What Are All-Terrain Tyres?

All-terrain tyres (often called A/T tyres) are designed to balance on-road comfort with off-road capability.

They are built for drivers who need a tyre that performs well on everyday roads while still providing the grip and durability needed for gravel tracks, muddy conditions, and uneven terrain.

This makes them a popular choice for 4x4s, SUVs, and vans used in mixed driving conditions.

In this guide, we explain how all-terrain tyres work, their pros and cons, and whether they’re the right choice for your vehicle.

If you’re comparing options, see our guide to the best all-terrain tyres for expert recommendations.

All-terrain tyres are engineered to perform across a wide range of surfaces by combining features of both road and off-road tyres.

They use a specialised tread pattern that balances grip, durability, and comfort, making them suitable for mixed driving conditions.

Key features include:

• Moderate tread pattern – deeper than road tyres for improved off-road grip, but less aggressive than mud-terrain tyres
• Wider grooves – help clear mud, water, and debris, improving traction in loose conditions
• Reinforced sidewalls – provide extra durability and resistance to cuts or punctures
• Balanced rubber compounds – designed to handle both road wear and off-road stress

This combination allows all-terrain tyres to deliver reliable performance on tarmac, gravel, dirt tracks, and light mud, without compromising everyday usability.

All-terrain tyres are designed for versatility, but like any tyre type, they involve trade-offs depending on how you use your vehicle.

Pros:

• Versatile performance – suitable for both road and light off-road driving
• Improved traction – better grip on gravel, mud, and uneven surfaces than standard road tyres
• Stronger construction – more resistant to cuts and punctures
• Ideal for mixed use – well-suited to drivers who regularly switch between road and off-road conditions

Cons:

• Slightly noisier on the road than standard road tyres
• Reduced fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance
• Less grip than road tyres in high-speed or wet-road conditions
• Less capable than mud-terrain tyres in extreme off-road environments

For many drivers, all-terrain tyres offer the best balance between everyday usability and off-road capability.

If you mainly drive on the road or regularly tackle more extreme off-road terrain, a different tyre type may be a better fit.

If you need more aggressive off-road performance, see our guide to the best mud-terrain tyres.

Choosing the right tyre depends on how you use your vehicle. Here’s how all-terrain tyres compare with other common tyre types:

All-terrain tyres (A/T)
Designed for mixed driving, offering a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. Ideal for everyday use with occasional off-road driving.

Mud-terrain tyres (M/T)
Built for extreme off-road conditions such as deep mud, rocks, and rough terrain. They provide maximum traction but are noisier and less efficient on the road.

Road tyres (H/T or highway-terrain)
Optimised for smooth, quiet driving on paved roads. They offer the best comfort and fuel efficiency but have limited off-road capability.

In simple terms:

• Choose all-terrain tyres for versatility
• Choose mud-terrain tyres for serious off-road use
• Choose road tyres for everyday on-road driving

If you need more aggressive off-road performance, see our guide to the best mud-terrain tyres.

Explore our full range of all-terrain tyres by size or by vehicle to find the right fit.

With options for 4x4s, SUVs, and vans, you can quickly find tyres designed for your driving conditions, with UK-wide delivery or professional fitting available.

Explore All Terrain Tyres for 4x4s, SUVs and Vans >

Explore our full range of all-terrain tyres by size or by vehicle to find the right fit for your vehicle.

With options for 4x4s, SUVs and vans, you can quickly find tyres designed for your driving conditions, with UK-wide delivery or professional fitting available.

Explore all-terrain tyres for 4x4s, SUVs and vans