Soft-roading is a toned down version of off-roading. It is more accessible for more drivers and is focused on exploring light trails, gravel roads, and unpaved paths rather than extreme terrains. Unlike traditional off-roading, which requires heavily modified 4x4 vehicles, soft-roading can be done with many all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles such as crossovers and SUVs.
It’s an adventure without the extreme intensity!
SOFT-ROADING VS OFF-ROADING
What are the real differences between soft-roading and off-roading? The main difference comes down to terrain and vehicle capability.
Terrain can include:
Soft-roading: dirt roads, forest trails, sand, snow, mild mud
Off-roading: rocks, steep climbs, deep mud, technical obstacles
In comparison with off-roading, soft-roading typically requires:
Less experience
Fewer vehicle modifications
Lower cost
In general, soft-roading requires less technical expertise in navigating obstacles because trails are less complicated. This is ideal for beginners and weekend explorers.
WHAT VEHICLES ARE BEST FOR SOFT ROADING?
Most soft-roaders use AWD vehicles with moderate ground clearance such as:
Crossovers
Compact SUVs
Wagons (Subaru Outback or Crosstrek)
Typically these vehicles are lightly modified with:
Small lift kits
Roof racks or cargo systems
These upgrades boost traction, utility, and durability without significantly affecting everyday drivability.
DO YOU NEED SPECIAL TIRES FOR SOFT-ROADING?
You don’t need extreme off-road tires but you will need tires that can handle non-paved surfaces, uneven terrain, and potential damage from trails.
All-terrain tires are the go-to choice because they:
Provide excellent grip on dirt, gravel, and mud
Feature deeper tread for loose surface traction
Offer good on-pavement performance
This balance is ideal for daily driving and weekend adventures.
RECOMMENDED TIRES FOR SOFT-ROADING
The right tire will set your soft-road adventure up the right way–with the best experience possible. All-terrain tires offer the best mix of on-road comfort and off-road capability and strength.
Here are our recommended tires for soft-roading:
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3
Topping our list of the best off-road tires, the KO3 offers:
50k-mile warranty
Robust carcass and puncture resistance
Excellent wet and light winter performance
Reliable traction in any terrain
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
An excellent trail-terrain option for those in cooler climates, the Geolandar A/T G015 offers a great blend of traction, treadwear, and technical ability. It includes:
50-60k-mile warranty
Crossover, SUV, and light truck fitments
Endurocore construction for long treadwear
Severe weather rated (wet and light winter)
Multi-pitch tread for quiet, comfortable ride
Aggressive optimized tread for four season off-road grip
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
Blending all-weather confidence and off-road prowess, the Wildpeak A/T Trail elevates your vehicle’s capability brilliantly. It does this with:
65k-mile warranty
Crossover, SUV, and light truck fitments
Long-lasting on-road comfort
Aggressive off-road traction
Severe weather rating
Ruggedly strong carcass
Exceptional wet and dry traction from 3D Canyon Sipe Technology
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT
Consistently good both on and off-road, the Wrangler Duratrac RT delivers utility and confident grip. Plus:
50k-mile warranty
Traction through dry or wet roads, mud, light snow, and sand
Self-cleaning tread
Oversized shoulders protect wheel rim from damage
Nitto Ridge Grappler
A rugged-terrain tire that combines the best of both worlds (aggressive traction and on-road manners). Plus:
Heavy-duty mud-terrain tread pattern
Confident handling and traction in any terrain
Stable, comfortable drive on paved surfaces
Dual sidewall designs
Confident wet and dry grip
Yokohama Geolandar X-AT
The Geolandar X-AT positions itself between a milder mannered all-terrain and an aggressive mud-terrain tire, giving you all you want. Other features include:
45-50k-mile warranty
Quiet in-cabin drive
Boosted puncture resistance
Long, even treadwear
Cut-and-chip resistance
Biting traction on wet, snow, and slick rock surfaces
Stone ejecting tread design
WHERE CAN YOU GO SOFT-ROADING?
Soft-roading typically takes place on trails and paths maintained by federal, state, or volunteer agencies. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), state parks departments, and the US Forest Services are some examples. These trails can include:
Scenic desert trails
Forest service roads
Well-maintained fire roads
Camp trails
Soft-roading is less about conquering obstacles (like in off-roading) and enjoying nature off-the beaten path safely and comfortably.
IS SOFT-ROADING RIGHT FOR YOU?
Soft-roading is a great fit for you if you want to:
explore beyond paved roads
Use your daily driver for adventure
Avoid the cost and complexity of full off-roading
Soft-roading is a low-barrier way to explore the outdoors. Caution: it is often the gateway into more advanced off-road driving!
Get Ready For Soft-Roading
Before every adventure, you should:
1. Inspect your tires for damage or uneven wear
Discount Tire offers FREE tire inspections!
Discount Tire offers FREE air checks, no appointment necessary!
3. Pack recovery basics and emergency supplies
4. Know your vehicle’s limits
With the right set up and abundant caution, soft-roading lets you go further–without going extreme.
Ready to roll?
If you have any questions or are unsure what tires work best for you, drop in or give us a ring. We’ll get you taken care of. Buy and book online and save time in-store!
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