Best All-Terrain Tires for the 4Runner: 6 Compared (5th & 6th Gen)

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The short answer

If you just want the answer: for most 5th and 6th gen 4Runner owners, the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 are the two to decide between. The Falken is the better wet-weather and snow tire with the longer warranty. The KO3 has the tougher sidewall story and the stronger rock-crawling reputation. After those two, it depends on how you use your truck: the Toyo Open Country A/T III is the lightest and easiest to live with, the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT is the quietest on pavement, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is the most aggressive true all-terrain here, and the Nitto Ridge Grappler is the pick when looks and trail grip matter more than winter ratings.

Every tire below is current production, fits 5th gen (2010–2024) and 6th gen (2025–2026) 4Runners in the sizes owners actually run, and is covered the way owners talk about it — what it's like to live with, not just the spec sheet.

Quick picks

Tire	Best for	Snow rated (3PMSF)	Treadwear warranty
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W	Best all-around; wet roads and snow	Yes	65,000 mi (non-LT) / 60,000 mi (LT)
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3	Rock, gravel, sidewall toughness	Yes	50,000 mi
Toyo Open Country A/T III	Lightest weight; daily driving	Yes	Up to 65,000 mi depending on size
Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT	Quietest, most pavement-friendly	Yes	65,000 mi
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T	Most aggressive all-terrain	Yes (sizes 12.50 and narrower)	50,000 mi (LT)
Nitto Ridge Grappler	Hybrid A/T–M/T looks and trail bite	No (M+S only)	None

Sizes that fit your 4Runner

5th gen (2010–2024)

• 265/70R17 — the stock size on most trims and the size every tire in this guide offers. No lift, no trimming, no drama.
• 285/70R17 — the common upsize (roughly a 33-inch tire). On stock suspension and wheels it can rub at full lock; most owners pair it with a leveling kit or small lift, an alignment, and sometimes minor liner trimming. How much work it takes depends on the tire — see the Ridge Grappler notes below.
• 245/60R20 — Limited models run a 20-inch wheel. All-terrain choices in that size are slimmer; the Toyo and Cooper lines cover it best here.

6th gen (2025–2026)

• 245/70R17 — SR5 stock size.
• 265/70R17 — the common 17-inch fitment for TRD Off-Road owners who swap wheels; if you're picking wheels too, our 6th gen wheels guide covers bolt pattern, sizes and offset.
• 265/70R18 — the factory size on TRD Pro and Trailhunter, which ship on the Toyo Open Country A/T III.

Whatever size you choose, keep the spare in mind: a spare that's a different diameter than the other four is a short-distance limp-home fix, not a trail spare.

1. Falken Wildpeak A/T4W — the all-around pick

Tire details

• Sizes for the 4Runner: 265/70R17 (SL and LT), 285/70R17 (LT C and E)
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF): yes
• Treadwear warranty: 65,000 miles (non-LT), 60,000 miles (LT)
• Notable tech: DURASPEC 3-ply sidewall on select HD/LT sizes, full-depth 3D sipes, Heat Diffuser Technology in the lower sidewall, tread depth up to 19/32"

On the road: This is the tire owners most often describe as "drives like a normal tire until you need it not to." Wet braking and slush get consistent praise, and the full-depth sipes mean the winter grip doesn't fall off a cliff halfway through the tread's life. In LT285/70R17 form it's the heaviest tire in this guide at around 67 lbs with 18/32" of tread — you feel that weight in steering and fuel stops.

Off-road: Capable on dirt, gravel, sand and moderate rock. Owners who air down a lot tend to spec the DURASPEC LT versions for the extra sidewall ply. It gives up a little ultimate rock bite to the KO3 and Baja Boss, but it's rarely the limiting factor on the trails most 4Runners actually run.

In snow: The strongest winter reputation in this group alongside the Cooper. If your 4Runner sees real winter, this is the default recommendation.

Who it's for: Owners who want one tire for commuting, road trips, weather and weekend trails without giving up much anywhere. Who should skip: Owners chasing the most aggressive look, or weight-conscious builds — the LT versions are heavy.

We break this tire down on its own in our complete Falken Wildpeak A/T4W owner's guide.

See the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W on Amazon

2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 — the tough one

Tire details

• Sizes for the 4Runner: 265/70R17 and 285/70R17 in LT load ranges
• Example spec: LT265/70R17 E (123/120S), 55 lbs, 16/32" tread depth
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF): yes, on every size
• Treadwear warranty: 50,000 miles
• Notable tech: CoreGard sidewall technology, serrated shoulder design, Mud-Phobic Bars in the shoulder grooves

On the road: Firmer and a bit louder than the Falken or Toyo, in the way owners expect from a BFG. Steering feel is solid and it tracks well loaded down. The squared-off shoulder profile that helps it off-road also makes the LT285/70R17 the hardest fit in this guide — plan on the usual leveling and trimming, and maybe a little more.

Off-road: This is the KO3's home turf. The sidewall construction is the reason a lot of owners buy it — sharp rock and ledges are where cheaper sidewalls go to die, and the KO3 has built its name on surviving that. Gravel and desert running at speed are also strong suits.

In snow: Legitimately rated and capable — every size carries the 3PMSF symbol. Owners generally rank it a notch behind the Falken in slush and ice but well ahead of anything without the rating.

Who it's for: Owners who wheel rocky trails, run sharp desert terrain, or just want the sidewall insurance. Who should skip: Owners who mostly commute and want the quietest, softest ride — the Toyo and Cooper are easier to live with.

See the BFGoodrich KO3 on Amazon

3. Toyo Open Country A/T III — the easy one to live with

Tire details

• Sizes for the 4Runner: 265/70R17 (SL and LT E), 285/70R17, 265/70R18
• Example spec: 265/70R17 SL (115T), about 41–42 lbs, 13.4/32" tread depth; LT265/70R17 E, 48 lbs, 16.3/32"
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF): yes
• Treadwear warranty: up to 65,000 miles depending on size
• Claim to fame: the factory tire on the 6th gen 4Runner TRD Pro and Trailhunter in 265/70R18

On the road: The lightest tire here in SL form, and it shows — owners coming from heavier LT tires report the steering feels lighter and fuel economy takes the smallest hit. Road manners are close to a highway tire with better grip in the wet.

Off-road: Better than its mild tread suggests on dirt and gravel, and its 285 is among the easiest-fitting in this group at around 54–55 lbs. It's not the tire for sharp rock gardens in SL form; the LT E version is the one to buy if that's your terrain.

In snow: 3PMSF rated with a good owner reputation in snow country. A solid winter performer, a half-step behind the Falken in deep slush by most owner accounts.

Who it's for: Daily drivers, 6th gen owners who want to keep the factory fitment character, and anyone watching weight. Who should skip: Owners who want a tall, aggressive sidewall look or maximum rock protection in an SL casing.

See the Toyo Open Country A/T III on Amazon

4. Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT — the quiet one

Tire details

• Sizes for the 4Runner: 265/70R17 and common 5th/6th gen sizes, 36 sizes in the line
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF): yes
• Treadwear warranty: 65,000 miles
• Notable tech: EnduraGuard Design, Winter Grip Technology, Road Glide tread design
• Testing note: won Tire Rack's 2024 on-road all-terrain test in 265/70R17

On the road: Cooper built this tire for the owners who are honest that pavement is 90% of their driving, and it shows in instrumented testing as well as owner reports — quiet, comfortable, and confident in the rain. If road noise is what made you hate your last set of all-terrains, start here.

Off-road: Dirt roads, forest service trails, beach sand and campsite access are squarely in its wheelhouse. It's the least aggressive tread in this guide, so mud and serious rock are where it taps out first.

In snow: The Winter Grip Technology and 3PMSF rating make it a genuine four-season tire, and owners in snow states speak well of it. One of the better winter picks here.

Who it's for: Commuters and road-trippers who still want real trail capability on weekends. Who should skip: Owners who regularly run mud or rocky trails — the Baja Boss or KO3 will serve you better.

See the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT on Amazon

5. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T — the aggressive one

Tire details

• Sizes for the 4Runner: 265/70R17 (XL and LT E), 285/70R17 (SL and LT E)
• Example specs: 265/70R17 XL (116T), 44 lbs, 16/32" tread depth; LT265/70R17 E, 57 lbs, 18.5/32"; LT285/70R17 E, 63 lbs
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF): yes, on sizes 12.50 (315) and narrower
• Treadwear warranty: 50,000 miles (LT)
• Notable tech: PowerPly XD construction with a heavier-denier third ply, Extreme Sidebiters, asymmetric tread, silica-reinforced compound

On the road: Better mannered than it looks. The asymmetric tread keeps highway noise down for a tire with this much void, though it's still not as quiet as the Cooper or Toyo. The LT versions are heavy and ride like it.

Off-road: The most trail-serious true all-terrain in this guide. The deep tread, big sidebiters and reinforced casing are built for rock, ruts and mud that would send the road-biased tires home. If your trail days involve aired-down crawling, this and the KO3 are your shortlist.

In snow: Rated 3PMSF in the sizes a 4Runner runs, with deep tread that handles unplowed roads well. Packed ice is where the more siped tires (Falken, Cooper) feel more secure.

Who it's for: Owners who wheel hard and often but don't want a dedicated mud-terrain's noise and wear. Who should skip: Mostly-pavement drivers — you're paying for trail hardware you'll rarely use, in weight and in noise.

See the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T on Amazon

6. Nitto Ridge Grappler — the hybrid

Tire details

• Type: hybrid A/T–M/T (all-terrain center, mud-terrain shoulders) — not a pure all-terrain
• Sizes for the 4Runner: 285/70R17 (LT C 116/113Q and LT E 121/118Q), 265 sizes in SL/XL
• Example spec: LT285/70R17, 55 lbs, 16.4/32" tread depth
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF): no — M+S rated only
• Treadwear warranty: none (no mileage warranty)
• Notable tech: variable-pitch tread pattern to manage road noise, reinforced shoulder blocks

On the road: Quieter than its looks suggest thanks to the variable-pitch tread, and owners rate its dry and wet pavement manners well for a hybrid. It rides firmly in LT form, as expected.

Off-road: Excellent. The mud-terrain-style shoulders bite in loose terrain and the tread clears mud better than any pure all-terrain here. One caution: it runs wide for a 285 — on a 5th gen, expect liner trimming or cab-mount work more often than with the other 285s in this guide.

In snow: The honest weak point. Without the 3PMSF rating, it doesn't meet the severe-snow standard the other five meet, and owners in snow country are split — fine in fresh snow, less confidence on ice and packed snow. If winter performance is a priority, pick one of the rated tires.

Who it's for: Owners who want the aggressive hybrid look and real trail grip, in climates where ice isn't a season. Who should skip: Anyone who drives on snow and ice all winter, or who wants a mileage warranty.

See the Nitto Ridge Grappler on Amazon

Head to head: Falken A/T4W vs BFGoodrich KO3

This is the debate in every 4Runner group right now, so here's the honest version. Both are current-generation tires — the A/T4W replaced the A/T3W, and the KO3 replaced the KO2 — so if you're cross-shopping old stock, check which model you're actually looking at.

• Snow and wet roads: Falken. Both carry the 3PMSF rating, but the Falken's full-depth siping and compound give it the owner-vote edge in slush, rain and ice.
• Rock and sidewall survival: KO3. CoreGard sidewalls and the serrated shoulder are built for sharp terrain, and the tire's reputation among rock crawlers is earned.
• Warranty: Falken, clearly — 65,000 miles (non-LT) and 60,000 (LT) against the KO3's 50,000.
• Weight and fitment: Mixed. In LT265 form they're comparable; the Falken's LT285 is the heavyweight of this whole guide, while the KO3's wide, squared 285 is the fussiest fit.
• Ride and noise: Falken, slightly — most owners rate it a touch quieter and softer on pavement.

Decide by the worst conditions you actually drive in. Winter and wet highways point to the Falken. Sharp rock and desert point to the KO3. Most owners would be happy with either — which is why this argument never ends.

Buying notes: load range, weight, and gearing honesty

SL vs LT (C/D/E load range). SL (standard load) tires ride softer, weigh less and are plenty for a daily-driven 4Runner on mild trails. LT tires — especially E load — add plies for puncture resistance and load capacity, and they're the right call for rocky trails, regular airing down, or towing. The tradeoff is real: an LT version of the same size can weigh 10–20 lbs more per tire and rides noticeably firmer. Buy the casing for your worst trail day, not your average one — but don't buy E-load armor for a gravel-road commute.

Weight matters more than brand. Every extra pound of tire is rotating weight the engine has to spin and the brakes have to stop. Across this guide, the same 4Runner size ranges from about 41 lbs (Toyo SL) to about 67 lbs (Falken LT285). Owners feel that spread in acceleration, braking and fuel economy far more than they feel tread-pattern differences on pavement.

Gearing and MPG, honestly. Stepping from a 265 to a 285 makes the tire roughly an inch taller. Your speedometer and odometer will read slightly low, the effective gearing gets taller, and most owners see a small but real fuel-economy drop — figure the combination of size and weight, not either alone. Stock gearing handles 285s fine for most owners; the drivers who notice it most tow in the mountains. Nobody needs a re-gear for a 285 on a 4Runner, whatever the forums say at 1 a.m.

Rotate them. All-terrains on a 4Runner wear evenly only if you rotate them — every 5,000 miles is the habit that gets owners to warranty mileage, especially on the more aggressive treads.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best all-terrain tire for a 4Runner overall?

For most owners, the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W — it's the most balanced across pavement, weather and trail, with the longest warranty here. If your trails are rocky and your winters mild, the BFGoodrich KO3 is the better pick. Both are covered in full above.

Do 285/70R17 tires fit a stock 4Runner?

On a 5th gen, a 285/70R17 is the common "33-inch" upsize, but on stock suspension and wheels it can rub at full lock. Most owners run a leveling kit or small lift, get an alignment, and sometimes trim liner plastic. How much work varies by tire — wide-shouldered tires like the Ridge Grappler need the most. On a 6th gen, 285s are a newer conversation and wheel offset matters even more; check clearances before you buy.

Should I buy SL or LT tires for my 4Runner?

SL if you commute daily and your trails are dirt, gravel and sand. LT (C or E) if you run rocky trails, air down often, or tow. LT tires are tougher but heavier and firmer — the buying notes above walk through the tradeoff.

Which of these tires is best in snow?

Five of the six carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating; the Nitto Ridge Grappler does not. Among the rated tires, owners consistently put the Falken A/T4W and the Cooper Road+Trail AT at the top for snow and ice, with the Toyo close behind. Note that 3PMSF is a severe-snow rating, not a substitute for a dedicated winter tire in extreme climates.

Will bigger all-terrain tires hurt my fuel economy?

Yes — plan on it. A taller, heavier tire costs fuel through both size and rotating weight, and your speedometer will read slightly low with 285s. The drop is modest for one size up in an SL or C-load tire and more noticeable with heavy E-load 285s. If MPG is a priority, the lighter tires in this guide (Toyo, Cooper) in the stock 265 size are the gentlest choice.

How long do all-terrain tires last on a 4Runner?

The warranties in this guide run from 50,000 to 65,000 miles (the Ridge Grappler carries no mileage warranty). Reaching those numbers comes down to rotation every 5,000 miles, correct pressure for the load range, and an alignment after any size or suspension change.

The bottom line

There's no bad tire in this group — there's only the wrong tire for how you drive. Daily miles and real winters: Falken A/T4W or Cooper Road+Trail AT. Rocky trails and sidewall worries: BFGoodrich KO3 or Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T. Keeping it light and close to factory: Toyo Open Country A/T III. Looks and loose-terrain bite in a mild climate: Nitto Ridge Grappler.

If you're building out the rest of the truck too, our 5th gen 4Runner accessories roundup covers the upgrades owners pair with a fresh set of tires — and if the Falken is on your shortlist, the full A/T4W owner's guide goes deeper on sizes and load ranges for that tire alone.