Best ATV Tires for Pavement and Mud: Picks and Limits

The best ATV tires for pavement and mud are a compromise: ATV tires are built for off-road use, so the sets below are mud and all-terrain tires that tolerate short paved stretches, not true road tires. If you cross or ride pavement often, choose a lower-lug all-terrain or radial set. Pick a deep-lug mud tire only if soft ground is the main job. Compare our picks on mud tires and all-terrain tires if you want more options.

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Best ATV Tire Picks

Tusk Mud Force ATV Tire Set (Set of 4)Tusk Mud Force ATV Tire Set (Set of 4)Best Mud TractionTire Size: 25×8-12 / 25×10-12Set Size: 4 tiresConstruction: Bias, 6-plyVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
MaxAuto AT25x10-12 ATV UTV All-Terrain Tires (2 Pack)MaxAuto AT25x10-12 ATV UTV All-Terrain Tires (2 Pack)Lower-Lug All-Terrain PairTire Size: 25×10-12Set Size: 2 tiresConstruction: Bias, 6PRVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
WANDA ATV Tires and Wheels Assembly Set 25×8-12 25×10-12WANDA ATV Tires and Wheels Assembly Set 25x8-12 25x10-12Best With WheelsTire Size: 25×8-12 / 25×10-12Set Size: 4 tiresConstruction: Nylon, 6-plyVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
FORERUNNER 25×8-12 & 25×10-12 ATV Tires (Pack of 4)FORERUNNER 25x8-12 & 25x10-12 ATV Tires (Pack of 4)Balanced Mixed-Terrain PickTire Size: 25×8-12 / 25×10-12Set Size: 4 tiresConstruction: Tubeless, 6-plyVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
MCKINLEY UTV ATV Super Mud Tires 25X10-12 Set 2MCKINLEY UTV ATV Super Mud Tires 25X10-12 Set 2Also Consider: Deep Mud OnlyTire Size: 25×10-12Set Size: 2 tiresConstruction: Bias, 6-plyVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
RUNIX TerraVance ATV UTV Radial Tires Set of 4RUNIX TerraVance ATV UTV Radial Tires Set of 4Best Radial SetTire Size: 25x8R12 / 25x10R12Set Size: 4 tiresConstruction: Radial, tubeless, 6PRVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
ITP Mud Lite AT Mud Terrain ATV Tire 25×8-12ITP Mud Lite AT Mud Terrain ATV Tire 25x8-12Also Consider: Not for PavementTire Size: 25×8-12Set Size: 1 tireConstruction: Bias, 6-plyVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Tusk Mud Force ATV Tire Set (Set of 4)

    Tusk Mud Force ATV Tire Set (Set of 4)

    Best Mud Traction

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    The Tusk Mud Force is the deepest-lug set in this list, so it suits riders whose route is mostly soft ground with only short paved connections. The listing is for four tires: two 25×8-12 fronts and two 25×10-12 rears for 12-inch rims. It is a 6-ply bias design with a directional, wide-void mud pattern, and the listing cites about 0.75 inch of tread depth and a 395 lb load rating. Lugs this deep wear quickly and feel vague on asphalt, so use it only if mud is the main job.

    • Tire Size:25×8-12 / 25×10-12
    • Set Size:4 tires
    • Construction:Bias, 6-ply
    • Rim Diameter:12 inches
    • Tread Style:Directional mud
    • Load Rating:395 lbs
    • Additional Feature:6-ply rated
    • Additional Feature:Wide tread voids
    • Additional Feature:Directional tread

    Pros

    • Wide tread voids are meant to clear mud quickly
    • 6-ply bias construction
    • Four-tire set covers front and rear sizes

    Cons

    • Deep mud lugs wear quickly and feel vague on pavement
  2. MaxAuto AT25x10-12 ATV UTV All-Terrain Tires (2 Pack)

    MaxAuto AT25x10-12 ATV UTV All-Terrain Tires (2 Pack)

    Lower-Lug All-Terrain Pair

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    The MaxAuto AT25x10-12 is a pair of 25×10-12 all-terrain tires, which is the rear size on a typical 25×8-12 / 25×10-12 staggered setup. Per the listing it uses 6PR bias construction, a non-directional pattern with shoulder knobs, a 0.59-inch tread depth and a 480 lb load rating. The shorter lugs make it a better match for mixed dirt, gravel and short paved stretches than the deep-mud tires here, but it is still an off-road tire. A 25×10-12 tire mounts on a 12-inch rim.

    • Tire Size:25×10-12
    • Set Size:2 tires
    • Construction:Bias, 6PR
    • Rim Diameter:12 inches
    • Tread Style:Non-directional all-terrain
    • Load Rating:480 lbs
    • Additional Feature:Non-directional tread
    • Additional Feature:A-shaped aggressive lugs
    • Additional Feature:Shoulder knob rim protection

    Pros

    • Non-directional all-terrain tread
    • Shallower 0.59-inch tread suits mixed ground
    • 6PR bias construction for puncture resistance

    Cons

    • Sold as a pair of 25×10-12 only; fronts are a separate purchase
  3. WANDA ATV Tires and Wheels Assembly Set 25×8-12 25×10-12

    WANDA ATV Tires and Wheels Assembly Set 25x8-12 25x10-12

    Best With Wheels

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    The WANDA set arrives as four tires already mounted on 12-inch silver wheels, in 25×8-12 front and 25×10-12 rear sizes. The listing describes 6-ply nylon construction, an aggressive self-cleaning mud tread and a 4/110 bolt pattern. That is convenient if you want a second wheel set for quick swaps between mud and lighter-duty tires. It is not a universal fit: confirm bolt pattern, offset and width against your ATV before ordering. The load rating is not listed.

    • Tire Size:25×8-12 / 25×10-12
    • Set Size:4 tires
    • Construction:Nylon, 6-ply
    • Rim Diameter:12 inches
    • Tread Style:Aggressive mud
    • Load Rating:Not listed
    • Additional Feature:Includes wheels
    • Additional Feature:4-110mm bolt pattern
    • Additional Feature:Silver mod style

    Pros

    • Pre-mounted on wheels, which saves setup time
    • 6-ply rated nylon construction
    • Aggressive self-cleaning mud tread

    Cons

    • Bolt pattern, offset and width must match your ATV
  4. FORERUNNER 25×8-12 & 25×10-12 ATV Tires (Pack of 4)

    FORERUNNER 25x8-12 & 25x10-12 ATV Tires (Pack of 4)

    Balanced Mixed-Terrain Pick

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    The Forerunner set includes two 25×8-12 front and two 25×10-12 rear tubeless tires. The listing describes an all-terrain pattern with angled shoulder knobs, a puncture-resistant compound, 6-ply construction, 20 mm tread depth and a load index of 43 (about 353 lb per tire on the standard load-index chart). It is positioned for hard-pack, loam, sand and rocky trails, which makes it a middle-ground choice between the deep-mud and lower-lug options. It is still an off-road tire, not a pavement tire.

    • Tire Size:25×8-12 / 25×10-12
    • Set Size:4 tires
    • Construction:Tubeless, 6-ply
    • Rim Diameter:12 inches
    • Tread Style:All-terrain
    • Load Rating:43 load index
    • Additional Feature:Puncture-resistant compound
    • Additional Feature:Angled shoulder knobs
    • Additional Feature:Riding cleats

    Pros

    • Listed for hard-pack, loam, sand and rocky trails
    • Listing cites a puncture-resistant compound
    • Angled shoulder knobs for cornering bite

    Cons

    • Not marketed as a pavement tire
  5. MCKINLEY UTV ATV Super Mud Tires 25X10-12 Set 2

    MCKINLEY UTV ATV Super Mud Tires 25X10-12 Set 2

    Also Consider: Deep Mud Only

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    The McKinley Super Mud is a pair of 25×10-12 directional mud tires. Per the listing it has a wide-open tread with lugs of about 3/4 inch (19 mm), shoulder tread bars, 6-ply bias construction, a 420 lb max load and a load index of 50. It is built for deep mud and ruts, which makes it the opposite of a pavement tire. Treat it as a mud-only option, and note that it is a rear-size pair: if your ATV runs staggered sizes you need a matching 25×8-12 front pair separately.

    • Tire Size:25×10-12
    • Set Size:2 tires
    • Construction:Bias, 6-ply
    • Rim Diameter:12 inches
    • Tread Style:Directional mud
    • Load Rating:420 lbs
    • Additional Feature:Ultra-deep stage lugs
    • Additional Feature:Shoulder tread bars
    • Additional Feature:Wide-open tread

    Pros

    • Directional wide-open tread with about 3/4-inch lugs
    • Shoulder tread bars for rutted ground
    • 6-ply bias construction

    Cons

    • Rear-size pair only; deep lugs are a poor fit for pavement
  6. RUNIX TerraVance ATV UTV Radial Tires Set of 4

    RUNIX TerraVance ATV UTV Radial Tires Set of 4

    Best Radial Set

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    The RUNIX TerraVance is the only radial set here: four tubeless 6PR tires in 25x8R12 front and 25x10R12 rear sizes for 12-inch rims. Per the listing it pairs a multi-angle all-terrain tread with sidewall lugs, rim savers and fine sipes. Radial tires are generally smoother and quieter on hard surfaces than bias tires, so this is the most natural fit for riders who split time between trail and pavement. The load rating is not listed, so check the sidewall and your ATV’s capacity before ordering.

    • Tire Size:25x8R12 / 25x10R12
    • Set Size:4 tires
    • Construction:Radial, tubeless, 6PR
    • Rim Diameter:12 inches
    • Tread Style:Aggressive all-terrain
    • Load Rating:Not listed
    • Additional Feature:Radial tubeless
    • Additional Feature:Rim saver design
    • Additional Feature:Reduced road noise

    Pros

    • Radial design with all-terrain tread
    • Multi-angle tread with sidewall lugs
    • Radial build is generally smoother on hard surfaces

    Cons

    • Load rating not listed; confirm capacity before buying
  7. ITP Mud Lite AT Mud Terrain ATV Tire 25×8-12

    ITP Mud Lite AT Mud Terrain ATV Tire 25x8-12

    Also Consider: Not for Pavement

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    The ITP Mud Lite AT is a single 25×8-12 tire. Retailer spec listings show 6-ply bias construction, a 340 lb load rating and 21/32-inch tread depth, and ITP describes the line as a trail mud tire with 3/4-inch lugs. It is listed as not DOT-approved, so it is not a pavement pick. It is here as a trail mud option. Buy it per tire and match it with a rear size if your ATV runs staggered sizes.

    • Tire Size:25×8-12
    • Set Size:1 tire
    • Construction:Bias, 6-ply
    • Rim Diameter:12 inches
    • Tread Style:Mud terrain
    • Load Rating:340 lbs
    • Additional Feature:21/32 in. tread depth (retailer spec)
    • Additional Feature:Extended-wear compound
    • Additional Feature:DOT not approved

    Pros

    • 3/4-inch lugs with angled shoulder lugs
    • Extended-wear compound per ITP
    • Fits 12-inch rims; confirm size against your ATV manual

    Cons

    • Sold as one tire and not DOT-approved, so not for road use

Factors to Consider When Choosing ATV Tires for Pavement and Mud

Factors to Consider When Choosing ATV Tires for Pavement and Mud

Start with how much of your riding is pavement. Pavement wears lugs down fast, so the more asphalt you ride, the shorter and more closely spaced the lugs should be. Then check size, load and local rules.

Check local rules first

Most ATVs are not street legal, and most ATV tires are made for off-road use only. Look for a DOT marking on the sidewall if road use is allowed where you ride, and do not assume a mud tire is approved just because it fits.

Tread pattern and depth

Deep, wide-spaced lugs clear mud well but squirm and wear quickly on hard surfaces. Shorter lugs and a non-directional pattern give steadier handling on mixed ground. Listed depths in the table below run from 0.59 inch to about 0.75 inch, so even the shallowest set here is an off-road tread.

Bias or radial

Bias tires are the common ATV build and are tough on rough ground. Radials, like the RUNIX set, are generally smoother and quieter on hard surfaces. Check that your ATV and rims suit the size you choose.

Load and pressure

Add up rider, passenger and cargo weight and compare it with the tire load rating and your ATV’s own limits. Run the pressure from your owner’s manual or tire label and never exceed the sidewall maximum.

Fit checklist

  • Rim diameter: every tire here is a 12-inch size.
  • Staggered or matched sizes: many ATVs run 25×8-12 up front and 25×10-12 behind.
  • Tire count: some listings are a pair or a single tire, not a full set.
  • Bolt pattern, offset and width, if you buy wheels.
  • Clearance for the larger size in your fenders and suspension.

Quick comparison of the picks

Values below come from the listings and retailer spec pages and may change, so confirm on the listing before you buy.

TireSizeConstructionTread depthLoad ratingBest use
Tusk Mud Force25×8-12 / 25×10-12 (set of 4)Bias, 6-plyAbout 0.75 in.395 lbSoft ground and mud
MaxAuto AT25x10-1225×10-12 (pair)Bias, 6PR0.59 in.480 lbMixed dirt, gravel, short paved stretches
WANDA wheel and tire set25×8-12 / 25×10-12 (set of 4, mounted)Nylon, 6-plyNot listedNot listedMud and snow, with wheels
Forerunner set25×8-12 / 25×10-12 (set of 4)Tubeless, 6-ply20 mmLoad index 43Hard-pack, loam, sand, rocks
McKinley Super Mud25×10-12 (pair)Bias, 6-plyAbout 3/4 in. (19 mm)420 lbDeep mud only
RUNIX TerraVance25x8R12 / 25x10R12 (set of 4)Radial, tubeless, 6PRNot listedNot listedMixed trail and hard surfaces
ITP Mud Lite AT25×8-12 (single)Bias, 6-ply21/32 in.340 lbTrail mud, not DOT-approved

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ATV mud tires on pavement?

You can ride short paved stretches, but deep-lug mud tires wear fast on asphalt, feel vague and loud, and are rarely rated for road use. Lower-lug all-terrain or radial tires are the better compromise, and mud tires are best kept mostly on soft ground.

Are ATV tires DOT-approved for road use?

Most ATV tires are made for off-road use only, and some, like the ITP Mud Lite AT, are listed as not DOT-approved. Check the sidewall for a DOT marking and your local rules, because many places do not allow ATVs on public roads at all.

What tire pressure should I run on an ATV?

Use the pressure in your owner’s manual or on the vehicle tire label, and never exceed the maximum printed on the tire sidewall. ATV pressures are very low compared with car tires, so use a low-pressure gauge rather than a standard one.

Do I need separate wheels for mud and pavement tires?

Not if the tire size, bolt pattern, offset and width match your ATV, because different tires can share the same wheels. A second mounted wheel set, like the WANDA assembly, only saves time if you swap often.

Can I rotate staggered ATV tires?

If your ATV runs 25×8-12 up front and 25×10-12 in the rear, the sizes cannot be swapped front to back, and directional tires have a rotation arrow. Follow your manual and watch for uneven wear instead of rotating on a fixed schedule.

Are radial ATV tires better for mixed use?

Radials are generally smoother and quieter on hard surfaces than bias tires, so they suit riders who split time between trails and pavement. Bias tires are common and tough, so choose based on your terrain and your ATV’s capacity.

Conclusion

No single ATV tire is a perfect answer for pavement and mud. For mostly soft ground, the Tusk Mud Force is the deepest-lug set here. For mixed ground with some pavement, the RUNIX radials or the shorter-lug MaxAuto pair are the more sensible starting points. For more options, see our guides to trail tires and full tire sets.

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About the Author

Travis Nolan is a senior editor at Backpack-and-Gear. He plans and edits the site’s comparison roundups, checks that spec tables match what manufacturers actually publish, and keeps older guides current as models get discontinued or replaced. He writes mostly about outdoor and hiking gear.

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