Winter Tires or AT Recommendations

[AshlEH]

I'm a first time 4Runner owner. Previously had an AWD SUV that I only ever ran All Season tires on. I'm looking for recommendations and suggestions for either Winter or AT tires. Currently still have the factory all seasons on. I do minimal highway driving in my 4Runner as I have a work vehicle for commuting so I'm trying to decide whether to put ATs on that I don't have to switch out every season, or just buy winter tires and swap back to the all seasons come spring. If I put ATs on, I don't really do true off roading, just gravel or seasonal roads to get to camp sites.

If you recommend Winter tires, what are your go to's? Same with ATs.

Thanks in advance!

Sponsored

 

[MikeUtah]

I'm a first time 4Runner owner. Previously had an AWD SUV that I only ever ran All Season tires on. I'm looking for recommendations and suggestions for either Winter or AT tires. Currently still have the factory all seasons on. I do minimal highway driving in my 4Runner as I have a work vehicle for commuting so I'm trying to decide whether to put ATs on that I don't have to switch out every season, or just buy winter tires and swap back to the all seasons come spring. If I put ATs on, I don't really do true off roading, just gravel or seasonal roads to get to camp sites.

If you recommend Winter tires, what are your go to's? Same with ATs.

Thanks in advance!

I have lived in Utah for 25 years at an elevation of 7500’ where we get about 20’ of snow annually. This is my tire setup:

• Summer tires - Falken WildPeak A/T4W (off-road AT tire). I have used KO3 and others.
• I spend a little time off-roading in southern Utah on not too friendly roads!
• Winter tires - Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires (have an extra set of wheels)

My recommendation to you:

• If you live in an area of Utah where you get lots of snow, get an extra set of wheels and run Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires during the winter.
• If you do not get lots of snow and since you do not do any real off-road driving, I suggest you run On-Road AT tires, such as Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT. If you want something a little more 'rugged', I suggest a ‘non-aggressive’ Off-Road AT tire. Such as Toyo Open Country A/T III (SKU 356310) or Falken WildPeak A/T4W.
• For your use, stay away from tires like Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac (Rugged AT)

Just my two cents!

 

[Bulldog66]

I live in CO, other than college, my entire life. I am in my upper 50's. Ski a lot every year.
I use Open Country A/T III tires year around and have been through some rough winter driving. But if I was getting winter tires (which would be better) I would get Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 tires (maybe studded). This is because they maintain their grip through the tread life. While the Blizzaks do not, only about a third of the tread is the softer compound then they become all-seasons. Been there. Pretty terrible when they lose that top layer. Amazing new, that is why you see such great reviews and tests on them. For me driving so much to ski, they were one season tires.

Sponsored