Feature Friday: Mud-Terrain Tire Choices For 5th Gen 4Runner

Which Mud-Terrain Tires Are Best For Your Build? We Asked 14 4Runner Owners What M/T Tires They Run & What They Like About Them

This Week’s Topic: Mud-Terrain Tires

Welcome back to another Feature Friday! If you missed last week’s FF, we asked owners about their TRD Off-Road 4Runner builds and their favorite mods. This week we are taking a look at several mud-terrain (M/T) tire options that folks in the off-road/overland community trust to wheel hard while out on the trails.

If you are currently in the market for some M/T tires and have been wanting some real-world feedback, then you are in the right place.

We did a similar Feature Friday in the past where we took a look at 4Runner all-terrain tire options that often get recommended on social media.

Both A/T and M/T tires get the job done both on and off-road. However, there are some key differences.

An A/T tire is like a handheld ax while an M/T tire is a gas-powered chainsaw and you have a massive tree to cut down. Both will get the job done at the end of the day. One option did it with ease while the other still got the task done, but boy was it a bit rough. On the flip side, sometimes it’s not a massive tree and more like a branch. In that case, the chainsaw could be overkill.

M/T tires excel as a dedicated off-road tire with a softer compound for better traction on rocks. They also have pretty large tread blocks and voids plus a super beefy sidewall when compared to its A/T counterpart. With wide tread voids that push any small rocks and mud out from your tires, M/T tires give you the most traction possible where other tires would cake up and spin endlessly.

While M/T tires have superior performance off-road, you often make sacrifices on-road in the form of road noise and handling. Many of the owners below stated that there is some road noise with their tires, but some brands tended to have less road noise than others. You will also need to take corners a little slower in the rain as well with an M/T tire.

Below we have eight great M/T tire options for you to consider if you are in the market. They range from the super popular BFG KM3 to the often overlooked and underrated Pro Comp USA Extreme M/T2. Each owner let us of what they like about their tire selection and how it has benefited both their off-road and on-road experiences.

If after reading this week’s Feature Friday you would still like additional tire guidance, then definitely take a look at our ultimate 4Runner tire buyer’s guide!

1. Kelee Hall (@stealth4rnr) – Cooper

Tire Details

• Model: Discover STT Pro
• Size: 295/70R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $350/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

These tires not only look great but they perform well in all terrain types. Rain, snow, mud, dirt, or normal street are no problem. These tires have held up well to the rugged desert terrain here in Las Vegas.

I’ve since replaced them with the same tires in a larger size of 315/70R17. I don’t have any professional photos showcasing that size at this time.

2. Rob Morales (@mask3d_pitbull) – BFGoodrich

Tire Details

• Model: KM3
• Size: 315/70R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $385/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

I mean where do I start? The new design of the KM3 has been phenomenal on dirt, snow, and on the road! I love how the hook-shaped blocks near the sidewall along with the slits on each tread block help grip rocks when aired down.

The super aggressive side-biting lugs not only look great but they allow the tire to basically mold to the obstacle. When driving on-road, I forget I have M/Ts because they are so quiet. Mix all that with a 3-ply sidewall, and tread technology from their Baja race tires, and you have a superior tire.

3. Robert Brown (@nw4runnr) – Mickey Thompson

Tire Details

• Model: Baja Boss M/T
• Size: 285/70R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $319/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

The amount of traction these tires have is incredibly insane both on-road and off-road. They ride smoothly and are not too loud on the pavement. My son has the Yokohama Geolandars and they are super loud on the road. He also seems to get stuck more than me when we are running trails. Sorry Yokohama guys, had to put that out there.

I think the Mickeys do great both on-road and off-road. I’ve got about 13k of wear on them and they are holding up pretty well. I will definitely buy another set when needed. I’m very impressed with these tires so far.

4. Erick Delgado (@epreme) – BFGoodrich

Tire Details

• Model: KM3
• Size: 315/70R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $385/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

I really think they are the best-looking tire out there and they give my 4Runner that beefy look, especially with a -38mm offset wheel. These are my 2nd set of KM3s and I love the performance they have both on-road and off-road.

The road noise isn’t too loud compared to the Yokohamas and STT Cooper Pros I had in the past. I think they are a great tire for the Southern California climate. I would like to see improvements in the snow where at times I feel like they lack.

5. David Georgiu (@georgiusadventure) – Nitto

Tire Details

• Model: Ridge Grapplers
• Size: 285/70R17
• Load Range: C
• Price: $310/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest. They are great tires for my rainy/muddy adventures when off-roading or finding a hiking spot. They have a very aggressive look to them as well which makes the 4Runner stand out!

Jon’s Note: I included the Nitto Ridge Grapplers even though they are a hybrid of both an A/T and an M/T. They really are the best of both worlds in my opinion. I have them on three of my vehicles and love them!

6. Austin Wade (@blk4rna) – Pro Comp

Tire Details

• Model: Xtreme MT2
• Size: 295/55R20
• Load Range: E
• Price: $395/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

It is always a hard decision when choosing the right tire. When I came across the Pro Comp Xtreme MT2, it seemed to check all the boxes for me.

First off, I love how aggressive the tread pattern and side walls look. As each day passes I am happier with my purchase. I feel plenty of traction both on and off-road.

The only downside is that they tend to be a louder tire on the pavement. Overall, I would highly recommend this tire if you are looking for a tire that is great looking, performs well, and not many people run.

7. Madison Price (@forest_runner18) – Maxxis

Tire Details

• Model: RAZR M/T
• Size: 295/70R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $290/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

I’ve run Maxxis tires for years now, so here are a few of my favorite things about these tires!

Not only does the tread design look aggressive but it serves a purpose. To me, eliminating the worry I would have with any other normal A/T or street tire while out on the trail is the most important.

Water, snow, sand, and dirt are no match for the Maxxis RAZR M/Ts. I can go into a ditch, go down a backroad, and over rocks without any worries.

You definitely get your money’s worth with these, as long as they are properly rotated to maximize tread life. They can stay on for all seasons and or just become your dedicated off-roading tire!

8. AJ Wong (@wongtrd) – BFGoodrich

Tire Details

• Model: KM3
• Size: 35X12.5R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $435/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

My favorite thing about the KM3s is how aggressive they look no matter what size you get them in. Nothing beats walking to my rig and seeing these 35s poke outside the fender wells.

Not only do these tires look badass, but they also ride pretty comfortably on and off-road in my opinion. I love how well the KM3s perform in the snow and mud compared to other tires I’ve run in the past.

9. Ryan Lau (@4runnersaurus) – Yokohama

Tire Details

• Model: Geolandar M/T G003
• Size: 285/70R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $297/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

What I like most about the Yokohama M/Ts is their tread pattern. These definitely stand out with one of the most aggressive-looking sidewalls. Their traction has been great on nearly all terrain, especially for a mud-terrain.

They are fairly quiet on-road and at highway speeds, with only a faint hum that can easily be drowned out by some music. Load range E tires can make a ride pretty stiff, but the durability and peace of mind on the trails are worth it.

10. Dustin Smith (@calrunr) – BFGoodrich

Tire Details

• Model: KM3
• Size: 295/70R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $385/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

When looking for Mud Terrain tires, I wanted rubber that performed off-road, was quiet on the road, looked aggressive, but also didn’t go too wild on the sidewall design. The BFG KM3s met and lived up to all of those requirements.

They have an amazing grip in mud, yet keep their rolling speed and momentum through mud bogs and shallow river crossings. Living in the PNW, they’ve been through harsh snowstorms, deep highway snow, and ice.

They perform best in actual deep snow rather than on hard pack, but in spite of NOT having that snowflake rating, I’ve been impressed with their winter performance. New, they were almost silent on the road. After 10-15k miles, their humming has gotten more audible, but I can still clearly hear my music at low to mid-volume. After two and a half years I still love the performance and look of the KM3s, and my feelings are not fading any time soon.

11. Lorelei Schweickert (@bluegrass_4r) – Goodyear

Tire Details

• Model: Wrangler MT/R
• Size: 275/70R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $325/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

The Kevlar technology has made them super resistant to puncture along with a tread pattern that makes them perfect for mudding. I have yet to get stuck while having these tires on my 4Runner. These tires are great for rock crawling as well. They have very little slippage while making contact with smooth or wet rockfaces. Contrary to many people, I love the roar these tires make on the blacktop!

12. Chris Badran (@bad4rnr) – Yokohama

Tire Details

• Model: Geolandar M/T G003
• Size: 35/12.5R17
• Load Range: E
• Price: $380/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

The G003 by Yokohama to my knowledge is the lightest M/T tire on the market. Switching from a set of 33/12.5R17 Ridge Grapplers, these weigh almost the exact same at just under 70lbs. It’s important to be mindful of the weight on your wheel combo, especially if you’re going to be hitting any sort of loose dirt or sand.

The G003s are amazing when aired down and have a very hard compound. The side walls are super aggressive which gives you a ton of control when rock crawling. They haven’t chunked or cracked after 10k miles of hard driving. I usually leave my 4Runner in 2WD and only use 4×4 If get stuck. This driving style shredded my softer Ridge Grapplers in about 20k miles.

The one downside is that the harder compound lends to louder on-road driving, but the trade-off is more than worth it. These are my favorite tires to date for sure!

13. Tim Curley (@Milk.wagon) – Yokohama

Tire Details

• Model: Geolandar G003
• Size: 37/12.5R17
• Load: E
• Price: $415/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

These tires are super lightweight and have a super long-lasting tread when compared to other M/Ts in their class. I’ve never had a problem with grip through the 3 sets of these tires I’ve owned, no matter the weather or terrain I was driving on. They have so many knobs and a thick sidewall tread that works wonders when aired down.

They throw snow almost as well as they throw mud. These M/Ts are hard to beat if you’re driving to trails and not throwing your rig on a trailer to get there.

14. Romeo Cabras Jr. (@9th_island_runner) – Mickey Thompson

Tire Details

• Model: Baja Legend MTZ
• Size: 295/70R17
• Load: E
• Price: $355/each

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

The Baja Legend MTZ tires are not only lighter than some other MTs of similar sizes on the market, but they also provide excellent traction both on and off-road. They are also one of the few tires that have “white wall”  writing on one side. They also compliment my Advan RG-D2 wheels perfectly. White walls out, you know the drill!!

Final Thoughts

Modern mud-terrain tires can now offer a pretty long tread life without sacrificing too much on-road traction. This is a vast improvement over earlier designs and compounds where M/Ts were almost unbearable on the pavement. So whatever tires you end up picking, you are likely to get a decent amount of miles out of them if maintained properly.

I hope that this week’s Feature Friday helped in making your tire purchase decision a little easier. There are many more options available in the off-road market, with the ones listed above just being among the most popular. They’ve all been put through their paces, but certainly aren’t the only brands to keep your eyes out for.

We want readers to get inspired by a variety of rigs/products. Submit your build for Feature Friday here to get featured. Next week we will be showcasing some of the baddest Trailer Setups Instagram has to offer. If you would like to submit your build for next week, include your setup details and an awesome photo that shows it off.

Have a great weekend everyone!