Finding the best 20 inch all terrain tires means balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort, tread life, and winter performance. We researched and compared 7 top models using manufacturer specifications, published industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback from thousands of reviews. This guide highlights the strengths and real limitations of each tire to help you choose the right set for your driving needs.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Best Overall 20 Inch All Terrain Tire Load Range E, 3-Ply Sidewall, 50,000 Mile Treadwear Warranty |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Michelin Defender LTX M/S Best Highway Friendly All Terrain 70,000 Mile Treadwear Warranty, Max Traction and Temperature Ratings |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Nitto Ridge Grappler Best Hybrid All Terrain for Off-Road Hybrid Tread Design, 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake Rated, 45,000 Mile Warranty |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Best for Snow and Ice 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake Rated, TractiveGroove Technology, 45,000 Mile Warranty |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Toyo Open Country A/T III Best Balanced All Terrain 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake Rated, 50,000 Mile Warranty, Stone Ejectors |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Best Value All Terrain 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake Rated, 55,000 Mile Warranty, Heat Diffuser Technology |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Best All Season All Terrain 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake Rated, 60,000 Mile Warranty, Snow Groove Technology |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2: Best Overall 20 Inch All Terrain Tire
The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is a benchmark in the all terrain category. In our evaluation, it excels in off-road grip, especially on rocky and muddy terrain, thanks to its 3-ply sidewall and CoreGard technology. Owner feedback consistently praises its toughness and long tread life, with many reporting 50,000+ miles. It also carries the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, making it a capable winter performer.
However, the KO2 is not without compromises. On paved roads, it generates more road noise than some competitors like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. Also, its stiff sidewall can make for a firmer ride on washboard roads. If you primarily drive highway miles and prioritize cabin quietness, this may not be your best choice. But for those who need a rugged tire that can tackle serious off-road conditions, the KO2 is a top contender.
- CoreGard technology for enhanced sidewall toughness against rocks and cuts.
- Serrated shoulder design provides extra traction in mud and snow.
- Mud and snow rated with 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for severe winter use.
Pros: Excellent off-road traction and durability.; Long tread life with a 50,000 mile warranty.
Cons: Higher road noise on highway compared to some competitors.
2. Michelin Defender LTX M/S: Best Highway Friendly All Terrain
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is the go to choice for drivers who spend most of their time on pavement but want the rugged look and occasional light trail capability. We compared its specifications and owner feedback; it consistently ranks high in ride comfort, low road noise, and long tread life. The 70,000 mile warranty is among the best in the category.
That said, this tire is not designed for heavy off-road use. Its tread pattern is more road oriented, and it lacks the aggressive sidewall lugs of true off-road tires. Owner feedback indicates it struggles in deep mud or loose gravel. If you need a tire for serious off-roading, look elsewhere. But for a smooth, quiet, and durable all terrain that handles well in rain and light snow, the Defender LTX M/S is an excellent pick.
- Comfort Control technology reduces road noise and vibrations for a quiet ride.
- EverTread 2.0 compound for long even wear across all seasons.
- Excellent wet and dry braking performance based on owner reports.
Pros: Very quiet and comfortable on highway.; Outstanding tread life warranty.
Cons: Mild off-road capability; not for serious mud or rock crawling.
3. Nitto Ridge Grappler: Best Hybrid All Terrain for Off-Road
The Nitto Ridge Grappler bridges the gap between all terrain and mud terrain tires. In our research, it offers impressive off-road grip, especially in mud and loose dirt, while keeping road noise lower than a dedicated mud tire. Owner feedback highlights its durability on rocky trails and the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating confirms winter capability.
However, the Ridge Grappler comes at a premium price, and its tread life is shorter than some highway oriented all terrains. Some owners report vibration at highway speeds if not perfectly balanced. If your budget is tight or you prioritize maximum tread life over off-road prowess, consider alternatives. But for those who want a tough, aggressive tire that can handle serious off-road challenges without the noise of a mud tire, the Ridge Grappler is a strong choice.
- Variable pitch tread pattern reduces road noise while maintaining aggressive look.
- Stone ejectors in tread grooves to prevent stone drilling.
- Dual sidewall design for customizable styling.
Pros: Aggressive off-road traction with better on-road manners than mud tires.; Unique sidewall design adds visual appeal.
Cons: Higher price point than many competitors.
4. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: Best for Snow and Ice
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a favorite among winter warriors. Based on spec sheets and owner feedback, it delivers outstanding traction on snow and ice, meeting the severe snow service requirements. Its TractiveGroove technology and aggressive tread pattern make it a capable performer in deep snow and slush.
On the downside, the Duratrac is known for higher road noise, especially as the tread wears. It also has a slightly shorter tread life compared to some competitors, with a 45,000 mile warranty. If you live in an area with harsh winters and need a tire that can handle snow and ice without switching to winter tires, the Duratrac is a great option. However, if you mostly drive on dry pavement, its noise and ride comfort may be drawbacks.
- TractiveGroove technology provides biting edges for snow and ice traction.
- Reinforced sidewalls with Durawall technology resist cuts and abrasions.
- Self-cleaning shoulder blocks for mud and snow shedding.
Pros: Exceptional snow and ice traction.; Good off-road grip in mud and gravel.
Cons: Road noise can be noticeable on pavement.
5. Toyo Open Country A/T III: Best Balanced All Terrain
The Toyo Open Country A/T III offers a well rounded package for daily drivers who venture off-road occasionally. In our evaluation, it performs admirably on wet roads and light snow, with the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. Owner feedback often praises its low noise levels and even tread wear.
However, the A/T III is not the best choice for extreme off-road conditions. Its tread design is less aggressive than the Nitto Ridge Grappler or BFGoodrich KO2, and it can struggle in deep mud. Additionally, some owners report reduced traction in heavy rain compared to the Michelin Defender. If you need a tire that can handle gravel roads and light trails while being comfortable for daily commuting, the Toyo A/T III is a solid choice. For serious off-roading, consider a more aggressive option.
- Silent Wall technology reduces pattern noise for a quieter ride.
- Dual sidewall designs for protection and aesthetics.
- Open shoulder slots and stone ejectors for off-road performance.
Pros: Good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability.; Quiet for an all terrain tire.
Cons: Not as aggressive in deep mud as some competitors.
6. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W: Best Value All Terrain
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W offers a compelling mix of capability and affordability. We researched its specifications and owner feedback; it performs well in snow and light off-road conditions, thanks to its 3D siping and deep tread. The 55,000 mile warranty is competitive, and many owners report good tread life.
However, the Wildpeak A/T3W has a firmer ride quality, which some drivers find less comfortable on rough pavement. It also tends to be noisier than the Michelin Defender or Toyo A/T III. If you are on a tighter budget and need a capable all terrain that can handle snow, this is a great pick. But if ride comfort and quietness are top priorities, you may want to spend a bit more for a premium model.
- 3D Canyon Sipe technology provides additional biting edges for snow and ice.
- Heat diffuser technology reduces heat buildup for longer tread life.
- Deep tread depth for improved off-road traction.
Pros: Strong value for the price.; Good snow traction with 3PMSF rating.
Cons: Slightly stiffer ride than some competitors.
7. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S: Best All Season All Terrain
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a capable all season all terrain tire that emphasizes on-road comfort and winter performance. In our comparison, it offers a quiet ride and good handling on dry and wet roads. The 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating and Snow Groove technology make it a solid choice for light to moderate snow.
However, its off-road capability is limited. The tread pattern is not as aggressive as the BFGoodrich KO2 or Nitto Ridge Grappler, and it can struggle in deep mud or on rocky trails. Also, some owners report that tread life is not as long as expected despite the 60,000 mile warranty. If you need a tire primarily for on-road driving with occasional light off-road and snow, the Cooper AT3 4S is a good value. For serious off-roading, look for a more rugged tire.
- Snow Groove technology enhances snow traction and slush evacuation.
- Adaptive tread compound remains flexible in cold temperatures.
- Stone and mud rejectors help prevent debris retention.
Pros: Good all season performance with strong snow rating.; Long 60,000 mile treadwear warranty.
Cons: Less aggressive off-road traction than dedicated off-road tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between all terrain and mud terrain tires?
All terrain tires are designed for a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. They typically have a less aggressive tread pattern than mud terrain tires, which means lower road noise and better fuel economy. Mud terrain tires have deeper, more widely spaced lugs for maximum traction in mud, but they are louder and wear faster on pavement. For most drivers who occasionally go off-road, all terrain tires are the better choice.
How do I choose the right 20 inch all terrain tire for my vehicle?
Consider your typical driving conditions. If you drive mostly on highway and want a quiet ride, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S or Toyo Open Country A/T III are good options. For frequent off-road use, the BFGoodrich KO2 or Nitto Ridge Grappler offer more aggressive traction. Also check your vehicle’s load rating and speed rating requirements. Look for tires with a 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating if you face heavy snow.
Are all terrain tires good in snow?
Many all terrain tires are good in snow, especially those with the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. Tires like the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S are specifically designed for winter conditions. However, for extreme ice and deep snow, dedicated winter tires still perform better.
How long do 20 inch all terrain tires typically last?
Tread life varies by tire. Many all terrain tires come with treadwear warranties ranging from 45,000 to 70,000 miles. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S offers a 70,000 mile warranty, while the BFGoodrich KO2 and Toyo Open Country A/T III offer 50,000 miles. Actual mileage depends on driving habits, road conditions, and proper maintenance like rotation and inflation.
Can I use all terrain tires for towing?
Yes, many all terrain tires are rated for towing. Look for tires with a higher load range (e.g., Load Range E) and a sufficient load index. The BFGoodrich KO2 and Nitto Ridge Grappler are popular choices for towing due to their strong sidewalls and durability. Always check the tire’s maximum load capacity against your vehicle’s towing requirements.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the top 20 inch all terrain tires, our top pick is the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 for its exceptional off-road durability and long tread life, backed by strong owner feedback. For those who prioritize on-road comfort and quietness, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is an excellent runner up. Both tires offer reliable performance, but your final choice should align with your driving needs and budget.
