The best ATV tires for mud have deep, directional lugs that shed mud, 6-ply sidewalls and a size that suits your rims. The ITP Mud Lite XL and Mud Lite II are dedicated directional mud tires, the Interco Swamp Lite is an all-around mud and snow tire in large UTV sizes, and the TUFFIOM set is all-terrain rather than a mud tire. Check rim diameter and clearance first, because several sets here are UTV sizes.
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| Full set of ITP Mud Lite II (6ply) 25×8-12 and 25×10-12 ATV Tires (4) |  | 25-inch directional mud set | Tire Size: 25×8-12 front, 25×10-12 rear | Ply: 6-ply (load range C) | Tread: Directional lug pattern | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Full set of ITP Mud Lite XL 26×9-12 and 26×10-12 ATV Tires (4) |  | 26-inch directional mud set | Tire Size: 26×9-12 front, 26×10-12 rear | Ply: 6-ply (load range C) | Tread: Directional, 1 1/8-inch lug | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Full set of Interco Swamp Lite 28×9-14 and 28×11-14 ATV Tires (4) |  | 28-inch UTV-size set | Tire Size: 28×9-14 front, 28×11-14 rear | Ply: 6-ply | Tread: Mud, snow and hard-pack pattern | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| SunF Warrior AT Mud & Trail ATV Tires |  | 27-inch mud and trail set | Tire Size: 27×9-12 front, 27×11-12 rear | Ply: 6-ply | Tread: Mud and trail with shoulder traction | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Forerunner Vulcan M/T ATV UTV Mud Tires 28×9-14 |  | 28×9-14 mud-terrain tires | Tire Size: 28×9-14 | Ply: 6-ply bias | Tread: Mud-terrain | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MaxAuto AT25x8-12 & AT25x10-12 ATV UTV Tires |  | 25-inch non-directional set | Tire Size: 25×8-12 front, 25×10-12 rear | Ply: 6-ply (load range C) | Tread: Non-directional A-shaped tread | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| WANDA ATV/UTV Tires 25×8-12 25x8x12 6-Ply Light Mud Tires Set 2-10243 |  | Light-mud 25×8-12 | Tire Size: 25×8-12 | Ply: 6-ply | Tread: Light mud, widely spaced tread | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ITP Mega Mayhem Mud Terrain ATV Tire 28×9-12 |  | 28×9-12 UTV front tire | Tire Size: 28×9-12 (single tire) | Ply: 6-ply (load range C) | Tread: Directional, 1.5-inch tread | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Set of 2-25×10.00-12 6 Ply ATV Tire |  | 25×10-12 pair (rear size) | Tire Size: 25×10-12 pair | Ply: 6-ply bias | Tread: Aggressive lugs, listed Tomahawk pattern | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| TUFFIOM Set of 4 ATV/UTV All-Terrain Tires |  | All-terrain, not a mud tire | Tire Size: 25×8-12 front, 25×10-12 rear | Ply: 6-ply | Tread: Lugged all-terrain | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
ITP Mud Lite II 25×8-12 and 25×10-12 Set of 4
A set of four ITP Mud Lite II tires: two 25×8-12 fronts and two 25×10-12 rears for 12-inch rims. ITP and retailer specs list 6-ply (load range C) construction and a directional tread, so mount the tires with the rotation arrows pointing the right way. It is a lighter-lug mud tire than ITP deeper-lugged options, which suits mixed mud and trail riding. Retailer load and tread figures for this tire are inconsistent, so use the pressure and load printed on the sidewall.
- Tire Size:25×8-12 front, 25×10-12 rear
- Rim Size:12-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply (load range C)
- Tread Pattern:Directional (per ITP and retailers)
Pros
- Matched front and rear sizes in one set of 4
- Directional mud pattern
- 6-ply construction
Cons
- Lighter lugs than specialist deep-mud tires
- Directional, so mounting direction matters
- 25-inch size only
ITP Mud Lite XL 26×9-12 and 26×10-12 Set of 4
A set of four ITP Mud Lite XL tires: two 26×9-12 fronts and two 26×10-12 rears for 12-inch rims. ITP and retailer pages list 6-ply (load range C) construction, a directional tread and a 1 1/8-inch lug height. The lug is deeper than on the Mud Lite II, so this is the better choice for deeper mud if your machine has room for 26-inch tires.
- Tire Size:26×9-12 front, 26×10-12 rear
- Rim Size:12-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply (load range C)
- Tread Pattern:Directional, 1 1/8-inch lug (per retailer)
Pros
- Deeper lug than the Mud Lite II
- Matched front and rear sizes
- 6-ply construction
Cons
- May not clear ATVs designed for 25-inch tires
- Directional, so mounting direction matters
- Taller tires add load to the drivetrain
Interco Swamp Lite 28×9-14 and 28×11-14 Set of 4
A set of four Interco Swamp Lite tires: two 28×9-14 fronts and two 28×11-14 rears for 14-inch rims. Interco markets the Swamp Lite as an all-around ATV/UTV tire for mud, snow and hard-packed trails, with 6-ply construction across its sizes, so it is less of a pure mud tire than the name suggests. These are large UTV and side-by-side sizes, and they fit only machines that accept 28-inch tires on 14-inch wheels.
- Tire Size:28×9-14 front, 28×11-14 rear
- Rim Size:14-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply (Interco)
- Intended use:Mud, snow and hard-packed trails (Interco)
Pros
- Matched front and rear UTV sizes
- 6-ply construction
- Marketed for mud, snow and hard pack
Cons
- UTV-size, rarely a fit for ATVs
- Needs 14-inch rims and clearance for 28-inch tires
- Directional tread not confirmed by Interco
SunF Warrior AT Mud and Trail 27×9-12 and 27×11-12 Set of 4
The SunF A048 Warrior is described by SunF as a loose dirt and mud tire for UTV and side-by-side riders, with shoulder traction technology for grip in turns. The Amazon listing is for a set of four, 27×9-12 front and 27×11-12 rear, 6-ply and tubeless. Listing figures for tread depth (about 30 mm) and load (440 lb front, 495 lb rear) could not be confirmed elsewhere, so verify them on the listing.
- Tire Size:27×9-12 front, 27×11-12 rear
- Rim Size:12-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply
- Tread Pattern:Mud and trail, shoulder traction (SunF)
Pros
- Matched front and rear UTV sizes
- Shoulder traction for cornering
- 6-ply construction
Cons
- Large 27-inch size needs clearance
- Tread depth and load figures not independently verified
- Aimed at UTV and side-by-side use
Forerunner Vulcan M/T 28×9-14
The Forerunner Vulcan M/T is a 6-ply bias mud-terrain tire. A retailer lists the 28×9-14 as load index 52, which corresponds to 441 lb per tire, with an F speed rating of up to 50 mph. It is a UTV-size tire for 14-inch rims. Our listing data describes a set of four in one size, so check that all four corners suit your machine.
- Tire Size:28×9-14
- Rim Size:14-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply bias
- Load index:52 (441 lb per tire, retailer)
Pros
- Mud-terrain tread
- 6-ply bias construction
- 441 lb per tire
Cons
- Same 28×9-14 size may not suit staggered fronts and rears
- Speed rating up to 50 mph
- UTV size, large for most ATVs
MaxAuto AT25x8-12 and AT25x10-12 Set of 4
The listing describes a 4-pack with 25×8-12 fronts and 25×10-12 rears, 6-ply (load range C), bias and tubeless, with a non-directional A-shaped tread and 15 mm blocks. That tread depth is shallower than the ITP mud tires here, so it suits mixed mud and trail riding more than deep slop. Listed maximum pressure is low, so read the sidewall before inflating.
- Tire Size:25×8-12 front, 25×10-12 rear
- Rim Size:12-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply (load range C)
- Tread Pattern:Non-directional A-shaped, 15 mm blocks (listing)
Pros
- Matched 4-pack covers front and rear
- Non-directional tread, simple to mount
- 6-ply per the listing
Cons
- 15 mm blocks are shallower than dedicated mud tires
- Less suited to deep mud
- Listing details not independently verified
WANDA 25×8-12 6-Ply Light Mud Tires (Set 2-10243)
The listing describes WANDA 25×8-12 6-ply light mud tires with a widely spaced tread. This is a front-width size, and the listing title mentions a set, so check how many tires you receive. Listed load and pressure figures (340 lb, 7 psi maximum) come from the listing and are unverified. This is a light-mud pattern, not a deep-mud tire.
- Tire Size:25×8-12
- Rim Size:12-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply
- Tread Pattern:Light mud, widely spaced
Pros
- Widely spaced tread sheds light mud
- 6-ply per the listing
- Front-width size
Cons
- Less grip than deeper-lugged tires
- Quantity and fit need checking on the listing
- Load and pressure figures unverified
ITP Mega Mayhem 28×9-12
The ITP Mega Mayhem is a directional mud terrain tire. A retailer lists the 28×9-12 as 6-ply (load range C) with a 550 lb maximum load at 10 psi, and the description cites a 1.5-inch tread depth. This listing is for a single tire in a 9-inch width, so you need to buy the other tires separately. It is a UTV-size tire, so confirm clearance before ordering.
- Tire Size:28×9-12 (single tire)
- Rim Size:12-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply (load range C)
- Tread Pattern:Directional, 1.5-inch tread (retailer)
Pros
- Deep 1.5-inch tread for mud
- Directional mud terrain pattern
- 550 lb maximum load per retailer
Cons
- Single tire, others sold separately
- UTV size, large for most ATVs
- Position (front or rear) not stated by the retailer
25×10.00-12 6-Ply ATV Tires, Set of 2
The listing is for a pair of 25×10.00-12 6-ply bias tires, a rear-width size. It names Kubota RTV and Polaris Sportsman models as fits, so verify against your own machine and axle. The listing shows a 965 lb load capacity, which we could not confirm.
- Tire Size:25×10-12 (pair)
- Rim Size:12-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply bias
- Tread Pattern:Aggressive lugs (listing)
Pros
- Rear-width size for 25-inch setups
- 6-ply bias construction
- Sold as a pair
Cons
- Rears only, fronts need a separate order
- Fitment list and load figure unverified
- Brand and tread name not clearly identified
TUFFIOM 25×8-12 and 25×10-12 All-Terrain Set of 4 (Also Consider)
This is a set of four 25×8-12 fronts and 25×10-12 rears with a 6-ply rating and a lugged all-terrain tread on 12-inch wheels. The listing describes use on mud, sand, rock and gravel, but it is an all-terrain tire rather than a dedicated mud tire, so it will not match deep-lug mud tires in thick slop. Rims are not included. We could not verify the compound and fitment claims on the listing.
- Tire Size:25×8-12 front, 25×10-12 rear
- Rim Size:12-inch
- Ply Rating:6-ply
- Tread Pattern:Lugged all-terrain
Pros
- Matched set of 4
- 6-ply rating
- Suits mixed terrain
Cons
- Not a dedicated mud tire
- Hard compound less suited to deepest mud
- Fitment and compound claims unverified
How to Choose ATV Tires for Mud
- Rim diameter and size: match the rim size (12-inch or 14-inch here) and check that your fenders and suspension clear a 25, 26, 27 or 28-inch tire.
- Lug depth and spacing: deep, widely spaced lugs clear mud better. Dedicated mud tires such as the Mud Lite XL and Mega Mayhem have deeper lugs than all-terrain tires.
- Directional or not: directional tread digs better going forward but must be mounted the right way. Non-directional tread is simpler to mount.
- Ply rating: every tire here is listed as 6-ply, which adds sidewall strength against cuts in rough ground.
- Width: wider tires float better in soft ground but can feel heavier in turns and need more clearance.
- Other conditions: for mixed surfaces see ATV tires for pavement and mud, for winter see ATV tires for snow, and for a wider selection see ATV and UTV all-terrain tires.
Spec Comparison of the Mud Tires
Values come from manufacturer and retailer pages and the Amazon listings; Not stated means the source did not say.
Tire | Sizes | Ply | Tread | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ITP Mud Lite II | 25×8-12 and 25×10-12 (set of 4) | 6-ply (C) | Directional | Lighter-lug mud tire |
ITP Mud Lite XL | 26×9-12 and 26×10-12 (set of 4) | 6-ply (C) | Directional, 1 1/8-inch lug | Deeper lug than Mud Lite II |
Interco Swamp Lite | 28×9-14 and 28×11-14 (set of 4) | 6-ply | Not stated | Mud, snow and hard-pack tire; UTV sizes |
SunF Warrior AT | 27×9-12 and 27×11-12 (set of 4) | 6-ply | Not stated | UTV and side-by-side sizes |
Forerunner Vulcan M/T | 28×9-14 | 6-ply bias | Mud-terrain | Load index 52, up to 50 mph |
MaxAuto AT | 25×8-12 and 25×10-12 (4-pack) | 6-ply (C) | Non-directional, 15 mm blocks (listing) | Mixed mud and trail |
WANDA light mud | 25×8-12 | 6-ply | Light mud | Check quantity on listing |
ITP Mega Mayhem | 28×9-12 (single) | 6-ply (C) | Directional, 1.5-inch tread | 550 lb max load at 10 psi |
25×10-12 pair | 25×10-12 (pair) | 6-ply bias | Aggressive lugs | Rear-width size |
TUFFIOM | 25×8-12 and 25×10-12 (set of 4) | 6-ply | Lugged all-terrain | Not a dedicated mud tire |
Safety and Fitment Checklist
- Check the largest tire size your ATV or UTV manual allows before ordering a 26 to 28-inch set.
- Inflate to the pressure in your manual or on the sidewall; see ATV tire pressure explained.
- Mount directional tires so the rotation arrows point the right way.
- Recheck lug nut torque after the first rides.
- Large tires put extra load on the drivetrain and can hide rocks and sticks, so ride within your machine and tire limits.
FAQ
What tread depth do I need for ATV mud tires?
Deeper lugs shed more mud. ITP lists a 1 1/8-inch lug on the Mud Lite XL and a 1.5-inch tread on the Mega Mayhem, while the MaxAuto listing shows 15 mm blocks. Pick deeper lugs for thick mud and shallower ones for mixed trails.
What PSI should I run in mud tires?
ATV mud tires run at low pressure, and the safe range depends on the tire. Follow the maximum pressure on the sidewall and your owner manual, and do not go so low that the bead can slip off the rim.
Are mud tires good for pavement and hard-packed trails?
Not really. Mud tires give up ride comfort, steering feel and tread life on hard surfaces. If you split your time, see our guide to ATV tires for pavement and mud.
Can I rotate directional mud tires?
Directional tires are meant to roll one way, so you cannot swap them side to side. Most sets use a narrower front and a wider rear, so front-to-rear swaps are usually not possible either.
Do beadlock wheels help with mud tires?
Beadlock wheels clamp the tire bead, which helps the tire stay seated at low pressure. They are optional, cost more and suit riders who run very low pressures in deep mud.
Will 26, 27 or 28-inch mud tires fit my ATV?
Only if your machine is designed for that size. Many tires in this guide are UTV or side-by-side sizes, so check rim diameter, fender clearance and your manual before ordering.
Bottom Line
For dedicated mud riding on a machine that takes 25 or 26-inch tires, start with the ITP Mud Lite XL or Mud Lite II sets. The Interco Swamp Lite, SunF Warrior and Forerunner Vulcan are for machines that take larger UTV sizes. The TUFFIOM set is an all-terrain alternative for lighter mud.
