Upgrading to 33-inch tires is one of the most popular modifications for Jeep Wranglers, offering a balance of aggressive off-road capability without requiring major suspension or gearing changes. We researched and compared seven top models based on manufacturer specifications, published industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback to help you choose the right tire for your driving needs.
Our evaluation focuses on on-road manners, off-road traction, tread life, noise levels, and overall value. Whether you prioritize rock crawling, mudding, daily driving, or a mix, this guide breaks down the strengths and real limitations of each tire.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Best All-Terrain Overall LT285/70R17, 3-ply sidewall, 50,000-mile treadwear warranty |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Nitto Ridge Grappler Best Hybrid Terrain LT285/70R17, 2-ply sidewall, variable pitch tread pattern |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Best for Snow and Ice LT285/70R17, TractiveGroove technology, 3PMSF rated |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Toyo Open Country A/T III Best On-Road Comfort LT285/70R17, 2-ply sidewall, 50,000-mile treadwear warranty |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Cooper Discoverer STT Pro Best Mud Terrain LT285/70R17, 3-ply sidewall, Armor-Tek3 construction |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Best Value All-Terrain LT285/70R17, 3D Canyon Sipe technology, 55,000-mile treadwear warranty |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Best for Off-Road Durability LT285/70R17, 3-ply sidewall, PowerPly XD casing |
7.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: Best All-Terrain Overall
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a benchmark in the all-terrain category, widely praised for its toughness and long tread life. In our research, owner feedback consistently highlights its ability to handle rocky trails and gravel roads without sacrificing highway stability. The 3-ply sidewall provides a high level of cut resistance, making it a favorite for overlanders and frequent off-roaders. On pavement, the tire remains relatively quiet and tracks well, though some drivers note a slight hum at higher speeds.
However, the KO2’s aggressive shoulders can lead to increased road noise over time, and its weight may reduce fuel efficiency compared to lighter all-terrains. This tire is best for Wrangler owners who spend significant time off-road but still need a capable daily driver. If your driving is mostly pavement with occasional light trails, a less aggressive tire might offer better ride comfort and fuel economy.
- CoreGard technology for tough sidewall protection against cuts and punctures
- Serrated shoulder design for enhanced off-road traction in mud and snow
- Balanced on-road comfort with low noise levels for daily driving
Pros: Excellent durability and puncture resistance; Great all-season traction including light snow
Cons: Heavier than some competitors, affecting fuel economy
2. Nitto Ridge Grappler: Best Hybrid Terrain
The Nitto Ridge Grappler fills a unique niche between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires, offering a versatile option for Wrangler owners who want aggressive looks without excessive road noise. Our comparison of owner reviews shows that it performs admirably in mud, sand, and rock crawling, while maintaining a comfortable ride on pavement. The variable pitch tread pattern helps reduce drone, and many users report acceptable noise levels even after thousands of miles.
That said, the Ridge Grappler’s tread life is not as long as pure all-terrains like the KO2, and some owners note faster wear when used heavily on pavement. Additionally, its performance in deep snow is adequate but not class-leading. This tire is ideal for those who tackle moderate to tough off-road trails regularly but still use their Jeep as a daily driver. If you rarely leave pavement, a standard all-terrain may serve you better.
- Hybrid design combines all-terrain on-road comfort with mud-terrain off-road grip
- Stone ejectors in tread grooves to prevent stone drilling
- Reinforced tread blocks for even wear and long life
Pros: Quieter than most mud-terrain tires on the highway; Excellent traction in mud and loose dirt
Cons: Tread life is shorter than dedicated all-terrains
3. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: Best for Snow and Ice
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a favorite among Wrangler owners who face harsh winters, thanks to its Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating and aggressive tread design. Our evaluation of spec sheets and owner reports confirms that it delivers confident handling on snow-covered roads and icy trails, outperforming many all-terrains in winter conditions. The Kevlar reinforcement adds durability for rocky terrain, and the self-cleaning tread helps maintain traction in mud.
On the downside, the Duratrac produces more road noise than typical all-terrains, which can be intrusive on long highway trips. Some owners also report faster tread wear when driven primarily on pavement. This tire is best for those who frequently drive in snow and ice but still want off-road capability. If you live in a mild climate and prioritize quiet rides, consider a more road-focused all-terrain.
- Severe snow service rated (3PMSF) for winter traction
- Self-cleaning shoulder blocks for mud and snow shedding
- DuPont Kevlar reinforced sidewalls for added cut resistance
Pros: Exceptional snow and ice traction; Good off-road grip in mud and loose terrain
Cons: Road noise is noticeable at highway speeds
4. Toyo Open Country A/T III: Best On-Road Comfort
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is engineered for drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads but want the capability to handle light trails. In our research, it stands out for its low noise levels and comfortable ride, making it one of the best 33-inch tires for daily driving. The tread design incorporates features to reduce stone retention and improve wet grip, and the 50,000-mile warranty adds peace of mind.
However, its off-road performance is limited compared to more aggressive tires. Owners note that it struggles in deep mud and loose sand, and the sidewall is less resistant to cuts. This tire is ideal for Wrangler owners who prioritize on-road comfort and occasional light off-roading. If you frequently tackle challenging terrain, a more rugged tire is recommended.
- Symmetric tread pattern for reduced road noise and vibration
- Stone and mud ejectors to prevent debris retention
- Improved wet traction with multiple sipes and grooves
Pros: Very quiet and smooth on highways; Good wet weather performance
Cons: Less aggressive off-road traction than competitors
5. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro: Best Mud Terrain
The Cooper Discoverer STT Pro is a serious mud-terrain tire built for extreme off-road conditions. Based on owner feedback and spec analysis, it excels in mud, rock crawling, and loose terrain where maximum traction is required. The 3-ply sidewall and Armor-Tek3 construction provide excellent resistance to cuts and punctures, making it a reliable choice for hardcore off-roaders.
The trade-off is substantial road noise and a firm ride on pavement, which can be tiring on long drives. Tread life is also shorter than all-terrain tires, especially with heavy highway use. This tire is best for Wrangler owners who prioritize off-road performance above all else and can tolerate the compromises. If you drive mostly on roads, look elsewhere.
- Deep, aggressive tread for maximum mud and rock traction
- Armor-Tek3 casing for enhanced puncture resistance
- Stone bumpers in tread to prevent stone drilling
Pros: Outstanding grip in deep mud and rocky trails; Very durable sidewall for off-road protection
Cons: Significant road noise and vibration on pavement
6. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W: Best Value All-Terrain
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W offers a compelling balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability at a more accessible price. Our research shows that it performs well in wet and snowy conditions, and the 55,000-mile warranty is among the best in its class. Many owners appreciate the quiet ride and predictable handling on pavement.
However, in more demanding off-road scenarios like deep mud or rock crawling, the Wildpeak falls short compared to the KO2 or Duratrac. Some users also report uneven wear if not rotated regularly. This tire is best for budget-conscious Wrangler owners who need a capable all-terrain for mixed use but don’t push extreme trails. If you require maximum off-road traction, consider spending more.
- Heat diffuser technology to reduce heat buildup and extend tread life
- 3D Canyon Sipes for enhanced snow and ice traction
- Rugged sidewall design for off-road protection
Pros: Competitive price point for the features offered; Good all-season traction including light snow
Cons: Off-road grip is not as strong as premium competitors
7. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T: Best for Off-Road Durability
The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is built for serious off-road abuse, with a robust 3-ply sidewall and reinforced casing that resist punctures and cuts. In our evaluation, it stands out for its durability in rocky environments, making it a top choice for rock crawlers and overlanders who need reliability in harsh conditions. The tread design also provides good self-cleaning in mud.
However, the Baja Boss A/T comes at a premium price and is noticeably heavier, which can impact acceleration and fuel economy. On-road noise is also higher than many all-terrains. This tire is best for Wrangler owners who prioritize off-road toughness and are willing to pay for it. If your off-roading is light or moderate, a lighter, cheaper tire may suffice.
- PowerPly XD casing for extreme puncture resistance
- Reinforced shoulder blocks for rock crawling grip
- Stone ejectors and mud scoops for self-cleaning
Pros: Extremely tough sidewall for rocky terrain; Good traction in mud and loose rocks
Cons: High price and heavy weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 33 inch tire for daily driving on a Jeep Wrangler?
For daily driving, the Toyo Open Country A/T III offers the best on-road comfort with low noise and a smooth ride. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is also an excellent choice if you need more off-road capability without sacrificing too much daily comfort.
Do I need to lift my Jeep Wrangler to fit 33 inch tires?
In most cases, a 33-inch tire (typically 285/70R17) can fit on a stock Jeep Wrangler without a lift, but it may require minor trimming or wheel spacers depending on the model and wheel offset. A small leveling kit or 1.5-inch lift is recommended to avoid rubbing during off-road articulation.
How do 33 inch tires affect fuel economy and acceleration?
Larger, heavier tires like 33-inchers generally decrease fuel economy and acceleration due to increased rolling resistance and rotational mass. The effect varies by tire weight and tread design. Lighter all-terrains (e.g., Toyo A/T III) have less impact than heavy mud-terrains (e.g., Cooper STT Pro).
What is the best 33 inch tire for snow?
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is the top pick for snow and ice, thanks to its Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating and aggressive tread. The BFGoodrich KO2 also performs well in snow, but the Duratrac has a clear edge in severe winter conditions.
How long do 33 inch tires typically last?
Tread life varies widely: all-terrain tires like the BFGoodrich KO2 and Toyo A/T III can last 50,000 miles or more with proper rotation, while mud-terrain tires like the Cooper STT Pro typically last 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Driving habits, terrain, and maintenance significantly affect longevity.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing specs and owner feedback, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 earns our top pick for its outstanding durability, balanced on- and off-road performance, and long tread life. For those who need a hybrid tire with aggressive off-road looks and acceptable road manners, the Nitto Ridge Grappler is an excellent runner-up.
