The 285/70R17 size is a very popular fitments for lifted and stock half-ton trucks, mid-size off-roaders and full-size SUVs. It gives you a roughly 32.7 inch tall tire that clears most fender wells without a lift, adds real ground clearance, and still keeps your speedometer reasonably honest. The catch is that not every all-terrain in this size behaves the same once you leave the pavement, and a tire that crawls rocks beautifully can drone on the highway and chew through tread in 30,000 miles.
We put the most common 285/70R17 all-terrains through mixed daily driving, gravel forest roads, wet pavement, light snow and a few rocky climbs to see which ones actually balance trail capability with livable street manners. Below are the seven we keep coming back to, ranked best first, with an honest look at where each one falls short.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Best Overall Load range C/E, 3-ply sidewall, 3PMSF rated, ~32.7 in diameter |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Best Value Load range E, 3PMSF rated, heat diffuser tech, ~32.5 in diameter |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT Best for Heavy Loads Load range E, 3PMSF rated, Whisper Grooves tech, ~32.7 in diameter |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Best Mud and Snow Load range E, 3PMSF rated, self-cleaning tread, ~32.7 in diameter |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Toyo Open Country A/T III Most Refined Ride Load range E, 3PMSF rated, twin sipe tech, ~32.6 in diameter |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Nitto Ridge Grappler Best Hybrid Tread Load range E, hybrid A/T and M/T tread, ~32.7 in diameter |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
General Grabber A/TX Best All-Season Daily Load range E, 3PMSF rated, DuraGen casing, ~32.7 in diameter |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: Best Overall
The KO2 has been the benchmark all-terrain for years, and in 285/70R17 it earns the reputation. The standout feature is the sidewall. BFGoodrich runs the tread rubber down the upper sidewall and uses a three-ply construction, so when you air down and crawl over jagged rock the casing simply does not pinch or cut the way thinner tires do. On gravel and hardpack the interlocking blocks dig in confidently, and the 3PMSF rating means it actually pulls through packed snow rather than just looking the part.
The honest weakness is road noise. A fresh set is civilized, but by the time you are halfway through the tread life the KO2 develops a steady hum at highway speed that some drivers find tiring on long trips. Mud is also not its strong suit, since the tread spacing is tighter than a true mud-terrain and tends to pack in thick clay. For the vast majority of truck owners who split time between the highway and the trail, though, this is still the tire to beat.
- CoreGard sidewall rubber resists cuts and bruising on sharp rock
- Interlocking tread blocks for biting edges in mud, dirt and gravel
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe-snow rating
Pros: Tough, race-proven sidewall that shrugs off trail abuse; Excellent dry and wet grip plus real winter capability; Long, even tread life for an aggressive A/T
Cons: Noticeably louder on the highway as the tread wears; Mud cleanout is only average versus a dedicated mud tire
2. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W: Best Value
The Wildpeak A/T3W has become the value benchmark in this size, and it deserves the hype. Falken built it with a deeper tread than many competitors and added shoulder lugs that climb onto the sidewall, so it claws through ruts, sand and loose dirt far better than its modest reputation suggests. The 3PMSF severe-snow rating is genuine, and in our wet and snowy testing it was among the most surefooted tires here, never feeling nervous when the road turned greasy.
Where it gives a little back is weight and initial feel. This is a heavy tire, and on a lighter truck you may notice slightly lazier acceleration and a small fuel economy hit. Brand new, the tall tread blocks can also feel a bit vague during quick lane changes until they scrub in over the first few hundred miles. Those are minor trade-offs for a tire that delivers near flagship capability while remaining one of the smartest buys in the 285/70R17 lineup.
- Lower sidewall heat diffuser keeps the tire cool under heavy loads
- Step-down tread design for off-road traction and stone ejection
- Aggressive shoulder lugs that wrap into the upper sidewall
Pros: Outstanding snow and wet traction for the segment; Strong tread warranty and durable casing for the money; Quieter on-road than most aggressive A/T tires
Cons: Slightly heavier than rivals, which can dull throttle response; Tread can feel a touch squirmy when brand new
3. Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT: Best for Heavy Loads
The AT3 XLT is the load-hauler of this group. Cooper engineered the XLT specifically for heavier trucks and serious work duty, and you feel it the moment you load the bed or hook up a trailer. The casing stays planted and the tire resists squirm under weight far better than lighter all-terrains, which makes it a natural pick for someone who tows or runs a camper. The Whisper Grooves design genuinely tames the noise that usually comes with this kind of aggressive tread, so it stays comfortable on the interstate.
The compromise shows up in technical off-roading. On loose rock and tight crawling the AT3 XLT is competent but not class leading, lacking the last bit of sidewall flex and biting edge that the KO2 brings. Tread life is solid without being exceptional for an E-rated tire. If your truck spends its weekdays working hard and its weekends on gravel and fire roads rather than rock gardens, though, few tires here suit that life better.
- Built-in stone ejector ribs protect the casing from drilling
- Whisper Grooves tuned to cut down highway noise
- Durable-Tread technology for high-load and high-mileage use
Pros: Excellent stability under heavy payload and towing; Quieter than its aggressive looks suggest; Tough casing with strong puncture resistance
Cons: Not quite as sharp as the KO2 on technical rock; Tread life is good rather than class leading
4. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac: Best Mud and Snow
The DuraTrac sits right on the border between an all-terrain and a mud-terrain, and that is exactly why people in muddy or snowy regions love it. The TractiveGroove channels in the center of the tread give it serious bite in deep mud and loose snow, and the open shoulder blocks fling out clay instead of packing solid. It is also one of the few tires in this size that you can stud, which transforms it into a genuine ice weapon for those who deal with real winter.
That capability comes at the usual cost. The DuraTrac is the noisiest tire in this roundup, with a clear off-road tread hum that never fully disappears on the highway. Wet braking on smooth pavement is also only average, since the aggressive blocks have less continuous rubber in contact with the road. If you live where the trails turn to soup and the roads turn to ice, you will forgive both flaws quickly. For mostly dry highway commuters, a tamer tire makes more sense.
- TractiveGroove technology for deep mud and snow bite
- Rugged-Wear shoulder blocks for off-road durability
- Optional metal stud capability for ice traction
Pros: Exceptional grip in mud, sand and deep snow; Self-cleaning tread sheds clay quickly; Studdable for serious winter conditions
Cons: Louder on pavement than most tires here; Wet-pavement braking is merely average
5. Toyo Open Country A/T III: Most Refined Ride
If your priority is a tire that disappears on the highway while still handling weekend trails, the Open Country A/T III is the smoothest operator in this group. Toyo tuned the tread blocks and pitch sequence to minimize the drone that plagues aggressive tires, and the result rides closer to a refined touring tire than anything else here. The twin sipes give it dependable wet and light-snow grip, and it carries a genuine severe-snow rating, so it is a sensible year-round choice for a daily-driven truck.
The trade-off is off-road ceiling. In deep mud or on technical rock the A/T III simply does not bite as hard as a KO2 or a DuraTrac, and the tread can load up in sticky conditions. The compound also leans toward comfort over toughness, so owners who tow heavy regularly may see it wear a little quicker than the hardest-wearing options. For pavement-heavy drivers who want capability in reserve rather than as a daily mission, it is an easy tire to recommend.
- Twin sipe design for grip on wet and snowy roads
- Optimized tread blocks for a quieter highway ride
- Lateral grooves and stone ejectors for off-road traction
Pros: Smooth, quiet ride that feels close to a touring tire; Balanced all-season and light off-road performance; Strong tread warranty backing
Cons: Less aggressive bite in deep mud and rock; Soft compound can wear faster under hard towing
6. Nitto Ridge Grappler: Best Hybrid Tread
The Ridge Grappler is for the buyer who wants the stance and bite of a mud-terrain without committing to the noise and short life that usually comes with one. Nitto built it as a true hybrid, with deep, staggered shoulder lugs and a tread pattern that claws through mud, sand and rock far better than a typical all-terrain, yet a variable pitch design keeps highway noise impressively controlled for something this aggressive. It also simply looks the part, which is a real factor for a lot of truck owners in this size.
The main caveat is winter. The Ridge Grappler does not carry the 3PMSF severe-snow rating, so if you regularly drive in snow it is a step behind the KO2, Wildpeak and DuraTrac. It is also a heavy tire, and on stock trucks you may notice a firmer ride and a small economy penalty. For warm-climate drivers who want maximum trail capability and mud-terrain attitude with daily livability, though, the Ridge Grappler hits a sweet spot nothing else here quite matches.
- Hybrid tread blends mud-terrain bite with A/T manners
- Reinforced sidewall lugs for grip and protection
- Variable pitch tread to reduce road noise
Pros: Aggressive looks with surprisingly civil road behavior; Strong off-road traction across mud, sand and rock; Tough, deep-tread casing that lasts
Cons: No Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating; Heavier tire that can affect ride and economy
7. General Grabber A/TX: Best All-Season Daily
The Grabber A/TX is the sensible everyday choice in 285/70R17. General aimed it squarely at drivers who want one tough, all-season tire that handles a commute, hauls the occasional load and still gets down a forest road without drama. The DuraGen casing resists cuts and bruising on gravel, the traction ridges add bite in dirt and sand, and the 3PMSF rating means it earns its keep when the weather turns. On pavement it rides quietly and tracks straight, which makes it an easy tire to live with day to day.
It is not the tire to reach for if hardcore trails are your main event. On technical rock and in deep mud the A/TX runs out of grip before the KO2, Wildpeak or DuraTrac do, and its tread life, while perfectly respectable, does not top the chart. As a do-everything tire for a truck that mostly lives on the road but needs genuine all-season and light off-road ability in reserve, it is dependable, comfortable and a smart pick for the practical owner.
- DuraGen technology for a tough, cut-resistant casing
- Stone bumpers and traction ridges for off-road grip
- Comfort balance design for quieter highway cruising
Pros: Confident all-season and severe-snow performance; Comfortable, composed ride for a daily-driven truck; Durable casing that handles dirt and gravel well
Cons: Less capable than rivals on technical rock crawling; Tread life is good but not class leading
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is a 285/70R17 tire and will it fit without a lift?
A 285/70R17 stands roughly 32.7 inches tall and about 11.2 inches wide on the recommended rim width. On most half-ton trucks and many mid-size 4x4s it bolts on without a lift, though you may need to dial back front sway-bar end links or trim a small amount of fender liner to clear at full steering lock. On stock SUVs, always cycle the steering and check suspension travel before driving, since clearance varies by model and trim.
Do I need load range E or will load range C work?
It depends on what you do. Load range E tires use a stiffer, higher-ply casing and carry more weight, which is what you want if you tow, haul heavy payloads or run a three-quarter-ton truck. Load range C is lighter, rides softer and airs down nicely for off-road traction, making it a good match for half-ton trucks and SUVs that rarely carry heavy loads. Running E tires unloaded can feel harsh, so match the rating to your actual use rather than just buying the toughest option.
Will these all-terrain tires affect my speedometer or gearing?
If you are coming from a smaller stock tire, a 32.7 inch all-terrain will make your speedometer read slightly slower than your true speed, often by two to four percent. That means at an indicated 70 mph you may actually be traveling a touch faster. Many trucks can be recalibrated with a programmer, and the difference is small enough that most drivers simply account for it. The taller diameter also slightly raises your effective gearing, which can feel a bit sluggish on smaller engines but rarely matters for daily driving.
How many miles should I expect from a 285/70R17 all-terrain tire?
Tread life varies with the tire and how you drive, but a quality all-terrain in this size typically delivers somewhere between 40,000 and 60,000 miles when properly maintained. The longest-wearing options tend to be the milder all-season-leaning tires, while aggressive hybrid and mud-leaning treads wear faster. Regular rotations every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, correct air pressure and an aligned suspension make the single biggest difference in how long any of these sets last.
What does the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating actually mean?
The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake, or 3PMSF, symbol means the tire passed a standardized test for acceleration in medium-packed snow and met a minimum traction threshold. It signals genuine severe-snow capability that a plain mud-and-snow marking does not guarantee. Most of the tires in this guide carry it, which makes them legal and capable in regions with winter tire requirements. It is not the same as a dedicated winter tire on ice, but for snow and cold-climate driving it is the rating to look for.
Our Verdict
For the best all-around 285/70R17 all-terrain, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 remains our top pick thanks to its bombproof sidewall, balanced grip in every condition and proven longevity, with road noise as its only real flaw. If you want nearly the same capability while keeping more money in your pocket, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is our runner up and the smartest value here, delivering excellent snow and wet traction plus a strong warranty. Match either to your load rating and use case and you will have a set that performs on the highway and earns its keep off it.
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