When upgrading to 33 inch tires on 17 inch rims, you need a tire that balances off-road capability, on-road comfort, and durability. We researched manufacturer specifications, industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback to evaluate the top options. This guide covers seven real products available on Amazon, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Whether you prioritize rock crawling, highway cruising, or budget, we have a pick for you.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Best Overall All-Terrain 33×12.50R17, Load Range C, 3-ply sidewall |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Best for Snow and Ice 33×12.50R17, Load Range E, TractiveGroove technology |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Nitto Ridge Grappler Best Hybrid Terrain 33×12.50R17, Load Range E, 2-ply sidewall |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Cooper Discoverer STT Pro Best Mud Terrain 33×12.50R17, Load Range E, Armor Tek3 construction |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Toyo Open Country A/T III Best Quiet All-Terrain 33×12.50R17, Load Range E, 2-ply sidewall |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Federal Couragia M/T Best Budget Mud Terrain 33×12.50R17, Load Range C, 3-ply sidewall |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Milestar Patagonia M/T Best Value Mud Terrain 33×12.50R17, Load Range E, 3-ply sidewall |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: Best Overall All-Terrain
In our evaluation, the BFGoodrich KO2 stands out as the top all-terrain tire for 33 inch 17 inch rims. Its 3-ply sidewall and CoreGard technology provide exceptional resistance to off-road hazards, while the serrated shoulder lugs bite into loose terrain. Owner feedback consistently praises its long tread life and quiet highway ride. It carries the 3PMSF severe snow rating, making it a year-round performer.
However, the KO2 comes at a higher price than many all-terrain rivals. If you are on a strict budget or rarely venture off pavement, you might find better value elsewhere. Also, some owners report that it can be slightly less capable in deep mud compared to dedicated mud-terrain tires. For most overlanders and daily drivers who hit trails on weekends, this is an outstanding choice.
- CoreGard technology for enhanced sidewall toughness against cuts and punctures.
- Serrated shoulder design for improved traction in mud and snow.
- Mud and snow rated (3PMSF) with a 50,000 mile treadwear warranty.
Pros: Excellent balance of off-road grip and on-road comfort.; Long tread life and reliable durability.
Cons: Premium price point compared to competitors.
2. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: Best for Snow and Ice
We researched the Goodyear Duratrac and found it to be a top contender for drivers who face harsh winters. Its TractiveGroove technology and deep siping deliver outstanding grip on snow and ice, earning it a 3PMSF rating. Owner feedback highlights its capability in deep snow and on icy roads. Off-road, the self-cleaning tread works well in mud and loose dirt.
On the downside, the aggressive tread pattern generates more road noise than typical all-terrain tires, which may be a concern for daily drivers. Additionally, the treadwear warranty is 45,000 miles, slightly less than some competitors. If you live in a snowy region and want a tire that excels in winter without swapping to dedicated snow tires, the Duratrac is a strong pick. But if you prioritize a quiet ride and longer tread life, consider the KO2.
- TractiveGroove technology for enhanced snow and ice traction.
- Self-cleaning shoulder blocks for mud and snow performance.
- Severe snow rated (3PMSF) with a 45,000 mile treadwear warranty.
Pros: Exceptional snow and ice grip.; Good off-road traction in varied conditions.
Cons: Road noise can be noticeable on highway.; Tread life is shorter than some all-terrain tires.
3. Nitto Ridge Grappler: Best Hybrid Terrain
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a hybrid tire that bridges the gap between all-terrain and mud-terrain. In our comparison, it offers a more aggressive appearance than the KO2 while maintaining acceptable on-road comfort. Owner feedback often mentions its impressive grip in mud and on rocks, thanks to the staggered shoulder lugs. The variable pitch tread pattern helps keep road noise lower than full mud-terrain tires.
However, the Ridge Grappler is heavier, which can affect fuel economy and acceleration. It also carries a premium price. If you want a tire that looks tough and performs well off-road but still works for daily driving, this is a great choice. But if you prioritize fuel efficiency and a quiet ride, a lighter all-terrain may be better.
- Hybrid design combining all-terrain and mud-terrain features.
- Variable pitch tread pattern reduces road noise.
- Stone ejectors protect the casing from debris.
Pros: Aggressive off-road look with decent on-road manners.; Good traction in mud and rocky terrain.
Cons: Slightly heavier than comparable all-terrain tires.; Price is on the higher side.
4. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro: Best Mud Terrain
For serious off-roaders who tackle deep mud and rocky trails, the Cooper STT Pro is a top mud-terrain choice. We researched its Armor Tek3 construction, which provides excellent resistance to cuts and punctures. Owner feedback highlights its ability to clean out mud quickly and maintain traction in sloppy conditions. The aggressive tread pattern is designed to bite into loose surfaces.
The trade-offs are significant: road noise is high, and highway ride comfort suffers. Tread life is also shorter than all-terrain tires, typically around 30,000-40,000 miles. If your Jeep or truck is primarily an off-road toy or you don’t mind a noisy ride, the STT Pro delivers exceptional off-road performance. But for a daily driver, consider a less aggressive option.
- Armor Tek3 construction for enhanced puncture resistance.
- Deep mud scoops and self-cleaning tread design.
- Stone and mud ejectors to prevent debris retention.
Pros: Superior mud traction and self-cleaning ability.; Very durable casing resists punctures.
Cons: High road noise and reduced highway comfort.; Shorter tread life compared to all-terrain tires.
5. Toyo Open Country A/T III: Best Quiet All-Terrain
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is an all-terrain tire that prioritizes on-road refinement. In our evaluation, its Silent Wall technology makes it one of the quietest options in this category. Owner feedback often praises its smooth ride and low noise levels. It also carries a 3PMSF rating for snow, making it a capable year-round tire for mild off-road use.
However, its off-road performance is limited compared to more aggressive all-terrains like the KO2 or Duratrac. The sidewall is only 2-ply, which may not hold up to sharp rocks. If you mostly drive on pavement and occasionally hit gravel roads or light trails, this is an excellent choice. But if you need serious off-road capability, look elsewhere.
- Silent Wall technology reduces road noise.
- Stone ejector blocks protect the tread.
- Mud and snow rated (3PMSF) with a 50,000 mile warranty.
Pros: Very quiet and comfortable on pavement.; Good all-season traction including light snow.
Cons: Less aggressive off-road traction than competitors.; Sidewall is not as tough for rock crawling.
6. Federal Couragia M/T: Best Budget Mud Terrain
If you are on a tight budget but still want mud-terrain capability, the Federal Couragia M/T is worth considering. We compared its specs and owner feedback: it offers a 3-ply sidewall and aggressive tread at a significantly lower price than premium brands. It performs reasonably well in mud and on rocks for the cost.
However, you get what you pay for. Road noise is high, and some owners report balance issues or premature wear. The tire is not as refined as pricier options. It is best suited for off-road enthusiasts who don’t mind a rough ride and want to save money. For daily driving or long highway trips, invest in a higher quality tire.
- Aggressive mud terrain tread with self-cleaning grooves.
- 3-ply sidewall for added durability at a lower price.
- Reinforced shoulder blocks for off-road traction.
Pros: Very affordable for a mud terrain tire.; Decent off-road traction for the price.
Cons: Higher road noise and vibration.; Tread life is shorter and quality control can be inconsistent.
7. Milestar Patagonia M/T: Best Value Mud Terrain
The Milestar Patagonia M/T is a budget-friendly mud-terrain tire that has gained popularity among off-roaders. In our research, its deep tread and 3-ply sidewall offer decent off-road performance for the price. Owner feedback often mentions that it works well in mud and on trails right out of the gate.
But the downsides are significant. Many reports indicate that the tread wears quickly, sometimes lasting only 20,000-30,000 miles. Balance issues are common, and road noise can be intrusive. If you need a tire for occasional off-road use and want to spend as little as possible, it might work. However, we recommend saving up for a more durable option like the Cooper STT Pro if you plan to use it regularly.
- Deep tread depth for mud and snow traction.
- Reinforced sidewall for off-road protection.
- Mud and snow rated (M+S) but not severe snow rated.
Pros: Very low price for a 33 inch mud tire.; Good initial off-road traction.
Cons: Notorious for rapid tread wear and balance problems.; Road noise is very high and ride comfort is poor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 33 inch tires fit on 17 inch rims without modifications?
It depends on your vehicle’s suspension and wheel offset. Many trucks and Jeeps can fit 33×12.50R17 tires with a leveling kit or minor trimming. We recommend checking your vehicle’s specific clearance and consulting a professional if unsure.
What is the difference between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires?
All-terrain tires (like the BFGoodrich KO2) offer a balance of on-road comfort and off-road traction, with quieter ride and longer tread life. Mud-terrain tires (like the Cooper STT Pro) have deeper, more aggressive tread for superior grip in mud and rocks, but are noisier and wear faster.
How do I choose the right load range for my 33 inch tires?
Load range indicates the tire’s maximum load capacity and inflation pressure. For most light trucks and SUVs, Load Range C or E is common. Heavier vehicles or those that carry heavy loads should use Load Range E for extra capacity. Check your vehicle’s owner manual for recommendations.
Are 33 inch tires with 17 inch rims good for daily driving?
Yes, many all-terrain tires like the Toyo Open Country A/T III are designed for daily driving with low noise and good comfort. Mud-terrain tires are less ideal for daily use due to noise and ride quality. Choose based on your primary driving conditions.
What is the typical tread life of 33 inch tires?
All-terrain tires often have 45,000-60,000 mile warranties. Mud-terrain tires typically last 30,000-45,000 miles. Actual tread life varies with driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Regular rotation and proper inflation help extend life.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing specifications and owner feedback, our top pick is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 for its outstanding balance of off-road capability, on-road comfort, and durability. If you face severe winter conditions, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is an excellent runner-up with superior snow and ice traction. Choose based on your primary driving environment and budget.
