ATV Tires

The market for ATV tires is broken down between versatile, all-terrain tires and highly specialized tires designed for specific terrains and/or extreme conditions

All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires are, by and large, the most popular category of ATV tires. Their tread offers a perfect balance of grip and strength and gives them a broad use across a wide variety of terrains. Often equipped as stock tires on new quads, all-terrain tires perform well on mild to moderate terrains such as soft-packed trails, light mud, gravel, and small rocks. The tread pattern of all-terrain ATV tires is generally aggressive, but the slightly shallower tread depth provides a smoother, more comfortable ride on hard surfaces while still maintaining plenty of grip for intense off-road exploration. These tires are perfect for the off-roader who rides on a wide range of surfaces and wants a tire that is built for longevity and endurance.

Mud Tires

As the name suggests, mud tires are built specifically to get your ATV through deep, thick mud. Mud tires are very recognizable and feature some of the most aggressive tread patterns you will find on quad tires. The tread pattern of ATV mud tires features large, widely spaced lugs. This allows the tire to grab large chunks of mire and function almost like a paddle, propelling you forward. Another feature common on mud tires is angled lugs that continuously funnel mud out and away from the tire. This self-cleaning helps to ensure the tire doesn't accumulate mud and debris, which would cause the tire to lose traction. One of the drawbacks of mud tires is that outside of their specific application, they don't perform well. Driving on hard surfaces with mud tires will be rough, and even with their aggressive tread pattern, they don't provide much traction. Similarly, driving on concrete or pavement will cause premature tread wear. The highly specific nature of mud tires makes them the perfect choice for quad riders who consistently ride in wet and less-than-ideal conditions.

Sand & Dune Tires

Another specialized tire, ATV sand tires are designed exclusively for use on loose, sandy surfaces like dunes. The tread pattern of sand tires prioritizes floatation over digging. This is important as excessive digging on sandy surfaces will cause your quad to sink, losing speed and control. Rear sand tires, often referred to as "paddle tires", feature large fins/paddles with large voids between the paddles. By utilizing this pattern, sand tires push the sand backwards and propel your vehicle forward. The front tires of sand tires are often smooth and feature single, raised ridges that run parallel across the face of the tire. This provides directional steering control, again, without digging. Sand tires are highly specific, and using them on any other surface is not advised.

Racing & Hard-Packed Trail Tires

For riders focused on high-speed trail racing or performance on compact surfaces, racing tires are the ideal choice. These tires are typically made from a soft, sticky rubber compound with a regulated, low-profile tread pattern and sharp edges to provide tenacious grip and a sharp steering response on hard-packed trails. Their lightweight construction is optimized for acceleration and handling. This focus on high-speed performance, however, sacrifices durability; the soft rubber wears down quickly, especially if used on other terrains, and may need to be replaced frequently, even after a single ride.  

Hard Surface & Turf Tires

Not all ATV riding involves aggressive off-road conditions. For those who frequently use their vehicles on lawns, paved paths, or hard-packed roads, hard surface and turf tires are an excellent option. These tires feature shallower treads and are designed to minimize rolling resistance, which improves fuel efficiency and provides a smooth, quiet ride. Additionally, they are engineered to be gentle on lawns and turf, preventing the gouges and tears that more aggressive treads can cause.

Snow & Winter Tires

While many all-terrain or mud tires can be used in snowy conditions, specialized snow tires offer superior performance. They are designed with a softer rubber compound that remains pliable in cold temperatures and features "siped" tread patterns—small cuts in the lugs that create additional biting edges for grip on ice. Some designs even include holes for studs to provide maximum traction on slick, icy surfaces.  

ATV tire prices vary widely depending on tire construction, size, and design. On average, budget-friendly quad tires can be found for as low as $35, while high-performing specialty tires can cost $350 or more. High-performance tires, which feature increased ply ratings, specialized rubber compounds, radial construction, and larger sizes, drive a higher cost compared to low-ply, bias, entry-level tires. Some ATV tire brands that feature economical tires include SUNF, Kenda, and AMS. On the other end of the spectrum, Dragonfire, Interco, BFG, and Maxxis sell larger and/or specialized tires that have a higher cost. Between these two price extremes, there is a wide range of tires manufactured for a wide range of uses and terrains. It’s best to consider your specific tire needs and consult with user reviews when making your tire purchase.

*Note- these prices reflect averages across the industry. Individual prices may vary.*

When choosing an ATV tire, there is no shortage of brands available for you to pick from. However, as a result of millions of miles of testing from quad riders across the country, a few brands have risen to the top and garnered a reputation for making reliable, high-performing ATV tires. Here is a list of some of the most sought-after ATV tire brands:

• SunF
• Maxxis
• ITP
• Carlisle
• Kenda
• QuadBoss

Each of these tire manufacturers has its own strengths and weaknesses, as well as its own distinctive tread patterns and price ranges. While these specific tire makers are extremely popular, it is important to remember that each rider’s experience may be different. What works for one rider on their chosen terrain may not work for someone else.

*Note- this is a sampling and not an exhaustive list of tire brands.

When it comes to how much weight an ATV tire can bear, tire construction is key. The primary factors that determine a tire's load capacity are the tire’s size and inflation pressure. Larger quad tires have bigger air chambers and, as a result, can support heavier loads. In addition to tire size, ply rating, and tire construction (bias/radial, tire materials) also play a role.

Ply-Rating: A tire’s ply rating is simply a classification or reference point representing a tire’s relative strength. Numerically, the higher the ply rating, the stronger the tire. For example, a tire with a 6-ply rating is stronger than a tire with a 2-ply rating. While this does impact a tire’s load-carrying capacity, it also impacts a tire’s strength in other areas, such as puncture resistance and general durability.

Load Index: Ultimately, the main determining factor of a tire’s load capacity is its load index. This is a manufacturer-specific number that designates the maximum load a tire can carry. You can often find this number stamped on the sidewall of the tire. On average, ATV tires can carry between 165 lbs. – 550 lbs. per tire. Always confirm load capacity with the load index stamped on the tire or with the tire manufacturer.