Best all terrain tyres Australia 2023: Choosing the right set of tyres is a crucial aspect of owning a vehicle, particularly for those who frequently drive on different types of terrain. The tyres you select will significantly influence your vehicle’s handling, performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. This is particularly true in a country like Australia, with its diverse range of driving conditions – from sandy beaches to rocky mountain trails, urban streets to dusty outback roads. Therefore, investing in a good set of all-terrain tyres is vital for the Australian driver.
All-terrain tyres are specifically designed to perform in any weather condition and on any surface, whether it be tarmac, gravel, mud or sand. They offer a balanced blend of capabilities, providing acceptable performance in a wide variety of environments. Their reinforced sidewalls and aggressive tread designs make them a versatile option for those who need a durable, robust tyre capable of tackling any challenge that comes its way.
However, choosing the best all-terrain tyre can be challenging due to the abundance of options available in the market. The key is to select one that suits your specific driving needs and preferences. In this guide, we will explore the features to consider when selecting an all-terrain tyre, review some of the best all-terrain tyres available in Australia in 2023, and provide tips on how to maintain them for optimum performance and longevity.
Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast, a frequent highway driver, or someone who uses their vehicle for everyday commuting and the occasional adventure, there’s an all-terrain tyre out there that will meet your needs. Read on to discover more.
Table of Contents
Why All Terrain for Australia ?
Australia, as a continent, experiences a broad range of climatic conditions due to its vast geographical expanse. Its weather patterns range from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, while arid conditions dominate the central regions. Australia’s coastline, where most of the population resides, experiences a mild and temperate climate for most of the year. Northern parts of Australia typically experience hot, humid summers and mild winters, a climate conducive to heavy rain and tropical storms. The interior is primarily semi-arid or desert, leading to extreme heat during the day, cooler temperatures at night, and little rainfall. The southern regions see cooler winters and hot, dry summers.
Australia is well-known for its “outback” – the vast, unpopulated and mainly arid areas that lie beyond the Great Dividing Range. It’s in these regions that a lot of the country’s dirt roads and tracks exist. Australia’s infrastructure includes a significant network of unpaved roads, particularly in rural and remote areas. Many of these roads can be challenging to traverse, especially in harsh weather conditions. Moreover, Australia’s unique array of landscapes and outdoor recreational activities, from beach driving to bush trail exploring, can often require vehicle capabilities beyond what regular city tyres can offer.
This is where all-terrain tyres come into play. All-terrain tyres provide the versatility necessary for these changing conditions and varied terrains. Their design offers a compromise between the smooth ride and fuel efficiency of highway tyres and the aggressive traction and durability of off-road tyres.
Due to their versatility, all-terrain tyres are widely used in Australia. They can handle tarmac, gravel, dirt, sand, and mild mud, making them an excellent choice for drivers who spend time both on and off-road. Their sturdy construction and unique tread designs allow for better grip and handling, whether the driver is cruising on a paved highway, navigating a muddy track in the outback, or crossing a sandy beach. The use of all-terrain tyres helps ensure safety, reliability, and comfort, regardless of the unpredictable nature of the Australian landscape and weather conditions.
Off road segmentation
When it comes to a pick up truck, the main segmentation of tires comes in the form of on/off road terrain groups. However in this class of tires, there is an even further distribution as below:
| Segment | Off road | On road |
| ATR (all terrain road) | 30% | 70% |
| AT (all terrain) | 50% | 50% |
| MT (mud terrain) | 70% | 30% |
All terrain road (ATR) is a relatively new segment mainly driven by the R117 regulation over in Europe to ensure tires meet a maximum threshold of noise level as determined by regulation. Due to the relationship between pattern void volume and noise, this forces the industry to shift towards a lower void design to meet the noise requirements. Hence this spurred the creation of this new segment which has 70% on road & 30% off road focus.
All terrain (AT) is a well known segmentation whereby users do tend to enjoy the fair share of off road activities. Most of the pick up trucks who want to explore the off road activities on a monthly basis do tend to choose this segmentation. The AT segment has a 50% on road & 50% off road focus. There is however an even higher off road segmentation called mud terrain (MT) which has 70% off road and 30% on road. Recently most ATR segment tires.
M+S vs 3 peak mountain
The M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol and the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol are key indicators to understand when selecting all-terrain tyres in Australia for 2023. These symbols indicate different levels of performance under winter conditions. The M+S marking on a tyre signifies it has a tread design intended to provide better traction in muddy or light snow conditions. However, this marking does not guarantee optimal performance under severe winter conditions.
On the other hand, the 3PMSF symbol indicates that a tyre has passed stringent tests and meets specific criteria for snow traction. This symbol assures you that the tyre will perform better under harsh winter conditions. Although snow and icy conditions aren’t commonplace across all of Australia, certain areas such as the high country in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania do experience substantial winter snowfall. For those residing or travelling in these regions, understanding these markings can be crucial.
In the context of Australia, there is no legal requirement like in some parts of Canada to use tyres with the 3PMSF symbol during certain parts of the year. However, knowing what these symbols represent allows Australian drivers to make informed choices based on their driving needs, locations, and the seasonal conditions they encounter.
In this guide, we will review the top all-terrain tyres available in Australia for 2023, considering the diverse climatic and geographical conditions across the country. By understanding the differences between the M+S and 3PMSF symbols, drivers can select the best all-terrain tyres for their requirements, ensuring optimum performance and safety throughout the year.
Best all terrain tyres Australia review
1. Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Launched in 2015, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W quickly became a notable contender in the all-terrain tyre market due to its excellent performance in wet conditions and off-road terrain. This tyre’s design and construction make it a powerful all-weather, all-terrain option for drivers looking for versatility and durability.
The Wildpeak AT3W excels in providing a balanced driving experience. It ensures stability and confidence even in the most challenging off-road conditions while offering a comfortable ride on the highway. This is achieved thanks to Falken’s innovative technologies incorporated into the design, including an aggressive upper sidewall and a rugged tread pattern, which contributes to an improved grip and traction on any surface. A key strength of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is its superior performance in wet conditions. It features deep tread grooves that effectively evacuate water and reduce the risk of hydroplaning, which makes it a safe and reliable option during heavy rainfalls or on wet roads.
Off-road, the Wildpeak AT3W stands out with its robust construction and high resistance to punctures and cuts. Its aggressive tread design ensures outstanding traction on various surfaces, including mud, sand, or rocky terrain, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts. The Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s performance has not gone unnoticed. In fact, it was recently crowned as the best all-terrain tyre in the prestigious BOB JANE T-MARTS 2022 all-terrain test. This accolade underlines the Wildpeak AT3W’s high quality and the trust it has garnered within the driving community.
In summary, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W offers a well-rounded package for drivers looking for an all-terrain tyre that performs exceptionally well in wet conditions and off-road. Its recognition in the industry and numerous positive reviews make it a highly recommended option for your vehicle in 2023.
- Wildpeak AT3W
- Launch: 2015
- Press test wins: 1/4
- Strength: Wet & Offroad
Check out our head to head comparison of Wildpeak AT3W against its competitors.
Wildpeak AT3W vs
- Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Toyo Open Country A/T III
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
2 Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
In 2016, Yokohama launched the Geolandar A/T G015, a tyre specifically engineered to meet the needs of the growing all-terrain market. It’s ideal for light trucks, SUVs, and crossover vehicles, delivering a balance of performance, durability, and comfort for drivers needing versatility across diverse driving conditions. While Australia might not be renowned for harsh snow and ice conditions, certain regions experience significant winter weather, including snowfall and icy roads. In these conditions, the Geolandar A/T G015 shows a marked advantage. It features a specialised tread compound and design to optimise traction on slippery surfaces. The tyre’s zigzag sipes and 3D sipe technology further enhance grip and stability, offering a secure driving experience during winter.
However, while the Geolandar A/T G015 excels in winter conditions, its wet and dry performance might not be as strong as some competitors in the ATR segment. Its ability to grip wet surfaces and resist hydroplaning, along with its handling on dry surfaces, could potentially be weaker compared to other all-terrain tyres on the market. In summary, while Australia’s winter conditions might not be as severe as in other countries, for drivers based in regions with more substantial winter weather, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 could be an excellent choice. Its standout performance in snow and icy conditions makes it a reliable option. Although its wet and dry performance might not be as robust as other options on the market, the Geolandar A/T G015 remains a solid all-terrain tyre for 2023.
- Geolandar A/T G015
- Launch: 2015
- Press test wins: 0/3
- Strength: Snow & ice
Check out our head to head comparison of Geolandar A/T G015 against its competitors.
Geolandar A/T G015 vs
3 Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
Introduced in 2017, the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus has swiftly secured its place in the all-terrain tyre market. This tyre, designed to suit SUVs, light trucks and crossover vehicles, strikes a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort, making it a practical choice for a variety of driving conditions. The key strength of the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus lies in its solid performance in both wet and dry conditions. The tyre features an advanced tread pattern and high-resistance rubber compound, which enhance grip and stability on wet and dry surfaces. Its deep tread grooves effectively channel water away to resist hydroplaning, ensuring a safer and more secure driving experience.
While the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus offers decent off-road performance, it might not be as robust as some of its competitors in this area. Its performance on more challenging off-road terrains, such as mud and loose gravel, could be slightly weaker. Nevertheless, its versatility makes it a worthy consideration for those who primarily drive on paved roads and only occasionally venture off-road. Despite not having any press test wins, the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus has earned recognition within the industry and among drivers. In fact, it was recently ranked as the third-best all-terrain tyre in the prestigious BOB JANE T-MARTS 2022 all-terrain test. This recognition is a testament to its reliable performance and the confidence it has garnered among users.
In summary, the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus offers a reliable option for drivers looking for a tyre that performs well in both wet and dry conditions. While its off-road performance may not be its strongest point, it still provides an adequate level of off-road capability for occasional use. Its industry recognition and consistent user reviews make it a recommended choice for your vehicle in 2023.
- Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
- Launch: 2017
- Press test wins: 0/4
- Strength: Solid wet & dry, weak in off road.
Check out our head to head comparison of Scorpion All-Terrain Plus against its competitors.
Scorpion All-Terrain Plus vs
4. Goodyear Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar
Launched in 2013, the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar has earned its place as a leading contender in the all-terrain tyre market over the past decade. Competing head-on with industry heavyweights like BFGoodrich, this tyre has consistently stood out, affirming its position within the all-terrain community. In various comparison tests, the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar has displayed impressive performance in dry conditions, as well as on sand and slopes. The tyre’s unique tread design, bolstered with DuPont Kevlar, ensures superior grip and handling on a variety of surfaces, empowering drivers to navigate challenging terrains confidently. Its aggressive shoulder lugs and open-tread pattern also contribute to its outstanding traction and stability.
However, the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar has shown a minor weakness when dealing with gravel surfaces compared to some competitors in the ATR segment. Despite this small disadvantage, the tyre’s overall performance remains highly competitive. A notable advantage of the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar is its favourable pricing and expected mileage. This tyre offers drivers a cost-effective option without compromising on performance or durability, representing excellent value for money.
In conclusion, the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar is a splendid choice for drivers in Australia seeking a reliable, high-performing, and cost-effective all-terrain tyre for 2023. Its exceptional performance in dry, sand, and slope conditions, combined with only a minor weakness in gravel performance, makes it a versatile and trustworthy all-terrain tyre capable of handling a wide range of Australian driving conditions.
- Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar
- Launch: 2013
- Press test wins: 0/4
- Strength: Excellent dry, sand, and slope
Check out our head to head comparison of Wrangler AT Adventure with Kevlar against its competitors.
Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar vs
5. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
BFGoodrich is a distinguished name in the off-road tyre market, with its BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO setting the bar in the off-road segment for the past decade. Products from this brand are considered top-tier, often reflecting in their premium price tag. In 2013, BFGoodrich introduced the All-Terrain T/A KO2 to replace the legendary KO, successfully maintaining its standing as a leading name in all-terrain tyres. In various comparison tests, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 has exhibited robust performance in gravel conditions, demonstrating its ability to tackle rugged and uneven terrains with ease. Its aggressive tread design and durable compound enhance the tyre’s excellent traction and stability on gravel surfaces, enabling drivers to stay in control in demanding off-road situations.
However, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 has encountered some difficulties in dry, sand, and slope conditions, finding it hard to match the performance of some competitors in these specific scenarios. Despite these challenges, the tyre’s overall performance remains highly competitive, preserving its reputation as a top choice for off-road enthusiasts. In conclusion, BFGoodrich’s All-Terrain T/A KO2 remains a reliable choice for Australian drivers in 2023, who are in search of a top-quality, premium all-terrain tyre that excels in gravel conditions. While it may struggle in certain circumstances, such as on dry terrain, sand, and slopes, its overall performance and standing in the off-road community make it a well-respected and popular option. For those willing to invest in a premium tyre, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 remains a strong contender in the all-terrain tyre market.
- All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/3
- Strength: Off road
Check out our head to head comparison of All-Terrain T/A KO2 against its competitors.
All-Terrain T/A KO2 vs
- Goodyear Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with kevlar
- Yokohama Geolandar X-AT
- Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
- BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Summary
Selecting the best all-terrain tyres is a critical decision that hinges on a variety of factors including vehicle type, driving conditions, and personal preferences. Our review of the top all-terrain tyres available in Australia for 2023 reflects a variety of options suitable for different requirements and budgets. The Falken Wildpeak AT3W, Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus, Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar, and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 all present strong options with unique strengths and weaknesses. Each tyre stands out in its own right, offering different advantages ranging from exceptional wet and off-road performance to solid performance in both wet and dry conditions.
While Falken Wildpeak AT3W and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 excel in off-road performance, Pirelli’s Scorpion All-Terrain Plus and Goodyear’s Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar provide balanced performance across various conditions. In conclusion, the right all-terrain tyre for you will depend on your specific needs and driving conditions. Australia’s diverse landscape demands tyres that can cope with its unique challenges. It’s essential to consider where and how you’ll be using your vehicle before making a decision. Our reviews are designed to guide you through this process and ensure you make an informed choice that guarantees safety, durability, and performance throughout 2023 and beyond.