Buyer’s Guide: The Best Mud Tires For Your Rig

1. Editor's Pick: Falken Wildpeak AT3W

With appealing pricing and numerous innovations, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires are geared towards the off-road enthusiast after high performance at an attainable price. Rugged and built to tackle any terrain, virtually every part of this mud tire has been optimized for maximum performance and durability.

For instance, heat diffuser technology in the sidewall helps ensure the inner structure of the tire is protected from excessive wear, even under heavy load. The 3D Canyon sipe design builds additional reinforcement into the actual tire treads. Shoulder blocks and an aggressive upper sidewall help protect your vehicle’s wheels, as well as the tire sidewall, from damage.

Best of all, the AT3W tires are rated for severe winter use, making them ideal for the driver who chooses to run a single tire on their 4×4, all year round. Owner reviews are strongly positive, with most indicating that these tires are nearly impossible to beat for the price.

When it comes to performance and value, these might just be the best mud terrain tires you can buy.

Read our Falken Wildpeak AT3W review 

2. Runner Up: Kanati Mud Hog

While you might not see the name Kanati sponsoring huge race organizations like SCORE or Best In The Desert, it doesn’t mean that their tires aren’t as good or perform as well as the competition. In fact, Kanati has been around for over 40 years and produces some of the best off-road tires in the industry. Honestly, I wasn’t familiar with the brand until my tenure as an Editor at an ATV magazine where I was given the opportunity to test out one of the many offerings that they have for the increasingly popular UTV market. After months of testing their Mongrel UTV tire, I was thoroughly impressed with the performance that these off-road tires provided in a wide range of terrains. 

When it was time to replace the worn out slicks that came on an 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) I picked up as a weekend trail rig. Originally based out of Southern California, this rig would see everything from the soft sands of Glamis, shale laden trails in Sequoia National Forest, and of course the occasional muddy challenge. With five different light-truck tire offerings that suit the needs of most off-roaders, I opted to give the Kanati Mud Hogs the nod for my replacements. 

These were the choice because of their aggressive tread pattern and deep lugs, 3-ply sidewall and wide footprint. Mounted on my 315 17×8.5 Method Race Wheels, the 265/70-17 were true to claimed size, standing at just under 32”. One other feature that I was interested in finding out about first hand was their claimed low road noise. From my experience, mud tires that have aggressive treads like this were normally noisy. Well, these definitely lived up to my expectations of loud road noise, but it’s not a turnoff for me. Let’s face it. There needs to be some tradeoff when you want the best performance out of your off-road tires. 

As for handling on the road, these tires work amazingly well. Wet or dry, they firmly keep my WJ planted to the road. Even when encountering puddles of water on the freeway after a downpour of rain, I’ve never felt a loss of control since the open tread easily and quickly disperses water. As for dry weather conditions on the pavement, these tires keep my WJ stuck to the road like glue. I’m not the easiest driver when it comes to my rig. I like to drive fast and test the handling of my vehicles and these tires don’t disappoint, and the road isn’t even where they’re supposed to shine. 

Now it’s time to get to the good part. In the desert, these things shine! For my off-road adventures I air down to 15 PSI and doing that gives these tires a terrific wide footprint that provides great floatation on soft terrain. This also provides a little extra cushion on hard packed trails. I put the traction of these tires to the test on the Old Stagecoach Trail in Jacumba, CA. This challenging trail really allowed me to not only see how well the Mud Hog’s did on dry land, but also test out their durability. The hills of Jacumba are filled with jagged rocks and tire puncturing cactus that can easily ruin your day. Whether it was loose rock or sandy inclines, the Mud Hog’s kept the WJ moving forward like a mountain goat. Whether it was because of occasional body/fender contact or the razor sharp rocks, I definitely found some slices in the side of the tread and some on the sidewall, but these tires never give up. Plain and simple, they’re tough!

Is this the only trail that I took these on? Not at all, but likely the toughest and best test for the tires. As for the longevity of these tires, I’ve got no complaints. For having what I feel is a soft compound tire, the Mud Hog’s have great life considering that I’ve got nearly 36,000 miles on them, that are mostly city and highway driving. If you’re wondering, I checked the tread depth and have 9/32 left on a tire that comes with 18/32 of tread. Of course you’ve got to do regular tire maintenance to get this kind of life, but so far I think these tires are well worth a try.

3. Goodyear Wrangler MT/R Kevlar Radial

Built for tough, strong performance on the road less travelled, these popular truck mud tires combine the confidence of one of the world’s premier tire manufacturers with numerous advanced features and technologies for a premium tire offering that’ll satisfy even the discerning off-roader. This flagship off-road tire features Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls, which boost puncture resistance by 30%, as well as a wrap-around tread pattern designed for a strong bite in deep sand and mud. Engineers specified a silica-enhanced rubber compound for added grip in wet conditions, and the unique asymmetric tread design provides top-line off-road performance and enhanced on-road handling. The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R Kevlar model is among the best mud tires anywhere.

4. BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM

One of the most popular, and best truck mud tires tires on the market, these high-performing tires hit the road with various improvements for their latest iteration, including reduced road noise, more even wear, and improved ride smoothness. Rated a 10 Most Influential Product by JP magazine, the Mud Terran T/A KM tires support drivers with special DiggerLugz, built into the treads and sidewall, which allow for superior traction in deep mud, and effective tread clearing to maintain a positive bite on the surface beneath.

The strongly reinforced structure helps fend off punctures and bruising, while advanced rubber compounding and a built-in rim protector add extra confidence and protection. Owner reviews are strongly positive, though some owners report difficulty in having the tires balanced, and report the need to rotate the tires more frequently than expected, for more even wear.

5. Toyo Open Country M/T

These mud terrain tires are designed with a focus on off-road capability without compromise, these highly rated tires feature among the market’s most aggressive tread designs, some of the highest ratings for off-road grip, and excellent durability. The tread pattern is designed to bite strongly and keep the treads clear of mud, dirt, and snow, delivering consistent traction and predictable performance. Over-the-shoulder treads enhance grip in deep snow and mud, and maintain strong adhesion to the surface beneath at all steering angles. Finally, strong reinforcement ensures that these tires will last for the long haul. Just note that the best mud tires come with an accordingly-hefty price tag, and that some owners wish for a quieter ride and less of a hit to fuel consumption.

6. Milestar Patagonia M/T Mud Terrain

When price is the prime priority in a well-reviewed off-road tire, look no further than the Milestar Patagonia M/T Mud Terrain tire. Designed for strong performance in mud, snow, or over rocks and sand, these tires are popular with explorers from all walks of life. A high-void tread design provides numerous aggressive biting edges that promote self-cleaning and ejection of mud and snow for consistent performance. Off-center tread blocks enhance both on-road and off-road performance, and a 3-ply sidewall resists impact damage and punctures. Owner reviews are mostly positive, with many owners reporting initial apprehension about the price-point, but being subsequently impressed with the performance and noise levels.

7. Nitto Trail Grappler M/T

With a careful blend of off-road performance and on-road comfort and refinement, the Trail Grappler M/T tires from Nitto are perfect for the driver after top notch traction on the road less travelled, as well as good on-road manners, from the same tires. This combination makes these some of the best mud tires we could find.

With numerous provisions designed to minimize the compromise between traction and noise, engineers even used advanced sound analysis equipment to reduce the high on-road noise levels commonly associated with off-road tires when used on the road. The result? A ride with 36 percent less tire noise at highway speeds.

Shoppers can pick from two sidewall designs to suit their individual tastes, and special central siping and shoulder grooves between the tread blocks increase traction and reduce hydroplaning, without sacrificing tread block stiffness. Owner reviews are strongly positive and typically reference high levels of traction with appreciably low noise levels. There’s little doubt that the Nitto Trail Grapplers are some of the best mud tires available today.

Read what tirereviewsandmore.com had to say about the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T

8. Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC

Mickey Thompson makes some of the most popular off-road tires on the market, and their Baja Claw TTC tire line is a premium offering designed for competition-ready performance in the mud. Exceptional self-cleaning performance helps keep consistent contact with the surface beneath, and shoulder-mounted treads are installed via a special decoupling grove that allows for high flexibility and increased compatibility with challenging surfaces, even at steep steering angles.

PowerPly sidewalls are fitted to all sizes for added durability and puncture resistance. Finally, special T6 rubber compounding enhances traction on wet and icy surfaces for all-condition confidence. Owner reviews are positive, though typical off-road tire compromises remain.

9. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro

From Cooper tires comes this flagship All-Terrain tire. The STT Pro tire line features proprietary reinforcement technologies to resist impacts and damage, while a hybrid tread pattern reduces road noise, increases stability, and dials up off-road traction. Other provisions enable uniform wear and reduce the tendency of the vehicle to drift in its lane at highway speeds.

Deep and aggressive side-biters provide additional traction up the tire sidewall, and a flex-groove in the tire buttress allows strategically deployed flex between the treads and sidewalls for optimal contact, even at extreme angles. Finally, unique scoops and scallops on selected edges of the tire tread lugs generate a shoveling effect that digs through mud and deep snow, scoop by scoop.

A silica tread compound rounds out the package for added grip in wet and slippery conditions. This is a highly-advanced off-road tire that puts everything Cooper knows about off-road tires to work for you. Owner reviews are positive in general, with many reporting a quieter-than-expected ride on the road more travelled—though some owners report faster-than-expected wear.

The Cooper Discoverer STT Pro was well received on tirereviewsandmore.com

10. Interco TrXus M/T

From the makers of the legendary Super Swamper tires (among the best mud tires in the world) comes the TrXus M/T Radials—which combine a smooth and quiet ride with tough, thick sidewalls for superior cut and chip resistance. Aggressive siping provides excellent all-surface traction, especially in snow and mud, while also enabling exceptional rock-climbing performance. Finally, special boutique-like production procedures help ensure heavy duty durability is built right in to each and every tire, and ensure’s that they’re far tougher and more effective than factory-supplied tires. Numerous configurations and variants are available, including a 10-ply E-rated tire, and a competition-only ‘sticky’ version. These mud terrain tires are popular and highly rated amongst professionals for a long history of success and a proven brand reputation, but expect to pay a premium when installing them on your truck or 4×4.

11. Pro Comp Xtreme MT2

Pro Comp is one of the biggest names in off-road wheels, but the company also produces a well-regarded tire lineup – including the Xtreme MT2. More of an all-around all-terrain tire rather than a pure mud-focused design (the name is a bit misleading), these tires are a solid choice for a daily driver that does some double-duty off-road. Pro Comp backs them up with a 40,000-mile tread wear warranty. In researching owner reviews, they get high marks for holding up to lots of paved road use and they excel at rock crawling. There are definitely some mud terrain tires that perform better in the slick stuff, but the Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 is certainly capable in the muck.

Mud Tire Frequently Asked Questions: Everything you need to know

What are mud tires, and why are they important for off-roading?

Mud tires, often called mud-terrain tires, are specially designed tires with aggressive tread patterns and large, deep lugs that provide superior traction in muddy, loose, or uneven terrain. They are crucial for off-roading because their unique design allows vehicles to maintain traction in challenging conditions, preventing them from getting stuck and ensuring a safe and enjoyable off-road experience.

What features should I look for when choosing the best mud tires?

When choosing mud tires, consider the following key features:

• Tread Design: Look for large, deep, and widely spaced lugs to dig into the mud and self-clean by ejecting mud and debris.
• Sidewall Strength: Reinforced sidewalls offer additional protection against punctures and cuts from rocks, roots, and other obstacles.
• Durability: High-quality rubber compounds that resist chipping, tearing, and cracking can extend the tire’s lifespan.
• Size and Fit: Ensure the mud tires are compatible with your vehicle’s wheel size and fit within the wheel wells without rubbing against the body or suspension components.
• Load Rating: Check the load rating to ensure the tires can support the weight of your vehicle, especially if you’re carrying additional gear or equipment.
• Noise Level: Some mud tires can be noisy on paved roads. If you plan on driving your vehicle on-road frequently, consider mud tires that offer a balance between off-road performance and on-road noise levels.

Can I use mud tires for everyday driving on paved roads?

While mud tires are designed primarily for off-road use, they can be used on paved roads. However, there are some trade-offs to consider:

• Noise: Mud tires tend to be louder on paved roads due to their aggressive tread pattern.
• Fuel Efficiency: The increased rolling resistance of mud tires can lead to lower fuel efficiency compared to all-terrain or highway tires.
• Wear and Tear: Mud tires may wear out faster on paved roads because their rubber compounds are optimized for off-road conditions.

If you plan to drive frequently on paved roads, consider all-terrain tires as a compromise between off-road capability and on-road comfort.

How do mud tires perform in different weather conditions?

• Mud: Mud tires excel in muddy conditions, providing exceptional grip and preventing the vehicle from getting bogged down.
• Rain: The deep treads of mud tires can channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. However, they may not perform as well as dedicated rain tires on wet pavement.
• Snow: Mud tires can perform adequately in light snow, but their performance may not match that of specialized winter tires, which are designed with compounds that remain pliable in cold temperatures.
• Ice: Mud tires are not ideal for ice. Their large tread blocks and hard rubber compounds can struggle to maintain grip on icy surfaces.

How do I maintain and extend the life of my mud tires?

Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your mud tires:

• Regular Rotation: Rotate your mud tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure even wear.
• Proper Inflation: Check and maintain the recommended tire pressure. Over-inflation or under-inflation can cause uneven wear and reduce traction.
• Alignment: Ensure your vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned to prevent uneven tire wear.
• Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your tires for cuts, punctures, or embedded objects that could cause leaks or blowouts.
• Clean After Off-Roading: After driving in mud or dirt, clean your tires to prevent debris from hardening in the treads, which could impact performance.

How do mud tires affect my vehicle’s fuel economy?

Mud tires typically have higher rolling resistance due to their aggressive tread patterns and larger contact patches with the ground. As a result, they can decrease fuel economy compared to all-terrain or highway tires. If maximizing fuel efficiency is a priority, consider using mud tires only when necessary for off-road conditions and switching to less aggressive tires for daily driving.

What’s the difference between mud tires and all-terrain tires?

• Tread Pattern: Mud tires have larger, deeper, and more aggressive tread patterns designed specifically for loose and muddy terrain, while all-terrain tires have a more moderate tread pattern suitable for a mix of on-road and off-road use.
• Noise and Comfort: Mud tires are generally noisier and less comfortable on paved roads than all-terrain tires, which offer a quieter and smoother ride.
• Performance: Mud tires excel in challenging off-road conditions, while all-terrain tires provide a balance of off-road capability and on-road manners, making them more versatile for daily driving.

Are mud tires legal for on-road use?

Yes, most mud tires are legal for on-road use, but it’s important to check local regulations and ensure the tires meet safety standards. Some mud tires may not have the necessary speed ratings or load capacities for certain road conditions. Always verify that your tires are suitable and compliant for both on-road and off-road driving.

Can I use mud tires in rocky terrain?

Mud tires can handle rocky terrain thanks to their aggressive tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls, which provide resistance against punctures and cuts. However, for extensive rocky and technical trails, you might consider tires specifically designed for rock crawling, which may offer even more protection and grip on rock surfaces.

How do I choose the right size mud tire for my vehicle?

Choosing the right size mud tire involves checking your vehicle’s specifications for the recommended tire size. Consider factors such as:

• Clearance: Ensure there is enough clearance between the tire and the vehicle’s fenders, suspension, and body to prevent rubbing, especially when the suspension is compressed.
• Gear Ratio: Larger tires can affect your vehicle’s gear ratio, which may impact acceleration and fuel economy. You might need to adjust your vehicle’s gearing or speedometer if you switch to significantly larger tires.
• Compatibility: Consult your vehicle’s owner manual or a tire professional to ensure compatibility with your vehicle’s wheels and suspension setup.

What mud terrain tires last the longest?

Buying a set of large mud-terrain tires is expensive. Really expensive. So when you hand over your money, you want tires that will perform in the mud and last a long time. Unfortunately, those two things do not always go together.

Tires that perform best in mud have spaced-out lugs designed to clear away the slop. But if you drive a lot on paved roads, those same spaced-out lugs will start to wear down fairly quickly compared to your standard all-terrain tire.

So if you want a mud tire that will last longer, you may have to sacrifice some mud performance. That’s not to say you can’t find a tire that will do both – but if your mudding truck is also your daily driver, you may want to look at something like the Pro Comp Xtreme MTR that works well most everywhere.

What are the top features to look for in a mud tire?

It all depends on what you’re using it for. If you’re using your rig as a daily driver and need a tire that offers good life, you’ll want something that offers great treadwear, traction, and durability. If you’re strictly looking for the best in off-road performance, you want a tire that offers an aggressive tread that can self clean in the mud. You also want to have a tire that has great durability and sidewall strength.

Do mud terrain tires work well in the snow?

While not designed specifically for snow, mud tires generally perform pretty well on the white stuff. The spaced-out lugs work in snow largely the same as they do in mud. However, one area mud tires do not perform well in on ice. You are much better off with a set of proper winter tires if the roads in your area ice over in the winter.

Additional Resources

Beadlock Wheels Buyers Guide

Top 10 Tips For Surviving Mud

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