Toyota Tundra is an excellent vehicle for every terrain. A rugged exterior, competitive horsepower and torque, and remarkable coil-spring rear suspension make sure that you don’t yearn for the absent V-8 engine while driving this full-size pickup truck on the off roads.
On the highway, its comfortable ride quality, 14-inch touchscreen, and easy-to-use controls almost make you forget that you’re driving a pickup truck. That is especially so with the 2022 Tundra, which has received significant updates to steering, transmission, and suspension.
All the above qualities won’t amount to much if you pair your Tundra with the wrong set of tires, though. Lousy rubber will take a toll on this vehicle’s drive quality. In doing so, it will deprive this light pickup truck of one of its strongest selling points vis-à-vis its competitors.
That is why we have come up with this comprehensive guide. In the following paragraphs, we’ll rate and review the 9 best tires for Toyota Tundra. Apart from pinpointing specific models, we’ll disclose the tire types that work best with this light truck. Read on for more.
#1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 – Best Tire Overall
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 ticks all the boxes to be one of the best tires for Toyota Tundra. A double-thick tread compound reinforced with internal steel belts helps it perform at its best on soft, loose, and hard surfaces. The combo has also made this tire highly rugged.
A Tri-Gard sidewall design looks as thick as the rubber used in this tire’s construction. It wins you over by not allowing stones, rocks, or other sharp objects to penetrate. The added thickness of the sidewall also ensures greater steering feedback for a better road feel.
The T/A KO2 also comes with side-biter lugs and mud buster bars. The lugs give this model the traction that could help any tire excel in (light) snow. As for the mud buster bars, they do what their name implies – break down thick chunks of mud into small particles for easy cleaning.
Make sure to air down this tire if/when you intend to use it for rock crawling. Doing that will give the tread the kind of flexibility needed to scale heights reliably.
Unfortunately, there are two areas where this model could be better. Firstly, this model is nowhere near quiet, especially during off-roading. Also, the sheer thickness of the tread compound and the sidewall design have made it heavy, thus hurting its fuel economy.
Pros
- Tough and durable tread
- Brilliant off-road performance
- Very, very impressive treadlife
Cons
- Could get noisy at high speeds on gravel
#2. Continental TerrainContact A/T – Best Runner Up
The Continental TerrainContact A/T rivals our top pick on various counts. This all-terrain tire performs as reliably on mud, gravel, and slush as the T/A KO2. Its wet and snow or ice performance are equally good. Plus, you can safely use this tire on mud, slush, and gravel.
Yet there are two reasons why we prefer the T/A KO2 over this model. The first is that this model costs more than its above competitor. Secondly, while our top pick is one of the best tires for rock crawling, the TerrainContact A/T isn’t for extreme off-roading.
That is not to say that this model is rubbish. An open-tread design supplemented with stable tread blocks gives it excellent stability over pebble-strewn tracks. Furthermore, Continental’s TractionPlus Technology keeps skidding or slipping at bay on wet/snowy roads.
Multiple deep biting edges help it plow through mud and slush, with a puncture-resistant sidewall giving all the feedback you could hope for at the steering. What’s more, this model is warrantied for 60,000 miles, 10,000-mile extra than the above T/A KO2.
Which of the two tires should you go for, then? If you’re an off-road enthusiast, the T/A KO2 might prove to be a better pick. Conversely, if you’re looking for the sort of all-terrain tire that won’t be loud during everyday driving, go for the Terrain Contact A/T.
Pros
- Backed with a 60,000-mile treadlife warranty
- Reliable traction for gravel, mud, slush, and light snow
- Comes with treadwear indicators
Cons
- Not the most fuel-efficient
#3. Michelin Defender LTX M/S – Best Runner Up
Not everyone will be using their Toyota Tundra to conquer harsh terrains. A vast majority of drivers use this light-duty pickup truck on the highway. If you also belong to the 2nd category of Toyota Tundra users, the Defender LTX M/S should be on your wish list.
Its symmetric tread pattern will help your Tundra’s coil-ring rear suspension, offering you a plush ride on the road. At the same time, the tread pattern will ensure maximum road contact for reduced road vibrations. Road noise is also low with this model.
Wet traction is another strong suit of the LTX M/S. That is mainly due to the four circumferential grooves, which see to it that every last drop of water inside the tread area is evacuated quickly and effectively. The result is an enhanced hydroplaning resistance.
MaxTouch Construction is why Michelin backs this model’s tread to last up to 70,000 miles. It expands the contact patch for a more even distribution of pressure forces your Tundra will put on this tire. As a result, this tire’s tread can outlast its excellent rated life.
Lastly, the fact that this model comes in 76 sizes means you can fit it on almost every trim of the Tundra, from the base SR version to the 1974 Hybrid Edition. Still, to be on the safe side, inspect your Tundra’s owner’s manual to check its recommended tire size.
Pros
- Available in a large number of sizes
- Backed with an excellent 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Superb hydroplaning resistance
- Excellent levels of grip in dry and wet conditions
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#4. General Grabber HTS 60 – Best Mid-Range Highway Tire
The General Grabber HTS 60 is another excellent highway tire for Toyota Tundra. This model offers excellent year-round performance, resists punctures effortlessly, and comes with a reasonable treadwear warranty. Best of all, its price point is mid-range.
A cut- and chip-resistant tread compound handles this model in more ways than one. It has strengthened the rubber to resist the penetration of sharp objects and minimize the risk of punctures. The tread compound also allows this model to tow and haul heavy loads.
Even though it’s a highway tire through and through, the HTS 60’s ride will make you feel like you’re driving an all-season touring model. The credit for its plush ride goes to the vehicle-tuned tread pattern, which deflects road noise and absorbs road vibrations.
While browsing this tire’s wide range of sizes, you might notice that it comes in two versions. The lighter version (which has a smaller load rating) is better for everyday use. For hauling the heavy stuff, the HTS 60 with a higher load rating can prove to be ideal.
It isn’t recommended to use this tire on snow, though. That is because it doesn’t have biting edges, which are crucial for reliable performance in wintry conditions.
Pros
- Available at a mid-range price point
- Backed with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Provides excellent high-speed stability
Cons
- Isn’t a reliable performer on snow
#5. Kumho Crugen HT51 – Best Budget Highway Tire
The Kumho Crugen HT51 is only cheap in its asking price. This model’s dry and wet performance, road manners, and treadlife warranty are as good as those of premium tires. Its high-speed stability is another quality that won’t let you guess its actual asking price.
Start with the dry and wet performance. An all-season rubber compound offers the right mix of flexibility and firmness to help this model stay useful year-round. Plus, due to the biting edges, you can also count on this tire to keep you safe on light snow and ice.
Speaking of snow and ice, the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Symbol makes sure that even harsh wintry conditions won’t be a problem for this tire. That is something you don’t usually expect from highway tires, even those that are super-pricey.
This model’s road manners are equally good. A symmetric tread pattern and wide grooves enable it to maximize surface contact, smoothening road imperfections. As for noise, this model’s growl isn’t something the engine’s noise won’t drown out.
Throw its 70,000-mile treadwear warranty into the mix, and it might seem that there is nothing wrong with this highway tire. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. This model reportedly offers nervous handling in rainy conditions, requiring you to monitor your speed.
Pros
- Offers smooth ride on the highway
- Provides a vibration-free and quiet driving experience
- Up to 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
Cons
- Wet performance isn’t the best in class
#6. Toyo Open Country A/T III – Best for Off-Roading
If you are wondering why we didn’t recommend this tire’s predecessor for Tundra, check out our comprehensive Open Country AT II Vs. AT III comparison. However, if you’re short of time, read the upcoming paragraphs to get a crux of our main argument in favor of this tire.
In contrast to the A/T II, this model doesn’t struggle on damp roads. An upgrade received by its rubber compound allows it to excel in rainy conditions. Plus, the addition of extra grooves helps it with water evacuation, keeping the risk of hydroplaning at negligible levels.
Another area where this model has the edge over its predecessor is road noise. While the A/T II wasn’t loud per se, this model is super-quiet, especially on the highway. You and your fellow passengers won’t have to close the windows or wear earplugs to block outside noise.
The presence of the 3PMSF emblem means this model will perform reliably on snow. A cut- and chip-resistant tread compound minimizes the risks of punctures, with a reinforced sidewall enhancing road feedback. The sidewall’s thickness is why this model’s ride might feel firm.
Best of all, the Open Country A/T III comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty. This means you can count on this tire not to require replacement for the next 3 or 4 years.
Pros
- utstanding (65,000-mile) treadwear warranty
- Comes with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake logo
- Performs reliably in a variety of off-road conditions
Cons
- Costs more than its predecessor
#7. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure – Best for Road Grip
Reliable off-road performance? Check. Long treadwear warranty? Present. Usable in harsh wintry conditions? Yes. Improvements over the previous version? Absolutely. Small wonder then that the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure has a place on this list.
A relatively soft tread compound isn’t something you usually expect to see on an all-terrain tire. But given what it has done with this tire – the tread compound enables this model to grip dry and wet roads in a sure-footed manner – other A/T models are definitely missing out.
Goodyear was aware of the variety of terrains this tire would be asked to perform on. That’s why it has equipped the soft tread compound with a layer of DuPont Kevlar. The extra layer has increased the rubber’s resistance to cuts, chips, nicks, and punctures.
While the DuPont Kevlar takes care of the tread compound, the DuraWall Technology shields the sidewall from punctures. A 60,000-mile treadwear warranty and the 3PMSF symbol are two more sweeteners Goodyear has thrown in to entice you towards this tire.
One thing you might want to note before ordering this tire: it comes in two versions, and only the LT model is recommended for Toyota Tundra. The other model (P) isn’t the one we recommend because it doesn’t come with the 3PMSF emblem.
Pros
- Backed for 60,000 miles
- Very useful in light snow
- Rides comfortably and quietly
Cons
- Not the best option for large sand duness
#8. Cooper Discoverer HTP – Best Summer Tires
The Cooper Discoverer HTP is one of the more affordable Toyota Tundra tires. Despite its pocket-friendly asking price, this model offers all the bells and whistles you get from its premium counterparts, such as reliable performance, long treadlife, and good wet traction.
A computer-optimized tread pattern soaks up road vibrations before they could reach the cabin, helping this tire offering a plush riding experience. That’s not all. The tread pattern also deflects road noise, helping you enjoy the highway ride in almost total silence.
The coming together of biting edges and serpentine sipes has enhanced this model’s wet traction and in doing so shortened the braking distances. The combo gets help from the longitudinal grooves running along the length of the tire, which aid in water evacuation.
A 65,000-mile treadwear warranty is beyond-impressive, as it means you can get 4 to 5 years out of this tire with regular highway use. For the sake of comparison, this warranty is only 5,000 miles smaller than the Defender LTX M/S, our top highway tire pick for the Tundra.
Why then did this highway tire not feature any higher? Mainly because its high-speed stability is a bit lackluster when you compare it with that of premium tires. Had that not been the case, the Discoverer HTP would have given some serious competition to its pricey rivals.
Pros
- Comes in at a budget price point
- Offers decent treadwear warranty for the price
- Provides excellent wet traction
Cons
- Struggles at high-speed cornering
#9. Michelin Latitude X-Ice XI2 – Best Winter Tires
The Michelin Latitude X-Ice XI2 offers everything you might expect from a dedicated winter tire. A super-flexible tread compound ensures you don’t feel the need of studs when driving over snow. The tread compound’s flexibility will help this tire plow through snow and ice.
In contrast to other winter tires, the X-Ice XI2 doesn’t get unstable at high speeds. Want to know why? Michelin’s Cross Z-Sipes TM Technology lock the sipes while you’re cruising. This stabilizes the tread blocks, which, in turn, increases road contact for better road grip.
As a result, this tire’s braking distances are among the shortest in its class, reducing the risk of your Tundra bumping into the vehicle right in front of yours. Furthermore, a continuous center rib improves its handling over dry roads, an impressive feat for a winter tire.
A 60,000-mile treadwear warranty is another thing you don’t normally get from a winter tire, most of whom come with zero treadwear warranty. Though, given the price Michelin is charging for this tire, anything less may have proved to be a deal-breaker.
Pros
- Performs reliably in harsh wintry conditions
- Is incredibly stable at snow- and ice-laden roads
- Backed with a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty
Cons
Snow performance might take a hit after some time
Best Tires for Toyota Tundra
Highway Tires
Highway tires offer you the kind of comfort passenger car owners get from touring tires. Their road manners aren’t the only thing that unites them with their touring counterparts. These tires are equally useful year round and come with solid treadwear warranties.
The only difference between highway and touring tires – and one that rules out touring tires as an option for the Toyota Tundra – is that highway tires come with a higher load rating. This makes them better placed to withstand the weight of this truck.
All-Terrain
All-terrain tires do what their name implies: they perform reliably on the highway and in mud, slush, gravel, and even ice. Some of them are great for rock-crawling too. However, in most cases, these tires struggle on rocky terrains. You should thus use them on other terrains only.
These models offer excellent puncture-resistance, tread life and dry/wet performance. Furthermore, they are more resistant to punctures than highway tires. All in all, A/T tires are worth a shot if you do mostly drive on the highway with some light off-roading every now and then.
Winter Tires
Winter tires are a non-negotiable requirement if your area receives more than its fair share of snow. Their super-flexible tread compound, plethora of biting edges, and multiple circumferential grooves help them perform well in harsh conditions in which A/T tires will struggle.
That said, you don’t need to install winter tires on your Tundra after the first snow of the season, provided if you’re already using all-terrain tires. In light snow and ice, an A/T tire will be as good as a dedicated winter tire. It’s only on snow-laden roads that you should opt for winter tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires come standard on Toyota Tundra?
Here are the standard tire sizes for the Toyota Tundra:
- 2000 – 2006: 245/70 R16; 265/70 R16265/65 R17; 275/55 R18
- 2007 – 2013: 285/70 R17; 255/70 R18; 275/65 R18; 275/55 R20
- 2014-2021: 285/70 R17; 255/70 R18; 275/65 R18; 275/55 R20
- 2022: 285/65R-18; 265/60R-20
What tires should I get for my Tundra?
The tires you should get for your Tundra depends on your driving style, the road and weather conditions you drive in, and your needs.
Highway tires might prove to be an excellent option for everyday driving on paved roads. However, for light off-roading every now and then, all-terrain tires might be better.
What tires come standard on the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro?
The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro comes with 285/65R-18 116T M+S Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires.
These all-terrain tires are decent in that they offer excellent snow performance, have surprisingly low noise levels, and very good dry/wet performance. Plus, they come with a 55,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Conclusion
The Toyota Tundra is an extremely capable light-duty truck. To make the most of its qualities, make sure to pair it with a set of premium tires. Cheap models won’t only hurt this vehicle’s ride quality but might also require relatively quick replacement, thus proving to be as expensive in the long run.
