The best P-metric all-terrain SUV tires are the ones that match the size and load rating on your SUV placard while adding more tread for dirt, gravel and light snow. The Falken Rubitrek A/T is the best-known name on this list, and the Prinx, Cosmo, Mastertrack, Atturo and Crosswind listings are lower-cost alternatives.
Disclosure: some links are Amazon affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
P-metric (P) tires are built for passenger vehicles, SUVs and light pickups. They usually ride softer than light truck (LT) tires but carry less load, so they are not the best choice for heavy towing. Several listings below do not show the P prefix in their titles, so confirm the exact size and type on the listing.
Best P-metric all-terrain SUV tires at a glance
|
Category |
Product |
Why it made the list |
|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Best-Known Name (265/75R16) |
Best-known name here; listing shows 265/75R16 |
|
|
💰 Budget Option |
Lower-cost option; size varies by listing |
|
|
❄️ Also Consider (verify snow rating) |
Listing mentions 3PMS; verify on the sidewall |
|
|
📏 20-Inch Option |
20-inch option from a value brand |
|
|
📦 Set of Four (265/70R17) |
Set of four, 265/70R17 |
|
|
🔁 Alternate Falken Listing (265/70R17) |
Second Falken listing, 265/70R17 |
|
|
🎨 Dual-Sidewall Style |
20-inch size with dual-sidewall styling |
P-metric or LT: which do you need?
- P-metric (P prefix): designed for passenger cars, SUVs, crossovers and light-duty pickups. Typically a smoother, quieter ride.
- LT (light truck): stronger construction for heavy loads and towing, usually a firmer ride.
- Not sure? Use the size and load index on your door-jamb placard or in the owner manual. Do not go below the load index your vehicle requires.
Fit and safety checklist
- Match size, load index and speed rating to your placard.
- Look for the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall if you need severe-snow capability; do not assume it.
- Replace all four tires if you have all-wheel drive, since large tread differences can stress the drivetrain. Check your owner manual.
- Heavier all-terrain tread can lower fuel economy and add road noise.
Good fit if: you want a low-cost all-terrain option. Watch out: the title does not show P or LT, so check which it is for your size.

Good fit if: you want a well-known A/T for a 16-inch SUV or truck. Watch out: this and the 265/70R17 listing below share one product image, so confirm the size on the listing.

Good fit if: the listing matches your size and shows a 3PMSF mark. Watch out: we could not confirm P-metric construction, so treat it as an also-consider option.

Good fit if: your SUV uses 20-inch wheels. Watch out: confirm the width on the listing; the URL shows only the 60-series.

Good fit if: you want four tires in one order. Watch out: confirm size and load index for your vehicle.

Good fit if: you need 265/70R17. Watch out: compare it with the Mastertrack set in the same size.

Good fit if: you want the dual-sidewall look on 20-inch wheels. Watch out: rugged-terrain tread can be noisier than a mild all-terrain.

Listed sizes at a glance
| Product | Image | Listed size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmo El Tigre AT |
![]() |
Check listing | Budget option |
| Falken Rubitrek A/T |
![]() |
265/75R16 | Best-known name |
| Atturo Trail Blade A/T |
![]() |
Check listing | Verify 3PMSF mark |
| Prinx HiCountry A/T2 |
![]() |
60-series, 20-inch | Check width |
| Mastertrack Badlands AT |
![]() |
265/70R17 | Set of 4 |
| Falken Rubitrek A/T |
![]() |
265/70R17 | Alternate listing |
| Crosswind Rugged Traxx |
![]() |
55-series, 20-inch | Check width |
Before you order
- Confirm size, load index and quantity on the exact listing.
- Have a tire shop check mounting and alignment.
- Need more load capacity? See our best LT all-terrain tires.
P-metric all-terrain tire FAQ
What is a P-metric tire?
A P-metric tire is a passenger-vehicle tire, marked with a P before the size, such as P265/70R17. It is designed for cars, crossovers, SUVs and light pickups and usually rides more softly than a light truck tire.
Can I use P-metric tires for towing?
Only within your vehicle and trailer limits. P-metric tires generally carry less load than LT tires, so heavy or frequent towing is a reason to consider LT sizes. Check your owner manual and tire load index.
Are all-terrain tires good in snow?
They can help in light snow, but not all models are rated for it. Look for the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall of your exact size, and consider winter tires if you see regular snow or ice.
Will all-terrain tires hurt fuel economy and noise?
Often a little. More aggressive tread adds rolling resistance and road noise compared with highway tires. The effect varies by model and by how aggressive the tread is.
Do I need to replace all four tires?
Usually yes for all-wheel-drive vehicles, since differences in tire circumference can stress the drivetrain. Check the tread-difference limits in your owner manual or ask a tire shop.
Wrapping up
Start with the size and load index on your placard, then compare the listings above that match it. The Falken Rubitrek A/T is the best-known option, while the other listings trade brand recognition for lower cost or specific sizes. Confirm size, P or LT type and any 3PMSF marking on the exact listing before you order.
This roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.






