The 35×12.50R17 size is a popular choice for drivers who mix highway cruising with off-road adventures. This guide highlights five top all-terrain tire options that balance on-road comfort with rugged off-road grip. Each option comes from trusted brands and features capabilities suited for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Read on to compare traction, durability, tread design, and handling across diverse conditions—from mud and gravel to rain-slicked streets and light snow.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Highlight | On-Road Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 | BFGoodrich | Severe snow rated; rugged off-road capability | Strong, stable highway feel |
| Kenda Klever R/T Kr601 | Kenda | Interlocking center tread; durable sidewalls | Balanced highway traction |
| NITTO Recon Grappler A/T BW | Nitto | 55,000 mile tread life (LT sizes); aggressive traction | confident wet and dry handling |
| Toyo Open Country A/T III | Toyo Tires | Focus on wet performance and treadwear | Predictable on-road behavior |
| Road One Cavalry M/T | RoadOne | Cavalry M/T tread for rugged off-road action | Off-road oriented, capable in mixed terrain |
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 For Light Trucks
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires are built for durability and comfort across mixed terrains. The KO2 design emphasizes all-terrain stability and traction, making them suitable for mud, dirt, snow, sand, and rocky surfaces. They are described as ideal for 4×4 vehicles and work well for light pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. The KO2 line is noted for year-round traction, including snow, with a severe winter rating (three-peak mountain snowflake status). These features combine to deliver confident handling in diverse conditions while maintaining on-road control.
Kenda Klever R/T Kr601 All-Terrain Tire
The Kenda Klever R/T Kr601 is designed as an all-terrain/off-road tire that emphasizes durability and traction across mud, snow, and wet conditions. It features three full carcass plies, an aggressive sidewall, and a robust bead protector to improve durability and impact resistance. An optimized tread design with interlocking center blocks enhances grip, while large groove volumes channel water away to reduce hydroplaning. This combination aims to provide strong off-road performance with maintained highway stability.
Thunderer R408 All-Season Radial Tire
The Thunderer R408 is an all-season radial tire designed for broad usage. It is marketed with general performance in mind and has a defined packaging profile that includes dimensional details such as height and length. While it supports everyday driving, its emphasis is more on everyday road comfort and reliability rather than specialized off-road capability. This makes it a straightforward choice for drivers prioritizing a smooth ride with predictable handling in varied weather.
Mudder Trucker Hang Over M/T Mud Tire
The Mudder Trucker Hang Over M/T is a mud-terrain tire designed for rugged off-road use. It features a 35×12.50R17 sizing with a load rating and construction oriented toward off-road performance. While primarily targeting off-road enthusiasts, it is less focused on on-road handling and all-terrain versatility compared with dedicated A/T models. This tire excels in muddy and challenging off-road environments where traction and durability are paramount.
Mudder Trucker Hang Over M/T Mud Tire
Another listing in the Mudder Trucker line reiterates the 35×12.50R17 size with a mud-terrain design. With ten plies noted in some variants, this tire emphasizes rugged durability for extreme off-road conditions. It is best suited for drivers who prioritize off-road traction over highway fuel economy or quiet on-road performance.
NITTO Recon Grappler A/T BW
The NITTO Recon Grappler A/T BW is built for a confident mix of off-road capability and on-road reliability. It features a zigzag center and shoulder grooves that provide biting edges for added traction, especially in uneven terrain. A staggered shoulder design improves traction on off-road surfaces, while tread life and even wear help extend longevity for LT and flotation sizes. This tire aims to balance grip in mud and rocks with stable highway performance.
Toyo Open Country A/T III 35X12.50R17LT
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is designed to deliver off-road traction with responsive on-road handling. Emphasizing wet performance, durability, and treadwear life, these tires are sized 35×12.50R17LT and are built for a balanced all-terrain experience. The A/T III line aims to provide predictable steering, strong grip in diverse weather, and a robust tread pattern for mixed surfaces.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing 35×12.50R17 all-terrain tires, consider the following factors to align with driving needs:
- Tread design and terrain suitability: Aggressive patterns excel in mud and loose surfaces, while interlocking blocks and lateral grooves improve wet traction and hydroplaning resistance on pavement.
- Load rating and construction: LT (light truck) tires with higher ply counts tend to resist punctures and carry heavier loads; ensure compatibility with your vehicle’s axle and suspension.
- Snow and winter performance: If winter driving is common, look for severe snow ratings or A/T tires with snow-ready tread blocks.
- Noise and ride comfort: A/T tires balance off-road grip with highway comfort; check tread depth and spacing for quiet highway performance.
- Longevity and warranty: Tread life ratings and manufacturer warranties impact long-term ownership costs; LT sizes often come with longer warranties.
- Fuel economy and weight: Heavier, more aggressive tires can affect fuel economy; select a tire with a balance of traction and efficiency for daily driving.
- Vehicle compatibility: Verify speed ratings, load indices, and size compatibility with your vehicle’s recommended tires and rims.
Considerations by Vehicle Type
Light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers benefit from a tires that blend off-road capability with on-road reliability. If you frequently travel on paved highways, prioritize stable handling and treadwear. If you regularly venture off-road, prioritize traction in mud, loose dirt, and rocky terrain. A winter-rated tire adds year-round versatility where snow is common. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual or a tire professional to confirm appropriate sizing and load requirements for 35×12.50R17 tires.