Table of Contents
Best Light Truck Tires
Choosing the best light truck tires for your vehicle can be a challenging task with so many options available in the market. Your truck tires should be able to handle not just your daily commute but also various off-road adventures and weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type is crucial to making an informed decision that guarantees the perfect blend of performance, durability, and comfort for your driving needs.
Here's a concise comparison of the key features of the best light truck tires:
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire
{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2"}}
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their off-road driving experience. These tires provide exceptional traction, durability, and off-road capabilities, making them perfect for your light truck, SUV, or crossover.
Specifications
- Tire Size: Various sizes available
- Type: All-Terrain
- Tread Depth: Variable depending on size
- Speed Rating: Q
Performance
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires offer remarkable performance both on and off the pavement. They provide excellent traction in various weather conditions, including light snow, and ensure a quieter ride compared to many other all-terrain tires.
What Sets It Apart
- Traction: BFGoodrich KO2 tires boast impressive traction on wet and dry surfaces, improving your overall driving experience.
- Off-Road Capabilities: The aggressive tread pattern makes this tire perfect for off-roading adventures, delivering excellent grip in mud and gravel.
- Durability: BFGoodrich's CoreGard technology strengthens the sidewalls, protecting them from splits and bruises.
Recent Updates
BFGoodrich has recently introduced the KO2 tire, which incorporates a variety of improvements over its predecessor, the KO. Some notable advancements include enhanced tread life, improved ride quality, and increased resistance to cuts, punctures, and bruises.
Benefits
- Enhanced traction in various weather conditions
- Excellent off-road performance
- Better ride comfort and reduced noise levels
- Highly durable and long-lasting tread life
Drawbacks
- Higher cost compared to some competitors
- May not provide the same level of wet performance as dedicated highway tires
Who Should Buy It
If you're an adventure enthusiast, enjoy off-roading, or require versatile tires to tackle different terrains, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire is an ideal choice.
Where to Buy It
These tires can be purchased from retailers such as Tire Rack, Simpletire, and Tirebuyer. Make sure to compare prices and shipping options to find the best deal for your needs.
2. Firestone Transforce HT Highway Terrain Commercial Light Truck Tire
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When it comes to the best truck tires, the Firestone Transforce HT Highway Terrain Commercial Light Truck Tire offers a balance of durability, traction, and performance. It is designed for light trucks and commercial vehicles to handle a variety of situations.
Specifications
Performance
The Firestone Transforce HT tire has all-season capabilities, providing reliable traction on both dry and wet roads. Its hydroplaning resistance allows for stable driving in wet conditions, which is crucial for light trucks that need to maintain control at all times. This tire model offers a comfortable ride and contributes to a quieter drive as well.
What Sets It Apart
What makes the Firestone Transforce HT stand out is its blend of performance and durability. The tire is constructed with a fortified rubber compound that combines steel and polyester, resulting in resistance to damage from nicks, tears, and punctures. This ensures consistent performance and a longer tread life for truck owners.
Recent Updates
The Transforce HT line has been recently updated to the Transforce HT2, which boasts several improvements over its predecessor. The HT2 model features better-wet traction and reduced hydroplaning risk when compared to the original version, ensuring safer driving on slick surfaces for your light truck or commercial vehicle.
Benefits
- All-season traction and handling
- Resistance to damage and punctures
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Improved wet traction in the updated HT2 model
Drawbacks
- Some users might prefer a more aggressive tread pattern for off-road use
- Limited sizes available
Who Should Buy It
If you own a light truck or commercial vehicle and require a tire that can provide dependable performance, wet and dry traction, and a comfortable ride, the Firestone Transforce HT is an excellent option. Its durability and resistance to damage make it a long-lasting, reliable choice for truck owners who need a tire that can handle their workload.
Where to Buy It
The Firestone Transforce HT Highway Terrain Commercial Light Truck Tire is available for purchase at Simpletire, DiscounttireDirect, as well as Tire Rack, where it is priced competitively and often comes with free shipping. These vendors offer a hassle-free purchasing experience, allowing you to equip your light truck with the right tires for the job.
3. Michelin LTX M/S2
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The Michelin LTX M/S2 is a premium all-season tire designed for light trucks and SUVs, offering superb performance across many road conditions. With its outstanding wet and dry traction, long tread life, and quiet ride, it's a top contender among the best truck tires.
Specifications
Key specifications of Michelin LTX M/S2 tire are:
- Tire Type: All-Season
- Tire Size: Wide range of sizes available
- Load Capacity: Designed for light trucks and SUVs
- Tread Life: Up to 70,000 miles warranty
Performance
The Michelin LTX M/S2 tire offers excellent all-season performance, whether you're driving on dry, wet, or snow-covered roads. Its advanced tread design results in fantastic traction and handling, while the tire's construction reduces rolling resistance for optimal fuel efficiency.
What Sets It Apart
A unique aspect of the Michelin LTX M/S2 tire is its Evertread 2.0 compound, which provides maximum grip throughout the tire's life. This innovative compound makes the tire reliable for long drives and varying road conditions, positioning it as a top choice for light truck owners.
Recent Updates
Recently, Michelin introduced the Michelin Defender LTX M/S tire, which merges the best features of the LTX M/S2 with updated technologies. This new tire offers similar performance and longevity to the LTX M/S2 but with improvements in wet and snow traction.
Benefits
- Impressive wet and dry traction
- Long tread life
- Quiet ride
- Fuel-efficient
Drawbacks
- Tends to be pricier than some competitors
- Performance in deep snow or mud might be limited
Who Should Buy It
The Michelin LTX M/S2 can be an excellent choice for light truck and SUV owners who prioritize safety, durability, and fuel efficiency. If you frequently drive in mixed weather conditions and want a tire that performs consistently across the board, this tire is a solid option.
Where to Buy It
You can purchase the Michelin LTX M/S2 tire from various online retailers such as Tire Rack, DiscountTiredirect, and Simple Tire. Be sure to compare prices and shipping options to find the best deal for your specific tire size and vehicle needs.
4. Continental CrossContact LX25
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The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a popular tire choice for light trucks and SUVs. This tire offers impressive traction, durability, and comfort even in varying weather conditions.
Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Continental CrossContact LX25 tire:
- Tire Type: All-season touring tire
- Speed Rating: H or V, depending on the tire size
- Load Capacity: Ranges from 1,719 lbs to 2,535 lbs, depending on the tire size
- Treadwear Durability: UTQG rating of 740 A A
- Wet Traction & Grip: 85%
- Snow Performance: 85%
- Dry Traction & Grip: 90%
- Comfort & Noise: 80%
Performance
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is designed to provide a comfortable and responsive ride in various weather conditions. With its excellent wet traction, low rolling resistance, and remarkable snow performance, this tire is suitable for light trucks and SUVs, including the Continental Terraincontact H/T and Continental Terraincontact A/T.
What Sets It Apart
The CrossContact LX25 is known for its high tread life, providing drivers with extended mileage while maintaining top-notch performance. Its low rolling resistance not only offers excellent fuel efficiency but also contributes to a quieter ride compared to other snow tires in its class.
Recent Updates
Continental has made significant improvements to the CrossContact LX25 in 2023. These updates include enhanced wet performance, better year-round traction, and optimized tread design for reduced road noise.
Benefits
- Great dry, wet, and light snow traction
- Low rolling resistance for improved fuel economy
- Long tread life and tire durability
- Quiet ride
Drawbacks
- Moderate off-road capabilities compared to other all-terrain tires
- Slightly higher road noise compared to Michelin LTX and Goodyear Wrangler models
Who Should Buy It
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is an ideal choice for light truck and SUV owners who prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and excellent year-round performance. This tire performs well for highway driving and is suitable for drivers seeking a smoother ride with minimal road noise.
Where to Buy It
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is available for purchase at various authorized retailers, such as Tire Rack, Simple Tire, and Discount Tire Direct. Prices range depending on tire size and retailer promotions, so it's essential to compare your options to find the best deal available.
5. Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus
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The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus is an outstanding all-season tire designed specifically for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. This tire offers a comfortable ride, excellent wet and dry performance, and a long tread life, making it a popular choice for pickup truck owners.
Specifications
Performance
The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus provides impressive performance in both wet and dry conditions. With a remarkable wet grip, drivers can expect improved safety when dealing with wet roads.
This tire also offers a comfortable ride with low rolling resistance, which can help to save you money on fuel costs. The handling is responsive, making it easier to navigate tight turns and tackle various weather conditions, such as light snow.
What Sets It Apart
This tire stands out from other light truck tires due to its focus on comfort and tread life. The Everblack sidewall technology and unique tread pattern help to maintain a clean, sleek appearance, while the optimized casing and footprint design contribute to its long-lasting tread life.
Recent Updates
Bridgestone has recently introduced a new tread polymer technology in the Dueler H/L Alenza Plus which further extends its already impressive tread life.
Benefits
- Superior wet and dry performance
- Long-lasting tread life
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Increased fuel efficiency due to low rolling resistance
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for extreme off-road conditions or heavy snow
Who Should Buy It
The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus can be perfect for drivers who prioritize comfort, ride quality, and long tread life in their light truck tires. This tire isn't designed for heavy off-roading or deep snow, but it performs well in most everyday driving situations.
Where to Buy It
The Dueler H/L Alenza Plus is available for purchase from Tire Rack, where you can find detailed information on the available tire sizes, as well as customer reviews. Other options include Discount Tire Direct and Simple Tire, which offer competitive pricing and an array of shipping options.
6. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar
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This Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tire is a premium on-road all-terrain tire designed for light truck drivers who desire a blend of on-road performance and off-road capabilities. With Kevlar reinforcement for enhanced durability, this tire is ideal for those seeking a versatile off-road tire.
Specifications
Performance
The Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar offers exceptional wet and dry traction, thanks to its advanced tread pattern and grip-enhancing compounds. In addition, it provides excellent off-road capabilities, making it suitable for anything from gravel roads to muddy trails.
What Sets It Apart
The inclusion of Kevlar in this tire's construction sets it apart from other all-terrain options. The durable Kevlar helps increase the toughness of the tire, enabling it to resist punctures and cuts when tackling challenging off-road conditions.
Recent Updates
Goodyear continually updates their tire technology, and the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar is no exception. The tire benefits from improved ride quality, decreased road noise, and enhanced year-round traction, making it a practical and reliable choice for most truck owners.
Benefits
- Enhanced durability with Kevlar reinforcement
- Strong traction in both wet and dry conditions
- Exceptional off-road performance
- Quiet ride on the highway
Drawbacks
- May have a higher price point than some other all-terrain tire options
Who Should Buy It
If you're a light truck owner looking for a versatile and durable tire that balances on-road competence with off-road capabilities, the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar is a great option.
Where to Buy It
You can buy the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar online at Tire Rack or at Simple Tire. Ensure you select the appropriate size for your vehicle before purchasing.
7. Michelin X-Ice Xi3
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The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is a high-quality winter tire designed for light trucks and other vehicles.
Specifications
Some of its key specifications include:
- Treadwear warranty: 40,000 miles
- Tread compound: Patented Flex-Ice™ silica compound
- 2D Sipes for enhanced tread block rigidity
- Michelin® MaxTouch Construction™ for longer tread life
Performance
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 offers remarkable performance in winter conditions. Its Flex-Ice compound and unique tread design provide excellent snow traction and ice grip, giving you confidence when driving on slippery roads. The wide tread contact patch ensures better traction on wet and dry surfaces, delivering a safer driving experience during winter weather.
What Sets It Apart
One of the main features that set the X-Ice Xi3 apart from other winter tires is its 70,000-mile warranty and cut-resistant cover, making it highly durable and long-lasting. The X-Ice Xi3 is also designed to be environmentally friendly, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining excellent wintry conditions grip and performance.
Recent Updates
Though exact information on recent updates is not available, Michelin continuously improves its tire technology. Expect the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 to benefit from the latest innovations in tire performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.
Benefits
- Excellent winter performance: snow, ice, and wet road traction
- Long-lasting tread life
- Environmentally friendly design
- Wide temperature operating range
Drawbacks
- Slightly higher price compared to some of best budget winter tires
- Not designed for off-road driving, and it’s not a mud terrain tire
Who Should Buy It
If you own a light truck or vehicle and frequently drive in winter conditions, the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is an excellent choice for you. Its outstanding performance, durability, and fuel efficiency make it an ideal option for those who prioritize safety and long-term value from their winter tires.
Where to Buy It
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 can be purchased from various reputable vendors, such as Tire Rack, Tirebuyer, and Simple Tire. Be sure to compare prices between these vendors to find the best deal for your specific tire size and vehicle.
8. Cooper Discoverer HT Plus
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The Cooper Discoverer HT Plus is an all-season highway sport tire specifically designed for SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks.
Specifications
Some of its features include:
- Available in various tire sizes
- Speed rating: 116T
- All-season tread pattern with M+S rating
- Additional rubber in sidewalls to protect rims
Performance
Cooper Discoverer HT Plus is known for providing a comfortable and quiet ride along with all-season performance. Its all-season tread pattern with an M+S rating can handle various weather conditions, such as dry, wet, muddy, and light snow.
The tire's optimized tread design ensures efficient handling and a smooth ride. Additionally, the circumferential grooves in the tread help with wet performance and prevention of hydroplaning, ensuring a safer driving experience on wet roads.
What Sets It Apart
What makes the Cooper Discoverer HT Plus stand out from other light truck tires is its excellent combination of comfort, performance, and value. One of the unique features is the additional rubber in the sidewalls, which helps protect the rims for a longer lifespan.
It also offers outstanding performance across various driving conditions while maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride on the highway.
Recent Updates
According to recent Discoverer HT Plus reviews, this tire continues to provide excellent performance without sacrificing quietness or value. Customers have praised the tire for its traction and comfortable ride, as well as its affordability compared to other leading tire brands.
Benefits
- All-season performance for year-round traction
- Efficient handling and smooth ride
- Excellent wet performance and hydroplaning resistance
- Quiet and comfortable highway ride
- Offered at a competitive price compared to other brands
Drawbacks
- Not as suitable for heavy off-road or extreme conditions
- Some users report a short tread life in certain circumstances
Who Should Buy It
The Cooper Discoverer HT Plus is a great option for SUV and light-duty pickup truck owners who prioritize comfort and all-season performance for their daily driving needs. If you are looking for a tire that offers excellent traction and a quiet ride at a well-balanced price, this tire might be the ideal choice for you.
Where to Buy It
Cooper Discoverer HT Plus all-season tires can be purchased from a variety of sources, such as tirerack.com and simpletire.com, which could have the tire available for purchase as well.
9. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II
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The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II is an eco-friendly, cutting-edge tire designed for light trucks, pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers that delivers exceptional handling, comfort, and all-season traction.
Specifications
Performance
The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II offers outstanding performance in both wet and dry conditions, with enhanced wet braking and handling.
It also maintains a comfortable ride and impressive mileage for the winter seasons. Its quiet ride and long tread life contribute to an overall enjoyable driving experience.
What Sets It Apart
This tire is notable for its eco-friendly design, as it's made with a new tread compound that's designed to improve fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance.
This allows drivers to save money on gas and contribute to a greener environment. Light snow performance is ensured by the advanced tread pattern, making it a viable option for drivers in regions with mild winters.
Recent Updates
Pirelli has recently updated the Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II with a new tread compound and an optimized footprint to improve its wet braking and handling capabilities further. The 65,000-mile Confidence Plus Plan provides peace of mind for drivers, ensuring they're investing in a high-quality product.
Benefits
- Eco-friendly design
- Excellent wet and dry performance
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Great all-season traction, including light snow
- Long tread life with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for heavy snow or extreme off-road conditions
- It may not offer as much grip as dedicated mud terrain tires
Who Should Buy It
The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II is ideal for light truck and SUV owners who prioritize fuel efficiency, comfort, and all-season performance. It's suitable for those who experience light snowfall in their area but not for those with extreme winter conditions.
Where to Buy It
The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II can be purchased at various locations, such as Tire Rack, Discount Tire, and SimpleTire. Remember to check each retailer's offers and prices, as they might vary, and make sure to verify the tire size needed for your vehicle.
10. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
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The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is an all-terrain tire designed for light trucks. Engineered for drivers, it can handle a variety of weather conditions and terrain types.
Specifications
Performance
The A/T3W excels in several key areas:
- Wear: Thanks to an optimized tread design and silica tread compound.
- Winter: It meets the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake criterion for winter performance.
- Wet: The tire's design ensures excellent wet traction and performance.
What Sets It Apart
The A/T3W is more than your average all-season tire: it combines aggressive off-road abilities without compromising on-road performance. The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is designed for light trucks, focused on wear, winter, and wet performance.
Recent Updates
Although not explicitly stated in the search results, Falken is continuously working on improving and updating its tire models, so you can expect the most recent version of the A/T3W to offer even better performance than earlier versions.
Benefits
- Excellent traction in various weather conditions and terrain types.
- Long-lasting tread life with a 55,000-mile warranty.
- A quiet, comfortable ride both on and off-road.
Drawbacks
- Not suited for heavy off-road driving conditions like extreme mud or heavy snow.
Who Should Buy It
If you're a light truck owner who needs reliable, high-performance all-season tires for a reasonably wide range of driving styles and conditions, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is an excellent choice.
Where to Buy It
To purchase the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, consider shopping at the following trusted retailers:
The Impact of Tire Choice on Fuel Efficiency
Let's explore a surprising aspect of light truck tires – their impact on your fuel efficiency. It's more than just rubber meeting the road; it's about making every gallon count!
A Tire's Role in Fuel Economy
Ever wonder why some car tires help you save at the pump? It's all about rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance means your truck doesn't have to work as hard, leading to better fuel economy.
Choosing the Right Tires for Efficiency
Not all tires are created equal. Some are specifically designed to reduce rolling resistance, which can significantly boost your miles per gallon.
Air Pressure and Efficiency
Keeping your tires properly inflated isn't just a safety thing – it can also improve your truck's fuel efficiency. Under-inflated larger tires increase rolling resistance, guzzling more gas.
Tread Depth and Fuel Usage
Believe it or not, the depth of your tire tread plays a role in fuel consumption. Worn tires might offer less resistance, but they compromise safety. It's all about finding that perfect balance.
The Weight Factor
Heavier tires can lead to higher fuel consumption. When shopping for new tires, consider their weight as a factor in your decision.
About The Author
Charles Redding
I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.
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