Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT vs Goodyear DuraTrac : Goodyear is one of the world’s leading tire companies, with a history that stretches back more than a century. Over the years, the company has earned a reputation for innovation, performance, and quality, introducing several advanced and top-performing tire models to cater to diverse market needs.
Two such prominent models in their vast lineup are the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the DuraTrac tires. Both of these models are designed for off-road and all-terrain usage, serving drivers who require optimal performance on both highways and challenging off-road tracks. However, despite these similarities, there are notable differences between the two models that could make one a better fit than the other, depending on individual needs and vehicle specifications.
In the following chapters, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison of these two tire models. We will delve into the price, market segmentation, presence or absence of the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) ratings, and wet/dry performance analysis. By examining these critical aspects, we aim to provide a clear picture of how these two models stack up against each other and assist you in making an informed decision for your vehicle.
Table of Contents
Market Segmentation: Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT vs Goodyear DuraTrac
Market segmentation is a critical aspect in the tire industry, helping manufacturers tailor their products to meet specific customer needs and usage scenarios. By understanding the intended market segment for each tire model, you can determine which one might be the best fit for your requirements.
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT
The Wrangler UltraTerrain AT tires are built for drivers who require rugged toughness and dependable performance in all weather and terrain conditions. This model is specifically targeted towards light trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles, offering a blend of off-road toughness and on-road comfort.
They are ideally suited for drivers who spend a significant amount of time driving in challenging terrains such as gravel, rocks, and dirt trails, but also want a comfortable ride for their daily commute or long highway drives. The Wrangler UltraTerrain AT offers a balanced performance by providing excellent traction and durability in off-road situations while maintaining a quiet and smooth ride on highways.
Goodyear DuraTrac
The DuraTrac tires, on the other hand, are designed with a focus on off-road and tough terrain capabilities. These tires are primarily marketed towards pickup trucks and SUVs that require superior off-road traction, especially in muddy, snowy, or icy conditions.
The DuraTrac tires are an excellent choice for those who spend most of their time in challenging terrains, need tires for their work vehicles used in construction, farming, or similar environments, or live in areas with extreme weather conditions. With aggressive tread design and enhanced traction features, DuraTrac tires provide robust performance in the toughest of conditions.
In conclusion, while both tire models cater to the light truck and SUV segment, the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT is designed for a balance between off-road toughness and on-road comfort. In contrast, the DuraTrac model leans more towards extreme off-road capabilities and harsh weather performance.
Results
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly, due to clear segmentation. Fortunately, Discount Tire has tested both tires, allowing us to use their data-tested results to assess the performance of each tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT vs Goodyear DuraTrac based on the relevant performance category.
Dry
Braking performance is a critical factor to consider when choosing a tire, as it significantly affects the overall safety and responsiveness of the vehicle. Discount tire have evaluated the dry braking performance of both Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and Goodyear DuraTrac by conducting a test with a professional driver. In this test, the stopping distance, which is the distance it takes the vehicle to come to a complete stop from a speed of 60 mph, was measured.
Dry Braking :
- Wrangler UltraTerrain AT : 100%
- DuraTrac : 100%
The Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT demonstrated a dry braking distance of 138 feet in the tests. This stopping distance signifies a robust braking performance on dry surfaces, contributing to the overall safety and control of the vehicle. The UltraTerrain AT’s ability to stop efficiently in dry conditions makes it an excellent choice for those who frequently drive in such environments. The Goodyear DuraTrac showed a similar performance in dry conditions, with a stopping distance also measuring 138 feet. This identical result suggests that the DuraTrac tires provide comparable dry braking performance to the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT. Therefore, in terms of dry braking performance, the DuraTrac matches up well with the UltraTerrain AT.
The dry braking test results indicate that both the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and Goodyear DuraTrac tires provide similar performance, with a stopping distance of 138 feet from 60 mph. Thus, for consumers who place a high priority on dry braking performance, both models are nearly equivalent, offering strong performance and driver control on dry surfaces.
Wet
When assessing tire performance, one vital metric is wet braking. This analysis measures the tire’s ability to halt promptly when on wet surfaces, which is crucial for safe driving in rainy conditions. Looking at the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and Goodyear DuraTrac, we can draw some conclusions about their respective performance.
Wet Braking :
- Wrangler UltraTerrain AT : 100%
- DuraTrac : 109%
In wet braking conditions, the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT registers a stopping distance of 192 feet. This performance suggests reasonable effectiveness in rainy weather, although it’s somewhat longer compared to its dry braking results. While the UltraTerrain AT tires are designed for all-terrain versatility, their performance leans more towards dry conditions, which might explain the slightly longer stopping distance in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Goodyear DuraTrac showcases superior wet braking performance, stopping at a shorter distance of 176 feet. The DuraTrac tires are designed for severe weather conditions and off-road utility, a focus that likely contributes to their impressive wet braking result. In other words, the tires are built to excel in challenging weather, and their shorter stopping distance in wet conditions underscores this commitment.
In conclusion, while both tire models demonstrate solid braking performances, the Goodyear DuraTrac outperforms the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT in wet conditions. However, the UltraTerrain AT still shows acceptable results, considering its design focus. Therefore, choosing between these two models may ultimately depend on one’s specific driving conditions and requirements.
Mileage
Mileage, or the distance a tire can travel before it needs to be replaced, is another crucial factor when comparing tire models. This is often indicative of the tire’s durability and the overall value it provides over its lifespan. Based on the median mileage calculated by Discount Tire, which is determined by measuring the shortest and longest reported distances a tire has traveled, there is a slight difference in mileage between the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Goodyear DuraTrac.
- Wrangler UltraTerrain AT : 65,000 miles
- DuraTrac : 64,000 miles
The Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT shows a median mileage of 65,000 miles. This tire’s higher mileage suggests a slightly longer lifespan, indicating it may offer more value over time. This durability could be attributed to its design, which is meant to balance off-road toughness with on-road comfort, resulting in a tire that can withstand various driving conditions.
On the other hand, the Goodyear DuraTrac has a median mileage of 64,000 miles, just slightly lower than the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT. The slightly lower mileage indicates that these tires might need to be replaced a bit sooner than the UltraTerrain AT. However, considering the DuraTrac’s focus on providing superior performance in extreme off-road and severe weather conditions, this small difference in mileage might be an acceptable trade-off.
To conclude, while the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT offers slightly better mileage according to Discount Tire’s calculations, the difference is relatively minimal. The choice between the two models should ultimately consider the specific driving conditions and performance requirements, rather than mileage alone.
Winter : 3 peak mountain
- Wrangler UltraTerrain AT : Yes
- DuraTrac : Yes
The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol is a designation awarded to tires that meet certain performance criteria in snow testing. Notably, both the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Goodyear DuraTrac carry this symbol, confirming their capabilities in winter conditions. The 3PMSF symbol is not easy to attain and represents a tire’s ability to perform in severe snow conditions. To earn this symbol, a tire must pass a specific test demonstrating that it is capable of 110% or greater snow traction performance than a standard reference test tire (SRTT). This is a self-certification process performed by the tire manufacturers themselves.
The presence of this symbol on the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Goodyear DuraTrac suggests that both these tires have been tested and verified to perform well in harsh winter conditions. This is particularly valuable for drivers who regularly encounter snow and need a tire that can confidently handle such conditions. In essence, the presence of the 3PMSF symbol on both tire models indicates their superior snow performance, adding an extra layer of reliability and safety for drivers during the winter months. This, combined with their individual features and strengths, makes both models reliable choices for all-terrain and off-road driving in various weather conditions.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear | Wrangler UltraTerrain AT | All | 500 | B | B |
| Goodyear | DuraTrac | All | 500 | B | B |
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system is a useful tool to compare different tires based on their tread wear, traction, and temperature capabilities. Additionally, the mileage warranty provided by manufacturers can be an indication of the expected longevity and reliability of their tires. In this chapter, we’ll compare the UTQG ratings of the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and Goodyear DuraTrac, as well as their mileage warranties.
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT
The Wrangler UltraTerrain AT holds a UTQG rating of 500 for tread wear, which indicates a good level of durability and longevity under normal driving conditions. Its traction and temperature grades are both ‘B,’ signifying good traction under most conditions and solid resistance to heat generation at high speeds.
However, it’s noteworthy that the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT does not come with a mileage warranty. While this might be a concern for some buyers, it’s important to remember that tire lifespan can vary greatly based on individual driving habits, vehicle conditions, and the specific environments where the vehicle is driven. The UTQG rating suggests that the tire has a good expected lifespan, but the lack of a mileage warranty means that the exact expected mileage is not specified by Goodyear.
Goodyear DuraTrac
On the other hand, the Goodyear DuraTrac carries the same UTQG rating as the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT – a treadwear rating of 500 and ‘B’ grades for both traction and temperature. This suggests similar levels of expected longevity, traction capabilities, and resistance to heat generation.
A distinguishing factor for the DuraTrac is its 50,000-mile warranty. This warranty indicates Goodyear’s confidence in the durability of this tire model and provides a level of assurance to buyers about its expected lifespan.
UTQG Summary
In terms of UTQG ratings, the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and Goodyear DuraTrac are evenly matched, both with a tread wear rating of 500 and traction and temperature grades of ‘B.’ The key difference lies in their mileage warranties. The Wrangler UltraTerrain AT does not offer a mileage warranty, which may require buyers to rely more heavily on the UTQG rating and their personal driving habits to estimate the tire’s lifespan. In contrast, the DuraTrac provides a 50,000-mile warranty, offering an additional layer of reassurance to buyers regarding the tire’s durability.
For more in depth information about UTQG, please check out this article here. We even have a free download on the latest UTQG values from the leading tire manufacturers.
Price
The Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and Goodyear DuraTrac, both size 265/70R16, present a noticeable price difference. The Wrangler UltraTerrain AT, exclusively available at Discount Tire, is priced at $208. This price point makes it a competitively priced option for those in search of a tire with strong all-terrain capabilities that doesn’t compromise on-road comfort.
On the other hand, the Goodyear DuraTrac tire, which is noted for its exceptional performance in extreme off-road conditions and harsh weather, is slightly more expensive at $227. This price point reflects an increase of approximately 8% compared to the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT. Despite this, the additional cost might be justified for those requiring superior off-road capabilities, especially considering the DuraTrac’s 50,000-mile warranty.
Tire size: 265/70R16
Wrangler UltraTerrain AT: $208
DuraTrac : $227
Difference: +8% more expensive for DuraTrac.
Summary
Choosing the right tire is an important decision, involving careful consideration of various factors such as price, usage, safety ratings, and expected longevity. This comparative analysis between the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT and the Goodyear DuraTrac provides insights into these critical factors, aiding your decision-making process.
The Wrangler UltraTerrain AT, available exclusively at Discount Tire, is an ideal choice for drivers looking for a balance between off-road toughness and on-road comfort. Despite lacking a mileage warranty, it offers on par dry braking performance and carries a promising UTQG rating. Priced competitively at $208, it provides a solid blend of features at a relatively affordable cost. In contrast, the DuraTrac leans more towards superior off-road and harsh weather capabilities. While it is slightly more expensive, the additional cost may be justified considering its exceptional performance in wet conditions and the added reassurance of a 50,000-mile warranty.
In essence, both models have their strengths, and the final decision should align with your specific requirements, driving habits, and budget. If a balanced all-terrain performance and on-road comfort are priorities, the Wrangler UltraTerrain AT could be the preferred choice. Conversely, if superior off-road prowess and a reassuring mileage warranty take precedence, the DuraTrac could be the better option. As always, understanding your driving needs and conditions is the key to making the right choice.