Best Tires for 4runner: Toyota 4runner is one the iconic SUV manufactured by Toyota globally since 1984. It has a long history of delivering a comfort ride which is expected by a SUV while still offering off-road capabilities when it is needed. Toyota 4runner sales have been increasing year on year since 2010 and in 2021 it has reached a total sales close to 145,000 units. The 2 main tire sizes for Toyota 4runner are 265/70R17 & 245/60R20 with most of the volume coming from the 17″ options.
Table of Contents
What tire segments are there for 4runner?
The tire size of 4runner falls into the all terrain classification which suits its SUV & off-road capabilities.. In the confusing world of all terrain tires, the category is further divided into 3 sub segments.
- ATR (all terrain road)
- AT (all terrain)
- MT (mud terrain)
| 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 come with the exclusive 3 peak mountain logo to legally certified them as a snow tire. This comes as an added advantage if you are actually living in a snow area.
All terrain tires with 3 peak mountain
Similar to the all season market, most of the all terrain tires now come with a certified 3 peak mountain logo. Hence meaning that these tires do have the legal capability to perform in snow traction. If you are in an area which snows quite heavily, 3 peak mountain all season tires would be definitely a good choice. Below are the best all terrain tires for Toyota Tacoma ranked based on a compilation of test results.
Best Tires for 4runner : All terrain road (ATR) with 3 peak mountain
1. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Cooper’s Discoverer AT3 4S was launched in 2018 and it is available in the big 3 main markets (APAC, North America & Europe). Cooper was one of the first few manufacturers that moved into the ATR segment relatively quickly. Based on the comparison below, Discoverer AT3 4S really shines in the wet categories while having a decent dry performance.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 2/4
- Strength: Excellent in wet
Check out our head to head comparison of Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S against its competitors.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S vs
2. Firestone Destination A/T2
The Firestone Destination A/T2 is an all-terrain light truck and SUV tire built for dependability on or off road and it was launched in 2019. Based on the head to head comparison test results, Destination A/T2 excels in dry handling but lacks in wet, dry & noise criteria. It also recently won the best tire in highly popular 2022 Tyre Reviews All Terrain Tyre Test.
- Destination A/T2
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 1/3
- Strength: Dry
Check out our head to head comparison of Destination A/T2 against its competitors.
Destination A/T2 vs
3. BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A
When it comes to off-road tires, no brand is as well known as BFGoodrich. Many consider them as the “God” of all/mud terrain tires and have made their name true countless tire wins in the Baja competitions. BFGoodrich launched its latest foray into the ATR segment with the product called “Trail-Terrain T/A” in 2021. Based on the test results, Trail-Terrain T/A had a big advantage in snow & ice performances while having a low wet & dry performance. The main trade off is between winter against summer performance in this case. If you need a winter performance tire, Trail-Terrain T/A would be definitely a good choice for you.
- BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Excellent snow.
Check out our head to head comparison of Trail-Terrain T/A against its competitors.
BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A vs
4. Falken WildPeak A/T Trail
Falken’s WildPeak A/T Trail was launched in 2019 as it seeks to penetrate the ATR segment. Based on the head to head comparison below, WildPeak A/T Trail had a dominant wet & dry performance while having weakness in ice & snow. The main trade off is between winter against summer performance in this case. If you live in places which have only mild winter conditions & summer conditions is your dominant weather, WildPeak A/T Trail would be a suitable choice.
- Falken WildPeak A/T Trail
- Launch: 2018
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Strong wet.
Check out our head to head comparison of Falken WildPeak A/T Trail against its competitors.
Falken WildPeak A/T Trail vs
5. General Grabber APT
General Grabber APT was launched in 2017 and has been developed specifically for the North American market. Based on the head to head results, Grabber APT had slightly better dry performances while lacking the fire power in wet.
- General Grabber APT
- Launch: 2017
- Press test wins: 0/2
- Strength: Dry
Check out our head to head comparison of General Grabber APT against its competitors.
General Grabber APT vs
6. Continental TerrainContact A/T
Continental’s TerrainContact A/T was launched in 2015 and has been a staple in this segment for many years. However this is the only tire in the list which does not possess the 3 peak mountain certification. Hence do be aware that if winter usage is required, this is definitely not the product you should be considering. Based on the head to head comparison, TerrainContact A/T had a dominant wet & dry performance but lacked the ice & snow of other 3 peak mountain competitors.
- TerrainContact A/T
- Launch: 2015
- Press test wins: 1/4
- Strength: Wet & dry
Check out our head to head comparison of TerrainContact A/T against its competitors.
TerrainContact A/T vs
7. Kumho Road Venture AT52
Kumho Road Venture AT52 was launched in 2021 and has been developed specifically for the North American market. Based on the head to head comparison below Road Venture AT52 excels in dry while having wet performances as its weakness.
- Road Venture AT52
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Dry
Check out our head to head comparison of Road Venture AT52 against its competitors.
Road Venture AT52 vs
8. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
Yokohama launched its latest tireline in this segment called the “Geolandar A/T G015” in 2016 with the hopes of tapping the huge ATR market. Based on the head to head comparison, Geolandar A/T G015 had the advantage in snow & ice performances while weak in wet & dry performance.
- 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
Best Tires for 4runner: All terrain (AT) with 3 peak mountain
1. Goodyear Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar
Goodyear’s Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar was launched in 2013 and has proven its worth in the all terrain community for the past 9 years. It often battled head to head with BFGoodrich while enjoying a fair share of winning battles. Based on the head to head comparison below, Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar excels really well in dry, sand & slope performances while having a minor hiccup in gravel. Considering additional price & expected mileage advantages, the Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar is definitely a good choice !
- Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar
- Launch: 2013
- Press test wins: 0/4
- Strength: Excellent
Check out our head to head comparison of Wrangler AT Adventure with Kevlar against its competitors.
Wrangler All-terrain Adventure with Kevlar vs
2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
BFGoodrich is a well known brand in the niche off-road market. Its highly popular BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO has been the gold standard in the off road segment for the last 10 years. The products BFGoodrich offered is considered the highest premium level and more often comes with a hefty price tag. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 was launched in 2013 to replace the KO and has managed to hold on to its king of all terrain title. Based on the head to head comparison below, All-Terrain T/A KO2 was good in gravel while it struggled in dry, sand & overcoming the slope.
- All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/3
- Strength: Grave;
Check out our head to head comparison of All-Terrain T/A KO2 against its competitors.
All-Terrain T/A KO2 vs
3. Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse AT
Goodyear’s Wrangler Workhorse AT was launched in 2021 with an all season focus and it is specific only for the American market. Based on the head to head comparison below, Wrangler Workhorse AT was good in dry, noise & objective ice/snow but was weak in wet and subjective snow performances.
- Wrangler Workhorse AT
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Dry. noise & objective ice/snow
Check out our head to head comparison of Wrangler Workhorse AT against its competitors.
Wrangler Workhorse AT vs
4. Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek
Cooper’s Discoverer Rugged Trek was launched in 2021 and has been developed specifically for the North American market. Based on the head to head comparison below, Discoverer Rugged Trek was strong in wet and subjective snow performances while lacking behind dry, noise & objective ice/snow.
- Discoverer Rugged Trek
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: wet & subjective snow
Check out our head to head comparison of Discoverer Rugged Trek against its competitors.
Discoverer Rugged Trek vs
Summary
When it comes to buying your next set of tires, do remind yourself what you need and try to match your requirements to tire. We hope that our article “Best Tires for 4runner” would help you make a wise decision. Ensure your usage of tires based on the off road segmentation is clear so that you can derive the maximum value from your tire !