265/75R16 tires look like oversized black donuts with their smaller wheels and larger sidewalls. They’re visually appealing at this size.
While they are ideal for off-road use, I prefer them for daily driving. You might wonder why—well, those tall sidewalls offer excellent cushioning, making the ride incredibly comfortable. It’s like driving a truck rather than a tank.
Additionally, the extra ground clearance these tires provide can help you get unstuck in off-road situations more easily. The greater distance between the wheel and the ground allows for better handling and control, reducing the risk of punctures from rough terrain.
However, keep in mind that this is one of the largest and tallest sizes available in the 265-inch diameter range, and it’s the last size you can use as an OEM tire replacement without needing significant modifications. Given its popularity among pickups, small SUVs, and full-size trucks, finding 265/75R16 tires shouldn’t be a challenge.
The Benefits of Tall Sidewalls
These tires have tall sidewalls, with a width of 265 mm and a sidewall height of 75% of that width. This tall side wall and narrow-width tire design comes with several advantages:
- Comfort: High-profile tires are very comfortable, making this size ideal for daily driving. I recommend opting for SL load tires if you mostly drive on paved roads, light trails, or gravel.
- Snow Traction: If you frequently drive in snowy conditions, tall and skinny tires like the 265/75R16 and 265 70R16 AT tires provide superior traction. They cut through snow, mud, and sand more effectively than wider tires, which tend to float on the surface and lose grip. I have seen many people using 285-diameter tires slip on snow with this size tire. Large contact patches work primarily against the snow.
- Mud and Sand Performance: In muddy and sandy conditions, these tall and skinny tires dig down to the hard ground, offering stronger traction. They’re also less prone to aquaplaning.
What are the best 265 75r16 all terrain tires?
Before choosing the best 265/75R16 all-terrain tires, it’s essential to consider a few key factors.
These high-profile tires offer more ride comfort but can compromise steering response, road feedback, and handling due to their narrow width relative to height. Naturally, this would be the case since its width is not large enough compared to its height.
So when selecting long sidewall and narrow-width tires, we have to pay attention to the steering response, road feedback, and handling performance of the tire.
All-terrain tires are generally stiffer, which slightly improves steering response and road feedback, so there’s no need to worry too much. So there is nothing to worry about.
If you’re looking for better road feedback and steering response, I would recommend the Falken Wildpeak AT3W. From my experience, its steering response is sharp and highly responsive.
It’s worth noting that around 70% of people prefer the BFGoodrich AT T/A KO2, which is also a great choice for steering control. However, it only comes in an LT (E-load) version, which isn’t ideal for everyone. While the KO2 is strong and built for overlanding, the LT construction may not suit everyday drivers.
One thing to keep in mind is that taller sidewalls generally reduce steering response, while stiffer sidewalls can help mitigate this effect.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Among all the tires in this category, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W stands out as the top performer in snow, ice, slush, and rain conditions. This tire is the queen of performance in these conditions.
It comes in both SL and LT load versions, with the SL tire offering a smoother, more comfortable ride for city driving with minimal cabin disturbance, while the LT version is better suited for towing, hauling, and serious off-roading without compromising highway comfort.
The SL load tire features a softer, more flexible tread due to its silica compound, which gives it unmatched performance on snow, ice, and wet roads.
In contrast, the LT load tire, made without silica, is stiffer and more resistant to wear, making it ideal for towing and off-road adventures.
One notable feature of the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is its direct and responsive steering, even with its tall sidewalls. It is important for a high profile All Terrain tire like the 265 75r16. with a slight touch in steering this tire gives a decent response. I have experienced this myself, these tires offered me the full response to the slightest grip on the steering.
However, I did find that the SL load tire has a higher rolling resistance, which isn’t great for fuel economy but does offer more grip and traction.
I’ve included a variety of tires in this list. Some come in both LT (Light Truck) and SL (Standard Load) options, while others are only available in one of these categories.
For those who primarily drive on highways or tarmac, or are looking for the best tire for daily use, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W in the SL load range is a great choice. This tire is designed mainly for on-road performance and feedback, but it can handle light off-road trips without any issues.
However, keep in mind that this is a 4-ply SL load tire. If you take it on rough terrain and it gets punctured or cut, you can’t really blame the tire for that. Personally, I opt for this 4-ply passenger tire when I don’t want to sacrifice on-road comfort.
Its soft and flexible tread blocks offer excellent traction in wet and snowy conditions. When I used it for light off-roading during a camping trip, I noticed that the sidewalls had enough flexibility to provide more grip than the LT load tires. However, I was slightly concerned about its long-term durability.
On the other hand, LT load tires feel a bit rougher and more rigid, but they can handle any off-road activity, including overlanding. With a 10-ply construction, there’s little worry about punctures or cuts. These tires can handle higher air pressures, making them ideal for towing heavy loads.
If you’re planning to go rock crawling, I’d recommend the BFGoodrich T/A KO2 265/75r16 All-Terrain tire. Its 3-ply sidewall offers excellent protection against punctures from sharp rocks. Thanks to its tough sidewalls, it has the highest resistance to punctures and cuts.
However, if you’re not rock crawling or putting excessive stress on the sidewalls, you shouldn’t worry too much about this feature. The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is built with 2-ply sidewalls, which help maintain performance on wet and snowy roads. That said, stiffer sidewalls can increase the risk of sliding on wet surfaces.
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is 3PMSF-certified across all load ranges and sizes, meaning it offers better traction and acceleration on snow and wet roads compared to M+S-rated tires. However, M+S-rated tires tend to have slightly better fuel efficiency.
Despite the LT load being a bit stiffer, the deep tread depth on these tires ensures that their wet and snow performance remains strong. The LT load tire has a tread depth of 17/32nds, while the SL load tire has a tread depth of 13/32nds, similar to highway terrain tires.
Weight is another factor to consider. Many people prefer lighter tires, but I focus more on what suits my needs rather than tire weight. Tire weight is directly related to its materials and quality.
For those prioritizing highway ride comfort and performance, the 45-pound SL load tire is the best option.
Personally, I prefer tougher, stronger tires, so I lean towards the LT load, even if it’s heavier. The LT load tire weighs around 53 pounds, about 8 pounds more than the SL load.
For some, this 8-pound difference is significant, while for others, it’s not much of a concern. It all comes down to individual needs and priorities.
Since I tow a heavy 1-ton trailer, I need durable tires. The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W in the LT size, with a load index of 123, is ideal for towing heavy loads.
As an E-rated tire, it’s built to last.
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is a well-known all-terrain, off-road, and all-season tire. It’s common to hear complaints about noise and wet-road performance, but any all-terrain tire will be somewhat noisy due to its aggressive tread pattern. The DuraTrac’s tread design is aggressive, which not only looks cool but also provides excellent traction on off-road and muddy tracks.
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Is the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Noisy and Slippery in the Rain?
The truth is, all-terrain tires tend to be somewhat noisy. This is a general rule due to their aggressive tread patterns. So, compared to standard highway or summer tires, all-terrain options like the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac will sound different.
All-terrain tires, especially those with robust casings and slightly stiff sidewalls, offer average performance in rain and snow. But we’re talking specifically about the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac in an E load rating here, and in the size 265/70R16. There are no passenger-rated tires in this size.
Goodyear used to offer a C-load option for the DuraTrac, but it has since been discontinued. If you’re interested, I recommend double-checking this information.
The aggressive tread pattern of the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac definitely gives trucks a rugged, cool look. But, because of this design, the tires will produce a bit of a growl while driving.
If you’re looking for a quieter tire, you might want to consider an ATR (All-Terrain Radial) tire, like the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 or the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W in a passenger load rating. These tires are less aggressive, with noise levels that are nearly silent.
For those who value aesthetics and want a tire that looks rugged, the Goodyear DuraTrac is a great option.
Thanks to its tread pattern, the DuraTrac performs well on off-road, dirt, and muddy tracks, and it offers excellent longevity, even with daily use and all-terrain trips.
A friend of mine had 12/32nds of tread depth remaining after driving about 34,000 miles. When new, the tread depth was 18/32nds, and he expected to get up to 70,000 miles out of them. He made several overlanding trips with his 2014 Toyota Tacoma using these tires, so I’m optimistic about the DuraTrac’s long-lasting tread life.
I was initially concerned about the tread shifting while towing heavy loads due to its deep tread depth. However, I found that the internal locking sipes prevent movement by holding the tread together, making the tire stable. LT (Light Truck) tires, in general, are designed to be more rigid.
Sipes, which improve wet and snow traction, also help control tread noise by reducing vibrations. Premium tires often include internal locking sipes, which prevent the tire from wobbling.
This tire is one of the best-selling all-terrain options, although like all tires, it has received some negative reviews. But let’s be honest—no tire escapes criticism entirely.
That said, the DuraTrac isn’t noisy enough to disrupt cabin comfort. It makes the typical noise you’d expect from an all-terrain tire, but nothing excessive.
One of the standout features of this tire is its performance in extreme conditions like ice and deep mud. Many all-terrain tires struggle in deep mud, but the DuraTrac’s aggressive, block-shaped tread ribs and shoulder lugs offer excellent traction, even in thick mud. Compared to the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, the DuraTrac performs significantly better in muddy conditions.
The road feedback from these tires is also very responsive—you’ll definitely feel bumps. But don’t worry about ride comfort, thanks to the 7.8-inch sidewalls on the 265/75R16 size. The extra rubber on these tall sidewalls provides cushioning, so even LT-rated tires offer a smooth ride.
For mid-size trucks, I often recommend SL (Standard Load) passenger tires, but personally, I prefer LT tires as the best option in the 265/75R16 all-terrain category.
One reason is the stiffer sidewalls. With this size tire, a stiffer sidewall helps maintain stability during cornering and improves handling. On a tall, relatively narrow tire, a bit of extra stiffness enhances steering response.
For example, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W in this size offers better steering response in LT load than in the SL load version. Similarly, the BFGoodrich T/A KO2 and the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, both in E-load ratings, provide good road feedback, a light steering feel, and solid control.
While some people avoid LT tires because of the added weight, I don’t prioritize tire weight—I focus on performance. For me, the difference of about 8 pounds per tire is negligible. Tire weight is linked to strength and durability, so if you want a tough, long-lasting tire, you have to accept a bit more weight.
Now, I’m not saying the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is overly heavy. It weighs about 52 pounds, which is standard for LT tires in the 265/75 size. These tires are built for durability, can handle high pressures, and are ideal for towing and hauling. Their strong construction also makes them reliable for off-road adventures.
The DuraTrac also provides great grip on snow and ice. The 265/75 tire is tall and narrow, which naturally enhances its grip on snow, ice, and sand. So, if you’ve heard complaints about these tires struggling in snow or soft terrain, rest assured, it’s not a major issue. The general rule of thumb is that tall, skinny tires can dig into soft surfaces, offering better grip.
Overall, I like the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac for several reasons: its aggressive appearance and its durability. I have no concerns about its performance in the rain. But for those living in rainy climates, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is worth considering, as it may offer better wet-weather performance.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 in the 265/75R16 size comes exclusively in the LT metric and E-load range. It’s one of the most popular light truck tires in America—roughly 70% of the trucks I see are equipped with these tires.
This tire is my go-to choice for off-road adventures because of its outstanding durability. While there are some complaints online about the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, if you compare the number of users to the number of complaints, you’ll see the ratio is very low.
Every tire has some negative feedback. Some people face a problem and immediately blame it on the tire. Many issues stem from various factors such as vehicle weight, tire type (SL or LT load), balancing issues, driving style, and more. But if you choose the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, like I did, you can be confident in your choice. There’s a reason this tire is trusted by so many.
Why is This the Best 265/75R16 All-Terrain Tire?
Simply put, it strikes the perfect balance between off-road capability and daily driving comfort.
Despite its aggressive tread pattern, this tire is surprisingly quiet. Most aggressive tires tend to produce noise, but thanks to its interlocking tread blocks, the BFGoodrich KO2 keeps vibrations and noise to a minimum. The tightly packed, elongated tread blocks reduce both noise and vibration, and the numerous sipes help further dampen any potential noise and vibration.
As a result, I’ve never experienced any steering wheel vibrations, no matter the speed.
The tire’s stability is impressive, with minimal body roll, even at speeds over 100 mph. it never wandered past 100 mph. I feel very confident on the black top.
Its steering response and road feedback are excellent, responding to even the slightest touch. I’ve put around 70,000 miles on these tires, including frequent off-road trips, and they’ve held up remarkably well. However, after 55,000 miles, the tread became a bit stiff, which slightly impacted wet road performance and increased noise.
The tire comes with a 50,000-mile warranty, but you can expect it to last longer depending on how it’s used. You can easily drive carefree for 5 years with it.
Since it’s an E-load tire, it’s built to last, and despite being an LT tire, it’s easy to balance. Many mechanics appreciate working with this tire for that reason.
All-Season Performance
When it comes to all-season use, I find its performance in snow comparable to the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. However, the KO2 outperforms most other tires in mud and on dry roads. Tires that have good lateral grip generally perform better on dry roads, and the KO2 is no exception.
In terms of mud performance, I’d rank the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac first, with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 a close second. Keep in mind, mud is challenging for most all-terrain tires. For deep, thick mud, hybrid tires like the Nitto Ridge Grappler offer better performance.
For daily driving, though, the BFGoodrich KO2 is far superior to both the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac and Nitto Ridge Grappler. While all three can be used for daily driving, if you prioritize comfort, quietness, braking, and acceleration, the BFGoodrich KO2 and Falken Wildpeak A/T3W are the best choices. For highway cruising, daily driving, or overlanding, the KO2’s LT load tire stands out as the top option.
Off-Road Performance and Durability
I’ve tackled many steep hills and challenging rocky terrains with the BFGoodrich KO2, and it has never let me down. For rock crawling and harsh terrain, I recommend using LT load tires like the KO2. Its 3-ply sidewall is crucial for protection against punctures from sharp rocks and debris. Stronger sidewalls are far safer in these conditions, and the aggressive sidewall design also aids in off-road traction when air pressure is downed. The 3-ply aggressive side walls act as a tread block providing excellent traction and protection from cuts and punctures.
The 265/75R16 size has a 7.8-inch sidewall, you’d want stiffness in the sidewall for such a long sidewall. Because This offers the perfect balance of stiffness and responsiveness. This reduces bumpiness while improving cornering and steering control.
Due to its stiff sidewalls, the KO2’s performance on wet roads is decent but not exceptional. Like most all-terrain tires in the LT load range, it experiences some reduction in wet traction. However, this is expected with such tires.
I choose the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 because I value its ability to perform well in all conditions. While it may not be the absolute best in every category, it provides consistent, solid performance across the board. Some tires excel in specific areas but fall short in others. The KO2 strikes a balance, delivering at least average performance in every scenario—and often surpassing expectations. It’s a tire you can rely on, whether you’re tackling tough terrain or cruising down the highway.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
If you’re on a budget and can’t afford high-end tires, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is a great option. It offers solid performance at a reasonable price without sacrificing quality. Its price is not sky high like others.
The tread pattern of the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is similar to tires in the ATR segment, designed for 70% on-road and 30% off-road use. Even in the E-load range, this tire provides a smooth and quiet ride on paved roads, almost like driving on standard passenger tires.
In the 265/75R16 size, the Geolandar A/T G015 comes in both LT and SL load ratings, so you have the option to choose. For primarily on-road use, the SL version is the better and longer-lasting choice. However, if you plan to go off-road, you may find the SL tires aren’t that capable. Still, they handle normal dirt and gravel roads just fine.
One of the standout features of the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is its rib-shaped and relatively soft tread, which helps keep noise and vibration to a minimum on the highway. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need E-load tires but want a quiet, comfortable ride.
Its performance in snow is impressive, even handling Minnesota’s harsh winters with ease. The tire’s four wide and deep circumferential grooves allow for excellent water dispersion, making it highly resistant to hydroplaning and providing strong handling on wet roads.
However, when compared to the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 does fall behind in snow and rain performance. For example, when testing braking distances on wet roads:
- The Falken Wildpeak AT3W takes 127 feet to stop from 50 mph.
- The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 takes about 142 feet.
So, while the Geolandar performs well, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W excels in wet braking, earning its reputation as the queen of snow, ice, rain, and slush performance.
That being said, Yokohama Geolandar tires have an edge in terms of price, making them a more budget-friendly option.
For those driving heavy-duty trucks, the E-load version of the Geolandar A/T G015 is an excellent choice, offering the comfort of a passenger tire while still being off-road capable. Its tread blocks feature small, sharp grooves that provide extra grip on snow, and the rib-shaped design gives the tire strong steering response. I found the steering to be linear and stable, providing confidence on the road.
On dry pavement, the tire’s performance is solid. The rib-shaped tread creates more contact with the road, enhancing traction. Additionally, this tire is lighter than many of its competitors—3 to 6 pounds lighter in both the LT and SL versions.
In conclusion, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is essentially a road tire that excels in comfort and quietness. If you prioritize a smooth, noise-free ride, this is the tire for you.
Nitto Ridge Grappler
Generally, all-terrain tires are designed as a mix of highway terrain and mud-terrain tires, with the central tread blocks resembling highway tires and the shoulder blocks resembling mud tires.
My current tire is a hybrid all-terrain tire, which combines features of both all-terrain and mud tires. The pioneer of this hybrid all-terrain tire segment is Nitto, with their Ridge Grappler model.
Since the Nitto Ridge Grappler is a hybrid tire, it offers both advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s start with the benefits and why you might want to choose this tire.
As you may know, mud is a challenge for all-terrain tires. Even the best-performing all-terrain tires, like the BFG T/A KO2, struggle in deep, sticky mud. All-terrain tires generally lack the traction needed for confidence in muddy conditions.
However, the Nitto Ridge Grappler excels in deep mud, making it an excellent choice for those who need reliable off-road performance. Its traction and grip are very similar to a dedicated mud tire, making it the best 265/75R16 tire for off-road enthusiasts.
Since it’s so close to a mud tire in design, it features a lot of lugs and grooves, which makes the ride a bit rougher. It’s also slightly noisier compared to tires like the BFG KO2 or Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
Still, I consider the Ridge Grappler an excellent alternative to full mud tires. It’s perfect for those who are tired of the drawbacks of mud tires but still want most of their benefits. You sacrifice about 40% of the performance of a dedicated mud tire but gain 90% of the all-terrain tire’s versatility.
If off-road performance is a priority, but you also need a tire for daily driving, the Nitto Ridge Grappler is a solid choice.
One drawback is its weight, which is slightly higher than other tires in its class.
The Ridge Grappler comes in both LT and SL load ranges, but in both cases, I found it to be about 4 to 8 pounds heavier than comparable tires. This is largely due to its tough casing and rigid construction, which are similar to what you’d find in a mud tire.
However, when it comes to durability, the SL version of the Ridge Grappler doesn’t last as long as the Falken Wildpeak AT3W in the same load range. In terms of LT tires, the difference in longevity isn’t as noticeable.