Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus vs Falken Wildpeak AT3W: Introducing the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, two of the leading contenders in the all-terrain tire market. Both tires have gained significant traction among off-road enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of on-road comfort and off-road prowess.
The Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus, launched in 2017, has been engineered to provide excellent performance and durability on various terrains. This tire is known for its optimized tread pattern, which improves grip on a variety of surfaces while maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride on the highway. Its outstanding wet performance and snow capabilities make it a versatile choice for drivers who face diverse weather conditions.
On the other hand, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, introduced in 2015, is designed to tackle the toughest off-road challenges without compromising its on-road manners. The AT3W features an aggressive tread design with large shoulder blocks and a rugged upper sidewall, providing exceptional traction and resistance to punctures. Additionally, its patented 3D Canyon Sipe Technology ensures dependable performance in snowy conditions and extended tread life.
Both the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W have garnered a loyal following due to their impressive performance and unique features. With these two exceptional options on the market, choosing the right all-terrain tire for your vehicle depends on your specific needs and preferences. Join us as we delve into the world of all-terrain tires and determine which one is best suited for your off-road escapades.
Table of Contents
Results
The results below are derived from the 2022 Bob Jane T-Mart’s All-Terrain (AT) Tyre Comparative Test. A total of 9 tires were tested this time, with the OE Bridgestone Dueler A/T 697 set as the reference point. The following graph compares the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus vs Falken Wildpeak AT3W based on their relevant performance categories. The Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus was set as the reference, hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluations, we equate 1 point to 5%. Thus, for example, if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, tire A is considered 5% better than tire B.
In the all-terrain segment, off-road tests are undoubtedly essential and cannot be overlooked. This time, the off-road test consisted of a mix of mud, gravel, and loosely packed sand. The tire size of interest is 265/65 R17, which is a common size for vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. You can refer to our latest tire size table for more information. The chosen testing vehicle for off-road performance was a 4-wheel-drive Isuzu D-Max.
Offroad
Featuring large grooves that offer a substantial void volume, the Wildpeak AT3W demonstrates impressive off-road capabilities, scoring the highest points among competitors with a 20-point rating. In contrast, its fierce rival, the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus, managed only a 17-point rating, as it fell short in off-road traction and comfort compared to the All-Terrain T/A KO2. The Wildpeak AT3W showcased its off-road prowess by finishing second in the off-road category among competitors, with only the well-established off-road maestro, the “BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2,” claiming the top spot. If you’re searching for an all-terrain tire that excels off-road, the Wildpeak AT3W is definitely your top choice.
Wildpeak AT3W :
- +15% in Off-Road (subj)
Wet
In terms of wet performance, all-terrain tires typically boast a deeper tread depth, which enables them to disperse water more efficiently. However, there is a noticeable disparity in wet braking among competitors. While the Wildpeak AT3W excels in off-road capabilities, it managed to continue the winning trend by outperforming the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus in wet braking performance, albeit with a small advantage. It stopped 0.6 meters earlier than the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus when braking from a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). The test also included braking trials from 60 km/h and 100 km/h, with the difference in braking distance between the two tires widening as the speed increased. Based on these wet braking test results, the Wildpeak AT3W holds a slight edge over the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus, performing 3% better in wet braking.
Wildpeak AT3W :
- +3% in Wet Braking @80km/h
Dry
In dry conditions, safety is generally not a major concern, as braking distances are longer than in wet conditions. Nevertheless, since this represents the standard daily usage, tires must deliver consistent performance. The Wildpeak AT3W managed to outperform the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus in dry braking, stopping 1.5 meters shorter when decelerating from 100 km/h (62 mph) to a complete stop. A similar trend was observed in the dry slalom test, where the Wildpeak AT3W held a slight subjective advantage, scoring 12 points compared to the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus’s 11.5 points. In the lane change test, both tires were rated equally, finishing with 12 points each.
Based on the dry performance test results, it’s evident that the Wildpeak AT3W held the edge over the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus in all dry braking and dry slalom performance criteria. If dry performance is your primary requirement, then the Wildpeak AT3W will undoubtedly be a wise choice.
Wildpeak AT3W :
- +4% in Dry Braking
- +2% in Dry Slalom (subj)
- 0% in Lane Change (subj)
UTQG rating
We have previously shown that UTQG tread wear rating can be a good indication of your expected mileage. Below are the UTQG values of both of the tirelines.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli | Scorpion All-Terrain Plus | All | 640 | A | B |
| Falken | Wildpeak AT3W | All | 660 | A | B |
The Wildpeak AT3W boasts a slightly higher tread wear rating of 660 compared to the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus’s 640. Additionally, the Wildpeak AT3W offers a more generous mileage warranty of 55,000 miles, compared to the 50,000 miles provided by the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus. Based on these figures, it is safe to assume that the Wildpeak AT3W has a slight advantage when it comes to mileage.
Price
Based on the prices we surveyed, we found that Falken’s Wildpeak AT3W was $9 more expensive than the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus.
Tire size: 265/60 R18
Scorpion All-Terrain Plus : $274
Wildpeak AT3W : $283
Difference: +3% more expensive for Wildpeak AT3W.
Summary
In summary, the Wildpeak AT3W outperformed the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus in all performance criteria. It excelled in wet, dry, and off-road situations, making the Falken Wildpeak AT3W our clear winner in this duel!