Whether you're traversing treacherous terrains or cruising down city streets, your Jeep Gladiator deserves the best tires to deliver top-tier performance.
The six best Jeep Gladiator tires include:
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Radial Tire
- Mickey Thompson Baja MTZP3 Tire
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Tire
- Yokohama Geolandar M/T Tire
- Atturo Trail Blade A/T Tire
Whether you're an off-road adventurer seeking the best mud-terrain tire, a daily commuter searching for a reliable all-terrain tire, or an individual looking for the best tread life or overall performance, this guide has got you covered. Keep reading to learn about what we learned after testing these tires.
Key Takeaways
- The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire is the best overall tire for the Jeep Gladiator.
- If you prefer extreme off-roading, the Mickey Thompson Baja MTZP3 is the best tire choice.
- Daily drivers can use the Atturo Trail Blade A/T for the best comfort, traction, and durability.
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6 Best Tires For Jeep Gladiator: A Comprehensive Guide for 2023
Jeep Gladiators are known for their off-road capabilities and rugged design. For enthusiasts and adventurers, outfitting their Jeep Gladiator with the best tires is crucial for safety, performance, and enjoying the outdoors to the fullest.
The right set of tires can make all the difference when traversing challenging terrain or ensuring a smooth ride on the highway. We thoroughly researched and tested a variety of tires, focusing on these critical elements to identify the top options for your Jeep Gladiator.
Armed with this knowledge, we're confident in presenting our top picks for the best tires for Jeep Gladiator owners. Dive in and discover the perfect Jeep Gladiator tires that cater to your specific needs and offer you the best possible driving experience.
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 - Best Overall Tire
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is our top-rated tire pick. These tires are a solid choice for Jeep Gladiator owners seeking durability and improved off-road performance.
These tires offer excellent traction on different terrains, such as mud, snow, and rocks. Their CoreGard Technology ensures a rugged and split-resistant sidewall rubber, which enhances their durability.
However, these tires come with some downsides. They are prone to rock retention, so you may need to clean out the treads more often. But we still highly recommend these tires for those seeking enhanced off-road capabilities and snow traction.
What Sets This Tire Apart
The added snow traction from their 3-D active sipe technology sets these tires apart from other all-terrain tires. We've felt confident driving in snowy conditions, and their 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol confirms that they exceed RMA Severe Snow Traction requirements.
The KO2's sidewalls are 20% stronger than the previous KO models. This translates to enhanced resistance to bruising and splitting, an indispensable feature when venturing into rough off-roading terrains.
Pros
- Exceptional traction on various terrains
- Durable sidewall rubber & tread blocks
- Great snow traction
- Top-rated tire tread wear
- Relatively low road noise
Cons
- Possible rock retention
- Premium pricing
Where To Buy This Tire
- At Tire Rack, prices range between $196.00-$674.00 per tire, depending on the size.
- This tire is also available at Discount Tire for the same prices with free shipping.
2. Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Tire - Best Mud-Terrain Tire
For Jeep Gladiator owners who spend a significant amount of time off-roading in muddy or rocky conditions, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Tire is a choice that rises above the competition.
This tire offers the perfect combination of off-road performance and on-road comfort. The 3D tapered grooves provided additional biting edges, which made conquering rough terrain a breeze. We also noticed improved lateral stability and forward traction, allowing us to push the limits of our adventure.
When driving on wet surfaces, the deep center sipe offered enhanced traction, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning. The reinforced shoulder groove ensured better performance without compromising on the block stiffness, making this tire reliable in various situations.
What Sets This Tire Apart
With features like the stone ejector to protect the tread and efficiently remove mud and dirt, this tire is perfect for those who don't want to sacrifice off-road performance for on-road comfort.
Its aggressive tread design, advanced 3D tread depth, and high void ratio all contribute to the tire's superior off-road traction and performance.
Unlike most mud-terrain tires, this Nitto tire does not compromise much on on-road comfort. It features a balanced void ratio for reduced tread noise, giving it a quieter ride on highways than other mud-terrain tires.
Pros
- Excellent off-road traction with 3D tapered grooves
- Enhanced wet surface traction with deep center sipe
- Durable tread with stone ejector feature
- Aggressive exterior design
- Handles well in deep mud and on slippery surfaces
Cons
- Some road noise at higher speeds
Where To Buy This Tire
- Discount Tire is the top-rated retailer selling this tire for as low as $283.00 per tire.
- I would also recommend using SimpleTire because of their free shipping special.
3. Mickey Thompson Baja MTZP3 - Best Off-Road Tire
We recently tried out the Mickey Thompson Baja MTZP3 Tire and were genuinely impressed with their performance. This is a must-have tire for off-road enthusiasts seeking impressive performance and durability.
The traction on mud, rocks, and loose dirt was exceptional, giving us an extra layer of confidence during off-road adventures. This gave us the assurance we needed when packing our vehicle for long camping trips or off-road expeditions.
One notable feature we loved about these tires was their improved puncture and cut resistance due to the new compound used. Even on sharp rocks and rough trails, these tires held up extraordinarily well, saving us from unfortunate tire issues.
What Sets This Tire Apart
One of the key features is its silica-reinforced tread compound, which provides improved cut and chip resistance, enhanced wet handling and braking, and longer tread life.
The tire also includes Mickey Thompson’s proprietary PowerPly XD construction, adding an extra thick denier ply to enhance sidewall strength and responsiveness.
This addition significantly improves the tire's resistance to punctures, perfect for off-road explorations on rocky terrains. The tire's four-pitch SideBiter pattern and variable draft angles help reduce the humming noise common in off-road tires.
Pros
- Exceptional traction on various terrains
- Improved puncture and cut resistance
- High load capacity
- Powerply 3-Ply sidewall construction
- Four-Pitch Sidebiter pattern
Cons
- Heavier than some alternatives
- It might be noisy during highway rides
Where To Buy This Tire
- Discount Tire is our favorite retailer to find off-road tires like this Mickey Thompson Baja.
- You can also find this tire at SimpleTire for as low as $191.98 per tire.
4. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac - Best All-Terrain Tire
We highly recommend the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac for the Jeep Gladiator. This tire provides excellent traction, durability, and performance.
We found them to offer excellent performance with impressive traction on various terrains, including mud, snow, and rain. The tires' durability is equally commendable, with a tread depth of 10 32nds and a load capacity of 2000 pounds.
With excellent traction in various conditions and minimal road noise, this tire is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy a smooth ride without compromising performance.
What Sets This Tire Apart
This tire has an aggressive tread design and unique TractiveGroove Technology that offers outstanding traction on various surfaces, whether mud, gravel, or snow. The self-cleaning shoulder blocks clear the tire's tread of dirt and debris for additional off-road traction.
The tire features a robust construction that resists punctures and cuts, ensuring its longevity even in harsh off-road conditions. Its rim protector also helps guard against accidental curb damage, providing an added layer of durability.
Pros
- Excellent traction in various conditions
- Durable and long-lasting
- Minimal road noise
- TractiveGroove Technology
Cons
- Not specifically designed for winter use
Where To Buy This Tire
- Prices at Tire Rack for this tire range between $211.39 to $549.99.
- Discount Tire is another place to look for this tire, with prices starting at $202.00 each.
5. Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 - Best Tread Life Tire
A tire with a longer tread life offers better value for your investment, as it reduces the frequency and cost of tire replacements. Here, the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 shines bright, offering one of the best tread life in its class.
Driving with these tires was surprisingly quiet, especially given their mud-terrain classification. We found that they produced less road noise than other options like the Goodyear Duratracs, making for a more enjoyable off-road ride.
Its aggressive tread design and large shoulder blocks offer outstanding traction on various terrains, from mud and gravel to rocks and sand. The tread features mud and stone ejectors that help to clear debris and keep the tire's performance optimal even in harsh conditions.
What Sets This Tire Apart
Durability is another major highlight of the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003. The Geo-Shield Construction adds strength, ensuring that these tires can withstand tough conditions and last for an extended period.
Yokohama's unique triple-polymer compound further enhances the tread wear resistance, ensuring that these tires keep rolling even after extensive use on highways and off-road terrains.
Pros
- Excellent traction in mud and other off-road surfaces
- Geo-Shield Construction adds strength and durability
- Minimal road noise for a mud-terrain tire
- High-void tread pattern
Cons
- Slightly narrower sizing compared to some competitors
Where To Buy This Tire
- Tire Rack sells this tire for prices ranging between $210.53 to $541.42.
- At SimpleTire, you can find a few sizes for cheaper, with the lowest price starting at $195.96.
6. Atturo Trail Blade A/T - Best Daily Driver Tire
Many Gladiator owners use their vehicles as a daily driver, needing a tire that provides comfort, safety, and reliability on regular city roads and highways. For those seeking the best daily driver tire, the Atturo Trail Blade A/T stands out.
The Trail Blade A/T is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. The large center tread blocks ensure a stable ride with excellent highway speed stability.
The tire’s rounded shoulder profile helps smooth the ride on rough roads, ensuring a comfortable commute, no matter the road condition. The multiple sipes across the tread improve grip on wet roads and enhance traction while cornering.
What Sets This Tire Apart
The large shoulder blocks provided a responsive steering experience, and the heavy-duty carcass ensured significant load-bearing ability and endurance for those long drives.
The channels helped to steer water, slush, and mud from the tire print, increasing resistance to hydroplaning. This made it a great companion for tackling different terrains in varying weather conditions.
Pros
- Reliable performance on-road and off-road
- Strong load-bearing capacity
- Eco-friendly hydrocarbon-free oil used
Cons
- It may not suit extreme off-roading
Where To Buy This Tire
- Discount Tire has the best pricing and sizes for those purchasing this tire.
Can You Put 35-Inch Tires on a Stock Jeep Gladiator?
We can install 35-inch tires on a stock Jeep Gladiator without significant modifications. However, there are a few things to consider before making the change.
First, it's essential to know that larger tires can affect your vehicle's ride quality and overall performance. You may experience a decrease in fuel efficiency, a change in handling, and increased braking distance.
But usually, trucks and SUVs need a lift kit for a tire of this size. With the Jeep Gladiator, there is no need for a lift, but you can experience increased ground clearance for better off-road driving.
How To Choose The Best Tires For Your Jeep Gladiator
When looking for the best tires for our Jeep Gladiator, it's essential to understand what features to consider. We must consider our driving terrain, tire size, and performance needs. Let's break down the factors we should evaluate:
Driving Terrain
We must evaluate the surfaces we'll be driving on most often. Are we planning to drive mostly on highways, or do we expect to tackle off-road adventures?
- Highway: All-season or touring tires are the best choices for smooth highway driving. They offer a comfortable ride and excellent traction.
- Off-Road: If we plan to take our Jeep Gladiator off the beaten path, we'll need off-road tires with deep treads to grip rocky surfaces and prevent punctures.
Tire Size
The Jeep Gladiator requires specific tire sizes to ensure compatibility. Sticking to the recommended size ensures the best fit and performance.
However, the Gladiator is highly versatile for off-road driving too. So finding the right tires is easier because you can use a larger or smaller tire depending on your driving conditions.
Performance Needs
As Jeep Gladiator owners, we may have our unique performance expectations. Here are some options to consider:
- All-Terrain: These tires provide a balance between on-road handling and off-road traction. They're perfect for those who want occasional off-road adventures but primarily use their Jeep Gladiator for daily driving.
- Mud-Terrain: Ideal for off-roading enthusiasts, mud-terrain tires offer more aggressive tread patterns to tackle muddy or rocky terrains.
- Snow & Winter: If we live in an area with harsh winters, dedicated winter tires can provide added traction and safety on snow and ice.
- All-Season Tire: If you want something to maintain traction in light snow while remaining comfortable at highway speeds, an all-season tire is a solid option.