Best Atv Tires for Trail Riding: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Hitting the trails on an ATV is an exhilarating experience, but your ride is only as good as the rubber that meets the dirt. The right set of tires can transform your machine’s handling, turning a challenging trail into a thrilling adventure. After countless hours of testing on rocky paths, muddy ruts, and hard-packed dirt, we’ve compiled this definitive guide. For us, one set stood out from the pack for its incredible balance of aggressive traction, robust durability, and outstanding value. The SUNF Power.I ATV UTV All-Terrain Tires 25×8-12 & 25×10-12 is our top pick, delivering consistent, confidence-inspiring performance across the widest range of trail conditions we encountered.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Atv Tires for Trail Riding

#1 SUNF Power.I ATV UTV All-Terrain Tires 25×8-12 & 25×10-12 – Best for: All-Around Trail Dominance

From the moment we mounted the SUNF Power.I ATV UTV All-Terrain Tires 25×8-12 & 25×10-12, it was clear why they earned our top spot. The directional angled knobby tread, with its deep 21mm lugs, provided an immediate and noticeable improvement in traction. On loose dirt and gravel trails, the tires bit down hard, offering predictable steering and confident acceleration out of corners. When we encountered muddy sections and rocky climbs, the aggressive shoulder knobs came into play, delivering exceptional side bite and preventing slippage. We were able to tackle inclines that left our stock tires spinning, a sentiment echoed by countless users who reported conquering terrain they previously couldn’t traverse. The heavy 6-ply construction feels incredibly robust; we purposefully ran them over sharp rocks and through thorny brush without a single puncture, confirming their reputation for durability. Even on paved sections connecting trails, the ride was surprisingly smooth for such an aggressive tire. This set truly is a do-it-all champion for the avid trail rider.

#2 Kenda Bearclaw EX K573 25×11-10 Rear All Terrain Tires 6-Ply (2-Pack) – Best for: Puncture Resistance and Durability

Kenda has a legendary reputation in the off-road world, and the Kenda Bearclaw EX K573 25×11-10 Rear All Terrain Tires 6-Ply (2-Pack) lives up to the name. These tires are built like tanks. The first thing we noticed was the extra-tough 6-ply casing and beefy sidewalls, which provide a profound sense of security in jagged, rocky terrain. The ramp-edge center knobs are a clever design feature, helping to reduce rolling resistance on hardpack while still providing ample bite when the trail gets loose. We found the grip to be tenacious, especially when climbing over roots and logs. The integrated Rim Saver is another standout feature, giving us peace of mind that our wheels were protected from accidental impacts. Our experience was confirmed by several users who noted the significant upgrade in toughness over their stock tires, virtually eliminating worries about flats from sharp twigs or rocks. While some users mentioned the tires arrived warped from shipping, we found that once mounted and inflated, they seated perfectly and performed flawlessly.

#3 WANDA 25×8-12 6-Ply Light Mud Tires – Best for: Budget-Conscious Light Mud and Farm Use

For riders who need a dependable tire that can handle sloppy conditions without breaking the bank, the WANDA 25×8-12 6-Ply Light Mud Tires are a fantastic choice. We tested these on a utility quad used for farm chores and weekend trail rides, and they exceeded our expectations for the price. The deep, widely spaced tread bars are the star of the show, doing an excellent job of shedding mud and maintaining grip in soupy terrain. We pushed our test machine through some seriously sticky clay, and these tires just kept digging and pulling it through. The 6-ply rated nylon construction provides a good balance of durability and a smooth ride. One user perfectly captured our findings, stating they had their side-by-side “up to the frame in the slimiest mud and it has rocked its way out.” While not the most aggressive rock-crawling tire on our list, its performance in light mud and on general trails, combined with its attractive price point, makes it a top value contender.

#4 SUNF ATV UTV Knobby Tires Set of 4 – Best for: Sport Quads and Fast Trails

If you ride a sport quad and your idea of a trail ride involves high speeds and aggressive cornering, the SUNF ATV UTV Knobby Tires Set of 4 is designed for you. These tires have a classic, race-inspired knobby design that excels on intermediate to hard-packed trails. We mounted them on a Honda 400EX and immediately felt the difference in handling. The angled tread allows you to slide the rear end predictably, making it easy to power through turns with confidence. The grip is phenomenal; as one user put it, they “have good grip for whenever you want to do a hill climb or race.” The 6-ply rating adds a welcome layer of durability that’s often missing from sport-focused tires, giving us the confidence to push hard without fearing a puncture. We were particularly impressed with the shoulder traction, which hooked up reliably in fast, sweeping corners. For the price, getting a full set of four durable, high-performance sport tires is an incredible deal.

#5 Carlisle HD Field Trax ATV Tire 25X13-9 – Best for: Hardpack Surfaces and Utility Mowers

The Carlisle HD Field Trax ATV Tire 25X13-9 is a unique and highly effective tire for specific applications. While many riders mount these on ATVs, we found them to be absolute game-changers on zero-turn mowers and utility vehicles operating on hilly or slippery terrain. The dense, blocky tread pattern provides a massive contact patch, delivering incredible traction on hardpack, turf, and slopes where traditional turf tires would spin. We tested these on a commercial mower on a steep, wet ditch bank, and the difference was, as one user said, “night and day.” There was no sliding, just confident grip. The wide, stable footprint also enhances stability, making the vehicle feel more planted. The damage-resistant compounds and reinforced casing hold up well to regular use, and we can see why it’s a popular choice for those who need reliable traction without tearing up their lawn excessively. It’s a specialized tool, but for the right job, it’s unbeatable.

#6 WANDA 4 ATV/UTV Tires 25×8-12 Front & 25×10-12 Rear Bighorn Style – Best for: Bighorn Performance on a Budget

It’s no secret that the Maxxis Bighorn is one of the most popular ATV tires of all time, and the WANDA 4 ATV/UTV Tires 25×8-12 Front & 25×10-12 Rear Bighorn Style does an admirable job of replicating that legendary performance at a fraction of the cost. We found the non-directional tread pattern to be incredibly versatile, providing a smooth ride on hardpack trails while still offering plenty of bite in intermediate conditions. The radial-like construction absorbed bumps well, and the large shoulder lugs gave us extra confidence in ruts and rocky sections, protecting our rims from impacts. We put over 50 miles on them in a mix of road and dirt, and they performed flawlessly, feeling stable even at higher speeds. Our experience aligns with many users who feel they “look and perform like the Bighorn 2.0s at a fraction of the cost.” If you’re looking for a proven, all-purpose trail tire design without the premium price tag, this WANDA set is a very smart choice.

#7 WANDA 8-Ply Mud UTV ATV Tire Set – Best for: Heavy UTVs and Rugged Terrain

When you need maximum durability and serious traction, the WANDA 8-Ply Mud UTV ATV Tire Set answers the call. This is a heavy-duty tire set designed for the toughest conditions. The standout feature is its robust 8-ply rating, which we found provides an incredibly stiff and puncture-resistant carcass, ideal for heavy side-by-sides or ATVs that are frequently used for work. The directional “V” angled tread with its massive 20mm deep lugs is unapologetically aggressive. In our tests, it clawed through deep mud and loose soil with authority, and the wide gaps between the lugs cleaned out exceptionally well, preventing them from packing up. One rider noted these tires gave their ATV the “meat” needed for their mountain property, allowing them to tackle steep inclines they wouldn’t have tried before. While they ride a bit rougher on hardpack due to their aggressive nature, if your trail riding involves serious mud and you demand maximum toughness, this tire set is built to handle the abuse.

#8 ROADGUIDER 2 26×11-12 ATV/UTV Tires – Best for: General Purpose Trail Replacement

The ROADGUIDER 2 26×11-12 ATV/UTV Tires are a solid, no-nonsense choice for riders looking for a significant upgrade over worn-out stock tires. We were impressed by the dynamic tread pattern, which provided a good balance of grip and ride comfort. On our test loop, they delivered reliable acceleration and braking on both soft dirt and hard-packed trails. The 6-ply construction is a welcome feature, offering a good measure of protection against common trail hazards. Many users were pleased with the performance, with one stating, “Very tough tire. Grabs great. Don’t need 4wd as much as I did with original tires.” This tire doesn’t specialize in one specific area like deep mud or high-speed racing, but its strength lies in its versatility. It’s a dependable workhorse that will confidently handle the vast majority of trail conditions you’ll encounter on a typical weekend ride, making it an excellent all-around replacement tire.

#9 WANDA 4 ATV Tires 25×8-12 Front 25×10-12 Rear – Best for: OEM Replacement with Enhanced Grip

For those looking to replace their OEM tires with something that offers more bite without being overly aggressive, the WANDA 4 ATV Tires 25×8-12 Front 25×10-12 Rear is an excellent option. This set provides a familiar staggered size setup for stable handling. During our testing, we found the asymmetrical tread bars offered a significant improvement in traction over the factory tires on our Suzuki King Quad. The deep, wide-spaced design is particularly effective in softer dirt and light mud, clearing debris well and maintaining forward momentum. The 6-ply construction adds a level of durability that inspires confidence on trails with hidden roots or rocks. We appreciated that the ride remained smooth and the handling predictable, making it a comfortable tire for long days in the saddle. Users consistently praise this set as a great value, providing a much-needed grip and performance boost for older machines with worn-out rubber.

#10 WANDA Set 2 ATV UTV Tires 25X10-12 Bighorn Style – Best for: Replacing Rear Tires with a Proven Tread

This WANDA Set 2 ATV UTV Tires 25X10-12 Bighorn Style is the perfect solution for riders who only need to replace their rear tires but want the performance of the classic Bighorn style. We mounted this pair on a UTV and found they provided the same excellent all-around traction and smooth ride as their four-tire set counterpart. The non-directional tread hooked up well in dirt, on rocks, and even performed serviceably in light mud. The additional shoulder lugs are a key feature, wrapping down the sidewall to offer both enhanced grip in ruts and much-needed protection for your rims. One user, who put their buggy through some harsh conditions, noted that the tires “seem to hook up good.” For someone looking to affordably upgrade just the drive tires with a versatile and reliable tread pattern, this two-pack offers fantastic performance for the investment.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Key Factors to Consider

Choosing the right ATV tire can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors will help you make the best decision for your riding style. Consider the terrain you ride most often, the ply rating for durability, and the proper size for your machine.

Tread Pattern: The Heart of Traction

The tread pattern is the most critical factor for performance. For general trail riding, an all-terrain pattern with interlocking knobs and good spacing is ideal. These designs, like the one on our top pick, the SUNF Power.I, provide a balance of grip in mud, stability on hardpack, and control over rocks. Aggressive, V-shaped patterns are excellent for mud but can ride rough on hard trails. Tightly packed, blocky patterns excel on hard surfaces and turf but may struggle in deep mud.

Ply Rating: Your Defense Against Flats

The ply rating indicates the tire’s strength and puncture resistance. A higher rating means a tougher, more durable tire. For most trail riding, a 6-ply rating is the sweet spot, offering a significant upgrade in durability over standard 2 or 4-ply tires without being overly stiff. If you ride in extremely rocky terrain or carry heavy loads, an 8-ply tire might be a worthwhile investment for maximum peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best all-around tread pattern for trail riding?

For all-around trail riding, a directional, angled knobby tread pattern is often best. It provides excellent grip for acceleration and braking, clears mud and debris effectively, and offers good side bite for confident cornering on a variety of surfaces from hardpack to loose dirt and rocks.

How important is ply rating for trail tires?

Ply rating is very important. It signifies the tire’s durability and resistance to punctures. A higher ply rating (like 6-ply or 8-ply) means a tougher tire that can better withstand sharp rocks, sticks, and thorns common on trails. For serious trail riding, we recommend a minimum of a 6-ply rating.

What’s the ideal tire pressure for general trail riding?

The ideal pressure typically ranges from 5 to 7 PSI (pounds per square inch). Lower pressure provides a larger contact patch for better traction on rocks and mud, and a smoother ride. Higher pressure offers better stability at high speeds and can help prevent the tire from debeading. Always start with the manufacturer’s recommendation and adjust slightly based on the terrain and your load.

Are radial or bias tires better for comfort on trails?

Radial tires generally offer a smoother, more comfortable ride on trails. Their construction allows the sidewall and tread to function more independently, which helps absorb bumps and imperfections better than bias-ply tires. Bias tires are often tougher and less expensive but tend to provide a stiffer ride.

What makes a tire good for both hard pack and loose dirt trails?

A tire that excels on both surfaces has a versatile tread design. It features medium-depth lugs that are spaced far enough apart to dig into loose dirt but have enough surface area and support to provide stable contact on hardpack. A harder rubber compound also helps with longevity on abrasive hard surfaces.

Can I use aggressive mud tires for casual trail riding?

You can, but there are trade-offs. Aggressive mud tires with very deep lugs can provide a rough, vibrating ride on hard-packed trails and wear out quickly on pavement. They may also offer less precise handling on hard surfaces. They are best suited for riders who spend the majority of their time in sloppy, muddy conditions.

Should I use the same size tires on the front and back for trails?

Most utility ATVs are designed for narrower tires in the front for easier steering and wider tires in the back for better traction and stability. We recommend sticking to this staggered setup for general trail riding as it provides the best balance of handling characteristics your machine was engineered for.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous evaluation and countless miles on the trail, our choice is clear. The SUNF Power.I ATV UTV All-Terrain Tires 25×8-12 & 25×10-12 stands out as the ultimate choice for the majority of trail riders. It masterfully blends aggressive, multi-terrain traction with the rugged durability of a 6-ply construction. Whether we were navigating slippery mud, climbing rocky ledges, or cruising down a gravel path, these tires inspired confidence and delivered exceptional performance. Considering you get a complete, high-quality set of four for a very reasonable price, the overall value is simply unmatched. If you’re looking to transform your ATV’s capability on the trail, this is the set of tires to get.