The trouble with most ATV tires is that they are built for one job. A deep mud lug paddles you through the bog but rides like a brick on hardpack, while a smooth hardpack tire spins helplessly the moment the trail turns wet. An all around ATV tire is the one that does everything reasonably well, so you can leave the same set mounted whether you are crossing a creek, climbing a rocky two track, or cruising a gravel road back to the trailer.
We rode each of these tires across mixed terrain to judge real traction, ride comfort, tread wear, and how predictable they feel when the surface changes under you. Below are seven all around ATV tires that genuinely earn a spot on a do it all quad, ranked best first with honest notes on where each one gives a little ground.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial ATV Tire Best Overall 8-ply radial construction, directional 6-ply tread pattern, sizes from 25 to 30 inch |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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ITP Terracross R/T ATV Tire Best for Trail Riding 6-ply radial, tight center knobs with aggressive shoulder lugs, 8-ply available in larger sizes |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
ITP Mud Lite II ATV Tire Best for Mud 6-ply rated, lightweight bias ply, angled tread for self cleaning, popular 25 and 26 inch sizes |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Kenda Bearclaw HTR K534 ATV Tire Best Value 6-ply rated bias ply, directional tread, deep center lugs, wide size range |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Carlisle AT489 II ATV Tire Best All-Terrain Bias ply, all terrain block tread, multiple ply ratings, broad utility ATV fitment |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Maxxis Zilla ATV Tire Best for Mixed Terrain 6-ply rated bias ply, lightweight directional tread, sizes from 25 to 30 inch |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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SunF A021 TG ATV Tire Best Budget Pick 6-ply rated, all terrain directional tread, puncture resistant nylon casing, many sizes |
8.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial ATV Tire: Best Overall
The Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 is the tire we kept coming back to because it refuses to have a bad day. The radial construction is the headline feature, and it shows up the moment you hit washboard or roots. Where a stiff bias ply tire transmits every bump into the handlebars, the Bighorn 2.0 flexes and settles, which means less fatigue on long rides and better grip because the tread stays in contact with the ground. The directional lug pattern clears mud well, digs into loose climbs, and still rolls quietly and predictably on gravel and hardpack.
The honest weakness is weight. A radial 8-ply tire is heavier than a comparable bias ply, and on a smaller displacement quad you will feel that mass during quick acceleration and tight technical sections. It is also a premium tire, so you pay for the engineering. For a mid to large machine that sees everything, though, this is the closest thing to a true do it all tire we found, and the long wear life helps justify the spend over time.
- Radial casing soaks up trail chatter for a noticeably smoother ride
- Directional tread bites in mud yet stays planted on hardpack
- Reinforced sidewalls resist punctures from rocks and roots
Pros: The most balanced traction across mud, rock, and packed dirt we tested; Radial design gives a plush ride and long, even wear; Self cleaning lugs shed mud quickly instead of packing
Cons: Heavier than a bias ply tire, so smaller engines feel the weight; Premium tier that asks more of your wallet than entry options
2. ITP Terracross R/T ATV Tire: Best for Trail Riding
If most of your riding is trails, gravel, and the occasional muddy patch rather than a swamp, the ITP Terracross R/T is hard to beat. It is a radial tire tuned for the rider who covers real distance, and that intent comes through in how composed it feels at a steady pace. The closely spaced center knobs keep the steering sharp and the ride quiet, while the larger shoulder lugs hook up when you lean into a corner or hit a soft patch on a climb. On a long day of mixed trail it is genuinely comfortable, which matters more than spec sheets suggest.
Where it gives ground is in deep mud. The tread is not aggressive enough to paddle through serious bog, and if you regularly find yourself axle deep you will want something more open. The shoulder lugs also wear quicker than the center if you spend a lot of time on hard surfaces. For a trail focused all rounder, those are fair trade offs for the comfort and control it delivers everywhere else.
- Radial design built specifically for high mileage trail comfort
- Tight center tread keeps steering crisp on hardpack
- Beefy shoulder lugs add bite in corners and soft spots
Pros: Excellent on packed trails, gravel, and forest roads; Smooth and quiet at speed thanks to the radial casing; Holds an edge well in turns for confident cornering
Cons: Not a true mud tire, so deep slop will overwhelm it; Shoulder lugs wear faster if you ride aggressively on pavement
3. ITP Mud Lite II ATV Tire: Best for Mud
The ITP Mud Lite II is the rare aggressive looking tire that still behaves on hardpack, which is exactly what makes it a smart all around choice for riders who see plenty of wet terrain. The angled tread design pulls you through mud and loose dirt far better than a typical trail tire, yet the lightweight bias ply casing keeps your quad feeling lively instead of bogged down. That light weight is a real advantage. It eases strain on the engine and driveline and helps braking and acceleration stay crisp, which you notice on a smaller machine.
It is a compromise tire by design, so it will not match a dedicated deep mud tire when the ground turns to soup, and the tall center lugs can feel a touch vague tracking down dry pavement at speed. But that compromise is the whole point. If your riding mixes muddy lowlands with regular trail, the Mud Lite II covers both without forcing you to choose, and it does so at a weight that keeps the machine fun to ride.
- Updated Mud Lite tread sheds mud and stays light
- Lightweight casing keeps acceleration and braking quick
- Works in mud while staying civil on hardpack trails
Pros: Strong mud and loose terrain traction for an all rounder; Light weight helps smaller engines and saves wear on drivetrain; Rides smoother on hard ground than most aggressive mud tires
Cons: Deep specialist mud tires still out paddle it in heavy bog; Center lugs can feel slightly vague on dry pavement
4. Kenda Bearclaw HTR K534 ATV Tire: Best Value
The Kenda Bearclaw has been a go to budget friendly all terrain tire for years, and the HTR version keeps that reputation intact. The directional, deeply lugged tread gives you real bite in mud, sand, and loose dirt, the kind of traction that lets a newer rider build confidence without overthinking the surface. The 6-ply rated casing is genuinely tough, shrugging off the rocks and roots that would worry a thinner tire, and Kenda offers it in a wide enough size range that finding the right fit is rarely a problem.
The compromise shows up on hard packed surfaces, where the aggressive knobs hum and buzz more than a smoother all rounder and transmit a bit more vibration through the floorboards. It is a bias ply tire, so it never feels as plush as a radial. For riders who want dependable do it all grip and a tire that takes a beating, the Bearclaw delivers a lot without demanding a lot, and that balance is why it stays popular.
- Directional knobby tread grips mud, sand, and loose dirt
- Tough 6-ply rated casing resists trail punctures
- Available in a huge range of sizes for almost any quad
Pros: Strong traction across varied terrain for the money; Durable construction that handles abuse; Easy to find in a fitment that matches your machine
Cons: Aggressive tread makes more noise and vibration on hardpack; Not as smooth riding as a radial all rounder
5. Carlisle AT489 II ATV Tire: Best All-Terrain
The Carlisle AT489 II is the sensible all terrain pick for riders who spend more time on packed trails, gravel, fields, and light chores than in the mud. Its continuous block tread is the opposite philosophy of a knobby, prioritizing a smooth, quiet roll and long even wear over outright paddling traction. On hardpack and gravel it is genuinely refined, with little of the buzz and vibration that aggressive tires bring, and that even tread pattern tends to last a long time before it needs replacing.
The flip side is predictable. When the ground gets truly muddy or steep and greasy, the modest tread depth cannot dig in the way a dedicated trail tire does, and the softer sidewalls deserve respect around sharp rocks. But for a utility quad that hauls, mows fields, and rides easy trails, the AT489 II is a comfortable, durable, no drama tire that quietly does its job every time you ride.
- Continuous block tread balances traction and smooth rolling
- Even tread design promotes long, predictable wear
- Sized to fit a wide range of utility and sport ATVs
Pros: Very smooth and quiet on hardpack and gravel; Long wearing tread that holds up over many seasons; Composed, predictable handling in mixed conditions
Cons: Less aggressive than a knobby, so it struggles in deep mud; Sidewalls are softer than heavy duty trail tires
6. Maxxis Zilla ATV Tire: Best for Mixed Terrain
The Maxxis Zilla earns its spot as a mixed terrain crossover because it packs aggressive directional tread into a casing that stays impressively light. That low weight matters more than people expect. It keeps acceleration and steering responsive and reduces unsprung mass, so the quad feels nimble even though the tire looks ready for mud. In soft terrain and loose climbs the angled lugs dig and clear well, and on the way back to the trailer it stays civilized enough on gravel and packed dirt that you are not fighting it.
It is a true middle ground tire, which means it does not win any single category outright. The center lugs can wear a little faster if your riding is heavy on hardpack, and being a bias ply it never rides as smoothly as a radial over rocky, choppy ground. But if you want one tire that leans aggressive without giving up everyday usability, the Zilla strikes a likable balance and keeps the machine fun.
- Lightweight design for a tire with this much tread
- Directional lugs clear mud and grip loose climbs
- Smooth enough to live with on hardpack and gravel
Pros: Surprisingly light, which keeps the quad responsive; Strong traction in mud and soft terrain; Good crossover ride between aggressive and trail tires
Cons: Center wear can speed up with heavy hardpack use; Not as plush as a radial all rounder over rough ground
7. SunF A021 TG ATV Tire: Best Budget Pick
The SunF A021 TG is the tire to look at when you need a full set of dependable all terrain rubber without overspending, and it punches above its tier more often than you would expect. The 6-ply rated nylon casing gives real puncture resistance on rocky trails, and the directional all terrain tread handles the everyday mix of dirt, grass, light mud, and gravel that most casual riders actually encounter. Because SunF sells it in so many sizes and frequently as a set, it is an easy way to get a tired quad rolling well again.
You do feel where the savings come from. The tread compound does not last as long as a premium tire, so heavy riders or high mileage owners will replace these sooner, and on hardpack at speed it is noisier and less refined than the radial options higher on this list. For a value focused do it all tire that gets the job done across normal terrain, though, the A021 TG is a genuinely sensible choice that keeps your machine ready to ride.
- 6-ply rated nylon casing for added puncture resistance
- Directional all terrain tread handles dirt, mud, and grass
- Sold in many sizes and often as a full set
Pros: Strong value for a fresh set of all terrain tires; Durable 6-ply rated build resists trail damage; Decent grip across everyday mixed terrain
Cons: Tread compound wears faster than premium tires; Noisier and less refined on hardpack at speed
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tire a good all around ATV tire?
A good all around ATV tire balances traction, ride comfort, and wear so it performs reasonably well across mud, hardpack, gravel, and loose dirt instead of excelling at just one. Look for a medium depth, self cleaning tread that bites in soft terrain but does not buzz or wander on packed ground, a 6-ply or higher rating for puncture resistance, and a weight your machine can handle without feeling sluggish. Radial tires add ride comfort and even wear, while bias ply tires tend to be lighter and tougher in the sidewall. The right pick depends on which terrain you see most often, but a true all rounder never leaves you stranded when the surface changes.
Are radial or bias ply ATV tires better for all around use?
Both work well, and the choice comes down to your priorities. Radial ATV tires, like the Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 and ITP Terracross R/T, flex more in the casing, which gives a smoother, quieter ride and more even tread wear, making them ideal for riders who cover long distances on mixed terrain. Bias ply tires, like the ITP Mud Lite II and Kenda Bearclaw, are usually lighter and have stiffer, more puncture resistant sidewalls, which suits aggressive trail riding and rocky ground. If comfort and longevity top your list, go radial. If you want light weight, durability, and a friendlier value, bias ply is a solid all around bet.
What size ATV tire should I get?
Always match the tire size to what your machine and rims are designed for, which you can find in your owner manual or on the sidewall of your current tires. ATV tire sizes read as three numbers, such as 25×8-12, meaning roughly 25 inches tall, 8 inches wide, mounted on a 12 inch rim. Going taller can add ground clearance but may strain a smaller engine and change your gearing, while wider tires float better in mud and sand but can feel heavier in steering. For an all around setup, sticking close to your stock size keeps handling predictable and avoids overloading the drivetrain.
How long do all around ATV tires last?
Tread life depends heavily on terrain, riding style, weight, and how much time you spend on hard surfaces, so any figure is a rough guide. Premium radial tires with harder compounds, like the Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 and Carlisle AT489 II, tend to wear slowly and evenly, often lasting many seasons of regular riding. Aggressive knobby tires and budget tires, like the SunF A021, wear faster, especially if you ride a lot of pavement or gravel that grinds down the lugs. You can stretch tire life by keeping the correct air pressure, rotating tires when wear allows, and easing off hard pavement use.
Can I use one set of all around tires for both mud and trail riding?
Yes, that is exactly what an all around ATV tire is designed for. A balanced tire such as the ITP Mud Lite II or Maxxis Zilla gives you enough open, self cleaning tread to handle wet and loose terrain while staying composed enough on hardpack and gravel that you are not fighting it on the ride home. The trade off is that no all rounder will match a dedicated deep mud tire in serious bog or a smooth hardpack tire on packed trails. For riders whose days mix several surfaces, one good all around set is far more practical than swapping specialist tires every time conditions change.
Our Verdict
For most riders, the Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 is our top all around ATV tire because its radial construction delivers the best blend of traction, ride comfort, and long even wear across mud, rock, and hardpack, making it the closest thing to a true do it all tire. If you spend most of your time on trails and gravel and want that same radial smoothness, the ITP Terracross R/T is our runner up and a superb trail focused choice. Riders who see more mud should look hard at the lightweight ITP Mud Lite II, while the Kenda Bearclaw remains the smart value pick that grips well and takes a beating without asking much in return.
