Truck tires that are aggressive in both appearance and performance have been the center of attention of most truck drivers since some time now. Understandably so, because most, if not all, trucks are destined to be used in rough, unfriendly and challenging conditions. The aggressive construction of tires allows them to tackle the hurdles that come specifically with off-road driving, such as mud, stones and snow. While an aggressive design increases the chances of survival of the tire in rough conditions, an aggressive appearance can enhance the look of the vehicle significantly.
Top 5 picks for the Best Aggressive Truck tires:
If you are looking for a truck tire with aggressive properties and a robust appearance, we have got you covered. Here is a list of our favorite, aggressive truck tires:
- Cooper Discoverer STT Pro All-Season 37X13.50R17LT 121Q Tire (Editor’s choice)
- Mickey Thompson Baja MTZP3 Mud Terrain Radial Tire – 35X12.50R20LT 121Q
- BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire
- Maxxis MT-762 Bighorn Tire – LT255/85R16
- Westlake SL369 Off-Road Radial Tire – LT275/65R18
1. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro All-Season 37X13.50R17LT 121Q Tire (Editor’s choice)
The most aggressive tire offered by Cooper…
This 17-inch all-season tire by Cooper is one of the most aggressive tires available in the market today. It has a tough build along with a bold design, which make it ideal for rough off-road conditions. The tread design of this tire is unique and conspicuous, with massive tread blocks which impart an overall aggressive look to the tire. Moreover, this advanced tread pattern also allows it to get rid of the stones and rocks that might get in the way, especially when driving on arid terrain.
In order to ensure that the tire dominates in muddy and snowy conditions, the shoulder of the tire features mud scoops and surface cleats, which dig into the snow or mud underneath and minimize the possibility of slipping. However, these features are not of any help in ice and the grip of the vehicle in icy conditions is significantly compromised. Thanks to the specialized and bold features, this tire has the ability to withstand the rugged and challenging conditions that come with off-road driving, while giving the vehicle an attacking appearance.
This tire’s performance on paved roads, nonetheless, is not as appealing. The tire vibrates strongly at high speeds and might get too loud when used on highways.
Pros:
- Able to survive harsh conditions
- Prominent appearance
- Confident grip
- Economical
- Sturdy construction
- Tough
- Backed by standard limited warranty
Cons:
- Short tread life
- Get shaky and loud on paved road
2. Mickey Thompson Baja MTZP3 Mud Terrain Radial Tire – 35X12.50R20LT 121Q
The winner in the aesthetics department…
If you are looking for a tire to completely transform the appearance of your vehicle and make it stand out, this is it. This 20-inch tire by Mickey Thompson shines due to its tough, aggressive outlook. It has a rugged tread pattern with huge tread blocks, which greatly help it in overcoming unfriendly and harsh off-road conditions. The voids between the tread are widely spaced which not only add to aesthetic properties of this tire, but also help in combating the effects of sharp rocks and gruels. To further help with uneven and rough land, decoupling grooves are added which adhere to the ground and provide added stability to the vehicle. However, balancing this tire perfectly is a tricky job and might require assistance.
In addition to the tread pattern, the four-pitch design on the side of the tire is also an important feature that enhances its tough look, and multiplies its traction. Moreover, the sidewall construction is done using robust materials, providing added toughness to the tire.
Although this tire is extremely strong and can survive on both paved road as well as off-road, the gas mileage is comparatively low and remains a big concern. Also, all that bulk may get difficult to balance.
Pros:
- Tough appearance
- Easy to clean
- Can withstand extremely harsh conditions
- Strong sidewall
- Excellent quality
- Quiet for a mud tire
Cons:
- Difficult to balance
- Compromised fuel economy
3. BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire
The robust, durable one…
This 17-inch tire by BFGoodrich is widely known for its robustness, both in performance and appearance. This wide, oversized tire features an asymmetrical tread pattern, which is an absolute choice when aggressiveness is required. Alongside the tread, it has advanced sipes which further stabilize the tread blocks and allow for excellent, unparalleled traction in snow.
A particularly attention grabbing feature of this tire is the detailing of the sidewall, the design of which is aimed primarily at providing strength but also adds to the looks. The rubber is thick, and possesses the ability to deflect protruding objects. This prevents it from damage and bruises, as well as make it appear sturdy. This is further enhanced by the serrated cut of the shoulder, the primary purpose of which is to provide additional traction in mud and snow. Surprisingly, despite all these heavy duty features the tire provides a quiet and comfortable ride with negligible noise.
However, the use of innovative technology and advanced features make this tire much more expensive than most other options available.
Pros:
- Performs well in all terrains
- Tough appearance
- Bruise-resistant
- Superb traction in mud, snow and rocks
- Comes with a 6-year standard limited warranty
- Quiet and comfortable drive
Cons:
- Expensive
4. Maxxis MT-762 Bighorn Tire – LT255/85R16
Greatest value for money…
This sporty looking, 16-inch tire by Maxxis is a terrific all-rounder when it comes to performing aggressively on various terrains. Although it is designed specifically for muddy land, the bold features allow an equally superb performance on paved roads, snow and rocks. The tread blocks of this tire are deep and widely spaced, which help in resisting the damaging effects of sharp rocks and stones. They also provide the tire with the ability to self-clean. Thus, the tire comes out looking tough and tidy, no matter how harsh and unfriendly the drive is.
This tire by Maxxis is equipped with extra-large, staggered shoulder lugs which are captivating to look at. They are meant to amplify the traction on mud and snow, as well as to protect the sidewalls from abrasion and punctures. All these features account for a smooth, uniform ride in almost all kinds of terrains.
The downside, however, is that the tire might get shaky and vibrates noticeably if the conditions get too rough. The noise produced by this tire is also significant and hard to ignore.
Pros:
- Smooth ride
- Can overcome hurdles during the drive
- Self-cleaning ability
- Easy to balance
- Inexpensive
- Robust appearance
Cons:
- Noisy
- Might vibrate in certain conditions
5. Westlake SL369 Off-Road Radial Tire – LT275/65R18
Perfect for those on a budget…
This 18-inch tire is one of the toughest tires manufactured by Westlake, and is designed to tackle the challenges that come with off-road driving. Its tread pattern is unique for an off-road tire, and is superior in terms of the comfort and quality of the ride. The tread block, however, is aggressive and stepped, aiming to provide significant traction in mud, snow and wet areas. The grooves are wide and deep, allowing the tire to deal effectively with any debris that might get stuck and hinder the smoothness of the ride.
In order to enhance its traction in snow, the sipping of the tire is designed using advanced techniques. This, in addition to the rigid tread blocks, also contributes to the reduction of noise produced during the drive. The effectiveness of the braking system is also increased manifold, thanks to these specialized tread blocks. The selling point of this tire, however, is its price. This tire costs around one half as compared to its competitors. The quality of the materials, nonetheless, is slightly lower than other expensive brands.
Pros:
- Enhanced traction in all conditions
- Aggressive outlook
- Features sipes
- Cost effective
- No noise production
Cons:
- Average quality materials
How to choose the best aggressive truck tire for you?
The aggressiveness of a tire is the result of a number of different factors, which combined together can make for the perfect choice of tires. Some of these factors are listed here for your guidance. You could also check out our related article: Best looking truck tires
1. Tread Pattern:
Tread pattern is the first thing in a tire that catches the eye of the viewer. Tires with deep treads and massive tread blocks not only appear tough and sturdy, but also add greatly to the traction of the tire. As a result, the tire is able to tackle harsh off-road conditions effectively. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to keep an eye on the tread pattern.
2. Sidewall:
The sidewall of a tire is another prominent feature. In order to perform aggressively, the sidewall needs to be built with a strong, bruise-resistant material, preferably rubber. This allows it to withstand the effects of sharp objects such as stones, without getting damaged. Protruding sidewall bars make the tire appear robust, and serve a protective function as well.
3. Tire Size:
Tires that are larger in size with a wide diameter appear noticeably aggressive, and can completely transform the appearance of the vehicle. Large tires are also more likely to combat the damaging effects of rocky areas, by keeping the sensitive components of the tire safe.
However if you’re looking for the ultimate best tires for your truck without the constraint of aesthetics, you might want to read Best Tires for 4×4 Trucks.
