Bridgestone vs Goodyear All-Terrain Tires: Off-Road Specs

Tread design: blocks, sipes, and grooves

All-terrain tires use a blocky tread to grip loose surfaces, but the shape and spacing of those blocks vary. The tire's tread is the part that contacts the road, and the grooves between two adjacent tread ribs are what channel away material and water. According to 49 CFR 571.109, a groove is the space between two adjacent tread ribs, and a tread rib runs circumferentially around the tire. In practice, a more open tread with larger voids sheds mud better but may be noisier on pavement.

When comparing Bridgestone and Goodyear all-terrain designs, look at the size and angle of the shoulder blocks. Shoulder blocks that wrap onto the sidewall provide extra bite in soft dirt. Also check the siping: small slits in the blocks that add edges for snow and wet grip. The density and depth of sipes is a key differentiator. You can see these details in close-up photos or by inspecting the tire in person.

Groove depth is also a durability factor. Deeper grooves allow more tread wear before the tire reaches the legal limit. The federal requirement for a tire to have a treadwear indicator that shows when it's worn to 1/16 inch is described in 49 CFR 571.139. When that indicator appears, the tire is at the replacement threshold. New all-terrain tires often start with more tread depth than highway tires, but the exact starting depth varies by model. For more on tread patterns, see our guide on tread patterns.

Durability: construction and materials

Tire construction determines how well a tire resists punctures and impacts. Radial tires have ply cords laid at about 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread, as defined in 49 CFR 571.109. This construction allows a flexible sidewall with a stiff tread area. Many all-terrain tires are radial, but some light truck tires use bias ply construction with cords at alternate angles. Bias ply tires are often more resistant to sidewall cuts, but they run hotter and wear faster on the road. Learn about tire construction types before you commit.

Look for the number of sidewall plies and the ply rating on the sidewall. The sidewall is the portion between the tread and the bead, and its strength affects how well the tire resists impacts from rocks. A tire with more plies or a higher ply rating is generally more durable off-road. The tire's load rating, which is the maximum load it can carry at a given inflation pressure, is also a durability indicator, because a tire that is regularly overloaded will fail sooner. For deeper explanation, see tire sidewall stiffness.

Load range and sidewall strength

All-terrain tires for trucks and SUVs come in different load ranges, which are connected to the tire's maximum load rating. The load rating is defined in 49 CFR 571.139 as the maximum load a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure. For a vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds, the tire selection rules are in 49 CFR 571.119. Light truck tires are designated by the manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles, according to 49 CFR 571.110.

Extra load tires are designed to operate at higher loads and higher inflation pressures than standard tires, as defined in 49 CFR 571.139. If you regularly carry heavy loads or tow, an extra load all-terrain tire is worth considering. The sidewall markings will show the load index and speed symbol. Also check the maximum inflation pressure, because running a tire below its rated pressure can overheat it and reduce durability. For guidance on selecting the right load range, see extra load tires and load range C vs E.

Sidewall strength matters for off-road use because rocks and roots can impact the sidewall. A tire with a reinforced sidewall or a higher ply rating will resist cuts better. The construction type and number of plies are often listed on the sidewall in the tire's service description. If you plan to air down frequently, a tire with a stiff sidewall will maintain stability at lower pressures.

Treadwear and UTQG grades

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system provides a treadwear grade, a traction grade, and a temperature grade for passenger car tires. This system is described in 49 CFR 575.104. The treadwear grade is a comparative number; a higher number indicates a longer expected wear life under standardized test conditions. However, the test is run on a specific course, and real-world results vary with driving habits, inflation pressure, and terrain.

When comparing Bridgestone and Goodyear all-terrain tires, look at the treadwear grade on the sidewall. A higher grade suggests a harder compound that may last longer but could be less grippy off-road. All-terrain tires often trade some on-road treadwear for off-road traction. Check the traction grade as well; it rates wet stopping ability. The temperature grade (A, B, or C) indicates the tire's ability to dissipate heat at high speeds.

Remember that UTQG grades are not required for tires with a tread depth of 18/32 inch or greater (deep tread light truck tires) or for tires with a nominal rim diameter of 12 inches or less, according to 49 CFR 575.104. Many light truck all-terrain tires fall into this exemption, so they may not carry a UTQG treadwear grade. In that case, rely on the tire's construction and warranty. For more, see how to read treadwear ratings and the traction and temperature ratings.

How to choose between Bridgestone and Goodyear

Both Bridgestone and Goodyear manufacture multiple all-terrain lines, each with its own tread pattern and durability features. Instead of relying solely on brand reputation, compare the specific tire specifications from each brand for your vehicle's size. Look at the tread depth, load range, sidewall plies, and the design of the shoulder blocks and sipes. If you drive mostly gravel roads and want a quiet on-road ride, a tire with a less aggressive tread may be better. If you tackle rock or mud regularly, prioritize more open shoulder blocks and a higher load range.

Check your vehicle's placard for the recommended tire size and inflation pressure. The placard is often on the driver's side door jamb. The tire selection requirements in 49 CFR 571.110 ensure that the tires fitted to an axle have a combined load rating at least equal to the axle's gross axle weight rating. Overloading a tire is a common cause of premature failure, so choose a tire with a load rating that comfortably exceeds your vehicle's maximum load.

Finally, consider the environment you typically drive in. All-terrain tires are a compromise between highway comfort and off-road capability. The right choice depends on your mix of driving. For a daily driver that sees occasional trails, a milder tread pattern is often sufficient. For a dedicated off-road vehicle, a more aggressive design will provide better traction but may wear faster on pavement. Compare the current recommendations in our best all-terrain tires, best Bridgestone tires, and best Goodyear tires guides.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Are Bridgestone or Goodyear all-terrain tires better for off-road?

Both brands offer multiple all-terrain designs. Look at the specific tread pattern, load range, and sidewall construction for the size you need. A tire with more aggressive shoulder blocks and deeper grooves will usually perform better on loose surfaces but may be noisier and wear faster on pavement. Check the UTQG grades if available, and compare the warranty.

What is the difference between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires?

All-terrain tires are designed for a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, while mud-terrain tires use larger, more widely spaced blocks for maximum traction in mud and rocks. All-terrain tires generally have a quieter ride and longer tread life on pavement. See our comparison of all-terrain vs mud-terrain for daily drivers.

How do I check the load range on a Bridgestone or Goodyear tire?

The load range is part of the tire's service description printed on the sidewall, for example 'LT265/70R17 121/118R' indicates a load index and speed rating. The maximum load rating and inflation pressure are also listed. Verify that the combined load rating of the tires on an axle meets or exceeds your vehicle's gross axle weight rating, as required by 49 CFR 571.110.

What does the treadwear grade tell me about an all-terrain tire?

The UTQG treadwear grade is a comparative number for passenger car tires. A higher grade suggests longer tread life under standard test conditions. However, many light truck all-terrain tires are exempt from UTQG grading because they have deep tread. For those, look at the tire's construction and warranty instead.

How often should I check tire pressure on an all-terrain tire?

Check cold tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel economy and increase wear. The vehicle's recommended pressure is on the placard. For off-road driving, you may reduce pressure for better traction, but you must restore it before highway speeds. See off-road tire pressure guide for details.

Can I use a passenger car tire on my truck?

Passenger car tires are intended for vehicles with a GVWR up to 10,000 pounds, but they are not designed for heavy loads or rough terrain. Light truck (LT) tires have reinforced sidewalls and higher load ratings. If you carry heavy loads or drive off-road, use an LT tire. The tire selection rules in 49 CFR 571.110 specify how load ratings must be calculated.