The 265/70r16 all-terrain tire has a 30.6-inch diameter, a 7.3-inch high sidewall, and an average 10.7-inch wide tread, making it look great on 16-inch rims.
I’ve seen a lot of tires this size, especially on older vehicles.
Bigger tires paired with smaller wheels give off a beefier appearance, and the taller sidewall means more rubber cushioning, which helps absorb bumps and potholes. As a result, the ride feels smoother with less bounce, and it provides a more planted feel on the highway.
The 265/70r16 all-terrain tire offers a very comfortable and smooth ride but lacks in handling.
When choosing these types of tall, skinny tires, it’s important to consider options that offer good steering response and road feedback.
This is why many manufacturers are now leaning toward lower-profile tires, particularly because most people don’t often go off-roading, and lower-profile tires handle better at highway speeds. Although their ride quality is harsher, low-sidewall tires are especially popular on SUVs.
With the tall sidewall profile of 265/70r16 tires, your ride will feel much smoother and less like you’re driving a tank. These tires are similar to the 31-inch size in flotation metric tires, offering more control. Larger tires have greater rolling mass, which can make braking and handling more difficult and potentially risky.
For a comfortable ride, I recommend the 70-series with 265-width tires. All-terrain tires are already known for their good steering response.
However, if you’re considering upgrading from 265/60r17 and making a few OEM modifications, it would be better to go with 265 75r16 all-terrain tires. Though slightly narrower, the extra sidewall height offers more ground clearance and comfort. If your stock suspension allows for bigger tires, this is a worthwhile upgrade.
Tall tires are also ideal for raising low-hanging differentials.
But for those sticking with stock tires or wanting a slight upgrade without modifications, the 265/70r16 size is a solid choice. The difference between these sizes isn’t drastic—they’re both high-profile tires that won’t negatively impact your fuel efficiency, speedometer accuracy, or overall performance.
Many people debate whether to choose 285-size tires, but I would advise sticking with the 265/70 size. These taller, slimmer tires provide better grip and traction than 285s, especially in snow, sand, wet conditions, and on pavement. You can look into the “pizza cutter effect” for more information on why this is the case.
In fact, many people end up going back to 265 tires after trying out 285s. Here’s why: tall, skinny tires can cut through snow, while wider tires tend to float on water or snow, reducing traction. While wider tires perform well on dry roads and in mud, they aren’t as reliable in wet or snowy conditions.
What are the best 265 70r16 all-terrain tires?
Now, let’s talk about the best 265/70r16 all-terrain tires. For some people, LT tires are better, while others prefer SL tires.
If you primarily drive on pavement or highways, SL tires might be a good option. But if you occasionally go off-road or enjoy camping, I recommend going with C-load, 6-ply tires. Even for light off-roading, avoid 4-ply tires.
If you frequently go off-road, tow heavy loads, or drive a heavy truck (¾ ton or more), it’s best to stick with LT tires.
Many people get hung up on the weight of a tire, as if a heavier tire is a bad thing. But there’s a correlation between tire weight and material quality. I’m looking for the best tire, not the lightest. So avoid focusing too much on tire weight—it’s not as important as overall quality.
1- Falken WildPeak AT3W
Falken WildPeak AT3W – A Steering-Responsive All-Terrain Tire
My top choice is the Falken WildPeak AT3W, known for its impressive steering responsiveness.
When dealing with tires that have tall sidewalls, there’s always a concern about handling and steering issues. That’s why I prefer tires that provide quick steering responses and excellent handling control, and the Falken WildPeak AT3W checks both boxes.
Thanks to its silica compound, square shoulder blocks, and closely packed tread design, this tire responds swiftly to steering inputs, keeping control sharp and precise.
While we’re focusing on the passenger version of the Falken WildPeak AT3W here, even the LT load version of this tire delivers excellent steering feedback despite its stiffer nature. That said, the standard load version is perfectly balanced—not too soft, not too stiff—offering both responsive steering and a comfortable ride. This level of comfort is something you won’t experience with the LT load variant.
The tire’s internal locking sipes reduce excessive movement in the tread blocks, which also helps maintain consistent linear steering response. Plus, less tread movement means less noise. This is why the Falken WildPeak AT3W is often praised for how quiet it is.
The Falken WildPeak AT3W is a highly popular all-terrain tire, and it performs consistently well across different sizes. Among these, the 265/70R16 passenger tire with 16-inch rims stands out. In its standard load range, this tire excels in wet conditions, snow, and tread longevity.
Tread Life & UTQG Rating
To gauge the tire’s longevity, you can refer to its Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) rating. The Falken WildPeak AT3W boasts a UTQG rating of 660, which is the highest I’ve seen among all-terrain tires.
To put that in perspective, a standard tire used for comparison by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a tread life of 7,200 miles and a rating of 100. This means the Falken WildPeak AT3W could last up to 6.6 times longer than that standard tire if driven continuously on the highway. Since we don’t drive non-stop, you can expect even more durability from this tire.
Ride Comfort & Noise
When it comes to comfort and a quiet ride, the Falken WildPeak AT3W outperforms nearly all other all-terrain tires, including the BFGoodrich AT T/A KO2, Nitto Terra Grappler, and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac. This holds particularly true for the passenger tire version.
I’ve driven at highway speeds of 110 MPH with minimal cabin noise or vibration. The internal locking sipes keep the tread movement in check, minimizing vibrations. This means no shaking through the steering wheel or vehicle body, and no annoying tread noise. Additionally, the tire’s silica compound gives the tread a flexible, slightly softer feel, further reducing noise and vibration.
For comparison, while the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 performs well, the Falken WildPeak AT3W is about 10-15% quieter. The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, on the other hand, was simply too noisy for my taste.
Tread Depth
A common selling point of the Falken WildPeak AT3W is its tread depth, which is true for the larger 33- and 35-inch tires.
However, the 265/70R16 model has a tread depth of 13 inches—similar to other tires in this size. The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac offers a deeper tread at 16 inches, but it’s tread wear rating is only 500 compared to the WildPeak AT3 W’s 660.
Wet & Snow Performance
When it comes to wet and snowy conditions, the Falken WildPeak AT3W is unbeatable. It offers excellent grip and traction in both rain and snow and maintains control even in standing water.
Its aquaplaning resistance is impressive, thanks to its zigzag circumferential grooves, abundant sipes, and the silica compound in its tread.
The sipes help the tire grip the road in wet and snowy conditions, while the flexible silica-infused tread blocks ensure traction.
Additionally, the lateral grooves allow water to flow freely across the tread, enhancing its aquaplaning resistance. This puts the WildPeak AT3W ahead of competitors like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, which are known to slip more on wet roads.
Dry Traction & Steering
On dry roads, the Falken WildPeak AT3W delivers solid traction, thanks to its straight and lateral grip. Lateral grip, in particular, contributes to its responsive steering, making it reliable and controlled on dry surfaces.
However, if we were to compare it to the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, the KO2 would take the lead in dry-road traction and control.
Off-Road Performance
While the 265/70R16 Falken WildPeak AT3W is only available in a passenger load, and not in an E load, it still performs well off-road.
The flexible nature of passenger tires allows the sidewalls and tread blocks to flex, providing good grip in off-road conditions. Experienced off-road enthusiasts will know that passenger tires often offer better grip and traction than LT tires in lighter off-road situations.
However, for heavy off-roading, rock crawling, or towing, LT or E load tires are recommended for their durability and resistance to punctures. In such cases, you may want to consider the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, which is more suited for rugged terrain.
Final Thoughts
The Falken WildPeak AT3W in its SL load range is a popular choice for light off-roading. If you’re driving a lighter vehicle with stock 265/70R16 tires, this tire will perform well across a variety of terrains—gravel, dirt roads, hard-packed surfaces, beach sand, forest trails, and fields.
For those who frequently engage in heavy off-roading or towing, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or other LT-rated tires would be a better option.
However, one feature that sets the WildPeak AT3W apart is its stone ejector design. These steps, located at the end of each tread block, help eject gravel, stones, and other debris, reducing the risk of punctures.
The only downside to the WildPeak AT3W is its high rolling resistance.
However, most passenger tires with soft, grippy rubber tend to have higher rolling resistance. The primary goal of this tire is to provide grip and traction, so if you want better handling and shorter braking distances, a bit of extra rolling resistance is a small price to pay.
2- Cooper Discover AT/3 4S
Let’s start with a comparison, So that we can get an idea of which one is better on wet roads.
Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S vs. Falken WildPeak AT3W and Toyo Open Country AT3: A Wet Track Performance Comparison
In TireRack’s wet track testing,
the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S took about 137.2 feet to come to a stop from 50 mph.
Now, let’s compare this to two other popular all-terrain tires to see how they stack up on wet roads.
The Falken WildPeak AT3W stopped at 127.3 feet under the same conditions, while the Toyo Open Country AT3 required 150 feet to decelerate from 50 to 0 mph.
Clearly, the Falken WildPeak AT3W performs best on wet roads, as I mentioned earlier.
What Sets the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S Apart?
The Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S is an ATR (All-Terrain Road) tire.
Unlike typical all-terrain tires designed for 50% on-road and 50% off-road use, this tire is more tailored for 70% on-road and 30% off-road. In fact, I would say it’s closer to 80% on-road and 20% off-road, making it ideal for those who prioritize on-road comfort but occasionally go to the light off-road path.
Despite being an all-terrain tire, it delivers a ride quality similar to that of highway terrain tires—quiet, smooth, and comfortable. This is because ATR tires are designed to meet European standards, where on-road performance and noise control are emphasized.
As a result, the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S is perfect for drivers who mostly stick to highways, city streets, or light gravel roads, while still needing some all-terrain capability.
For daily drivers who value comfort and quietness, both the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S and the Falken WildPeak AT3W are excellent choices.
However, if you live in a rainy area, I would recommend the Falken WildPeak AT3W for its superior wet-road performance. Both tires handle well in snowy conditions, though.
Snow Performance
The Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S performs well in snow thanks to its unique design.
Each block of the tire features notches and grooves that provide extra biting edges, improving grip on snowy roads.
The tire also incorporates a patented wave-like saw blade design along the edges of the blocks. Snow gets trapped in these grooves, and because snow sticks to snow better than it sticks to rubber, the tire gains additional traction in deep snow and icy conditions.
Affordability and Daily Performance
One of the best features of the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S is its affordability.
Its performance on wet, snowy, muddy, and dry roads is impressive for a daily driver, especially considering the price point.
While it’s not a full-blown off-road tire, it handles light off-road conditions like gravel roads and shallow mud quite well. So if your off-roading is limited to light or moderate terrain, this tire should perform just fine.
It’s also 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) and M+S (Mud and Snow) certified, so there’s no need to worry about its winter performance.
The tread life of the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S is longer than most other tires in this class, although it doesn’t quite match the longevity of the Falken WildPeak AT3W.
The Cooper has a UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) rating of 620, which is 40 points lower than the Falken. However, given its lower price, this is a fair trade-off. Plus, it comes with a 65,000-mile warranty, which adds to its overall value.
Not for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
If you’re driving a heavy-duty truck like an F-250, F-350, or Ram 2500, I wouldn’t recommend the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S.
Most of the negative feedback about this tire comes from people with heavier vehicles. The tire is relatively soft, so it tends to deform under the weight of super-duty trucks, which is why many owners of heavy vehicles avoid it.
Stiff Steering but Smooth Ride
Since we’re discussing the best 265/70R16 all-terrain tires, I should mention that the steering of the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S feels a bit stiff. However, the upside is that it provides a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride on highways, which earns it a spot on this list.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an all-terrain tire that’s perfect for highway and daily driving, but don’t want to sacrifice on-road comfort, the Cooper Discoverer AT/3 4S is a great option. It delivers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.
However, if your primary goal is off-roading, you might want to look elsewhere, as this tire is more focused on on-road performance.
3- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Why BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is the Best 265/70R16 All-Terrain Tire
Most vehicles that come with 265/70R16 tires as original equipment typically use passenger or standard load (SL) tires from the factory.
Only a few models come equipped with LT (Light Truck) tires, such as:
- 2006 Dodge Dakota
- 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
- 2015 Toyota Tacoma
This makes finding LT tires in the 265/70R16 size a bit challenging.
However, one standout option is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, an E-load-rated LT tire, perfect for those who need more durability and off-road performance.
In this size, there are no passenger tires available from BFGoodrich, making the KO2 a unique offering.
Exceptional Tread Depth for Longevity
One great feature of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is its tread depth, which is always 15/32 inches across all sizes. This is impressive, especially compared to competitors like the Falken WildPeak AT3W, which also prides itself on deep treads.
Because of this extra tread depth, the BFGoodrich KO2 is ideal for those looking to get more mileage out of their tires.
Although the official warranty is 50,000 miles, many users, including myself, have gotten up to 75,000 miles or more. As an off-road enthusiast, tire longevity is critical to me, and the BFGoodrich KO2 has proven itself with its long service life.
Durability and Towing Capability
When considering tire wear, there’s a direct relationship between the weight of your vehicle, towing, and hauling capacity. This is why many manufacturers offer LT tires—they are built to withstand heavy loads, making them perfect for super-duty trucks and towing.
For those of us driving half-ton trucks, if you don’t need to tow heavy loads regularly, P (Passenger) or SL (Standard Load) tires are usually sufficient.
However, if you’re towing, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 excels.
I’ve towed a 3-ton trailer with these tires, and they performed admirably, providing stability at highway speeds without causing any issues.
In terms of appearance, durability, and towing performance, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 stands out as the best option in this category. The tire also provides a responsive and light steering feel, making it easy to maneuver even at high speeds.
Off-Road Confidence
While the Falken WildPeak AT3W offers more grip as a passenger tire, I trust the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 when it comes to overlanding and tackling rough terrain like Coyote Flats.
This LT tire is built for serious off-roaders, with a 10-ply construction that sacrifices some ride comfort but ensures exceptional durability and toughness.
The high-profile sidewalls of the 265/70R16 size help improve ride comfort by absorbing impacts from bumps and potholes, even with stiffer LT tires. So, despite being a heavy-duty tire, it still delivers a relatively smooth ride.
Weight and Construction
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 weighs about 50 pounds on a 16-inch rim, which is roughly 8 pounds heavier than some of the other tires in this review.
While additional weight doesn’t always equate to better quality, it does reflect the BFGoodrich KO2’s robust construction. It features a 3-ply sidewall (made from 3 layers of polyester and 2 layers of nylon reinforcement), offering better puncture and cut resistance than most competitors, which usually have 2-ply or fewer.
The BFGoodrich KO2’s carcass is tough, which allows it to handle higher air pressure during towing or highway driving, making it a versatile option for both on-road and off-road use.
When off-roading, I’ve deflated the tires to as low as 5 PSI for extra traction in soft sand, and the aggressive side walls give me great confidence when navigating difficult terrain.
Traction and Tread Patterns
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 has aggressive tread patterns that offer fantastic traction in mud, sand, and desert conditions.
The wide footprint and aggressive sidewall design make it highly practical in challenging environments. One of the biggest advantages of LT tires like these is their ability to help you get unstuck when off-road. Lowering the tire pressure to increase traction has saved me on many occasions.
The tread and sidewall design also give the BFGoodrich KO2 an aggressive appearance, which is something I value when choosing tires. Compared to options like the WildPeak AT3W, Goodyear Duratrac, and Nitto Ridge Grappler, the BFGoodrich KO2 stands out visually, which is a bonus for those who care about aesthetics as much as performance.
All-Weather Performance
As an all-terrain, all-weather tire, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 performs well across various conditions, although it does have its limitations.
While it isn’t the absolute best in every situation, it’s reliable in all kinds of weather. Whether on snow, mud, or dry roads, it pushes forward without holding you back, which is precisely the purpose of an all-terrain tire.
The tire does great in snow, thanks to its interlocking tread blocks, which allow snow to accumulate in the grooves. This is beneficial since snow sticks to snow better than to rubber, enhancing grip.
Additionally, the KO2’s shoulder blocks are wide and flat, providing excellent lateral grip, especially in dry conditions, which enhances cornering stability.
Areas for Improvement
While the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 excels in most areas, it does have some weaknesses, particularly on wet roads.
Due to its stiff sidewalls and lack of circumferential grooves, it can suffer from hydroplaning when driving through standing water. In the rain, it performs adequately but can slip at high speeds. However, at more moderate speeds (around 55 mph), I’ve found it to be manageable.
The good news is that the KO2’s full-depth sipes maintain consistent performance as the tire wears, particularly in wet and snowy conditions.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a tire with an aggressive look, excellent towing capacity, and superior off-road performance, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a top contender in the 265/70R16 size.
It has proven reliable on gravel, dirt, rock crawling, overlanding, mud, snow, highways, and rough trails. No matter where I’ve taken it, the BFGoodrich KO2 has never let me down. It is very reliable as a traveling companion.
It’s no surprise that the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 has earned its reputation as one of the most popular light truck tires in America—it simply delivers.
4- Nitto Terra Grappler
The Nitto Terra Grappler is available only as a passenger tire in the 265/70R16 size.
Since many vehicles use this size with 16-inch rims as original equipment, most manufacturers offer standard load (SL) tires in this category, which are well-suited for the typical vehicle weight.
While the Nitto Terra Grappler has received its share of criticism, most of it is directed at the passenger tire version. The LT (Light Truck) versions are less scrutinized.
So, is it still okay to choose the passenger tire version of the Terra Grappler?
Understanding Criticism of the Passenger Tire Version
It’s important to note that many of the negative reviews about the Nitto Terra Grappler’s passenger or standard load tires come from people using them in the wrong situations.
For instance, one YouTuber complained about getting 5 punctures while driving 6,000 miles on the TransAmerica Trail. It’s hard to understand why someone would choose passenger tires for such an extensive off-road journey instead of LT tires. It seems like a case of misunderstanding the difference between LT and SL load ranges.
For standard on-road driving, the Nitto Terra Grappler performs exceptionally well, and it’s capable of handling light off-road adventures too. However, if you’re planning to go off-road for thousands of miles, it’s wiser to choose an LT tire that’s built for that purpose.
Key Features: Internal Locking Sipes
One of the standout features of the Nitto Terra Grappler is its full internal locking sipes, which many manufacturers avoid due to the added expense. These sipes are crucial for reducing tread movement and noise, especially in passenger tires. While LT tires can manage without this feature, in passenger tires it’s essential, and it contributes significantly to the tire’s performance in snowy and wet conditions.
When compared to the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, the Terra Grappler offers better handling in snow and wet environments. While both tires are about the same weight (39 pounds), the Nitto Terra Grappler has a higher load range of 116 compared to the Cooper’s 112.
Both are solid options, but if you’re looking for a tire that can handle both on-road driving and light off-roading, the Terra Grappler is the better choice. For 99% highway or tarmac use, however, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S might be a better fit.
Excellent Wet Weather and Hydroplaning Resistance
When it comes to wet weather performance, the Nitto Terra Grappler excels.
There are no reports of slipping or hydroplaning on wet roads, even in heavy rain. This is largely due to its tread design, which features a large void area that disperses water efficiently. The tire also has four wide and deep circumferential grooves and well-designed lateral grooves that help channel water away from the tread, improving grip in rainy conditions.
The lateral grooves and block-shaped ribs also provide excellent traction in mud and sand, enhancing the tire’s overall off-road capability.
However, it’s important to remember that while the Terra Grappler performs well on light off-road terrain, it’s not designed for extreme off-roading.
On-Road Performance and Comfort
One of the key advantages of the Nitto Terra Grappler is its smooth on-road performance.
Even at speeds of 80 mph, the tire remains stable, without any wandering.
Its computer-tuned tread blocks minimize road noise, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable ride.
The tire also provides a sure-footed feel on the road, with minimal body roll during cornering, which is a big plus for drivers who prioritize handling and responsiveness.
Final Verdict: Great All-Rounder
Overall, the Nitto Terra Grappler is a solid choice in wet, snow, and dry conditions. While its off-road capabilities surpass those of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, the Cooper tire performs better for pure on-road driving. However, given that the 265/70R16 is a high-profile tire, the slightly firmer Nitto Terra Grappler offers better steering response and road feedback.
When it comes to wet, snow, and mud performance—as well as longevity— the Falken Weildpeak AT3W’s passenger tire remains the best 265 70 R16 all-terrain tire for me