum.
The strength and durability of these Wrangler tires are not something to worry about – and neither is their traction:
They drive through the most challenging terrain very well, maintain above-average traction on both wet and dry roads, and clean themselves out without any issues. I've had them run over roots, rocks, gravel, snow, mud, sand – you name it – and I'm yet to see them struggle.
And despite looking all sinister and aggressive when fitted on a Jeep Wrangler, my on-road experience with these Cooper mud tires didn't get overly noisy, either.
Our Rating: 90/100
When you think of the best off-road tires for Jeep, Falken probably isn't the first tire manufacturer that comes to mind.
However, the brand's been working on changing that perception and redesigning its product line-up to make it more appealing to off-roaders – and enter the all-terrain tire category with a bang.
The result of those efforts – and one of the best tires for Jeep in the all-terrain market, especially if you want something cheap – is the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
Design
The AT3W is a tough, long-lasting 265/70 R 17 tire suitable for both everyday drives and adventures on rough and muddy roads – and it's the aggressive design combined with the innovative features that lend it its versatility.
Although technically a two-ply sidewall, the high ply turn-ups that wrap around the bead and rise back up – just shy of the aggressive upper sidewall visible on the sides – create a thick, four-ply sidewall that protects the tire from potential punctures. The offset shoulder blocks add another layer of protection.
Even more so, the tires feature a silica tread rubber compound, combined with an optimized tread design – industry-leading tread depth and Falken's patented 3D Canyon Sipes and grooves – to ensure tread-pattern rigidity and wear resistance.
The heat diffuser technology is another exciting feature here, as it helps dissipate heat, keeping the lower sidewall cool and protecting the internal components of the tires.
Performance
As mentioned previously, the higher-than-average tread depth adds a serious edge to the Wildpeak AT3W tires for Jeep as far as off-road traction and tire longevity are concerned.
I found it to perform rather well in most – if not all – off-road scenarios, from gravel and dirt to mud and sand. Due to their design, it's beyond hard to make these tires slip or struggle while off-roading.
Plus, they're exceptionally durable – the AT3W tires for Jeep are rated at 55000 miles, which, mind you, is one of the best warranties in this category.
Best of all, their on-road performance is every bit as impressive. The tires are a bit noisier than I would prefer, but I'm willing to let it slide due to the responsive handling and high-speed stability.
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 88/100
I'll wrap this round up of best tires for Jeep with yet another excellent daily driver tire that can handle all sorts of terrains and settings, from pavement to dirt roads, with remarkable precision – the Toyo Tires Open Country A/T II radial tire.
Keep on reading for a full take on the design and performance of these Wrangler tires, and see what makes them one of the best tires in their category!
Design
The Toyo Open Country A/T II, with a T speed rating and a 117 load index, is a 285/70 R 17 tire designed for all-terrain driving – and the design is a clear indicator of its versatile performance:
The most prominent features here – besides the generally aggressive appearance, of course – are the open tread block design, which adds to the toughness of the tires, and the reinforced sidewall, which is a must in any off-road tire.
The wear-resistant compound – an enhanced rubber-silica compound, to be precise – adds durability to these Wrangler tires, and surprisingly enough, helps improve fuel economy, too. The tie bars between the blocks not only add stability but reduce irregular wear, as well.
Even more so, it features interesting zigzag sipes and polygonal blocks, which, as you're about to see, contribute to the tire's performance.
Performance
The open tread block design with aggressive sidewalls and deep-set grooves do give these tires a robust appearance – but more importantly, it amounts to an even tougher performance on various surfaces.
All these elements work together to allow for a good grip and better traction on everything from dirt, mud, and gravel to paved roads.
Rough and uneven terrain is where their aggressiveness shines, but the on-road performance of these tires isn't too shabby, either. You can't quite expect premium comfort and absolute silence on the highway, but they do handle rather well.
The excellent grip and stable handling on the dry pavement are a given. Still, despite the claims of excellent snow performance thanks to the zigzag sipes and polygonal blocks, this one won't be replacing a proper winter tire any time soon.
Don't get me wrong; they're alright – but they're not great.
Pros
Cons
Jeep Wrangler Tires – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose tires for my Jeep Wrangler?
A: Although many factors come into play when you're buying tires for Jeep Wrangler, it all comes down to how you're using your Jeep and what size tires it needs.
First, there's the actual purpose of your Wrangler or, more specifically, the road conditions in which you'll be using your tires. And secondly, you have to make sure that you've got the sizing of the tires right, including the width of the tire, the aspect ratio, the construction type, and the rim diameter.
Q: How big of tires can I put on my Jeep Wrangler?
A: Larger tires are a part of driving a Jeep – especially if you want to be able to switch from paved roads to off-road conditions at any given time. It's hard to provide a clear-cut answer to this question; there are many variations at play.
For instance, installing a body lift kit – a cheaper, straightforward alternative to a full-blown suspension kit – and aftermarket rim and fender flare upgrades can give you a few extra inches of tire clearance for anything over 33 inches.
Otherwise, with stock rims and factory backspacing, you're limited to 33-inch tires maximum.
Q: Can you put 33-inch tires on a stock Jeep?
A: Most people agree that 33-inch tires can work on a stock Jeep Wrangler. As far as paved roads and city streets go, your Jeep's new tires won't seem to mind. However, tackling rougher, off-road terrain, and dirt roads with your new 33-inch tires, where there's a lot more suspension flex, is a whole different story.
Fender rubbing, for example, is a genuine possibility in off-road conditions.
And even if the height fits, the width of the tires – which typically ranges from less than 10 to over 11 inches for 33-inch models – may pose an issue, and rub on the inner fenders, end links, and suspension parts.
After It's All Said and Done, I Recommend:
Conclusion
Choosing the best tires for Jeep Wrangler is what makes the distinction between light town-driving vehicles and a monster that can climb rocks and stir up some dust off the road. The right tires complement your daily drives – whether you're traveling far inland or driving around town.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires are the ultimate all-terrain tires that can take you – and your Jeep – anywhere you want:
Besides adding a tough, aggressive-looking, go-anywhere vibe to your Jeep Wrangler, they also deliver exceptional traction and handling precision, both on the road – and more importantly, off of it!