The 7 Best Tires for Bumpy Roads

#1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 – Best Overall

What makes the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 one of the best tires for bumpy roads?

Start with its double-thick tread compound, which has given the T/A KO2 the toughness needed to avoid punctures on uneven terrains, which is what bumpy roads are all about. Plus, with steel belts strengthening it from inside, the tread compound lowers the risk of premature deformation.

For bumpy roads, you ideally need a tire with an aggressive tread pattern.

A tire with any other tread design won’t be able to grip the surface and provide adequate control. Luckily, with its deep and unique tread pattern, that’s precisely what the T/A KO2 does, improving your car’s handling and performance on uneven terrains.

Its reinforced sidewall further enhances this tire’s utility on rugged roads. Thanks to the strengthened sidewall, the T/A KO2 is less likely to lose its shape and collapse under the weight of your vehicle. This, in turn, all but eliminates the risk of tire blowouts.

Throw its 50,000-mile treadwear warranty into the mix, and you’d realize why we’re such fans of this tire. Though not unheard of, such an extended guarantee is rare to find on an all-terrain tire, giving you another reason to install the T/A KO2 on your vehicle.

#2. Michelin Defender LTX M/S

If you plan on driving long distances on paved roads, with some bumpy terrains in between, the Defender LTX M/S could be the tire for you.

Unlike our top pick, which comes with a cut- and chip-resistant tread compound, the Defender LTX M/S is supplemented with an all-season tread compound. One that has been molded into a symmetric tread pattern for a more comfortable ride on uneven terrain.

It isn’t just the tread compound or pattern that makes this tire suitable for bumpy roads. The small cuts in its tread blocks also play their part. Visible upon close inspection, these 3D sipes give this tire the traction needed to navigate rough road conditions.

That said, its wider-than-usual contact patch also makes this model a reliable performer on rough terrain. The contact patch allows this tire to maintain adequate road contact at all times, helping it boast short braking distances in challenging conditions.

To justify this tire’s astronomical asking price, Michelin backs it with a superb 70,000-mile treadwear coverage. You can thus rest assured that the Defender LTX M/S won’t need replacement anytime soon as long as you mainly use this tire for driving on the highway.

#3. Continental TerrainContact A/T

Spend most of your time behind the wheel driving on bad roads? If so, the Continental TerrainContact A/T ticks every box needed to become your top choice.

An open tread pattern supported by staggered tread blocks significantly enhances this tire’s traction and stability on bumpy roads. It also enhances this model’s performance for off-road use, making it a reliable performer for light off-road duty.

Befitting an all-terrain tire, the TerrainContact A/T has plenty of traction grooves and full-depth sipes decorating its tread area. Both design elements help it easily navigate challenging terrains while enhancing its wet and light-wintry performance.

Best of all, this model is M+S (Mud and Snow) rated. This means you can expect it to offer better handling on slippery surfaces. Also, since M+S-rated tires are made from higher quality materials than regular ones, you can expect more mileage too.

To further sweeten the deal, Continental backs this model with a 6-year/60,000-mile tread life warranty. The TerrainContact HT also comes with a one-year or first 2/32-inch road hazard warranty.

#4. Cooper Discoverer AT3

The Cooper Discoverer AT3 has the sturdy construction needed to handle the demands of rough terrain. It also offers the traction that will let your vehicle maintain control on bumpy roads. Plus, its shock absorption is good enough to lessen the impact of challenging conditions.

Start with the high-quality construction, which helps it eat up minor road disturbances as if they weren’t even there, to begin with. Plus, thanks to its sturdy internal construction, long trips on bumpy roads with this tire won’t raise the risk of premature deformation.

A combination of three design elements – silica tread compound, zigzag sipes, Cooper’s patented Saw Tooth Technology – has taken this tire’s traction through the roof. All three help create more biting edges for this model to latch onto, improving its grip on uneven surfaces.

The three design elements don’t just do their respective jobs. They also help this model’s aggressive tread pattern in making the AT3 a reliable performer on dirt, sand, gravel, and mud. Small wonder, then, that the Discoverer AT3 is one of the best all-terrain tires.  

#5. Falken Wildpeak AT3W

Three features make the Falken Wildpeak AT3W a reliable performer on bumpy roads.

A puncture-resistant sidewall justifies its name by minimizing the risk of sharp objects seen on the road penetrating this model’s rubber and bringing your journey to a halt. In addition, the sidewall has pores to minimize heat build-up and reduce the likelihood of blowouts.

Then there is the step-down etching. This design element provides the AT3W’s rubber with higher-than-average contact points with the road. In doing so, it improves this model’s handling on rough terrain, while also making it more resistant to wear and tear.

Next come the support ramps. These are wedges Falken has placed under the AT3W to provide this tire with additional stability and support. While their primary purpose is to keep a tire from developing flat spots when parked for long periods, support ramps also prevent uneven wear.

As Falken proudly claims, the LT-sized models of the AT3W have the deepest tread of any tire in this category. This is excellent news for those who drive on jagged roads. The deeper a tire’s tread, the more stable its performance will be on uneven terrains.

#6. Kumho Road Venture AT 51

Who says you must blow a hole in your pocket to enjoy a comfortable ride on bumpy roads? As the Kumho Road Venture AT51 proves, you can have the best of both worlds.

Its aggressive tread design offers the AT51 many points on bumpy roads. With its larger grooves, the tread pattern helps this tire offer a better grip on uneven surfaces. Plus, the deeper tread design improves this tire’s overall handling on bumpy roads.

Then come the big shoulder blocks. They not only improve the AT51’s cornering but also increase its road contact. The result? Increased stability on uneven surfaces for better control of the vehicle.

On top of everything else, the AT 51 has lateral and circumferential grooves. This is surprising (in a good way) as most tires come with one, not both. So, the fact that the AT51 has both water channels should translate into enhanced hydroplaning resistance.

#7. Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3

The Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 should be near the top of your tire wish list if you do a lot of your driving on uneven/bumpy surfaces.  

This model comes with the sipes (small slits in the tread) needed for adequate traction on potholed surfaces. It also has wider grooves than any of its all-season counterparts. These channels ensure quick evacuation of debris to reduce the risk of punctures.

A close inspection of its shoulder area should reveal staggered shoulder lugs. They help this tire maintain its grip while cornering to let you attack bends at speed. Plus, the lugs provide the Revo 3 with a large contact area, improving its handling on rough surfaces.

While designing this tire, Bridgestone knew that not every buyer would use it for off-roading. Hence why it used a 2-ply polyester casing on all sizes. The result is reduced durability in off-road scenarios. But you’ll get a tranquil and comfortable ride on the road.

Treadwear warranty is another area where the Revo 3 shines. Bridgestone has backed this model to last up to 60,000 miles, an excellent guarantee for an all-terrain tire.