Goodyear Wrangler ArmorTrac Tire Review and Rating

Starting off with the all-season part, Goodyear used a rubber compound that can be usable in winter conditions. If I had to guess, the company took the popular approach of enriching the rubber compound with silica to make it more pliable in the cold.

For the road performance, there are several features that should help it achieve the performance Goodyear claims. The symmetric tread pattern and the grooves are designed to help the tire keep water away from the blocks. Keeping the blocks in contact with the road at all times is ideal for better traction. The sipes around the sides of the tires are there to evacuate the water more efficiently and improve traction. 

Dry performance should be good, thanks to the increased thread blocks. Their goal is to provide a bigger contact patch with the road, thus increasing traction and grip.

On the off-road side of things, the Wrangler ArmorTrac is designed with an open tread pattern, which should help in multiple scenarios. Goodyear created a better void to tread ratio, meaning that it should be better at self-cleaning, ensuring consistent performance.

The tire is designed with a rim protector from the side, which should help keep the wheels undamaged in non-ideal situations. To ensure durability, the tire is reinforced with two steel belts, meaning that even in rock crawling situations, the tire should be fine.

How does it behave on dry tarmac?

For an all-terrain tire, the Wrangler ArmorTrac is a decent performer on dry roads. It doesn’t blow the competition out of the water, but it’s pretty good.

Traction and grip levels are above average for its class. Yes, there are better performing all-terrain tires in the premium segment, and you will notice that if you start to push it. For everyday driving or maybe slightly aggressive, most people probably won’t notice any difference.

The grip is pretty good in the corners, but you will notice the sidewall flexing slightly, which isn’t as pronounced as with some of its rivals.

On the steering side of things, the Wrangler ArmorTrac gets the job done and won’t thrill any enthusiasts. While it is decently responsive, you shouldn’t expect it to be racetrack-ready.

Braking is also not an issue, as the stopping distances are above average in its class.

How does it behave over wet and slippery roads?

On wet roads, the Wrangler ArmorTrac performs just as it does on dry ones – above average. 

The technology and design that Goodyear put into the tire paid off and enabled it to perform well. Traction will not be an issue, even if you get a bit carried away with the gas pedal. Eventually, it will start to slip, but you probably won’t feel it under usual driving conditions.

Cornering grip is another area where the Wrangler ArmorTrac performs pretty well. It will remain planted in the corners as long as you drive normally. 

For evacuating water, the grooves and sipes work well, and the tire has excellent aquaplaning resistance. Even bigger water patches won’t be a problem, as the Wrangler ArmorTrac will remain stable even at higher speeds.

How is it over snow?

The Wrangler ArmorTrac is a decent snow performer, falling a bit behind the dedicated winter tires. 

In lighter conditions, the tire performs pretty good, considering that it’s an all-season tire. Thanks to the tread design, it can dig into the snow and provide decent traction. Slush also won’t be a problem as the tire can clean the grooves pretty well and offer plenty of performance.

Deeper snow will post a slight problem, and you will feel the tire slipping a bit more. It’s not unsafe in this regard, but you shouldn’t expect loads of performance. 

As a result, braking distances are decently short but not as short as some of the other contenders in this category.

Is it comfortable and refined?

In terms of comfort and refinement, the Wrangler ArmorTrac is a bit disappointing, and I think Goodyear could have done more.

In general, the ride comfort isn’t terrible, and the tire does an okay job at ironing out road imperfections. The problem is that, at times, the ride feels a bit harsh. As a result, you will notice a bit more vibrations into the cabin when driving on uneven roads.

Noise levels are also not the tire’s strong suit. Even though tires designed to go off-road are not the quietest ones, the Wrangler ArmorTrac is a bit louder. It’s far from obnoxiously loud like some other tires I’ve tested, but it falls behind its premium counterparts.

Is it good for off-roading?

Yes, the Wrangler ArmorTrac is designed for off-roading, and it does that pretty well.

For the lighter conditions, dirt roads will not be a problem, as the tire will offer plenty of performance. Mud or sand is not an issue, thanks to the tread design and grooves. Even if you get into a deeper mud patch, the Wrangler ArmorTrac will get you out of it.

In some more extreme situations, the tire will begin to struggle, in which case you’ll want a proper off-road model. 

Is the Goodyear Wrangler ArmorTrac ideal for sporty driving?

No, the Wrangler ArmorTrac is not a tire that you should consider if you’re after some sporty performance.

The first problem is that SUVs and trucks aren’t designed for that in most cases. The second problem is that the tire cannot handle getting pushed around. It doesn’t have the performance for that, and it won’t provide you with the driving experience you want. 

Goodyear Wrangler ArmorTrac Warranty

In some cases, tires designed for off-roading don’t come with a warranty, which isn’t the case with the Wrangler ArmorTrac. Goodyear offers a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty for the first 6 years, which means that you are looking at a pretty durable tire.

Goodyear Wrangler ArmorTrac Pricing: Is it worth the money?

I believe that the Wrangler ArmorTrac is a tire with an excellent price-per-performance ratio. The starting price is a little under $120, which may sound like much, but in reality, it isn’t. Some premium all-terrain tires come with a higher price tag and offer better performance. The thing I like about this tire is that the performance is almost as good, but the price is relatively lower.

Should I buy the Goodyear Wrangler ArmorTrac?