Falken Wildpeak AT4W vs Toyo Open Country AT 3: Introducing a showdown in the all-terrain segment: the all-new 2024 Falken Wildpeak AT4W faces off against the established Toyo Open Country AT3. With Falken’s latest offering hitting the scene, it’s a fierce battle to see if the fresh AT4W can outmatch Toyo’s reliable performance. Will the newcomer bring enough innovation and grit to claim a top spot in the rugged all-terrain world?
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Results: Falken Wildpeak AT4W vs Toyo Open Country AT 3
Results below were taken from Tyre Review’s The BEST All Terrain Tyre Test with a total of 5 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Falken Wildpeak AT4W vs Toyo Open Country AT 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Falken Wildpeak AT4W was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the off road tires which has the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 35×12.5 R17. The testing vehicle is a 4×4 off road vehicle in the form of Ford- F150.
Dirt
In the all-terrain segment, off-road performance is essential, as drivers rely on these tires for confident handling and stability on rugged surfaces. The Falken Wildpeak AT4W shines in dirt handling, completing the course in 71.8 seconds, which is 1.31 seconds faster than the Toyo Open Country AT3’s time of 73.11 seconds. This advantage highlights Falken’s edge in maneuvering through dirt tracks. Subjectively, the Wildpeak AT4W also scored higher, with 10 points compared to Toyo’s 8.75, indicating a noticeable difference in handling feel and control in favor of Falken on loose, dirt-covered terrain.
Open Country AT 3 :
- -2% in dirt handling
- -6% in subjective dirt handling
Snow
Both the Falken Wildpeak AT4W and Toyo Open Country AT3 carry the 3-peak mountain certification for snow performance, but the differences between them are significant. In snow braking, the Toyo Open Country AT3 stops notably shorter at 22.08 meters, giving it a 4.04-meter advantage over the Falken Wildpeak AT4W’s 26.12 meters. In snow handling, however, Toyo proves much faster, completing the course in 91.68 seconds—nearly 10 seconds quicker than Falken’s 101.27 seconds. Subjectively, the Toyo also scores better, with 10 points compared to Falken’s 8, reflecting a more controlled handling experience in snowy conditions.
Open Country AT 3 :
- +18% in snow braking
- +10% in snow handling
- +10% in subjective snow handling
Wet
In wet conditions, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W takes a clear lead over the Toyo Open Country AT3, marking a big advantage similar to Toyo’s edge in snow. Falken stops sooner in wet braking at 69.4 meters, giving it a 4.07-meter advantage over Toyo’s 73.47 meters. In wet handling, Falken again comes out ahead, completing the course in 56.39 seconds—0.76 seconds faster than Toyo’s 57.15 seconds. Subjectively, Falken also scores slightly higher, with 10 points versus Toyo’s 9.25, delivering a more stable and controlled experience on wet roads. Additionally, in straight-line aquaplaning resistance, Falken holds a 4.3 km/h edge, reaching 108.9 km/h compared to Toyo’s 104.6 km/h, further enhancing its performance in wet conditions by resisting hydroplaning more effectively.
Open Country AT 3 :
- -6% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling
- -4% in subjective wet handling
- -4% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry performance, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W and Toyo Open Country AT3 show close results, though Falken has a slight edge in dry braking, stopping in 41.17 meters—1.64 meters shorter than Toyo’s 42.81 meters. However, in dry handling, Toyo is marginally faster, completing the course in 47.83 seconds compared to Falken’s 47.92 seconds, a 0.09-second advantage. Both tires score equally well in subjective dry handling, each receiving 9.5 points, indicating similar driver confidence and control on dry pavement.
Open Country AT 3 :
- -4% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling
- 0% in subjective dry handling
NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness)
In the all-terrain segment, where large voids make noise a common drawback, comfort and noise control are essential. The Falken Wildpeak AT4W stands out here, scoring a perfect 10 in both comfort and noise, indicating a smoother, quieter ride. The Toyo Open Country AT3 falls slightly behind, with a score of 9 in comfort and 9.25 in noise, showing that Falken provides a bit more refinement in minimizing the harshness and sound typical of all-terrain tires.
Open Country AT 3 :
- -10% in subj. comfort
- -4% in subj. noise
Price
The Toyo Open Country AT3, priced at $389 for size 35×12.5 R17, is 14% more expensive than the Falken Wildpeak AT4W, which costs $342. This price difference highlights Falken as the more budget-friendly choice in this size.
Tire size: 35×12.5 R17
- Open Country AT 3 : $ 389
Difference: +14% more expensive for Open Country AT 3
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, I’d say both the Falken Wildpeak AT4W and Toyo Open Country AT3 bring solid strengths to the table in the all-terrain segment. The Wildpeak AT4W excels in wet and comfort performance, offering a quieter, more comfortable ride and better control in wet conditions—all at a lower price point. On the other hand, the Open Country AT3 shines in snow handling and braking, making it a strong contender for winter conditions. Both tires are robust choices; Falken is ideal for those prioritizing wet performance and budget, while Toyo is better suited for those seeking enhanced snow capabilities.
Dr Edwin Pang