Picking one set of tires that can handle everything your side-by-side runs into is harder than it sounds. A true all-around UTV tire has to claw through mud on Monday, grip slickrock on Saturday, and still ride quiet and stable when you put miles on hardpack and gravel roads. Too aggressive and you get a buzzy, sloppy ride on hard surfaces. Too mild and you spin out the first time the trail turns greasy.
We spent time running the most popular do-it-all UTV tires through trail, mud, rock, and high-speed desert two-track to find the ones that genuinely balance traction, durability, and ride quality. Below are the seven we trust most, ranked best first, with honest strengths and the real weakness of each so you can match a tire to how you actually ride.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Maxxis Carnivore 8-Ply Radial Tire Best Overall 8-ply radial construction, 25 to 32 inch sizes, deep directional tread |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial Tire Best All-Terrain Balance 6-ply radial, non-directional tread, 26 to 30 inch sizes |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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ITP Coyote UTV Tire Best Trail Comfort 8-ply radial, 28 to 32 inch sizes, multi-surface tread design |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Tusk Terrabite Radial Tire Best Value 8-ply radial DOT-approved, 27 to 32 inch sizes, hybrid all-terrain tread |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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GBC Kanati Mongrel Radial Tire Best Hybrid Tread 10-ply radial DOT-approved, 26 to 30 inch sizes, A/T plus mud hybrid |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Sedona Coyote UTV Tire Best Lightweight Pick 6-ply bias, 25 to 27 inch sizes, intermediate all-terrain tread |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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EFX MotoVator R/T UTV Tire Best for Rough Terrain 8-ply radial DOT-approved, 28 to 35 inch sizes, deep directional R/T tread |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Maxxis Carnivore 8-Ply Radial Tire: Best Overall
The Maxxis Carnivore is our top all-around pick because it does the rarest thing in this category, it refuses to be bad at anything. The 8-ply radial carcass gives it a planted, compliant ride that soaks up rocks and ruts instead of bouncing your machine around, and the deep directional tread digs hard in mud and loose dirt without turning into a vague, squirmy mess on hardpack. For owners who run one set of tires year round across mixed terrain, this is the tire we keep coming back to.
Its honest weakness is weight. The sturdy radial build that makes it so durable also adds rotating mass, and on a smaller displacement UTV you will feel a touch of lost acceleration and a small hit to range on electric models. It also gets vocal on long pavement transits. If most of your miles are graded gravel roads, a milder tire will ride quieter, but for genuine all-terrain duty the Carnivore earns the number one spot.
- 8-ply radial carcass for puncture resistance and a smooth ride
- Aggressive directional tread that bites in mud yet stays stable on hardpack
- Available in plenty of sizes from 27 up to 32 inches
Pros: Excellent traction across mud, dirt, and loose rock; Radial build rides noticeably smoother at speed than bias tires; Strong sidewalls shrug off trail damage
Cons: Heavier than mild all-terrain tires, so it can sap a little low end power; Tread roar increases on long stretches of pavement
2. Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial Tire: Best All-Terrain Balance
The Bighorn 2.0 is the tire most riders think of when they hear all-around, and for good reason. Its non-directional radial tread delivers a remarkably balanced footprint that grips confidently on dirt, gravel, and rocky two-track while staying composed and quiet at speed. The closely spaced center lugs keep steering crisp on hardpack, and the beefy shoulder lugs add real cornering bite. For the rider who wants one set that just works everywhere without drama, it is hard to beat.
Where it gives ground is deep mud. The tread is excellent at clearing dirt and gravel, but in thick clay or bottomless bog it can pack up and lose some of its edge compared with a purpose built mud tire. If your trails turn into a swamp every spring, step up to the Carnivore. For everything short of that, the Bighorn 2.0 is a brilliantly all-around, long-wearing choice.
- Non-directional radial tread that grips evenly in both rotation directions
- Tightly spaced center lugs for stable, predictable hardpack handling
- Reinforced shoulder lugs for cornering bite and sidewall protection
Pros: Outstanding all-around traction on dirt, gravel, and intermediate terrain; Smooth, quiet radial ride that holds steady at higher speeds; Long tread life thanks to a durable rubber compound
Cons: Not as aggressive in deep mud as a dedicated mud tire; Tread can pack up in heavy clay
3. ITP Coyote UTV Tire: Best Trail Comfort
The ITP Coyote is built for riders who log serious trail miles and want comfort without giving up grip. The 8-ply radial carcass and smooth rolling tread keep the ride calm and controlled over rocks, roots, and washboard, which makes a real difference on all-day rides where a harsh tire would wear you out. On packed dirt and rock it tracks confidently and corners with a predictable, planted feel that builds trust quickly.
Its limitation is the slop. In deep mud the Coyote is competent but unremarkable, and the tread clears slower than the more aggressive directional tires here. It is also on the heavier end in the bigger sizes. But if your idea of a great ride is a long, mixed trail rather than a mud pit, the Coyote delivers some of the best ride quality in the all-around class.
- 8-ply radial construction built for trail and recreational riding
- Tread pattern tuned for traction on dirt, rock, and packed trails
- Smooth-rolling design that reduces vibration at cruising speed
Pros: Comfortable, controlled ride on long trail days; Confident grip on rock and hardpack; Durable 8-ply build resists punctures
Cons: Mud performance is only average; Larger sizes add noticeable weight
4. Tusk Terrabite Radial Tire: Best Value
The Tusk Terrabite has earned a loyal following because it punches well above its weight as a do-it-all tire. The 8-ply radial build and hybrid all-terrain tread give it genuine bite in dirt, gravel, and light mud while staying stable and quiet enough for graded roads, and the DOT approval means you can run from camp to trail without swapping tires. The reinforced sidewalls take abuse on rocky trails that would leave thinner tires limping home.
The trade-off is what you would expect from a tough, do-everything tire. It is heavy, so lighter UTVs feel the rotating mass off the line, and the aggressive blocks generate more hum on long pavement runs than a dedicated touring tire. None of that changes the bottom line, this is among the most capable and sensible all-around tires you can put on a side-by-side, and the value is excellent.
- 8-ply radial carcass with DOT approval for road legal use
- Hybrid tread that blends all-terrain grip with on-road manners
- Heavy-duty sidewalls for pinch and puncture resistance
Pros: Tremendous all-around capability for the value; DOT rated for legal road and trail crossover use; Tough sidewalls handle rocks and ruts well
Cons: Slightly noisier on pavement than premium touring designs; Heavy, which can dull throttle response
5. GBC Kanati Mongrel Radial Tire: Best Hybrid Tread
The GBC Kanati Mongrel splits the difference between an all-terrain and a mud tire better than almost anything in its class. Its hybrid tread keeps enough lug spacing to clear mud and dirt while retaining the tighter center pattern that makes a tire stable and predictable on hardpack. Backed by a 10-ply radial rating, it carries load and resists punctures impressively, which matters if you run a loaded machine or hit rocky terrain often.
That heavy-duty build is also its weakness. The Mongrel is a substantial tire, and on lower powered UTVs you will notice the extra rotating mass when you accelerate. The aggressive shoulder lugs also wear quicker if you spend a lot of time on pavement. For riders who want one tire that leans slightly toward the rough and muddy end of all-around without losing trail manners, it is a smart pick.
- 10-ply radial rated construction for serious load and durability
- Hybrid tread combining all-terrain spacing with mud-style lugs
- DOT approved for road legal crossover riding
Pros: Strong traction in both dry terrain and mud; Very high ply rating resists punctures and pinch flats; Smooth radial ride for an aggressive tire
Cons: Heavyweight build is demanding on smaller engines; Aggressive lugs wear faster with heavy pavement use
6. Sedona Coyote UTV Tire: Best Lightweight Pick
The Sedona Coyote is the answer for riders on smaller or lighter side-by-sides who do not want a heavy tire stealing their power. Its 6-ply bias construction keeps weight down while the angled intermediate tread covers a genuinely wide range of conditions, from packed trail to loose dirt and light mud. The self-cleaning lug design keeps grip consistent as conditions change, which is exactly what you want from an all-around tire on a nimble machine.
The compromise is ride and ceiling. As a bias tire it does not absorb rough terrain or hold high speeds as smoothly as the radial options here, and it is not the tire to reach for if you regularly tackle deep mud or aggressive rock. But for a lighter UTV that lives on varied trails, the Coyote is a sensible, capable, weight-conscious choice that keeps the machine feeling lively.
- Lightweight 6-ply bias construction that protects engine power
- Intermediate tread tuned for trail and cross-country riding
- Angled lugs for self-cleaning and consistent grip
Pros: Light weight preserves acceleration on smaller UTVs; Multi-purpose intermediate tread handles mixed terrain well; Self-cleaning lugs shed dirt and light mud
Cons: Bias build does not ride as smoothly as radial rivals; Not built for deep mud or heavy rock crawling
7. EFX MotoVator R/T UTV Tire: Best for Rough Terrain
The EFX MotoVator R/T leans toward the rugged end of all-around, and that is exactly why it makes the list. The deep directional tread tears through mud, sand, and broken ground with real authority, yet the 8-ply radial carcass keeps the ride more composed than you would expect from a tire this aggressive. With sizes that climb to 35 inches, it is also one of the few do-most tires that genuinely suits big, powerful machines built for rough country.
The price of that capability is refinement on hard surfaces. The aggressive tread hums and feels busier on hardpack and pavement than a touring oriented tire, and the taller sizes add enough weight that you really want a strong drivetrain underneath them. If your version of all-around skews muddy, sandy, and rough rather than smooth and fast, the MotoVator is the tire that will keep going when milder options give up.
- 8-ply radial DOT-approved rugged terrain construction
- Deep directional tread for traction in mud, sand, and loose ground
- Available in tall sizes up to 35 inches for big machines
Pros: Excellent grip in mud, sand, and broken terrain; Radial build rides smoother than mud tires of similar aggression; Big size range suits larger, more powerful UTVs
Cons: Aggressive tread is louder and busier on hardpack and pavement; Larger sizes are heavy and demand a capable drivetrain
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a UTV tire truly all-around?
An all-around UTV tire balances four things that usually pull against each other: mud and dirt traction, hardpack and rock grip, ride comfort, and durability. It does that with a medium-depth tread that has enough lug spacing to clear mud but tight enough center blocks to stay stable on firm ground. Radial construction and a moderate ply rating round it out by keeping the ride smooth while still resisting punctures. The goal is a tire that does most things well rather than one thing perfectly, so you can run a single set across changing terrain without swapping.
Should I choose a radial or bias UTV tire for all-around use?
For most riders, radial is the better all-around choice. Radial tires flex more evenly, which gives a smoother ride, better grip on rough and rocky trails, and more stability at higher speeds. Bias tires are typically lighter and stiffer in the sidewall, which can help on small or underpowered machines and in some rock crawling situations, but they ride harsher and run noisier. If you mix terrain and put on real miles, a radial like the Maxxis Carnivore or Bighorn 2.0 will feel more refined and confident across the board.
What size all-around tire should I run on my UTV?
Most stock side-by-sides come with 26 to 28 inch tires, and staying in that range keeps your gearing, braking, and clutch tuning happy without modifications. Moving up to 29 or 30 inches improves ground clearance and the ability to roll over obstacles, but it adds weight and rotating mass that can dull acceleration and stress your drivetrain. Going to 32 inches or taller usually means you should consider a clutch kit or gear reduction. Always confirm the new size clears your fenders and suspension at full turn and full compression before committing.
How long do all-around UTV tires usually last?
Tread life depends heavily on terrain, riding style, and how much pavement you run, but a quality 8-ply all-around radial commonly lasts several seasons of mixed trail use. Hard surfaces, gravel roads, and aggressive cornering wear lugs fastest, while soft dirt and mud are much gentler on the tread. Keeping tires at the correct pressure, rotating them periodically, and avoiding long high-speed pavement stretches all extend their life. A milder tread pattern will generally outlast a deep aggressive one because there is less lug to chew up on hard ground.
Do I need DOT-approved UTV tires?
You only need DOT approval if you plan to legally ride on public roads, which some areas allow for street-legal or dual-purpose side-by-sides. A DOT rating means the tire met federal testing standards for road use, and tires like the Tusk Terrabite, GBC Kanati Mongrel, and EFX MotoVator carry it. If you only ride private land, trails, and off-road parks, DOT approval is not required, though many riders still appreciate the more refined on-road manners that DOT-rated tires tend to have. Always check your local laws before relying on a tire for street use.
Our Verdict
For the rider who wants one set of tires that genuinely handles everything, the Maxxis Carnivore is our top pick thanks to its smooth radial ride, tough sidewalls, and excellent traction from mud to rock. The Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 is our runner up and the smarter buy if you spend more time on dirt, gravel, and hardpack than in the slop, offering a quieter ride and long tread life. Match the tire to where you actually ride, lean toward radials for comfort, and stay close to stock size unless you are ready to retune, and you will be set for years of confident all-around riding.
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