Toyota 4Runner is well known for its outstanding off-road performance. Exploring all the tough terrain with Toyota 4Runner is only possible by choosing the perfect tires. Selecting the right tire for Toyota 4Runner will improve daily highway driving as well as off-road capability.
So, what are the best tires for a 4Runner? Specifically, choosing the best tires for a 4Runner depends on driving habits, terrain, weather, and your personal preferences. This comprehensive guide helps you find the best tires while delving into essential factors and incorporating insights from expert driving tests.
Here, we will list three distinct categories – Highway all-season, All-terrain, and Mud terrain tires – along with top tire reviews to help you determine which tires are best for your Toyota 4Runner. Let’s start.
Best Highway All-Season Tires for Toyota 4Runner
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Let’s introduce the first All-season tire for the Toyota 4Runner. These Michelin highway tires offer the ultimate combination of toughness, exceptional traction, and comfortable ride to complement your Toyota 4Runner.
We firmly believe that Michelin does an outstanding job producing tires with cutting-edge technologies. Their commitment to innovation ensures that their tires deliver exceptional performance and reliability, making them a top choice for various driving needs
The independent tread block and symmetric tread pattern indicate all-season tires. Besides that, this tread pattern offers the best traction on both dry and wet surfaces.
According to my research, the Max Touch construction of Defender LTX increases friction between the road and tires. Also, it is the reason for less fuel consumption. With their specialized design, these tires are highly regarded as dry tarmac tires, ensuring enhanced steering and handling capabilities on dry roads.
The standout feature of all-season tires is their superior traction on wet roads, but the Defender LTX goes above and beyond. Its innovative 3D active sipes provide remarkable grip on wet surfaces, while the tread design’s lateral grooves rapidly disperse water, effectively preventing hydroplaning. With such unparalleled wet traction, no other tire can rival the performance of the Defender LTX.
While the Defender LTX delivers commendable performance on light snow roads, it may not match the capabilities of other highway tires when tested on deep snowy terrain or off-road conditions. Its grip and handling are best suited for milder winter conditions and paved surfaces.
The Defender LTX has garnered high praise for delivering a safe and exceptionally comfortable driving experience. Thanks to its innovative Comfort Control Technology, drivers can enjoy a vibration-free and quiet ride, promoting a sense of tranquility on the road. Additionally, the incorporation of twin steel belts effectively prevents tire deformation under pressure, further ensuring a secure and pleasurable driving experience.
What about durability? Since it has EverTread technology and advanced rubber compound, you will not need to change your tires frequently. This technology is built to have less tear and wear, enhancing the tread’s lifespan. Also, it has a 70k miles warranty, which is higher than other all-season tires.
Pros:
- Excellent grip on dry and wet roads.
- Smooth riding performance on an abrasive surface
- Good grip on light snowy roads.
- Having a vibration-free and quieter ride.
- Better fuel efficiency.
- Better durability and treadwear warranty.
Cons.
- Not recommended for deep snow and rocky roads
- Higher price.
Firestone Destination LE3
Introducing the exceptional Firestone Destination LE3 tire perfectly suited for your Toyota 4Runner due to its outstanding performance in challenging circumstances. Its enduring durability ensures that you can rely on its exceptional capabilities for miles and miles without fail.
We are going to start by revealing the most eagerly anticipated tire features for the Toyota 4runner. The Destination LE3 showcases an exceptional capability to maintain stable traction on challenging roads even at high speeds, courtesy of its cutting-edge TractionTech technology.
Our research indicates that it offers even better traction on dry roads than Michelin Defender. The special reason for better traction on dry tarmac is the tread design with 3D sipes and full tread depth.
We were impressed with the Destination LE3’s steering and handling performance. The tire’s steering response is highly impressive, even during mid-road maneuvers. With a softer compound that flexes effortlessly around corners and while braking, it earns a well-deserved 9/10 rating for its swift steering and exceptional handling during cornering.
Surpassing our expectations, the LE3 version of this tire has admirably addressed its wet traction performance, effectively overcoming the limitations of its predecessor, the LE2. The manufacturers have made remarkable improvements, rendering it a superior choice for wet road conditions.
The Hydro-Grip technology in these Firestone tires actually improves handling and grip on slippery and muddy roads. But these tires have fewer sipes than Michelin tires, resulting in relatively less traction on wet roads when compared to Michelin.
Firestone tires are best for a quieter ride because of Whisper Grooves Technology. While they may generate some sound at high speeds, it remains negligible as long as the tire has good insulation. In fact, the Destination LE3 stands out as a clear winner over the Defender LTX for offering a smoother and quieter driving experience on the roads.
There’s hard competition for comfort when it’s the Firestone tires. It offers a firm ride even in tough conditions, with less rolling resistance and hence better fuel efficiency.
However, in terms of overall comfort performance, they can’t quite compete with the exceptional capabilities of the Defender LTX.
And, lastly, it’s all about treadwear warranty! It provides a warranty of only 50,000 miles, which is less than Michelin tires. There is no smart technology like Max Touch that can stop wear, tear, and chipping. With its 2-ply polyester, 2 steel belts, and a layer of nylon, it effectively prevents uneven wear, tear, and deformation, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliable performance on the road.
Pros:
- Perfect for dry road performance
- Better steering and handling feel.
- Quieter ride at high speed.
- Better traction on wet roads
- Smoothly drive on light snow
- Available at an affordable price.
Cons:
- Less comfortable ride
- Not having a superior grip on wet roads.
Continental Terrain Contact H/T
Now, we introduce you to the big blast of this segment. The king of all-season tires is Continental Terrain Contact H/T. You can smoothly ride your Toyota 4runner with the fastest Continental tires, giving you extra traction on all terrain.
Almost every review shows this tire as a masterpiece for superior traction on dry and wet roads. Basically, its super-fast performance makes it a champ.
They offer better efficiency in dry performance because of the wider tread voids and the more blocky shoulder lugs. These things help this tire get superior control over handling and steering and thus get better dry performance and super speed. In this category, they have proven their dominance over the Michelin tires.
Will it satisfy your needs regarding winter traction? Yeah! It has better snow-grabbing abilities than Michelin Defender tires. The longitudinal grooves and interlocking central voids are enough to handle snow better.
Continental tires again beat all-season tires with better off-road performance. The interlocking central biters supply grip on tough angles and sidewall lugs reduce PSI, enhancing climbing abilities.
When it comes to comfort on bumpy roads, the Continental tires fall short. The tire’s stiff compound struggles to handle uneven and dirty-filled roads, making it less suitable for providing a smooth and comfortable ride on such surfaces.
On the other hand, when it comes to noise, Continental tires are the quietest all-season tires. Thanks to the innovative “Pitch sequencing technology,” these tires effectively minimize noise levels, ensuring a quieter and more pleasant driving experience.
With a robust warranty of 60,000 miles, Continental tires exemplify their firm commitment to providing long-lasting performance and unwavering reliability to meet your driving needs.
Pros:
- Super fast tires
- Quieter than other all-season tires
- Superior traction on dry surfaces
- Better winter traction
- Better off-road performance
Cons:
- More fuel consumption than Michelin tires
- Less comfortable riding on bumpy roads
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
This Goodyear Wrangler will be best for Toyota 4runner as it covers all the features missing in most all-season tires.
While having a better grip on dry and wet roads is expected, this tire goes above and beyond, offering superior snow traction and outstanding off-road performance as well. Its design includes 30% more tensile steel and two Kevlar layers, ensuring exceptional grip on snowy roads. The added Kevlar layers not only enhance durability but also incorporate Durawall Technology, which helps make the tire’s sidewall more resilient to punctuations, ultimately resulting in remarkable off-road capabilities that will leave you amazed.
The symmetric tread pattern also allows a good grip on wet and rocky surfaces. However, like other all-season tires, average steering and handling performance can be expected in deep mud or heavy snow conditions.
Despite their many positive attributes, it’s worth mentioning that these tires can be slightly noisy at high speeds. However, it’s important to note that the noise level is not overly bothersome and is well within acceptable limits.
Pros:
- The best for off-road performance.
- Superior grip on light snowy roads.
- Decent handling and steering response on light terrain.
- Better traction on dry and wet roads.
- 60,000 miles treadwear warranty
Cons:
- It can be noisy at high speeds.
- Not recommended for better traction in deep mud and snow terrain.
Best All-Terrain Tires for Toyota 4Runner
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Meet the BFGoodrich KO2, which is globally considered to be the toughest all-terrain tire available! Its performance is amazing in all terrains, with unique technology and features.
Your Toyota 4runner will have stunning on-road and off-road capabilities. It has the best grip to handle, and superb year-round traction. The steering response is higher than other A/T tires. It has 3D sipes that offer exceptional bite for easily navigating through snow, ice, or wet conditions.
Besides, BFG KO2 is equipped with CoreGuard Technology, which enhances the toughness and durability to handle rocky surfaces. The serrated shoulder and side bitter lugs are also the reason. As a result, you can expect superior off-road performance.
There are many more advantages with new features of interlocking tread design and the stone injector to reduce uneven wear and improve treadwear durability.
Pros:
- Superior traction on snow and mud terrain
- Excellent performance on dry and wet roads.
- The best for off-road traction
- Exceptional toughness and durability.
- Quietest and smoothest ride.
- Decent steering and cornering performance
Cons:
- Heavy weight can create noise.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
Let’s move to another masterpiece tire, the Yokohama Geolandar, a tire designed to perfectly suit your Toyota 4Runner.
While BFG KO2 tires are renowned for their exceptional performance across various terrains, the Geolandar has managed to surpass them, earning a notable advantage as well!
Geolandar tires shine with their remarkable off-road performance, even outperforming the renowned BFG KO2. This is primarily due to their wider grooves and higher void ratio, providing superior traction in challenging terrains.
While they may not match the on-road performance of BFG KO2, Geolandar tires impress with their enhanced responsiveness and feedback, making them a standout choice for adventurous driving experiences.
Geolander is the best snow tire that also defeats the snow performance of KO2. This tire offers exceptional grip across dry, wet, and snowy terrains, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience year-round.
What about durability? The tires feature EnduroCore Construction Technology that helps maximize durability and strength when carrying heavy loads.
You can expect a comfortable ride with less noise. In fact, it will be a more comfortable option than KO2.
Pros:
- Superior snow traction
- Perfect for off-road performance
- Decent steering and handling performance
- Good grip on dry and wet traction
- Quieter ride
- 65,000 miles treadwear warranty
Cons:
- Higher price
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
We are very glad to announce the 3rd A/T tire for its brilliant construction and technology features. You can expect both on-road and off-road performance with these durable tires at a very reasonable price.
The interesting feature of this Falken Wildpeak tire is the Heat Diffuser Technology. When used, this special feature keeps the tire from overheating. This way, it prevents unwanted deformation of tires and enhances their durability.
It has comparable wet and dry traction to BFG KO2. Also, its functional design with ample tread depth provides better handling in difficult weather. It’s worth noting that the Falken Wildpeak tires may produce more noise compared to BFG KO2.
The off-road performance of Falken Wildpeak is absolutely superior. Even better than BFG KO2, its stepped block and wide space design can handle any difficult terrain like mud or rock.
It has a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating which ensures that the tire is tested and has met the criteria for capable performance under harsh winter conditions. It will provide excellent grip and superior traction on snowy roads. Moreover, the combination of an affordable price and an extended 55,000 miles treadwear warranty adds even more appeal, providing drivers with both performance and value for their budget.
Pros:
- Durable and tough tire
- Superior in both on-road and off-road performance
- Strong traction on snowy roads.
- Maximizes the handling and steering
- Reasonable price
- 55,000 miles treadwear warranty
Cons.
- It can be noisy at high speed
Vredestein Pinza AT
In this segment, the last tire, the Vredestein Pinza, is especially suited for the 4Runner if you expect comfortable and smooth ride performance.
The best thing we have noticed is that it is the quietest all-terrain tire. It has an optimized lug design and symmetrical tread that lowers noise even at high speeds. The center rib and strong shoulder blocks make this tire very responsive.
Overall, the wet traction of the Vredestein tire appears to be average. Like Falken Wildpeak, Vredestein tire also has the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on its sidewall, ensuring its great traction and overall confident performance in snowy conditions.
The tires handle any gravel or dirt surface due to their Jointless Hexabead Technology. The tires will remain cool even in tough terrain. But it can’t pass smoothly on deep mud or rocky surfaces.
When it comes to treadwear warranties, Vredestein stands out with its impressive offering of a 70,000 miles treadwear warranty.
Pros:
- Very quiet tire
- Comfortable and smooth performance
- Better on-road performance
- Better cornering stability
- Superior for light snow traction
- 70,000 miles treadwear warranty
Cons:
- Hydroplaning resistance could be better.
Best Mud Terrain Tires for Toyota 4Runner
General Grabber X3
Grabber X3 brings superior off-road capabilities and on-road performance, surpassing the challenges that often stump other mud terrain tires.
Due to having Duragen Technology with a three-ply body casing and twin ultra-high strength steel belts, it offers maximum durability.
It provides superior traction on hard-packed surfaces as well as muddy terrain. Plus, it handles the rocky surface more carefully. Rest assured about the on-road performance as these tires exhibit excellent grip on dry tarmac. However, it’s essential to note that the steering may not feel as direct, making cornering a bit more challenging compared to other tires.
When it comes to rainy weather, the tire’s wet traction performance may not be ideal for high-speed driving. Additionally, its snow traction performance is rated as average.
Pros:
- Superior traction on deep mud and rocky terrain
- Maximum durability
- Good grip on unpacked snow
- Less noisy than other M/T tires.
- Comfortable and smoother rider
Cons:
- The steering doesn’t feel direct
- Performs poorly in deep snow and rainy weather
Firestone Destination M/T2
Firestone Destination M/T2 will impress you with remarkable off-road performance. However, it’s important to consider the on-road performance aspects as well to ensure a well-rounded driving experience.
Destination M/T2 features a high void tread pattern that provides superior grip on deep mud, rock, sand, or gravel surfaces. The tread block also features a 23-degree attack angle, providing more traction.
While these tires excel in many areas, they could benefit from improved traction on dry tarmac. On the positive side, the steering performance is incredibly steady, firm, and linear, providing a sense of control in various road conditions. The wet traction is rated as average but still manages to offer a good grip, instilling confidence in wet-weather driving.
The snow traction of these tires performs better on overpacked snow, while it may not be as effective on under-packed snow. Additionally, it’s worth noting that this tire tends to be noisier compared to the Grabber X3 model.
Pros:
- Outstanding off-road performance
- Good Steering performance
- Smooth road performance
- Durable and tough
Cons:
- On-road performance is low
- Can be noisy
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
Introducing these outstanding mud terrain tires that excel both off-road and on-road, delivering an exceptional driving experience! With its impressive capabilities, the BFG KM3 tire undoubtedly emerges as the best choice for the 4Runner.
Due to its higher contact patch, KM3 provides a better grip on dry tarmac than Grabber X3. Its wet traction could be improved, but it is still decent as you can easily maneuver your vehicle back in line. Furthermore, it remains reliable and dependable for various road conditions.
It can handle light snow better than other mud terrain tires. However, when it comes to deep snow and ice, its traction may not be as superior. In terms of mud performance, the Grabber X3 outshines the BFGoodrich KM3 due to its wider grooves, providing better assistance in tackling deep mud conditions.
Pros:
- Exceptional grip on rough, muddy, and rocky terrain
- Extremely tough and durable
- Short stoppage distance on dry and wet roads
- A good amount of tread life
- Great sidewall protection and tear resistance
Cons:
- Some noise is inevitable due to its strong design
- Fairly costly
Conclusion
After extensive investigation and analysis, we were able to make an informed decision regarding the best tires for the Toyota 4Runner.
We highly recommend the Continental Terrain Contact H/T, as it excels in providing traction on highways while also delivering impressive off-road performance. With this tire, you won’t have to worry about changing tires for the next season! It’s a brilliant choice, in our opinion.
However, if your primary focus is on off-road performance, then the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is the ultimate choice. Its capabilities in off-road conditions are unmatched.
With all of these significant insights in mind, we hope we have helped you solidify your choice regarding the best tire for your Toyota 4Runner. Drive safe!