In the vast sea of all-terrain tires, the Goodyear Wrangler AT/S seeks to chart its own course, offering drivers a blend of rugged capability and road comfort. But in a market filled with heavy hitters, does it manage to stand out, or does it blend into the background? Let’s find out what makes this tire tick and whether it’s the right choice for your off-road adventures and daily commutes.
The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S positions itself as a reliable companion for both off-road trails and paved roads. While it may not clinch the title of the ultimate trail champion, it offers a commendable balance of performance and comfort, making it a worthy consideration for those seeking a tire that performs well across varied conditions.
In this article, we’ll dive into the performance of the Goodyear Wrangler AT/S across different terrains, assessing its handling in wet and dry conditions, its off-road capabilities, and its comfort levels. We’ll also consider its winter performance, potential limitations, and how it stacks up against other all-terrain tires in the market, providing a comprehensive view to help guide your tire buying decision.
Goodyear Wrangler AT/S
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.3 of 10
Wet Weather
7.1 of 10
Winter Weather
7.0 of 10
All Terrain
7.0 of 10
Tread Wear
7.5 of 10
Dry Weather
7.7 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.2 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:360
UTQG Traction Rating:A
UTQG Temperature Rating:B
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 7.8 of 10
Mud Grip: 6.5 of 10
Sand Grip: 7.0 of 10
Rock Grip: 7.5 of 10
Hydroplaning: 7.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.0 of 10
Cornering: 7.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 7.5 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.3 of 10
Comfort Level: 7.3 of 10
Road Noise: 7.1 of 10
Description & Review
The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S is engineered to cater to drivers seeking a tire capable of navigating a broad spectrum of terrains without compromising on road comfort. Positioned as a versatile all-terrain option, this tire is designed for SUVs, light trucks, and crossovers, embodying Goodyear’s commitment to reliability, durability, and performance.
With a tread pattern that balances off-road grit with on-road stability, the Wrangler AT/S showcases commendable performance on dirt and rocky terrains, where its grip and durability shine. The tire’s capability in sand and mud is adequate, making it a suitable choice for light to moderate off-road adventures. Its construction aims to provide a blend of traction and resistance against the rigors of unpaved paths, though it may not excel in deep mud conditions where more specialized off-road tires would be preferable.
When it comes to handling wet conditions, the Wrangler AT/S offers solid hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, though it trails slightly behind class leaders in this aspect. Its performance on dry roads is stronger, with notable dry traction and a responsive steering feel that contributes to a secure driving experience. Cornering stability and overall handling on paved surfaces are reliable, making it a competent tire for everyday driving.
Winter performance is a notable aspect of the Wrangler AT/S, offering reasonable traction in light to moderate snow. However, its ice traction capabilities suggest caution and possibly supplemental equipment in severe winter weather, highlighting its limitations in tackling the harshest of icy conditions.
Comfort levels and noise reduction are areas where the Wrangler AT/S performs adequately, delivering a ride that is comfortable enough for daily use but may not match the refinement of more road-focused tires. The ride quality and noise levels are acceptable for an all-terrain tire, though drivers prioritizing a whisper-quiet cabin might explore alternatives.
Treadwear is another consideration, with the Wrangler AT/S displaying a decent lifespan that aligns with expectations for its category. Its durability in varied conditions underscores Goodyear’s reputation for producing tires that last, though individual experiences may vary based on driving habits and conditions.
OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE
The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S is capable across various off-road conditions, with particular strengths in:
- Dirt and Rock: Excellent traction and durability on uneven terrains.
- Sand and Mud: Adequate performance, suitable for drivers with occasional off-road needs.
WET AND DRY PERFORMANCE
Performs reliably in both wet and dry conditions, offering:
- Wet Surface Handling: Good hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Road Capability: Strong traction, cornering stability, and steering response.
WINTER CAPABILITY
Provides reasonable winter performance with room for improvement:
- Snow and Ice: Adequate for light to moderate snow, with limited ice traction.
COMFORT AND NOISE
Balances comfort and noise levels for an all-terrain tire:
- Ride Quality: Acceptably smooth for daily driving.
- Noise Level: Moderate noise, typical of all-terrain tires.
PROS
- Versatile performance across a range of terrains.
- Reliable dry traction and responsive handling.
- Reasonable comfort and treadwear for its category.
CONS
- Moderate performance in deep mud and on ice.
- Slightly behind class leaders in wet traction and noise reduction.
The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S emerges as a dependable all-terrain tire that offers a good blend of off-road capability and on-road performance. While it may not lead in every performance category, its versatility and durability make it a worthy consideration for drivers seeking a tire that can confidently handle a variety of driving scenarios. Its balanced approach to traction, comfort, and longevity ensures that it remains a competitive option in the all-terrain tire market.
Goodyear Wrangler AT/S Problems
The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S, while designed to offer a versatile all-terrain experience, faces certain challenges that could affect its suitability for some drivers. Drawing from user feedback, expert reviews, and performance tests, the following issues have been identified that potential buyers might want to consider:
MODERATE MUD AND ICE TRACTION
The Wrangler AT/S provides adequate performance on a variety of terrains, but its capabilities in deep mud and icy conditions are moderate. For drivers who frequently encounter severe off-road mud scenarios or icy roads, the tire’s traction may not meet the high standards required for optimal safety and performance, indicating a limitation in its all-terrain versatility.
WET TRACTION AND HYDROPLANING RESISTANCE
While the tire offers solid performance in wet conditions, it falls slightly behind the leaders in its class in terms of wet traction and hydroplaning resistance. Drivers expecting top-tier performance in heavy rain or standing water might find the Wrangler AT/S’s handling in these conditions less confident than some competing models.
NOISE LEVELS AND RIDE COMFORT
For an all-terrain tire, the Wrangler AT/S achieves an acceptable level of comfort and noise reduction, but it may not satisfy drivers who prioritize a quiet and exceptionally smooth ride. The compromise between off-road durability and on-road comfort results in a ride that’s slightly noisier and less refined than more road-focused or premium all-terrain tires.
TREADWEAR AND LONGEVITY
The treadwear rating of the Wrangler AT/S suggests a decent lifespan that aligns with expectations for its category. However, some users have reported variability in tread life, particularly under aggressive driving conditions or frequent off-road use. This variability might impact the tire’s overall value and cost-effectiveness for drivers with demanding driving habits.
The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S is positioned as a reliable choice for drivers seeking an all-terrain tire that balances off-road capability with daily driving comfort. Despite its strengths in versatility and dry traction, acknowledging its limitations in handling deep mud, icy conditions, wet traction, noise levels, and treadwear is crucial for making an informed decision. While it offers a commendable performance across a variety of conditions, drivers with specific performance expectations, especially in extreme weather or terrain, might explore other options to find a tire that more closely aligns with their needs.
Goodyear Wrangler AT/S Alternatives
While the Goodyear Wrangler AT/S offers a balanced approach to all-terrain driving, certain drivers may seek alternative tires that cater to specific performance needs or preferences. Here are three noteworthy alternatives to the Wrangler AT/S, each providing distinct advantages in the all-terrain tire category:
Falken WildPeak A/T Trail
View Detailed Review
- Overall Rating: A versatile all-terrain tire designed specifically for crossovers and SUVs, blending robust off-road capacity with efficient on-road characteristics.
- Performance Highlights:
- Off-Road: Provides reliable performance in off-road conditions with a balanced approach to tackling dirt, sand, and mud.
- Wet Weather: Features excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, ensuring safety and confidence during rainy drives.
- Winter Performance: Equipped to handle light and deep snow, making it a strong choice for drivers in areas with varied winter conditions.
- Comfort and Durability: Engineered for a comfortable ride with minimal noise, alongside a durable construction aimed at long-lasting performance.
VREDESTEIN PINZA AT
View Detailed Review
- Overall Rating: Comparable to the WildPeak A/T Trail, with a slight edge in comfort and winter performance.
- Performance Highlights:
- Off-Road: Solid performance across various terrains with comparable dirt and sand traction.
- Wet Weather: Matches the WildPeak A/T Trail in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Winter Performance: Slightly better performance in deep snow and ice traction, making it a strong choice for drivers in colder climates.
- Ride Comfort and Tread Wear: Offers superior ride comfort and noise levels, making it ideal for drivers who prioritize a quiet and smooth ride.
CONTINENTAL TERRAINCONTACT A/T
View Detailed Review
- Overall Rating: A more road-focused all-terrain tire with excellent wet and dry performance.
- Performance Highlights:
- Off-Road: Though slightly behind the WildPeak A/T Trail in off-road performance, it offers competent handling in light off-road conditions.
- Wet Weather: Strong performance in wet conditions, with excellent hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Weather: Outstanding cornering, dry traction, and steering response, making it a great choice for primarily on-road drivers.
- Winter Performance: While its winter performance doesn’t match the WildPeak A/T Trail, it still offers decent capabilities in light snow.
- Comfort and Tread Wear: High marks for ride comfort and noise, alongside a solid treadwear rating, appealing to those who value a pleasant driving experience.
When considering an alternative to the Goodyear Wrangler AT/S, it’s essential for drivers to evaluate factors like specific off-road performance needs, on-road comfort preferences, durability, and weather capabilities. Each of these alternatives offers a unique set of features designed to meet the diverse requirements of drivers, ensuring there’s a suitable option available to suit every preference and driving scenario.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S emerges as a solid contender in the all-terrain tire category, offering a respectable balance of off-road readiness and on-road manners. While it showcases commendable performance in various conditions, its moderate limitations in deep mud and icy terrains, as well as concerns about tread wear, may influence its appeal to some drivers.
Ideal for those who prioritize a versatile tire capable of handling diverse driving environments without compromising too much on comfort, the Wrangler AT/S stands as a testament to Goodyear’s commitment to quality and performance. Weighing its overall capabilities against its few drawbacks will be crucial in determining if it’s the right fit for your vehicle and driving needs.
Good luck and happy motoring.
