No all-terrain tire matches a highway tire for fuel economy, but you can limit the loss. For the best all terrain tires for MPG, choose your vehicle’s stock size, a moderate tread rather than an aggressive one, a lighter SUV or crossover tire rather than a heavy LT tire, and keep the pressure on the door placard. The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail and the Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 are moderate-tread SUV and crossover options to check first. We did not find published rolling-resistance figures for the tires below, so none of them is a verified fuel-economy winner.
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What Actually Affects MPG With All-Terrain Tires
- Tread: deeper, more open tread blocks usually roll with more resistance than a highway pattern.
- Weight and size: heavier and larger tires take more energy to turn, and a taller tire changes your gearing and speedometer.
- Construction: heavy LT (light truck) Load Range E tires are built for loads, not efficiency. Use P-metric or standard load tires if you do not tow or haul.
- Pressure: the U.S. Department of Energy says underinflated tires waste fuel. Check pressure monthly and use the door placard number, not the sidewall maximum.
- Rolling resistance: the U.S. does not require a rolling-resistance label on tires, so manufacturer claims and independent tests are the only guide. The DOE notes that a 10% reduction in rolling resistance can improve fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2%.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Mastertrack BADLANDS AT 235/70R16 (Set of 4)
This is a set of four 235/70R16 all-terrain tires for SUVs and light trucks on 16-inch wheels. The listing shows a load index of 106 (2,094 lb per tire) and an M+S marking. The listing also mentions a road-hazard warranty; read its terms on Amazon before relying on it. We found no rolling-resistance data for it, so treat it as a general all-terrain option rather than a proven fuel saver.
- Tire Size:235/70R16
- Rim Size:16 inches
- Load Index:106 (2,094 lb)
- Speed Rating:Not listed
- Tread Type:Variable pitch (per listing)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- M+S rating for year-round
- Variable-pitch cuts noise
- Gravel and trail capable
Cons
- Not premium brand
- May sacrifice extreme performance
Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 265/70R16 112T
The Dynapro AT2 RF11 is a moderate-tread all-terrain tire from a major maker. This 265/70R16 112T size has a 112 load index (2,469 lb per tire) and a T speed rating. It is a wide, tall tire, so it only helps MPG if it is your vehicle’s stock or near-stock size. Check the placard before you buy.
- Tire Size:265/70R16
- Rim Size:16 inches
- Load Index:112 (2,469 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Symmetrical tread for balance
- 12.5/32-inch depth
- Balanced road and off-road
Cons
- Premium pricing
- May not excel in mud
Thunderer Ranger ATR LT235/75R15 116/113S Load Range E
This is a heavy-duty LT tire in Load Range E (10-ply rated), so it does not belong in a fuel-economy list for most drivers. It is for trucks and vans that haul or tow on 15-inch wheels. The 116 load index is rated for 2,756 lb per tire and the maximum pressure is 80 psi. Expect a firmer ride and more weight than a P-metric tire. We left the mileage warranty out because we could not verify it.
- Tire Size:LT235/75R15
- Rim Size:15 inches
- Load Index:116/113
- Speed Rating:S
- Load Range:E (10-ply rated)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- 10-ply full nylon overwrap
- 3D sipes for traction
- Studdable option
Cons
- Heavy 10-ply affects economy
- Specialized for rough roads
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 215/65R16 102H XL
The Wildpeak A/T Trail is a crossover and SUV all-terrain tire. This 215/65R16 102H XL size is a smaller, narrower size than the 265/70 tires on this list, so it suits compact crossovers that came with 215/65R16 tires. A 102 load index is rated for 1,874 lb per tire and XL tires run to a higher maximum pressure. Check the listing for the exact warranty and snow-rating details for this size.
- Tire Size:215/65R16
- Rim Size:16 inches
- Load Index:102 XL (1,874 lb)
- Speed Rating:H
- Tread Type:Asymmetrical
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Trail-focused design
- 3D Canyon Sipe Technology
- 11/32-inch tread depth
Cons
- Not for extreme highway
- Specialty tire
Royal Black Terra Force AT 265/70R16 112T
This is a low-cost 265/70R16 all-terrain tire for SUVs and crossovers, with the same 112T rating as the Hankook above (2,469 lb per tire). The listing describes an M+S marking and an open-block tread. It is a lesser-known brand, so check the warranty on the listing, and do not assume it will match a premium brand for fuel economy or wear.
- Tire Size:265/70R16
- Rim Size:16 inches
- Load Index:112 (2,469 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Tread Type:Non-directional
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Open-block tread
- Deep sipes for winter
Cons
- Budget brand
- May not match premium brands
Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 255/65R17 110T
The same Dynapro AT2 RF11 line in a 255/65R17 size for 17-inch wheels. A 110 load index is rated for 2,337 lb per tire and the speed rating is T. This size is a common factory size for mid-size SUVs, so it can keep you near stock height if it matches your placard. Check the listing for the warranty.
- Tire Size:255/65R17
- Rim Size:17 inches
- Load Index:110 (2,337 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Tread Type:Symmetrical
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Symmetrical tread efficiency
- T speed rating for daily use
- 2337-lb load capacity
Cons
- Premium brand pricing
- Not specialist for one terrain
Falken Rubitrek A/T 265/60R18 114T
This is a 265/60R18 114T all-terrain tire for 18-inch wheels. A 114 load index is rated for 2,601 lb per tire. The listing shows a non-directional tread. Older Rubitrek listings can be limited in availability, so confirm that the size you want is in stock. We did not find rolling-resistance data for it either.
- Tire Size:265/60R18
- Rim Size:18 inches
- Load Index:114 (2,601 lb)
- Speed Rating:T
- Tread Type:Non-directional
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- 16-ply construction toughness
- Non-directional for rotation
- 2601-lb capacity
Cons
- Heavy tire affects economy
- May be overkill
Factors to Consider When Choosing All Terrain Tires for Mpg
Tread Design
Aggressive, open tread blocks help in mud and snow but usually add rolling resistance and noise. A moderate all-terrain pattern keeps most of the trail grip with less penalty on the highway.
Tire Weight
Tire weight is listed on some spec sheets but not all. Heavier tires take more energy to spin up and slow down, so compare weights where they are published and avoid LT Load Range E tires unless you need the capacity.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance is the energy a tire loses as it flexes. Low-rolling-resistance compounds exist, but US all-terrain tires rarely publish a figure. Keep the tires inflated to the door placard value, since the DOE reports that low pressure hurts fuel economy.
Size and Fitment
Stay at or near your factory size. Check the placard, then match the wheel diameter and load index. Going wider or taller usually costs fuel economy and changes your speedometer reading.
Seasonal Trade-Offs
Many all-terrain tires carry the M+S marking, but only tires with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol are certified for severe snow service. If you drive in deep snow, see our best all-terrain tires for snow guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I rotate all-terrain tires for best MPG?
Many tire makers suggest rotating roughly every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to keep wear even. Check your owner’s manual for the interval and pattern that fits your vehicle.
Are all-terrain tires noisy on the highway?
Often, yes. Larger tread blocks tend to hum more than highway tread. Moderate all-terrain patterns are usually quieter than mud-terrain tires, and correct pressure and regular rotation help.
Can I use all-terrain tires year-round in snowy climates?
Only if they carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, and even then deep snow or ice may call for dedicated winter tires. M+S alone is not a snow certification.
What tire pressure is best for fuel economy?
Use the pressure on your door placard, not the maximum on the sidewall. The U.S. Department of Energy says fuel economy falls as pressure drops, so check the pressure monthly with a gauge.
Do all-terrain tires lower gas mileage?
Usually a little. More tread, more weight and taller sizes add rolling resistance and can change gearing. The effect depends on the tire, vehicle and driving, and we could not find published figures for the tires above.
Conclusion
The best fuel-friendly all-terrain choice is usually a moderate tread in your stock size, kept at the right pressure. Start with the 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch pick that matches your placard, and skip the heavy-duty LT tire unless you need the load rating.
