A new category of passenger vehicle has overtaken the sedan as America’s favorite: the crossover. And increasingly with the blooming interest in outdoor recreation, especially in the far-reaching wake of the Pandemic, the demand for all-terrain capable crossovers has begun to rise to meet it.
Combining the easy drivability and efficiency of a passenger sedan with the storage and terrain capacity of an SUV, the off-road crossover (CUV) is dominating auto manufacturer’s lineups. Like any all-terrain warrior, you need the right gear to get (and keep) going. Your original equipment (OE) tires are specifically chosen to maximize the performance of your vehicle’s trim, especially for off-road packages.
And if you like what came with your crossover, we have OE tires ready for you. But if you’re looking to crush it on your next camping trip, we have the best selection of aftermarket CUV tires around.
We’ve done the dirty work and made a list of the best tires for your off-road CUV, from your Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to your Toyota TRD Off-Road RAV4! We’ll help you make your next trip a memorable one.
(Want to just shop our all-terrain or mud terrain tire inventory? No problem!)
SUBARU CROSSOVER VEHICLES AND OFF-ROAD TIRES
We absolutely must begin this list with the iconic king of off-road crossovers, Subaru. It’s inevitable: you WILL see a Subie at a trailhead!
Built on a legacy of safe, reliable soft off-roading options and rugged capability, the seemingly native to the upper northwest Subaru outgrew its underdog manufacturing reputation to become one of the most popular options available on the market today. Their formula? Better ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive and improved all-weather handling.
SUBARU OUTBACK WILDERNESS
We’ll start with the crossover that started it all: the Subaru Outback. We’re specifically looking at the Subaru Outback Wilderness due to its enhanced off-road features. This wagon-esque origin of our modern crossover took off in the mid-90s. It became a meaningful performer in the industry that led to other designs to fill a blossoming desire to go off-road.
The Outback is built around time and trail-tested features, including symmetrical all-wheel drive, a full-size spare tire, and off-road wheels and all-terrain tires that are standard. It uses a 260-horsepower direct injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with 277 lbs.-ft of torque with a 3500 lbs towing capacity. And the drivetrain? It features a revised transmission gearing with a shorter final drive ratio to improve low-speed climbing (up to a 40% grade).
Add in an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance with a front skid plate, improved approach and departure angles, anti-glare hood, reinforced roof rails and enhanced dual-function X-MODE to handle specific terrain like dirt, snow and mud to give you a seriously capable ride that can seemingly do it all.
The Outback is designed for the outdoor enthusiast, with 32.6 cubic feet of storage space and up to 75.6 cubic feet when you fold down the second row, an even more appealing scenario thanks to its protective seat-back material that withstands wear, tear, pets, passengers and gear!
The Outback rolls out on 17 inch alloy wheels and Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 tires in the 225/65R17 size. They are three-peak mountain snowflake rated (for severe weather), include a handy 60k mileage warranty and versatile all-terrain tread. They are an understandably popular option. Its Endurocore construction and optimized tread pattern makes it a long-lasting tire. Plus, it’s multi-tread pitch variation makes it a quiet ride on the pavement, too. The aggressive tread pattern means your next foray into the wilderness won’t be quite so hazardous with heavy load capacity and durable tread.
For a replacement tire, we recommend the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail. It offers a 65k warranty with touring, performance and all-terrain features. It is also backed with a severe weather rating and utilizes crossover-specific construction to max out your specs. A rugged two-ply construction, optimized tread for efficiency and flexibility and exceptional wet and dry traction increase the appeal.
But if you’re looking for something more rugged and less on-road oriented, try the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W! This all-terrain crowd favorite includes a 60,000-mile warranty and heavily focuses on the three W’s: wear, wet and winter performance. It’s an excellent off-road crossover tire thanks to its flexibility and rugged durability. An aggressive sidewall adds additional traction and increased puncture resistance via its outer apex sidewall for when the going gets rough.
SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS
The Outback’s size (specifically its length) is a boon to some and a bane to others, so it’s not surprising Subaru introduced the Subaru Forester Wilderness to appeal to those looking for a more tidy drive. This compact all-terrain crossover offers all the benefits of the Wilderness package, like increased ground clearance, roof racks, skid plates and other goodies in a more manageable size. It is founded on the Impreza chassis (with a wagon-inspired design) that gives better visibility, off-road performance and comfort. For 2025 models, Subaru’s Global Platform is 10% stiffer for a firmer, more controlled ride that will also be quieter.
The Forester is more recognizably part of the crossover family of vehicles that most drivers are familiar with; it’s designed for more headspace, cargo and capability compared to a sedan while still retaining a smaller size than an SUV. Crossovers in general are becoming larger, however, with Car and Driver calling the 2022 Subaru Wilderness Forester only a few steps away from a Toyota 4Runner.
That might be a slight exaggeration because, currently, its all-wheel drive DOHC 16-valve flat-4 aluminum block and head direct fuel injection engine places it firmly in the crossover category. It offers 182 horses with 176 lb-ft of torque and a CVT transmission. But the Wilderness package does add some sweet outdoor recreational focused touches, like StarTex water-resistant upholstery (perfect for mud) and a transmission with a wider ratio spread (eight manually selectable ratios as opposed to non-Wilderness packages of seven).
The Forester’s original equipment (OE) wheel and tire assembly is the same as the Outback. The Forester rolls out on 17 inch matte black wheels on the same size tire (225/60R17) on a set of Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015s. Though the Outback is larger and more powerful than the Forester, the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is still an excellent consideration for a replacement tire. It blends versatility with performance in a satisfying crossover-specific design.
If your outdoor adventures are a bit wilder than well-tended trailheads and dirt roads, then we recommend the Toyo Open Country A/T III. Well-liked for their predictable handling in a variety of conditions (perfect for an all-terrain crossover), the AT3 features a new tread compound to resist damage while simultaneously offering both on and off-road traction. Snow and wet conditions are made easier with increased lateral grooves and 3D multi-wave siping. You’ll also like the robust 65k mileage warranty, severe weather designation and comfortable ride.
SUBARU CROSSTREK WILDERNESS
Last but certainly not least is the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. The smallest crossover, and based on the Impreza Hatchback with a lift, was initially marketed as the XV Crosstrek. It dropped the XV in 2016 and has enjoyed great popularity in recent years, becoming Subaru’s best selling vehicle.
The Crosstrek gained access to the Wilderness package starting in spring of 2023 at the New York Auto Show. It boasts 9.3 inches of suspension, a 700 lb rated roof rack and retuned CVT transmission for better low-speed performance. It uses the same 2.5L FB25D engine from the Crosstrek’s Sport and Limited trims but a lower final drive ratio of 4.11 (compared to the standard 3.7). This mighty goat can tow up to 3500 lbs like its larger cousins, a significant increase from the previous 1500 lbs limit.
Spry, with comfy and manageable on-road manners, approachable price tag and off-road chutzpah, the Crosstrek is understandably very popular. And the new Wilderness badging and exterior enhancements make for an aesthetically pleasing CUV with copper accents, a spruced up interior and standard rubber floor mats. The aluminum skid plate, although thin, protects the undercarriage from unwanted damage.
Unfortunately, the Crosstrek does not include a front-facing obstacle spotting camera like the Forester and Outback but the improved departure and approach angles are reassuring.
For the individual or adventurous couple (maybe with a dog or two), the Crosstrek’s 20 square feet of cargo space is plenty for a weekend away.
Like the other Wilderness crossovers, the Crosstrek comes with 17 inch wheels in the 225/60R17 tire size standard with a set of the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 all-terrain tires. We’ve mentioned replacing them with the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail for other Wilderness packages, and our recommendation remains the same for the Crosstrek.
But like the Forester, which is a true crossover, the Crosstrek would do well with a set of Toyo Open Country A/T III’s for the enthusiast. You will not be climbing boulders with the herds of Jeeps and Broncos, but you can reliably canvas rough terrain to get to that perfect spot, base camp or pass.
JEEP TRAILHAWK OFF-ROAD CUV AND TIRES
It’s (probably) illegal to not mention Jeep when it comes to anything off-road.
JEEP CHEROKEE TRAILHAWK
We’re joking, but the Jeep Trailhawk Cherokee isn’t. This all-terrain crossover is a smaller iteration of its Grand Cherokee big brother. The Cherokee has gone through quite the evolution from full-size SUV down to most recently a crossover SUV platform.
And the notable Trailhawk line of off-road performance delivers impressive standard features like Active Drive Lock and Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System (including Rock Mode), to name a few. That Active Drive Lock (a standard Jeep feature) offers a special traction mode that’s ideal for climbing out of mud or rocky setups, making it an appealing off-road option if you intend to really get out into the thick of things.
Compared to the Altitude Lux trim, it boasts nearly an inch of additional ground clearance, a large infotainment screen and more aggressive tires. Plus, its 270-hp 2.0L engine has a higher towing capacity (2000 lbs or 4000 lbs with the 3.2L Pentastar engine) and a better EPA rating to boot.
The Cherokee Trailhawk performs as you might expect from the robust Jeep brand, perhaps better than any other off-road CUV with its McPherson strut front with four-link rear coil suspension to handle both punishing rocks and roads alike. Its 48:1 low range is exceptionally effective with spot on selectable locker. It’s impressive and if it weren’t as low to the ground (it does sit taller than your typical Cherokee), it would be a real troublemaker.
The Cherokee Trailhawk is equipped with Firestone Destination A/T tires in the 245/65R17 size. These include a 50,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty and a long-link carbon tread to improve wet traction. They feature a five-degree noise reduction design for minimal on-road noise and high tensile steel belts with spirally wrapped nylon and polyester cord casing for comfort, durability and strength.
These Firestones are catered toward the OE Jeep crowd and offer chip and cut resistance. However, if you want something more robust to really take your Jeep further, we recommend the BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 as a replacement. This off-roading flagship tire offers a 50k mileage warranty, severe weather rating and highly dependable all-terrain chops. It is frequently cited as the “go-to” off-road tire for most vehicles. Its Serrated Shoulder Design maxes out grip in mud, snow and over rocks, especially when aired down.
But, if you are looking for a milder all-terrain replacement, let us suggest the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A. It includes touring, performance and all-terrain centric tread features to make it a more versatile option. Alternating shoulder scallops and grooves deliver great traction in loose driving surfaces like soil, mud and sand. Its dual purpose tread features mean you can head to the mall or to the riverfront via its optimized footprint and interlocking sipes. If you plan on doing more soft-roading like dirt or fire roads for camping, light exploring or just going up your gravel driveway, it’s an excellent and reliable option.
JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk, on the other hand, was always a compact crossover SUV platform. Only in its second generation, it began with a more “hatchback” style look which has given way to a taller, CUV profile that more closely resembles the Cherokee. The Trailhawk is the most expensive trim but if you want or need something that’s trail rated, that’s the price you must pay. Trailhawk trims include 4x4 standard, hill descent control, skid plates, red tow hooks and the Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System.
The Compass is a trim design, the complete opposite of off-road behemoths like full-size trucks and even most other compact SUV/crossovers. It’s definitely not meant to transport all your friends to the river for the day, but a couple with children or pets should be comfortable.
With that being said, it has a higher than average ground clearance (8.6 inches) and a customer-approved infotainment system that’s perfect for bumping along the highway or the trail. The Trailhawk specific features also make it very well-equipped to handle recreational activities, too.
It comes with a 2L I-4 engine pulled by 200 horses and decent fuel efficiency (a bonus, thanks to its size). It’s towing capacity of 2000 lbs means you probably won’t be towing much more than a couple of dirt bikes.
It comes with a set of Falken Wildpeak H/T tires in the 215/65R17 size. This is a highway terrain tire, unfortunately, so it’s not ideal for any off-road fun. The Wildpeak H/T does deliver excellent grip and traction in all seasons with a comfortable, quiet ride. You can’t forget the 60,000 mile warranty, either.
We recommend the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W for a solid off-road experience. It includes a severe weather designation, 55k mile warranty and trifecta of wear, wet and winter performance to make it an excellent on and off-road experience. It’s strong enough to handle the kind of terrain your Compass is equipped to handle without being overkill on your drivetrain.
We also suggest the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail, which combines a crossover-specific construction with rough terrain features. This isn’t the tire to take you rock crawling (which we wouldn't advise you do with the Compass anyway) but it offers excellent grip and resistance to damage over soft-roading type obstacles without sacrificing on-road handling.
JEEP RENEGADE TRAILHAWK
Finally, we must mention the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, Jeep’s smallest available vehicle. Tiny but mighty, the Renegade packs an impressive punch via its Trailhawk packaging with alloy wheels, red front and rear tow hooks, 20mm lift kit, skid plates and the usual off-road features like Active Drive Low four-wheel drive system.
The Trailhawk trim for the Renegade means that you only have one choice: 4WD with a 1.4 L 1-4 cylinder engine at 177 horsepower and nine speed automatic transmission. Like the Compass, it has a modest 2000 lb tow limit. Jeep intends the Renegade to be for the avid off-roader but definitely for one who doesn’t have the need for an extreme mountain climber like the Wrangler. The limited size and cargo space with the seating area means you’ll need to optimize every bit of its available 50.8 cubic feet for weekends away or days out.
But, if you need to do any creek crossings, Jeep says that it offers 19 inches of water-fording capability!
Like the Compass, the Renegade rolls out on 215/65R17 Falken Wildpeak H/Ts (see above). They’re perfectly fine if you’re sticking with pavement and just want a commuter car but for any off-pavement riding, we recommend either the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail or Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. Both of these, described above with the Compass, offer excellent on and off-road traction, wear and weather performance. Since you’re not going to be doing anything hugely technical in your Renegade Trailhawk (at least that we recommend!) more robust all-terrain tires won’t be necessary.
FORD BRONCO SPORT OFF-ROAD TIRES
Now that the iconic Ford Bronco is on the roads, the smaller and more approachable Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is available for outdoor recreational enthusiasts to get a piece of that sweet outdoor pie.
It is perhaps wrongfully considered a “soccer mom” car for those that want the Bronco name without the huge investment of its SUV-sized two or four door rough riding version. It absolutely can handle all-terrain environments in its own right (it is a Bronco after all).
Actually, the Badlands package is the only real way to get the most out of your Bronco Sport when it comes to off-the-beaten-path excitement thanks to its off-road tuned suspension, underbody protection, torque vectoring rear differential and respectable fuel economy.
This package is, granted, pricey, but includes tons of premium features like Terrain Management System™ with seven G.O.A.T modes to adjust your terrain handling, an advanced 4x4 twin-clutch rear drive unit and 2.0L EcoBoost® with auto start-stop tech and impressive 250 horsepower (for a CUV). The 8.8 inch ground clearance and twin-clutch simulated real locker is perfect for traversing rutted out trails, reaching distant campsites, picking across rocky outcrops or managing some sandy beaches.
For original equipment tires, the Sport Badlands trim comes with 225/65R17 Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires or 235/65R17 Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires. The Scorpion ATRs are a touring, all-terrain tire with an all-season boost and a handy 50k mileage warranty. A reinforced sidewall helps prevent hard shocks and jarring impacts while wide shoulder blocks deliver stability and improved lateral grip for braking and traction.
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3Ws focus on wet, wear and winter performance with some all-terrain centric tread elements. They’re a great option for canvassing both on and off-road situations. You’ll also like the 55k warranty.
Need something more extreme? The Toyo Open Country A/T III is our suggestion. Lean but rugged, this third edition is even more capable than its predecessors (which is saying something) and is perfect for an off-road crossover. A damage-resistant tread compound with aggressive tread boosts this tire’s off-road functionality significantly with the added bonus of predictable handling. Predictable means a confident, secure drive. Speaking of security, its increased lateral grooves make it a leader among all-terrain tires in snow and wet stopping distances and traction!
TOYOTA OFF-ROAD CUV AND TIRES
Perhaps the best selling crossover vehicle in the United States, it should come as no surprise that the Toyota RAV4 is included in the burgeoning off-road CUV category too.
The Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road very well represents the TRD line with iconic red accents and off-road centric features like TRD tuned MacPherson front strut suspension with stabilizer bar (great for potholes and rutted out trails alike).
It has a 2.5L Dynamic Force 4-cylinder DOHC D-4S injection with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) engine with 203 ponies pulling at 6600 RPM. It has a respectable 184 lb-ft. torque. Also, it is equipped with an all-wheel drive integrated system and dynamic torque vectoring with rear driveline disconnect. It has a direct shift 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-I) and sequential shift mode and a 13:0:1 compression ratio.
It includes Multi-Terrain Select with a variety of helpful settings to help you navigate terrain like mud, sand, rock, dirt and snow, plus normal driving situations. The Downhill Assist Control and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) are also a nice to-have option. A reinforced unitized steel body with robust 18 inch black wheels (we hear they are flow formed alloy rims) with all-terrain Falken tire original equipment wheels say: I’m ready to go.
The 8.6 inch ground clearance and the 225/60R18 Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires are a great start to your next off-road jaunt. The rugged sidewall, optimized tread design and crossover-specific construction makes it perfectly suited to your RAV4.
For something more rugged, we like the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain T/A to ramp things up when it comes time to replace your tires. This tire incorporates touring, performance and all-terrain tread elements to deliver a happy blend of weather and off-road capability. It boasts a severe weather rating with closed lateral grooves and noise reduction tuning to make your on-road drive more pleasant. Specifically tuned for crossovers, the Trail Terrain does fantastic on loose soil, light mud and even sand. The 60k mileage warranty is nothing to sneeze at, either.
MAZDA OFF-ROAD CUV AND TIRES
We admit it: the Mazda brand isn’t perhaps your first instinct when it comes to choosing an off-road crossover option. But the Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition is aimed at encouraging an active lifestyle for those in the crossover market, too. In fact, Mazda’s website seems to exclusively advertise its outdoor potential.
While it’s definitely not aimed at hard off-roading, you’ll find it includes several useful features for those who kayak, cycle, camp and enjoy the great outdoors. The Meridian package builds upon the standard 2.5 Turbo trim and includes black metallic 18 inch alloy wheels with black wheel locks and lugs, all-terrain tires, rocker panels and some sweet graphic touches with an exclusive interior.
Want more? Add the Apex package to include roof-rack crossbars, a roof platform, a different graphic for your hood and splash guards.
It uses a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 with twin-scroll turbo engine with 320 lb-ft. of torque and i-ACTIV AWD drivetrain, six speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and 3500 lbs towing capacity. What about its four wheel independent suspension? It uses a MacPherson strut with stabilizer in front and torsion beam in back.
The Meridian edition comes with size 225/60R18 Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires as original equipment. The Wildpeak A/T Trail is a design that wonderfully blends all-terrain, touring and performance features with the added boost of a severe weather designation. The tread elements include 3D Canyon siping, optimized tread pattern for optimal wear and rugged upper sidewall to guard against rock and debris. The cherry on top? The up to 65k mileage warranty.
If the trails you’re taking tend to be a little rougher, or you just want that real off-road look, might we suggest the Nitto Nomad Grappler when it’s time to replace your OE tires? With a 60,000 mile warranty, severe weather rating and well-balanced tread features (wear, wet/weather and off-road grip), it’s a versatile option for any crossover. Zig-zag lateral grooves deliver consistent traction over the life of the tire, too, so you can count on them from day one to day one thousand. They handle mud, snow, gravel and even heavy rain like a champion—perfect for drivers looking to get a little dirty on the weekends without needing a tire change in between.
KIA SPORTAGE X-PRO TIRES
Another automaker that’s focused on the increasing demand for off-road capable crossovers is Kia. And you can see this clearly with their newly designed Kia Sportage X-Pro that aims for a stylish trailhead look. Kia’s gone bigger and better with this model, opting to make it with a 3.4 inches longer wheelbase and an all-wheel drive standard drivetrain.
It seems to be Kia’s attempt to directly compete with off-road CUV superpower, Subaru. Fans love Kia’s Sportage hybrid models, but they may find that the X-Pro may be a jarring experience as its all-terrain features are more noticeable on pavement.
The X-Pro is one of several off-road centric trims from Kia but the X-Pro package offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance, well-articulated suspension, knobby all-terrain tires and 17 inch rims standard. And compared to other similarly sized crossovers, only the Nissan Rogue matches its 74.1 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Unfortunately, Kia does not equip this model with skid plates off the factory floor, so you should keep that in mind when choosing your line on the trails.
The Sportage X-Pro uses a 2.5L Inline-4 gas powered engine backed by 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque. The eight speed automatic transmission is an improvement from the previous six speed and the standard 17x7 wheels (aluminum, so light but strong) with a nicely responsive suspension and weighted steering experience while off-road.
Kia doesn’t mess around with their original equipment wheel and tire set up, either. They went directly with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tires in the 235/65R17 size. BFGoodrich is a heavy hitter when it comes to all-terrain play and for good reason. The Trail Terrain T/A comes with severe weather badging, 60k mile warranty and robust rugged terrain design that seamlessly transfers to the pavement. This makes it an excellent off-road crossover tire as the versatility allows you to keep just one set of functional tires.
But if you want something more off-road dedicated, you can’t go wrong with the Nitto Nomad Grappler. Also with a 60,000 mile warranty, the Nomad offers the same versatility for on and off-road utility but with more oomph on rocks and dirt. Reinforced circumferential grooves with stone ejectors keep your traction consistent while resisting against stone drilling. Staggered sidewall lugs offer long-lasting grip, too, and a full silica compound tread delivers excellent wet and snow performance.
Even though it’s actually an SUV, we will mention the Kia Telluride X-Pro here as well. We didn’t include it with our Best Off-Road SUVs and Tires blog as the Telluride is designed more for on-road comfort and passenger travel than off-road capability. But, the X-Pro package does add all-wheel drive, more rugged roof rails, a 0.4 inch lift, new tow mode (with 5500 lbs towing capacity, a 500 lb increase), 110V cargo area outlet and 18 inch wheels. This, plus its 3.8L V-6 engine makes it an attractive campsite foundation for families.
Kia equips the Telluride X-Pro with a set of Continental Terrain Contact A/Ts in the 245/60R18 size. They offer an aggressive look but deliver excellent highway-terrain benefits like a quiet, comfortable ride, TRACTIONPlus Tech for adverse weather, and an advanced tire rubber compound to resist punctures. It’s a good light off-road option.
Want an alternative replacement tire? Check out the flexible and high-performing Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015. It’s rated for severe winter weather and delivers reliable four-season traction with the added bonus of a quiet ride (multi-pitch tread variation tread being the responsible party). Its capable and advanced tread design delivers off-road grip for both SUVs and trucks, making it a great work, play and commuter option for your Telluride.
Ready to roll?
Are you ready for your next adventure with your crossover? If you’re still unsure which tires are best for you, feel free to drop by your nearest store, give us a call or schedule an appointment to save some time. We’re ready to help you. Customers who buy their products online and book an appointment ahead of time wait less time in-store!
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