Goodyear Wrangler tires deliver serious performance when you need it most. Our testing team spent 17 months putting these rugged all-terrain performers through demanding conditions across 10,000+ miles. We tackled everything from daily highway driving to challenging off-road terrain to discover exactly how these popular tires perform in real-world situations.
Are Goodyear Wrangler tires worth the investment for your truck or SUV? Our extensive evaluation of the Wrangler DuraTrac RT revealed impressive capabilities that separate these tires from the competition. The DuraTrac earned a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake designation, providing superior winter traction through advanced tread patterns with additional biting edges for enhanced grip on snow and ice. The Wrangler Authority A/T maintains outstanding ratings of 8.4 for longevity, 8.8 for handling, and 8.7 for overall traction.
What sets these tires apart is their advanced construction technology. The 2023 Wrangler DuraTrac RT features DuPont Kevlar reinforcement to prevent tread damage combined with Durawall compound specifically engineered to resist punctures, abrasions, and cuts. The three-ply sidewall construction offers substantially more protection than typical two-ply designs when you venture off the beaten path. These robust features explain why truck and SUV owners choose Wranglers for both daily commuting and weekend adventures.
We tested everything from highway comfort to mud traction performance. Whether you're considering the DuraTrac, SilentTrac, or All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar, we have the real-world experience you need to determine if Goodyear Wranglers deserve a spot on your vehicle.
The Goodyear Wrangler lineup offers an extensive selection of all-terrain options designed specifically for trucks and SUVs. Understanding what makes each model unique helps you choose the right tire for your specific driving needs and vehicle requirements.
The Wrangler DuraTrac RT stands out as the most aggressive option in the lineup, featuring a rugged tread pattern that excels in mud, snow, and rocky conditions. This tire earned the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) designation for proven winter performance. You get solid value with a 50,000-mile treadwear limited warranty.
The Wrangler SilentTrac focused on reduced road noise while delivering decent off-road capabilities. The lineup has expanded with specialized options like the Wrangler Territory RT featuring SoundComfort Technology for quieter highway driving.
The Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar delivers exceptional durability through DuPont Kevlar reinforcement. The open tread pattern provides excellent traction in wet and muddy conditions. Select LT sizes carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake designation for winter driving confidence.
Goodyear recently added three new models to expand your options:
Wrangler Outbound AT: DuPont Kevlar construction with an impressive 65,000-mile warranty
Wrangler Workhorse AT 2: Built for professionals who need improved wet traction
Wrangler ElectricDrive AT: Engineered specifically for electric SUVs and pickup trucks
The Wrangler lineup fits a wide range of popular vehicles. The DuraTrac RT comes in 42 sizes ranging from 30 to 35 inches in outside diameter, making it compatible with most pickup trucks and SUVs from work trucks to weekend adventure rigs.
The All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar targets light trucks and SUVs like the GMC Yukon, Ford F-150, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota 4Runner. This tire delivers the durability you need for both off-road adventures and daily commuting.
The Wrangler Outbound AT serves adventure-ready SUVs and light trucks, while the Workhorse AT 2 focuses on work applications including light trucks, vans, and SUVs such as the Ford F-Series, Ram ProMaster, and Chevrolet Tahoe. The ElectricDrive AT addresses the growing electric vehicle market, including the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian models.
DuPont Kevlar—the same material found in body armor—provides extraordinary puncture and tear resistance. The Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure uses this Kevlar reinforcement to enhance durability on and off-road. LT sizes feature two layers of Kevlar plus 30% more steel for maximum toughness.
Durawall Technology represents a key innovation across the Wrangler line. This specialized sidewall compound prevents sidewall cuts while resisting punctures, abrasions, and cuts during aggressive off-road driving. The DuraTrac RT uses three-ply sidewall construction with Durawall compound, offering superior protection compared to standard two-ply designs.
These technologies work together to deliver tires that maintain their performance over thousands of miles in demanding conditions—exactly what truck and SUV owners need for reliable, long-lasting service.
Understanding the technical specifications of the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT helps explain why these tires deliver consistent performance across demanding terrain. The construction details reveal engineering choices that directly impact durability and capability.
Tread depth varies by tire design, with Light Truck (LT) sizes featuring 18/32" of tread depth. This deep tread provides extended wear life and superior traction compared to standard highway tires. SL (Standard Load) and XL (Extra Load) versions offer 16/32" tread depth, delivering solid performance for lighter-duty applications.
Load capacity ranges significantly across the size lineup. Entry-level sizes carry a 112T rating supporting 2,469 lbs per tire, while heavy-duty options reach 129/126S ratings supporting up to 4,080 lbs per tire. A complete set at minimum rating supports nearly 10,000 pounds total vehicle weight.
Maximum inflation pressure specifications depend on load range. Most LT-rated DuraTrac RT tires handle up to 80 PSI, though specific sizes like the LT305/70R16 max out at 65 PSI. SL/XL versions typically operate between 50-51 PSI maximum, providing adequate load support without excessive ride harshness.
The three-ply sidewall construction with Durawall compound sets the DuraTrac RT apart from standard designs. This robust construction prevents punctures, abrasions, and cuts during off-road use. Our testing confirmed this sidewall protection effectively resists damage from sharp rocks and trail debris.
Load range configurations include E-rated options for most Light Truck sizes and SL/XL ratings for passenger applications. Load range E tires feature the enhanced three-ply sidewall, offering superior resistance to sidewall damage compared to typical two-ply competitors.
The DuraTrac RT comes in 42 different sizes, fitting rim diameters from 16 to 22 inches. Overall diameters span 30 to 35 inches, covering virtually any light truck or SUV application.
Common sizes include:
LT275/70R18: 33.4" overall diameter, 11" section width
LT285/75R16: 33.1" overall diameter, 11.3" section width
33X12.50R18LT: 32.7" overall diameter, 12.5" section width
Flotation sizes like 33X12.50R18LT and 35X12.50R18LT serve serious off-road enthusiasts who need maximum traction and ground clearance. The UTQG rating for SL & XL Load Ranges is 500 B/B, indicating balanced treadwear, traction, and temperature performance.
Pricing ranges from $246.00 to $660.00 depending on size, reflecting the premium materials and advanced construction technology built into these performance tires.
After nearly a year and a half of rigorous testing across varied terrain, we have concrete evidence about how these tires perform in everyday situations. Our 17-month evaluation spanning over 10,000 miles revealed impressive strengths and some limitations that truck and SUV owners should consider.
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tires deliver surprisingly comfortable highway performance despite their aggressive tread design. We were continually impressed with how quiet and smooth these tires remained even after significant mileage. This performance advantage becomes clear when compared to many competing all-terrain options that generate considerable noise at highway speeds.
Customer experiences vary across the Wrangler lineup. The SilentTrac version excels in noise reduction, with users reporting decreased fuel consumption by almost 1L/100km. Some DuraTrac owners note increased noise after approximately 30,000 miles, which highlights the importance of regular rotation every 5,000 miles.
The DuraTrac RT maintained exceptional stability and control even when hauling a 3,300-pound truck camper. These tires exhibited firm handling characteristics that inspired confidence equal to or better than Cooper Discoverers we previously tested. This steadiness never wavered, regardless of road conditions.
Proper inflation proves critical when towing heavy loads. Excessive heat buildup indicates sidewall flexing and insufficient air pressure. The DuraTrac's three-ply sidewall construction provides enhanced stability under heavy loads, making it ideal for serious towing applications.
These tires excel in adverse weather conditions. On snow and ice-covered mountain passes, the DuraTracs maintained impressive grip that instilled confidence throughout our testing. Customer feedback supports this performance, with snow and deep snow traction regularly receiving scores of 9-10 out of 10.
Wet road performance proved equally impressive. The tires consistently felt planted on wet surfaces, preventing hydroplaning effectively across highway, urban, and rural driving environments. Ice performance showed generally good results, though some variability appears across user reports, suggesting that extreme ice conditions might require additional caution.
Taking the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT beyond the pavement reveals exactly why these tires have earned their reputation among serious off-road enthusiasts. Our extensive field testing across challenging terrain conditions showed how these tires perform when adventure calls and traction matters most.
The Wrangler DuraTrac RT handles muddy conditions with impressive self-cleaning capabilities through its optimized tread design. With adequate RPM, these tires effectively shed mud and debris, keeping the treads clear for continuous grip even in sticky situations. They do require sufficient horsepower and engine speed to clear the heaviest mud effectively.
The advanced mud-flow geometry helps maintain traction in challenging conditions. During testing near Chaco Canyon, the tires held their grip on deeply mudded trails even when the vehicle fishtailed, preventing dangerous slides off sloping trail shoulders. Each shoulder block features a stepped design with "in" and "out" patterns that create continuous biting edges as the tire rotates through thick mud.
Rocky terrain showcases where the DuraTrac RT truly shines. These tires delivered optimal rock performance at 8-10 PSI, allowing proper sidewall flex so tread blocks could wrap around rocky surfaces for maximum grip. Goodyear's Tri-Shield Technology increases sidewall strength and provides enhanced resistance against sharp object penetration.
DuraEdge Technology offers robust protection against extreme off-road hazards including rocks and trail obstacles. The reinforced sidewalls successfully resisted most puncture attempts during our demanding test conditions. After six months of aggressive rock crawling, our test team reported only one sidewall puncture—remarkable durability for such punishing terrain.
Sand and beach driving conditions highlight another strength of the Wrangler DuraTrac RT when properly aired down. These tires perform admirably at reduced air pressures, floating effectively across sand while maintaining forward traction. One tester successfully ran them at 18 PSI through sand dunes with center differential engagement, conquering varied terrain without requiring differential lockers.
The tread pattern works particularly well in sand, helping the tire float on top rather than digging down excessively. For those who regularly drive beaches or sandy environments, these tires deliver reliable performance across different sand conditions, from firm packed surfaces to loose dune terrain.
Long-term durability matters when you're investing in premium off-road tires. Our extensive testing of the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tires provides real data about how these tires hold up over time and thousands of miles of use.
Our DuraTrac RTs showed excellent tread retention after 17 months and over 10,000 miles across various terrain types. The front tires measured 13/32" while the rear tires registered 12.5/32" of remaining tread. Starting with 18/32" tread depth, this wear rate indicates exceptional durability. At this rate, you can expect approximately 40,000-55,000 miles from a set with proper maintenance.
Tire rotation every 3,000-6,000 miles is essential for maximizing Wrangler tire life. The slight difference between our front and rear measurements shows how vehicle weight distribution affects wear patterns. Skip regular rotation, and you'll see excessive rear tire wear that can cost you thousands of miles of tire life.
The DuraTrac RTs matched the longevity of our previously-tested Cooper Discoverer AT3-XLTs. Cooper offers longer warranties—up to 105,000 km versus Goodyear's 80,000 km on certain models. Both brands deliver solid durability, so your choice should focus on driving conditions and specific performance needs rather than wear concerns.
After 17 months and more than 10,000 miles of testing, we can answer the original question with confidence: Goodyear Wrangler tires deliver outstanding performance that justifies their reputation. The DuraTrac RT stands out with impressive versatility across different terrains and driving conditions.
What impressed us most was the balance between off-road capability and highway comfort. Many aggressive all-terrain tires force you to choose between trail performance and daily driving comfort. The Wranglers maintained reasonable noise levels and smooth ride quality throughout our extensive evaluation. The three-ply sidewall construction with Durawall technology proved its worth repeatedly, preventing damage from sharp rocks and debris that would sideline lesser tires.
Regular rotation every 5,000 miles is essential for maximizing tire life and achieving the 40,000+ mile lifespan these tires can deliver. Skip this maintenance, and you'll cut thousands of miles from their useful life.
Truck and SUV owners who need both off-road capability and daily driving comfort will find compelling options across the Wrangler lineup. The DuPont Kevlar reinforcement provides exceptional puncture resistance, while specialized tread patterns deliver reliable traction from deep mud to winter snow.
Find the right price on your next set of Goodyear Wranglers by matching the model to your specific driving needs. The DuraTrac RT works best for serious off-roaders, the All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar offers balanced performance, and newer options like the ElectricDrive AT serve electric vehicle owners.
These tires delivered genuine all-terrain performance without the harsh compromises typically associated with aggressive off-road designs. For truck and SUV owners demanding both capability and comfort, the Goodyear Wrangler lineup has earned its place among the top choices for versatile, long-lasting performance.
After 17 months and 10,000+ miles of rigorous testing, here's what you need to know about Goodyear Wrangler tires:
• Exceptional durability: Three-ply sidewall with DuPont Kevlar reinforcement prevents punctures and cuts during aggressive off-road use
• Balanced performance: Delivers serious off-road capability while maintaining comfortable highway ride quality and reasonable noise levels
• Superior weather traction: Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating confirms excellent snow/ice performance, with impressive wet road grip
• Long-term value: Proper rotation every 5,000 miles can deliver 40,000-55,000 miles of service life with consistent tread wear
• Versatile lineup: Multiple models (DuraTrac RT, All-Terrain Adventure, ElectricDrive AT) target specific vehicle types and driving needs
The Goodyear Wrangler line successfully bridges the gap between hardcore off-road performance and daily driving comfort—a rare combination that justifies the premium price for truck and SUV owners who demand both capabilities.
Yes, Goodyear Wrangler tires are excellent for off-road use. Models like the DuraTrac RT feature aggressive tread patterns and durable construction, providing superior traction in mud, rocks, and sand. The tires' self-cleaning lugs and robust sidewalls make them well-suited for challenging terrains.
Goodyear Wrangler tires, particularly those with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake designation, perform exceptionally well in various weather conditions. They offer excellent traction on wet roads, snow, and ice, while maintaining good handling characteristics in dry conditions.
With proper maintenance and regular rotation, Goodyear Wrangler tires can last between 40,000 to 55,000 miles. However, actual lifespan may vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and the specific Wrangler model used.
Despite their off-road capabilities, many Goodyear Wrangler models offer surprisingly comfortable highway performance. They generally provide a smooth ride with relatively low road noise, especially when compared to other aggressive all-terrain tires.
Goodyear Wrangler tires, particularly models like the DuraTrac RT, feature advanced technologies such as DuPont Kevlar reinforcement and Durawall compound. These innovations, combined with three-ply sidewall construction in some models, provide exceptional resistance to punctures, cuts, and abrasions during off-road driving.
