Imagine you’re gearing up for your next off-road adventure, but your tires just aren’t up to the task. You know you need something rugged, durable, and capable of handling whatever the trail throws at you. That’s where the search for the best rock crawling tires comes in.
The best rock crawling tires for off-road enthusiasts are:
- BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3, for its superior mud traction
- Toyo Open Country M/T, excelling in dirt traction
- Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003, offering a balanced performance
- Firestone Destination M/T2, known for rugged reliability
- Cooper Evolution M/T, a solid performer across various terrains
In this article, we delve into detailed reviews of top rock crawling tires, comparing their performance across different terrains, including rock, mud, and sand, and assessing their wet and dry traction, comfort, and treadwear characteristics.
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.5 of 10
Wet Weather
8.5 of 10
Winter Weather
8.0 of 10
All Terrain
9.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.2 of 10
Dry Weather
8.9 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.0 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.6 of 10
Mud Grip: 9.7 of 10
Sand Grip: 9.1 of 10
Rock Grip: 9.5 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.5 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.4 of 10
Cornering: 8.7 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.1 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.4 of 10
Road Noise: 7.7 of 10
When it comes to conquering rugged terrain, especially the unforgiving, sharp-edged challenges encountered in rock crawling, the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 stands out as a formidable contender.
With a Rock Traction rating of 9.5, this tire asserts itself as a top choice for enthusiasts seeking dependable grip on rocky trails. Yet, rock traction is just the beginning of the story for the KM3.
Offroad Performance
The Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 doesn’t just excel on rocks; its comprehensive offroad capabilities ensure versatility across a spectrum of conditions. With a Mud Traction rating of 9.7, it slightly outperforms its closest competitors, providing exceptional performance in muddy conditions where lesser tires might falter. This is particularly crucial in rock crawling contexts where mud patches can often be a part of the course, requiring tires that can transition seamlessly from one obstacle to the next.
Dirt Traction, another critical aspect of offroad performance, sees the KM3 performing admirably with a score that positions it well within the high echelons of mud-terrain tires. Though not the absolute highest in this roundup, its balance between rock and mud traction makes it a versatile choice for a variety of terrain types.
Wet Traction
In wet conditions, the KM3’s Hydroplaning and Wet Traction scores are competitive, ensuring that even in the slipperiest of conditions, the tire maintains a good level of performance. While perhaps not the leading tire in hydroplaning resistance, it provides a reassuring level of control when navigating through wet trails.
Dry Traction
On dry surfaces, the KM3’s Cornering, Dry Traction, and Steering Response metrics underscore its ability to handle well, offering a reliable and responsive driving experience. This is essential in rock crawling, where precise steering can mean the difference between conquering an obstacle and being stuck.
Comfort
Comfort is often a secondary consideration in offroad tires, but the KM3 makes a decent case for itself with Ride Quality and Road Noise scores that, while not class-leading, offer a tolerable compromise for the performance on offer. This is noteworthy for those who use their offroad vehicles for regular commuting as well.
Treadwear
Treadwear is an aspect where the KM3 shows potential for improvement. With a rating that suggests a slightly quicker wear rate compared to some of its peers, it’s a reminder of the trade-offs involved in choosing a tire optimized for extreme offroad performance.
Toyo Open Country M/T
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
8.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.4 of 10
All Terrain
9.7 of 10
Tread Wear
7.7 of 10
Dry Weather
8.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.8 of 10
Mud Grip: 9.6 of 10
Sand Grip: 9.9 of 10
Rock Grip: 9.5 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.1 of 10
Cornering: 8.0 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.6 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.5 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.3 of 10
Road Noise: 7.2 of 10
The Toyo Open Country M/T is an exceptional tire that combines rugged durability with impressive offroad capability, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts committed to the art of rock crawling and beyond. Its Rock Traction rating of 9.5 signifies its prowess on rocky terrains, positioning it alongside the very best in the segment.
Offroad Performance
The Open Country M/T shines with the highest Dirt Traction rating among the tires reviewed, at 9.8. This outstanding performance underscores its ability to handle a wide range of surfaces with confidence, from loose gravel to dense, compact soil, making it an excellent choice for varied offroad adventures.
When it comes to Mud Traction, the Open Country M/T’s rating of 9.6 demonstrates its capability to navigate through challenging muddy terrains effectively. While slightly outpaced by the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 in this area, it maintains a competitive edge that ensures reliability when the trail gets particularly messy.
Wet Traction
In wet conditions, the Open Country M/T’s performance is solid, with Hydroplaning and Wet Traction scores that ensure safety and control in slippery situations. However, it’s worth noting that its Hydroplaning resistance is slightly lower than some of its peers, which may affect performance in heavy rain or on wet rock surfaces.
Dry Traction
The tire’s performance on dry land is commendable, with excellent Cornering, Dry Traction, and Steering Response ratings. These characteristics make the Open Country M/T not just a tire for offroad enthusiasts but also a reliable option for everyday driving on dry roads, offering a balanced and responsive handling experience.
Comfort
Comfort is often a compromise with offroad tires, and the Open Country M/T is no exception. Its Ride Quality and Road Noise scores, while respectable, indicate that there are quieter and smoother options available. However, for a tire that offers such exceptional offroad capabilities, this is a trade-off many are willing to make.
Treadwear
Treadwear is an area where the Open Country M/T could see improvement. With the lowest rating in this roundup, it suggests that the tire may wear faster than its competitors. This is an important consideration for those looking for longevity alongside performance.
Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.8 of 10
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
8.5 of 10
All Terrain
9.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.2 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
None
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.7 of 10
Mud Grip: 9.6 of 10
Sand Grip: 9.2 of 10
Rock Grip: 9.5 of 10
Hydroplaning: 9.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.8 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.0 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 9.1 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.3 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.5 of 10
Road Noise: 7.9 of 10
The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 stands out as a highly capable offroad tire, especially for those who prioritize rock crawling alongside versatile terrain adaptability. With a Rock Traction rating of 9.5, it asserts itself as a top contender in providing the grip and stability needed for challenging rock surfaces.
Offroad Performance
In the realm of offroad performance, the Geolandar M/T G003 showcases a well-rounded profile. Its Dirt Traction rating of 9.7 indicates a strong ability to navigate through various soil types, from loose gravel to dense earth, making it a reliable partner for diverse offroad adventures.
The tire also performs admirably in muddy conditions, with a Mud Traction rating of 9.6. This score places it among the top performers, capable of handling slippery and challenging mud with ease. It’s a testament to Yokohama’s commitment to providing a tire that doesn’t shy away from wet, messy trails.
Wet Traction
The Geolandar M/T G003’s capabilities in wet conditions are noteworthy, with solid Hydroplaning and Wet Traction scores. This indicates that it maintains stability and grip in rainy weather and on slick surfaces, which is crucial for safety and performance in unpredictable environments.
Dry Traction
On dry surfaces, the tire offers commendable performance metrics in Cornering, Dry Traction, and Steering Response. These characteristics ensure that the tire not only excels offroad but also provides a satisfying driving experience on paved roads, offering good handling and responsiveness.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Geolandar M/T G003 strikes a balance. Its Ride Quality and Road Noise scores, while not leading the pack, suggest that Yokohama has made efforts to mitigate the common drawbacks of offroad tires, offering a ride that’s more comfortable than many might expect from a tire with such rugged capabilities.
Treadwear
Treadwear is another area where the Geolandar M/T G003 performs well, with a rating that indicates durability and a longer life span compared to some competitors. This is an appealing aspect for drivers looking for a blend of performance and value over time.
Firestone Destination M/T2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.5 of 10
Winter Weather
8.5 of 10
All Terrain
9.4 of 10
Tread Wear
8.3 of 10
Dry Weather
8.8 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.1 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
None
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.5 of 10
Mud Grip: 9.3 of 10
Sand Grip: 9.2 of 10
Rock Grip: 9.4 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.6 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.4 of 10
Cornering: 8.6 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.6 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 9.0 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.6 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.5 of 10
Road Noise: 7.6 of 10
The Firestone Destination M/T2 has been engineered with the offroad enthusiast in mind, especially those who tackle rock crawling and require a tire that can withstand the rigors of harsh terrain. With a Rock Traction rating of 9.4, it positions itself as a strong contender in the realm of offroad tires, promising grip and durability on challenging surfaces.
Offroad Performance
The Destination M/T2’s proficiency in offroad environments extends beyond its commendable rock traction. With a Mud Traction rating of 9.3, it demonstrates a capability to handle muddy and slippery trails effectively, ensuring drivers can navigate through challenging conditions with confidence.
Its Dirt Traction performance further complements its offroad versatility, offering reliable grip across a variety of soil types. While it may not top the charts in this category, its balanced performance ensures that it remains a competitive option for a wide range of offroad activities.
Wet Traction
In wet conditions, the Destination M/T2 shows solid performance, with ratings in Hydroplaning and Wet Traction that underscore its ability to maintain stability and control in adverse weather. This level of wet performance is critical for ensuring safety and reliability when offroad trails become wet and unpredictable.
Dry Traction
The tire’s performance on dry surfaces is also noteworthy, with scores in Cornering, Dry Traction, and Steering Response that highlight its adaptability to both offroad terrains and paved roads. This adaptability makes it a practical choice for those who use their vehicles for daily driving in addition to offroad adventures.
Comfort
Comfort is an area where the Destination M/T2 strives to strike a balance between the rugged demands of offroad tires and the desire for a pleasant driving experience. Its Ride Quality and Road Noise scores, while reflective of its offroad design, indicate a consideration for the driver’s comfort over long distances and varied terrains.
Treadwear
Treadwear is another significant aspect of the Destination M/T2, with a rating that suggests resilience and longevity. This durability is a key factor for offroad enthusiasts who require a tire that can withstand the challenges of the trail without frequent replacement.
Cooper Evolution M/T
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.2 of 10
Wet Weather
8.3 of 10
Winter Weather
8.2 of 10
All Terrain
9.4 of 10
Tread Wear
6.6 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
None
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.8 of 10
Mud Grip: 9.6 of 10
Sand Grip: 8.9 of 10
Rock Grip: 9.3 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.4 of 10
Cornering: 8.8 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.7 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.3 of 10
Road Noise: 7.2 of 10
The Cooper Evolution M/T tire emerges as a noteworthy option for offroad enthusiasts, particularly those with a keen interest in rock crawling and other challenging offroad activities. With a Rock Traction rating of 9.3, it places itself as a reliable choice for navigating through tough terrains, including rocky paths that demand high levels of grip and durability.
Offroad Performance
Diving into its offroad capabilities, the Evolution M/T showcases a commendable performance in handling mud, with a Mud Traction rating of 9.6. This indicates its effectiveness in powering through muddy conditions, ensuring drivers can confidently tackle wet and slippery trails without hesitation.
The tire also scores well in Dirt Traction, providing solid performance that supports its use in a variety of offroad scenarios, from loose gravel to compact soil. This versatility is key for those who enjoy diverse offroad adventures and require a tire that can adapt to changing conditions.
Wet Traction
In wet conditions, the Evolution M/T demonstrates a robust capability, with Hydroplaning and Wet Traction scores that reflect its ability to maintain control and stability when the going gets wet. This level of performance is crucial for offroad driving in unpredictable weather, offering peace of mind to the driver.
Dry Traction
On dry surfaces, the tire’s Cornering, Dry Traction, and Steering Response ratings underline its adaptability, not just off the beaten path but also on regular roads. This ensures that the Evolution M/T can serve as a reliable tire for daily use, providing a balanced and responsive driving experience.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Evolution M/T aims to mitigate the common trade-offs associated with offroad tires. Its Ride Quality and Road Noise scores, while indicative of its offroad design, suggest efforts to provide a more comfortable ride than what might be expected from a tire in this category.
Treadwear
Treadwear is the area where the Evolution M/T faces its most significant challenge, with a rating that points to a faster wear rate compared to some of its peers. This aspect may influence the overall value proposition for drivers who prioritize longevity alongside performance.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
- Rock crawling tires for off roading – Tire Review
- Tale of the tire: Do I really need mud terrain or does all terrain make more sense? – Driving Line
Final Thoughts
In this roundup, we’ve seen how tires like the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3, Toyo Open Country M/T, and Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 offer a mix of durability, traction, and performance that make them stand out.
While the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 shines for its mud traction, the Toyo Open Country M/T excels in dirt traction, and the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 offers a good balance between performance and comfort. It’s important to weigh these factors against your specific needs, whether you’re tackling rocky trails, muddy paths, or both.
Good luck and happy motoring.
