The Ford Ranger is currently one of the more affordable mid-size pickup trucks on the market. Yet, despite its competitive pricing, the Ranger wows drivers with its powerful turbocharged engine, composed and smooth handling, and stout towing and hauling abilities.
A decent fuel economy, especially for vehicles in this class, also distinguishes the Ranger from its competitors. For instance, the 2022 Ranger can do 19 to 21 mpg in the city and 19 to 26 mpg on the highway, making it an extremely fuel-efficient pickup truck.
To take advantage of the above qualities, it’s imperative that you pair your Ranger with the right set of tires. That is because the best tires for Ford Ranger won’t only enhance this model’s strong points. They will also play down its shortcomings, of which there are a few.
For example, almost everyone who owns this vehicle knows how unsettling its ride can be over challenging terrain. The lack of off-road prowess is further compounded by a bland cabin design. Thus, if you want to enjoy your Ranger’s ride, make sure to pair it with premium tires.
#1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S – Best Overall
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is our top tire pick for the Ford Ranger. This model’s all-season tread compound allows it to excel during highway and city driving, which is where most of Ranger’s drivers spend most of their time behind the wheel.
A symmetric tread pattern enables the LTX M/S to provide consistent road grip and traction. The result is enhanced ride comfort, great news for Ranger drivers frustrated by this vehicle’s firm ride quality. The added grip will also translate into improved fuel economy.
MaxTouch Construction, which helps this tire wear evenly, is one of the major reasons why Michelin backs this model with a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty. Another is this model’s independent tread blocks, which give it added grip during high-speed driving.
Multiple 3D sipes and M+S rating means you can count on this model to safely carry you from point A to point B in mild wintry conditions. Moreover, its large size range means you can install the LTX M/S on every trim of the Ranger, including the now-discontinued ones.
To do that, be prepared to blow a hole in your pocket. The reason we’re saying that is because this model doesn’t come cheap, even when compared with its fellow premium tires. However, a long treadlife does more than enough to compensate for the high price tag.
Pros
- Available in a large number of sizes
- Backed with an excellent 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Excellent levels of grip in dry and wet conditions
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#2. General Grabber HTS 60 – Best Runner Up
The General Grabber HTS 60 rivals our top pick on various counts. This highway tire offers the same composed ride as you get from the Defender LTX M/S. It’s available in almost as many sizes and comes at a much more affordable price than our top pick.
Yet the HTS 60 will always be our 2nd option for Ford Ranger. Want to know why? The HTS 60 is backed to last 5,000 fewer miles than the Defender LTX M/S. Secondly, while our top pick can hold its own over light snow and ice, the HTS 60 offers poor winter performance.
That said, there are plenty of things to like about this tire. For instance, you might find plenty to like about this model’s cut- and chip-resistant tread compound. It keeps cuts, chips, and punctures at bay and makes the HTS 60 a tire you can count on for light off-roading.
For a highway tire, the HTS 60 has superb road manners. The credit for this goes to its vehicle-tuned tread pattern that deflects road noise and absorbs vibrations. The tread pattern also enables this tire to offer superior road grip, making sure that it wears evenly.
One last thing you may want to note about this tire is that it comes in two versions. The lighter version is a better pick for city and highway driving as it offers enhanced fuel economy. In contrast, the heavier HTS 60 is designed for towing and hauling heavy stuff.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Provides excellent high-speed stability
- Backed with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty
Cons
- Isn’t a reliable performer on snow and ice
#3. Yokohama YK-HTX – Best Budget All-Season
If you are unhappy with the Defender LTX’s asking price and the Grabber HTS 60’s winter performance, consider the Yokohama YK-HTX. This budget all-season tire is as adequate for highway and city driving as our top two picks, making it a must-have for budget-oriented shoppers.
Its silica and Orange oil tread compound help this model stay useful year-round. Silica gives this tire the firmness to roll smoothly on the highway. Orange oil injects the rubber with flexibility, making this model a reliable performer on wet and (light) wintry surfaces.
Its stiff sidewall goes both ways. It might disappoint those of you who want a plush ride by transmitting a good amount of feedback to the steering. However, the sidewall’s reinforcements will also reduce the risk of punctures, thereby preventing mid-journey stops.
Yokohama claims that this model’s braking distances are 20% shorter than rivals. This claim seems believable because of the sipes dotting the tread area. We have no doubt in our minds about the ability of these biting edges to ensure good braking power.
The Japanese tire manufacturer offers a two-tier warranty on this tire. It backs the passenger car tires with a 70,000-mile warranty and LT tires (which will go on your Ranger) are backed to last 50,000 miles. So, on this count, our top two picks are better.
Pros
- Reliable in wet and wintry conditions
- Is extremely quiet on the highway
- Offers amazing steering feedback
Cons
- Ride might feel a bit firm at times
#4. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 – Best All-Terrain
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is one of the best off-road tires on the market. It performs reliably on soft, hard and loose surfaces, has durable construction that keeps premature deformation away, and is backed with an extended treadwear warranty.
A double-thick tread compound helps this tire in more ways than one. Reinforced with internal steel belts, it offers consistent traction on gravel, mud, slush, and even rocky terrains. Plus, it is also the reason why very few T/A KO2s suffer premature deformation.
An aggressive tread pattern further enhances this model’s performance. It does that by offering enhanced grip and traction, regardless of the road and weather conditions, thereby making the T/A KO2 as reliable on pebble-strewn roads as on sandy surfaces.
The same cannot be said about the side biter lugs and mud buster bars, though, as they are much more specific in their function. For instance, while the side biter enhance this tire’s snow performance, the mud-buster bars do precisely what their name implies.
What about rock crawling? Well, if you want to conquer mountains, make sure to air down this tire. Doing that will make it a reliable performer. Lastly, a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty is more than decent for an A/T tire, especially when compared with other tires in this class.
Pros
- Backed with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Highly resistant to cuts, chips, and punctures
- Can be used for rock crawling
Cons
- Average fuel economy
#5. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S – Best Mid-Range All-Terrain
Multiple features distinguish the AT3 4S from your average all-terrain tire. These include an excellent on-road performance, superior off-road handling, and brilliant road manners. A super-extended treadwear warranty (65,000-mile) further enhance its reputation.
Start with its excellent on-road performance, which can rival if not exceed its off-road exploits. A five-ribbed design (which ensures high speed stability) has made this tire much more capable on the highway and in the street than your average A/T tire.
Then comes the off-road performance. A pair of aggressive shoulders on each tire helps it offer added traction on softer surfaces, such as dirt, mud, and sand, while a zigzag-shaped siping detail ensures quick evacuation of rocks to prevent stone-drilling.
The biting edges also play their part in enhance this model’s road manners. They do that by ensuring even road contact for reduced road noise. We suspect that had it not been for the biting edges, Cooper wouldn’t have backed this tire for 65,000 miles.
A 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol means you can use this tire in harsh wintry conditions if for some reason dedicated winter tires aren’t your cup of tea.
Pros
- Come with the 3PMSF symbol
- Offer superior off-road grip and traction
- Backed with a 65,000-mile treadlife warranty
Cons
- Size range is pretty limited
#6. Kumho Road Venture AT51 – Honorable All-Terrain Mention
Multiple features make the Wrangler DuraTrac one of the best off-road tires for Jeep. The first among them is Goodyear’s Tractive Groove Technology. This technology helps the DuraTrac offer adamant performance in muddy terrains, while increasing traction on wet surfaces.
Another way this technology helps the DuraTrac is by evenly distributing pressure, making sure this model doesn’t suffer uneven treadwear and outlast its warranty. All in all, if there’s one feature that defines how good this tire is, it has to be the Tractive Groove Technology.
You might want to note that this model comes in two versions: one version carries the 3PMSF symbol and is thus suited for driving in harsh wintry conditions. That is the model you must go for if the area where you live/drive receives more than its fair share of snow.
However, if you only want to take advantage of this model’s off-road-specific features, paying extra for something that you won’t use doesn’t make sense.
A rim lock helps this tire stay safe and intact within the wheels, with a relatively flexible tread compound reducing vibrations for a comfortable ride. That said, don’t expect this model’s ride quality to be as plush as that of passenger or even premium all-terrain tires.
Pros
- Competitively priced for an all-terrain tire
- Delivers balanced on- and off-road performance
- Offers enhanced wet and (light) snow traction
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
#7. BFGoodrich T/A KM3 – Best Mud-Terrain
While designing the T/A KM3, BFGoodrich took a formula that was already doing wonders and made it even better. The result is a model that offers 27% higher resistance to punctures, 8% improved traction on rocks, and 5% extra mud traction than its immediate predecessor.
As far as the improved resistance to puncture is concerned, the credit goes to three features: Krawl-Tek tread compound, 3-ply sidewalls, and enhanced shoulder protection. These three design elements are why the KM3 is almost 30% more puncture-resistant than the KM2.
Large spike blocks in the tread area are the reason the KM3 is a better performer on mud than the model it replaced. These raised rubber segments help this model dig into mud and slush to make contact with the underlying solid surface, thus enhancing its mud-traction.
Any mud that might enter this tire’s tread is quickly evacuated by massive voids in the tread area, whose width facilitates quick and efficient self-cleaning. The voids don’t only deal with mud particles, though. They also ensure evacuation of stones to reduce drilling.
Bear in mind, though, that the KM3 isn’t made for city driving. Its noise levels will be too high and traction too low on the highway and in the street.
Pros
- Outstanding traction in deep mud
- Incredibly tough and durable construction
- Offers brilliant performance on snow and rocks
Cons
- Isn’t designed for city or highway driving
#8. Firestone Destination M/T2 – Best Mid-Range Mud-Terrain
Firestone tires are famous for their affordable asking prices, extended uniformity warranties, and high levels of dry and wet handling. While the Destination M/T2 isn’t as pocket-friendly as most of its siblings, it ticks the other two boxes with aplomb.
A cut- and chip-resistant tread compound helps keeps punctures at bay to provide mid-journey stops. It is helped in this quest by the ultra-stiff sidewall, which also ensures greater steering feedback. So be prepared to expect a firm ride from this model.
This tire really shines when it comes to mud. Multiple tread blocks set at a 23-degree angle, mud scallops helping with mud evacuation and biting edges that enhance traction all help it perform reliably on the squishy substance, regardless of how thick it is.
Firestone’s decision to make this tire studdable means that you can also use the M/T2 on thick snow and ice, provided you have inserted the studs in the tread area. Furthermore, a uniformity warranty backing this model for the first 1/32” of wear is also on offer.
However, there is no treadwear warranty on this tire.
Pros
- Features a 3-ply sidewall
- Performs reliably in mud
- Can go all the way in harsh wintry conditions
Cons
- Zero treadwear warranty
#9. Hankook DynaPro HTRH12 – Best OE Tire
The Hankook DynaPro HTRH12 is proof that Ford usually gets it right when it comes to factory-installed tires on their vehicles. A major proof of this statement is a 70,000-mile warranty on this tire, which means you can easily get 5 to 6 years out of this model.
This highway tire was designed with city and highway driving in mind, which is why it has been paired with a computer-optimized tread design. One that optimizes road contact for better grip and even wear to help the HTH12 outlast its treadwear warranty.
A continuous center rib helps this model in more ways than one. It enhances straight-line tracking for a safe highway experience while also transmitting more feedback to the steering, which means a more responsive or, in other words, firm ride.
With its network of sipes and tread blocks, the HTRH12 should have no trouble evacuating water and keeping hydroplaning at an arm’s length. However, whether these two features will make it a reliable performer on snow is anybody’s guess.
That is to say that you cannot count on this model to do wonders in snow, with most users tagging its snow performance as below-average.
Pros
- Offers excellent all-season traction
- Gives a quiet and comfortable ride
- Delivers longer wear at an affordable price
Cons
Average snow performance
#10. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 – Best Winter Tire
The Blizzak DM-V2 was our favorite winter tire pick for Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevy Silverado. There is no reason why the Ford Ranger, which is a direct companion of many of the vehicles named above, cannot benefit from this model’s excellent winter performance.
A specialized tread compound that remains flexible in sub-zero temperatures, aggressive biting edges, and multiple circumferential grooves have all made this tire a reliable snow performer. However, the trio doesn’t deserve sole credit for this tire’s excellent winter performance.
MultiCell Technology, which traps snow to increase this model’s winter traction, is also why the DM-V2 can safely carry you from point A to point B on snow-laden roads. The combination of all these design elements makes this tire an excellent winter tire.
Still, there are areas where this model could do better. Drivers are often frustrated when they find out that the MultiCell structure, the bedrock of this model’s snow performance, only cover the first 55% of the tread depth, vanishing as soon as half of the tread is eaten up.
Yet, even if you drive 4 months on the snow, the treadwear will be minimal and the time at which the MultiCell structure expire far away. As such, you can expect the DM-V2 to deliver its original wet traction for years to come.
Pros
- Offers superb braking power
- Provides excellent traction on snow and ice
- Offers great hydroplaning resistance
Cons
- MultiCell structure covers only the first 55% of tread depth
Best Tires for Ford Ranger
Highway Tires
How do we know that highway tires are the best option for the average Ford Ranger driver? Ford’s decision to equip H/T tires on the 2022 Ranger is a massive clue. After all, if a manufacturer thinks certain type of tires are good for its vehicle, who are we to disagree.
Another reason we placed highway tires at the top of our list is because these models can enhance the qualities of your Ranger while playing down its shortcomings. So, expect comfortable ride quality, impressive fuel economy, and long treadlife from the above H/T tires.
All-Terrain Tires
All-terrain tires are a decent option for drivers who spend most of their time on the highway but also do light off-roading once in a while. These models’ tread compound is much stronger than that of H/T tires, making them a better option off the highway.
On the highway, though, things are different. It would be unwise to expect A/T tires to offer as much fuel economy as their highway counterparts. Furthermore, even the best all-terrain tires (like those mentioned above) cannot rival H/T models in terms of treadlife.
Mud-Terrain Tires
Mud-terrain tires will make for an excellent pick if you only use your Ford Ranger for off-roading. M/T tires are as good as useless on the road, with their loud road noise and almost non-existent traction on paved surfaces limiting their utility to off roads.
One thing you may want to note about mud-terrain tires is that they also perform admirably on rocky, sandy, and gravel terrains. So, just because their name contains ‘mud’ doesn’t mean that you cannot use these tires in other off-road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires should I put on my Ford Ranger?
Highway tires are the best option for most Ford Ranger drivers. These models offer excellent fuel economy, long treadlife, and impressive road manners. They are also more resistant to punctures than their touring counterparts and less noisy than all-terrain tires.
What size tires can I put on my Ford Ranger?
Depending on your Ford Ranger’s tire size, you can put 31×10.50R15, 225/70R15, 235/75R15, 235/70R16, or 255/70R16 size tires. Check your Ranger’s owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side to learn the recommended tire size.
Conclusion
Although it has received a lot of bad press over the years, nobody can deny that the Ford Ranger is a capable light-duty pickup truck. It has more than its fair share of qualities which you can enhance by pairing your Ranger with the right set of premium tires.
