Whether you’re navigating city streets or venturing off the beaten path, understanding the differences between Falken WildPeak A/T Trail and BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A can guide you to the perfect tire for your adventures.
The Falken WildPeak AT Trail showcases a higher proficiency in off-road capabilities, particularly in dirt traction and rock traction, as well as superior ice traction, making it a versatile choice for drivers seeking confidence across a broader range of surfaces.
The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A, while offering commendable performance, particularly in dry conditions, doesn’t quite match the Falken in terms of off-road versatility and winter conditions.
In this article, we’ll compare the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail with the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A, looking at their performance, durability, and suitability for on-road or off-road use, helping you make an informed decision for your driving needs.
Falken WildPeak A/T Trail
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.0 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.8 of 10
All Terrain
9.0 of 10
Tread Wear
8.9 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 680
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 65,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.3 of 10
Mud Grip: 8.5 of 10
Sand Grip: 8.8 of 10
Rock Grip: 8.9 of 10
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.2 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.9 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.0 of 10
Road Noise: 8.5 of 10
The Falken WildPeak AT Trail strikes a remarkable balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. This tire is specifically designed for SUVs and light trucks that spend most of their time on the road but still require reliable performance on less beaten paths. Here are the key features and benefits:
On-Road Comfort and Performance
The WildPeak AT Trail is engineered for a quiet, comfortable ride on highways and city streets, thanks to its optimized tread design. The tire’s construction minimizes noise, making long drives more pleasant.
All-Season Reliability
With an impressive winter/snow rating, this tire ensures safety and stability in various weather conditions, including light snow. The silica tread compound enhances wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, providing a confident driving experience year-round.
Off-Road Capabilities
Despite its on-road leanings, the WildPeak AT Trail does not shy away from mild off-road challenges. It features a rugged tread pattern and durable construction that can handle dirt, gravel, and light mud, offering versatility for weekend adventurers.
Durability and Tread Life
Falken has integrated advanced technologies into the tire’s design to ensure longevity and even wear. The A/T Trail comes with a competitive treadwear warranty, underscoring the brand’s confidence in its durability.
Key Specifications:
- Off-Road Rating: 9.0
- Wet Traction: 9.1
- Dry Traction: 9.2
- Comfort: 8.8
- Treadwear: 8.9
This tire is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize on-road comfort and safety, with occasional light off-road use. Its all-season capabilities make it a versatile option for diverse driving needs.
BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.6 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
All Terrain
8.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 660
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 8.9 of 10
Mud Grip: 8.2 of 10
Sand Grip: 8.5 of 10
Rock Grip: 8.4 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.5 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.5 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.7 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.8 of 10
Road Noise: 8.5 of 10
The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A emerges as a strong contender in the on-road all-terrain tire category, blending BFGoodrich’s legendary off-road prowess with the demands of daily driving. This tire is tailored for drivers of trucks, SUVs, and crossovers who seek a dependable all-terrain tire that doesn’t compromise on-road comfort and handling. Here are the primary features and advantages:
Versatile Performance
Designed to straddle the line between on-road civility and off-road capability, the Trail-Terrain T/A offers a balanced performance. It provides sufficient traction and durability for light off-road adventures while maintaining a smooth and responsive ride on pavement.
Enhanced Wet and Snow Traction
The tire’s tread compound and pattern are optimized for superior wet weather performance, ensuring safety in rain and light snow conditions. Its winter capabilities are bolstered by the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating it meets the industry standards for severe snow service.
Comfort and Quiet Ride
BFGoodrich has engineered the Trail-Terrain T/A with noise-reducing technologies to enhance ride comfort, making it a great choice for daily commuting and long highway journeys alike.
Durability and Tread Life
Reflecting BFGoodrich’s commitment to quality, this tire comes with a strong warranty and is built to offer a long service life, thanks to its robust construction and wear-resistant tread compound.
Key Specifications
- Off-Road Rating: 8.5
- Wet Traction: 8.6
- Dry Traction: 9.0
- Comfort: 8.6
- Treadwear: 8.8
The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is an ideal pick for drivers who want a tire that can easily transition from city streets to rural trails without skipping a beat. Its strength lies in its blend of off-road capability and on-road manners, catering to the lifestyle of the modern adventurer.
Comparative Analysis
When evaluating the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail against the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A, it’s important to consider the distinct areas where each tire excels, as well as their potential limitations, based on their design, performance statistics, and intended use scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of how these two on-road all-terrain tires compare:
Off-Road Capability
- Falken WildPeak A/T Trail offers remarkable off-road performance for an on-road all-terrain tire, with high marks in dirt, sand, mud, and rock traction. It’s particularly suited for drivers who occasionally venture off the beaten path and require reliable performance across a variety of surfaces.
- BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A, while slightly less aggressive off-road compared to the Falken, still provides competent performance in light off-road conditions. Its design focuses on balancing off-road ability with on-road performance, making it a solid choice for mild off-road adventures.
On-Road Performance
- Both tires deliver excellent dry and wet traction, but the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail edges out slightly in wet conditions with its higher wet traction rating. It offers confident handling and braking in rainy weather, reducing hydroplaning risks.
- The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A showcases impressive dry performance, indicating strong handling and braking capabilities on paved roads. It offers a stable and responsive driving experience, particularly at higher speeds or in cornering.
Comfort and Noise
- Comfort is a strong suit for both tires, with both offering a quiet and smooth ride on highways and city roads. The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail slightly surpasses in providing a more cushioned ride, likely due to its optimized tread design that minimizes road noise and vibrations.
- The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is also designed for comfort, though some drivers might notice a bit more road feedback compared to the Falken. However, it remains a quiet tire, suitable for daily driving.
Treadwear and Durability
- Treadwear and durability are comparable between the two, with both manufacturers offering competitive tread life warranties. The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail and the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A are built to withstand the rigors of all-terrain driving without sacrificing tread life.
Ideal Use Case
- The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail is best suited for drivers who prioritize superior on-road comfort and wet weather performance but still require occasional off-road capabilities.
- The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is ideal for those who value a balanced tire that performs reliably on paved roads and can handle light to moderate off-road conditions.
In conclusion, the choice between these two tires should be based on the specific needs and preferences of the driver, considering the trade-offs between off-road agility, on-road performance, and comfort.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail and BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A are standout choices in the on-road all-terrain tire category, several other tires deserve mention for their competitive performance and unique offerings. Let’s explore some notable competitors:
Vredestein Pinza AT
- Performance Overview: This tire offers excellent balance across off-road and on-road conditions. It excels in wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, making it a strong contender for drivers in rainy climates.
- Key Features: The Vredestein Pinza AT stands out for its superior comfort and quiet ride, alongside impressive treadwear ratings, making it an excellent long-term investment for daily drivers.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
- Performance Overview: Known for its versatile performance, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S provides reliable off-road capabilities without compromising on-road performance. It offers great traction in wet and snowy conditions.
- Key Features: It boasts an enhanced tread design for better grip and stability, combined with a wear-resistant compound that extends tire life.
Continental TerrainContact A/T
- Performance Overview: Designed for SUVs, light trucks, and crossovers, this tire balances off-road performance with refined on-road manners. It’s particularly noted for its performance on paved roads and in mild off-road conditions.
- Key Features: Excellent wet and dry traction, combined with a focus on reducing road noise, makes it a top choice for comfort-focused drivers. It also features a durable construction for longer tread life.
Each of these competitors brings something unique to the table, from Vredestein’s focus on wet performance and comfort to Cooper’s balanced approach and Continental’s emphasis on noise reduction and paved road performance. When choosing between these options, consider your primary driving conditions, performance priorities, and the specific features that align with your driving needs.
On-Road All-Terrain Tires Vs Off-Road All-Terrain Tires
When venturing into the world of all-terrain tires, you’re met with two primary categories: On-Road All-Terrain and Off-Road All-Terrain tires. Each serves a unique purpose, tailored to different driving preferences and environments. Understanding the distinctions between them is crucial for making an informed tire selection.
On-Road All-Terrain Tires
- Primary Focus: These tires are designed with a bias towards on-road comfort, noise reduction, and fuel efficiency while still offering adequate off-road capabilities for occasional adventures.
- Key Characteristics:
- Tread Patterns: They typically feature closer tread blocks for a smoother ride on paved roads and reduced noise levels.
- Compound: The rubber compound is often softer, enhancing grip and handling on wet and dry roads.
- Siping: Enhanced siping for better water evacuation, improving wet traction and resistance to hydroplaning.
Off-Road All-Terrain Tires
- Primary Focus: These tires lean more towards maximizing off-road performance in mud, dirt, sand, and rocks, without completely forsaking on-road comfort and handling.
- Key Characteristics:
- Tread Patterns: Aggressive tread designs with wider gaps between blocks to eject mud, stones, and debris more effectively.
- Sidewall Design: Reinforced sidewalls to withstand the rigors of off-road driving and provide additional protection against punctures.
- Durability: Made from tougher rubber compounds to resist wear and tear from harsh off-road conditions.
Choosing Between the Two
Selecting the right tire category comes down to your driving habits:
- If the majority of your driving is on paved roads with only occasional off-road excursions, on-road all-terrain tires like the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail may offer the best balance of performance, comfort, and efficiency.
- For drivers who frequently tackle rough terrains and need dependable traction in a variety of off-road conditions, off-road all-terrain tires like the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A provide the ruggedness and durability required.
It’s important to assess your primary driving environments and performance expectations before making a decision. Both categories offer a versatile solution for drivers seeking the best of both worlds, but prioritizing your specific needs will lead to the most satisfying tire choice.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
Deciding between the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail and the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A boils down to prioritizing on-road comfort against off-road capability. The Falken is your go-to for daily driving with occasional light off-road use, offering superior comfort and fuel efficiency.
The BFGoodrich is built for the adventurous spirit, providing robust off-road performance without significantly compromising on-road manners. Evaluate your primary driving terrain and performance expectations to choose the tire that aligns with your lifestyle and driving conditions.
Good luck and happy motoring.
