Gripmax, BFGoodrich, or Yokohama? A Long-Term Comparison of All-Terrain Tires

Off-road tires are a frequent topic among people I drive with, so I thought I'd share my long-term experience with several All-Terrain (AT) tire models I've used over the years.

The first set on the list is the Gripmax summer tires, which I ran for three seasons on my second-generation Dacia Duster.

In my opinion, they're a great choice for anyone who regularly ventures off the pavement but still spends plenty of time on public roads. They never let us down—whether it was tackling the off-road course in Milovice or climbing gravel roads in the Western Alps to elevations of nearly 3,000 meters (9,800 ft). At the same time, they remained safe and reasonably comfortable at highway speeds.

That said, they are still off-road tires, so you should expect slightly more road noise, a small increase in fuel consumption, and less grip than standard road tires, especially in wet conditions. Compared to the other tires I've tested, they also offer the least sidewall protection and reinforcement. They're also the only tires in this comparison that are designed exclusively for summer use.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are the BFGoodrich KO2s. These are true off-road tires, with all the strengths—and compromises—that come with that design.

They're incredibly robust, heavy-duty tires with excellent resistance to sidewall damage. In off-road conditions, they inspire a lot of confidence, no matter the terrain.

On the road, however, the story is different. Their on-road performance is noticeably weaker, especially in the rain. Compared to the Gripmax tires, they offer significantly less grip on wet pavement.

That said, I believe they would perform better on a heavier vehicle than the Duster. Like most aggressive off-road tires, they simply take some getting used to. My advice would be to learn their limits gradually, particularly on wet roads. Looking at the tread pattern, though, that's probably not much of a surprise.

The increased road noise is another trade-off, although it never really bothered me personally. Fuel consumption is also noticeably higher. While the Gripmax tires increased fuel usage by roughly half a liter per 100 kilometers (about 0.8 mpg), the BFGoodrich KO2s added approximately another liter on top of that.

On the plus side, their hard rubber compound delivers excellent durability and impressive tread life. And while this has absolutely nothing to do with their performance, I have to admit they simply look fantastic on the vehicle.

One last thing worth mentioning: the KO2s are all-season tires carrying the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification.

Out of all the tires I've used over the years, the Yokohama Geolandar G015 stands out as my favorite.

I've been driving on them for the past four years—first on a Subaru XV, then on a Subaru Crosstrek. Before long, I'll be fitting another set to our third-generation Dacia Duster as well.

Like the BFGoodrich KO2, the Geolandar G015 is an all-season tire carrying the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification. In my opinion, however, it offers the best overall balance for drivers who enjoy exploring beyond the pavement without sacrificing too much comfort or on-road performance.

Of course, it's important to remember that these are still all-terrain tires, so any comments about comfort should be taken in that context. Compared to other AT tires I've driven, they're noticeably more comfortable and refined.

They provide solid grip in both wet and snowy conditions, remain relatively quiet on the highway, and don't have a significant impact on fuel economy. At the same time, they offer enough traction and sidewall protection to tackle demanding trails with confidence.

I also think it's worth mentioning that Subaru equips its Wilderness models with Geolandar tires from the factory, which says a lot about what these tires are capable of.

Naturally, everyone's priorities are different. The right tire depends on how you use your vehicle, how often you leave the pavement, and, of course, your budget.

For my driving, though, the Yokohama Geolandar G015 is the clear winner. The fact that I'll soon be buying my third set for a third different vehicle probably says more than any review ever could.

They're also the tires I've chosen for our June 2027 expedition across Iceland—a country that combines everything from paved highways and gravel roads to volcanic tracks and rough mountain terrain. If a tire can handle that journey, I have little doubt it can handle almost anything I'll throw at it.

Hopefully, my long-term experience with these three all-terrain tire models will help make your own decision a little easier. As always, the best tire is the one that matches the way you actually use your vehicle—but if you're looking for the best all-around compromise, the Yokohama Geolandar G015 would be my first recommendation.