The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT promises to be a companion that doesn’t flinch, whether faced with mud, snow, or asphalt. But how does it truly measure up against the varied terrains it might encounter on your adventures?
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT assures reliable traction on dry terrains and a smooth, comfortable ride but faces challenges in severe winter conditions and off-roading in mud and sand.
With commendable cornering and a moderate treadwear score of 7.9, it presents a balanced, albeit cautious option for diverse drivers. Potential buyers should weigh its versatility against some of its limitations.
In this article, we will tread through the intricate details of the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT, exploring its capabilities, limitations, and how it stacks up in the real world of diverse driving conditions.
From the dry, arid deserts to the icy, slippery winter roads, we will navigate through each terrain type, providing you with a comprehensive guide to understanding whether this tire is the steadfast companion you need for your vehicular adventures.
Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
8.2 of 10
Winter Weather
7.3 of 10
All Terrain
7.8 of 10
Tread Wear
7.9 of 10
Dry Weather
8.8 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 580
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 55,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 8.3 of 10
Mud Grip: 7.3 of 10
Sand Grip: 7.8 of 10
Rock Grip: 7.9 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.2 of 10
Cornering: 8.6 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.1 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.8 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.0 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.4 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.4 of 10
Road Noise: 8.3 of 10
Description & Review
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT emerges as a tire that seeks to balance performance across multiple terrains while maintaining a focus on providing a comfortable and stable ride for drivers. Designed to cater to the needs of those who traverse both on-road and off-road paths, this tire brings forth a blend of capabilities that can be appreciated by daily commuters and occasional adventurers alike.
With a Dirt Grip rating of 8.7, the Wrangler TrailRunner AT demonstrates a commendable ability to navigate through dirt trails, providing drivers with a stable and reliable performance when venturing off the beaten path. Its Rock Grip is also noteworthy at 7.9, ensuring that rocky terrains can be tackled with a reasonable degree of confidence. However, it’s worth noting that its Mud Grip and Sand Grip ratings of 7.3 and 7.8 respectively, while adequate, may not provide the same level of assurance in more challenging muddy or sandy conditions as some of its competitors.
In terms of handling various weather conditions, the Wrangler TrailRunner AT offers a solid Dry Grip of 9.1, ensuring that drivers can expect a stable and responsive driving experience in dry conditions. Its Wet Grip and Hydroplaning ratings of 8.2 each indicate a competent performance in wet conditions, although it may not be the top performer in heavy rain or extremely wet environments.
When it comes to navigating through winter conditions, the tire provides a modest performance with a Mild Snow Grip of 8.0 and Heavy Snow Grip of 7.4. The Ice Grip rating of 6.4 suggests that while the tire can handle mild snowy conditions, it might struggle in more severe icy and snowy environments, and additional caution or alternative tire options might be considered for heavy winter use.
Prioritizing driver comfort, the Wrangler TrailRunner AT boasts a Comfort Level of 8.4 and a Road Noise level of 8.3, ensuring that journeys are relatively smooth and quiet, contributing to a pleasant driving experience whether on highways or country roads. However, with a Treadwear rating of 7.9, while it provides a reasonable lifespan, there may be other options in the market that offer enhanced durability and longer tread life.
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT presents itself as a versatile all-terrain tire, providing a balanced performance across various terrains and conditions. While it may not be the top performer in more extreme environments, its solid grip in dry conditions and commendable comfort levels make it a viable option for drivers who require a tire capable of handling daily commutes and occasional off-road adventures with ease. It stands as a tire that doesn’t excel in one particular area but offers a well-rounded performance across the board, making it a reliable choice for those seeking versatility and stability in their driving experiences.
DRY TERRAIN CAPABILITIES
In dry terrains, the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT offers a balanced performance:
- Dry Grip: With a Dry Grip rating of 9.1, this tire provides reliable traction in dry conditions, ensuring a stable and secure drive on both highways and back roads.
- Responsiveness: Scoring an 8.8 in Responsiveness, the tire offers fairly prompt reactions to steering inputs, contributing to a controlled and predictable driving experience.
PERFORMANCE IN WET CONDITIONS
The tire brings forth a respectable performance in wet environments:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: With a Hydroplaning rating of 8.2, the tire provides a decent level of resistance to hydroplaning, aiding in maintaining control during wet drives.
- Wet Grip: Achieving an 8.2 in Wet Grip, the tire offers adequate performance in rainy conditions, although it may not be the top performer in its category.
NAVIGATING THROUGH WINTER
The Wrangler TrailRunner AT provides modest performance in winter terrains:
- Mild Snow Grip: With a Mild Snow Grip rating of 8.0, the tire manages to provide a reasonable level of control and stability in light snowy conditions.
- Heavy Snow and Ice Grip: Scoring 7.4 and 6.4 in Heavy Snow and Ice Grip respectively, the tire may offer basic functionality in harsher winter conditions but might not be the optimal choice for severe winter environments.
COMFORT AND ACOUSTIC QUALITIES
- Comfort Level: With a Comfort Level rating of 8.4, the tire ensures a fairly smooth and comfortable ride, suitable for daily commuting and long drives.
- Road Noise: The tire scores an 8.3 in Road Noise, indicating that it provides a relatively quiet driving environment, minimizing disturbances during travel.
DURABILITY AND TREAD LIFE
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT presents a balanced approach in terms of durability and tread life. Its construction and tread design offer a reasonable lifespan, making it a viable option for drivers who prioritize balanced performance across various conditions.
PROS
- Balanced Dry Terrain Performance: Offers reliable grip and stability in dry conditions.
- Comfortable Rides: Ensures a relatively smooth and quiet driving experience across various terrains.
- Versatile Use: Provides a balanced performance across different terrains and conditions, making it suitable for varied use.
CONS
- Winter Performance: The tire may struggle in harsh winter conditions, particularly on icy surfaces, and in heavy snow.
- Mud and Sand Performance: With lower scores in Mud and Sand Grip, the tire may not be the optimal choice for intense off-roading in such terrains.
Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT Problems
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is acknowledged for its overall balanced performance across a spectrum of terrains and conditions. However, it’s crucial to delve into certain areas where it might pose challenges to drivers, especially focusing on the metrics where it scored lower.
ICE GRIP
Navigating through icy terrains can be a challenging endeavor, and the Wrangler TrailRunner AT might present some difficulties in this domain. With a score of 6.4 in Ice Grip, it indicates that while the tire provides basic traction on icy surfaces, it leaves room for improvement. For those who frequently traverse icy conditions, particularly during harsh winters, this is a crucial aspect to consider when selecting a tire.
HEAVY SNOW GRIP
While the tire demonstrates adequate performance in mild snow conditions with a score of 8.0, it falls short in terms of Heavy Snow Grip, scoring 7.4. This suggests that while the tire can manage light snowy conditions to a certain extent, it may struggle in heavier snow, which might be a concern for drivers who often navigate through substantial snow layers.
MUD GRIP
The tire scores a 7.3 in Mud Grip, which, while not the lowest, is on the lower end of the spectrum among the provided metrics. This indicates that while the tire can navigate muddy terrains, it may not provide the same level of robust performance as it does on other surfaces. For off-road enthusiasts who often traverse muddy trails, this is an important factor to consider.
SAND GRIP
With a score of 7.8 in Sand Grip, the Wrangler TrailRunner AT may present challenges when driving through sandy terrains. Drivers who often find themselves on sandy trails or beaches might find this tire to be less optimal in providing the necessary traction and stability, which is crucial for such conditions.
GOODYEAR WRANGLER TRAILRUNNER AT ALTERNATIVES
While the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is a commendable performer, showcasing a balanced all-terrain capability and a stable performance across various conditions, it’s wise to explore other options in the all-terrain tire market to find the perfect blend of performance and price. Here are three potential alternatives:
FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W
- Overall Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: Exceptional ratings of 9.4 and 9.0 in dry and wet conditions respectively, indicating reliable traction and handling.
- Winter Weather Performance: With scores of 9.1 and 8.9 in mild and heavy snow grip, and 8.2 in ice grip, this tire offers commendable winter performance.
- Ride Comfort and Road Noise: Scoring 8.9 and 8.6 respectively, this tire provides a comfortable ride with moderate road noise.
SUMITOMO ENCOUNTER AT
- Overall Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: Impressive scores of 9.4 and 8.8 in dry and wet conditions respectively, suggesting reliable traction and handling.
- Winter Weather Performance: Rated at 9.2, 9.1, and 8.2 for mild snow, heavy snow, and ice grip respectively, it provides reliable winter performance.
- Ride Comfort and Road Noise: Both metrics score 9.0 and 8.7, indicating a balanced combination of comfort and acceptable noise levels.
TOYO OPEN COUNTRY AT III
- Overall Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: With scores of 9.4 and 8.9 in dry and wet conditions respectively, this tire ensures solid performance in both scenarios.
- Winter Weather Performance: Rated at 9.1, 8.8, and 8.2 for mild snow, heavy snow, and ice grip respectively, it provides reliable winter performance.
- Ride Comfort and Road Noise: Both metrics score 8.9 and 8.3, indicating a balanced combination of comfort and acceptable noise levels.
While the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT remains a solid option in the all-terrain tire category, these alternatives each present their own unique strengths, particularly in specific areas like winter performance and ride comfort. Your final selection should weigh these factors against your specific driving conditions and preferences, ensuring a choice that aligns seamlessly with your driving needs.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is a pretty good pick if you’re looking for a tire that can handle a bunch of different driving conditions. It does a great job on dry land and gives a comfy ride, but it’s not the best in heavy snow or super icy conditions.
The Wrangler is a solid choice for a lot of drivers, but if you’re dealing with a lot of snow or ice, or like to go mudding, you might want to look at other options too. So, it’s a strong contender, but make sure it fits what you need for your driving adventures.
