5 Underrated Off-Road Tires You'll Love

Don’t Tread Lightly on These Options

Before we get too far into this, it’s important for us to say: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with going with one of the big, popular brands for your off-road tires. You know, the Nittos, the Toyos, the Falkens. Those are all great tire options that are sure to beef up your off-roader. But when the familiar options start to feel stale, going with a less-popular but still dependable brand is like a breath of fresh air. After all, there’s no shortage of quality tire options for various off-roading needs, so let’s shine a light on some of the less-loved names out there.

We’ve got tires for all kinds of enthusiasts, the off-roading purists, the budget-conscious adventurers, even the drivers who maybe go a little too hard on the trails. Rugged mud-terrains with massive bite to all-terrains that eat up highway miles as well as gravel, there’s something here for everyone. So let’s get into the hidden gems of the off-road tire world that are slowly building a name for themselves.

The Overlooked, Trail-Tested Standouts

If you’re still thinking you might just go with a tried-and-true name like Mickey Thompson or Cooper, then slow down buddy. Going against the grain can still make something incredible, and that’s as true with these tires we’re going to tell you about. They can compete with the big dogs, and in the right scenario, they can even out-perform them too. We’re talking unbeatable combinations of killer traction, bold style, and unbeatable value, the kind of tires that might change the way you think about those 4 chunks of rubber wrapped around those shiny off-road wheels.

Milestar Patagonia M/T

Having started to build a cult following among off-roaders already, the Milestar Patagonia M/T is maybe a step ahead of the rest on this list, but it’s still not as common of a name as the “big brands”. It’s aggressive tread and self-cleaning voids are perfectly capable of navigating rock gardens and loose terrain, while the tough three-ply sidewall is incredibly resistant to punctures and other external damage. This thing can chew through mud, snow, and other obstacles like they’re nothing, so you get that unfiltered off-road grit for a price that’ll make you think it must have been mis-stickered.

The thing that truly lets this tire stand out from the crowd is the amount of real-world performance you get for the price you pay. Other tires will make you pay high prices for the same toughness, but the Patagonias will get you the same traction and durability while leaving your wallet happy. You’ll hear some road noise when you’re on the highways, but it’s not terrible, just a trade-off for how it performs like no other once the road ends and the trail begins. The Milestar Patagonia M/T is the kind of underdog that’s capable of leading the pack.

AMP Pro AT

The AMP Pro AT is a tire you won’t hear coming, but that’s kind of the point. A perfect bridge between capability and comfort, the Pro AT has refined road manners that won’t ruin a daily commute while still being able to hold its own on all kinds of terrain. The multi-tread block design has excellent grip in rain, dirt, and even light snow, while stone ejectors keep unwanted debris from cutting into the tread. Good for daily driving and weekend trail runs alike, the AMP Pro AT is composed, smooth, and ready for whatever comes next.

If you’re looking for an area where it really shines, look no further than its versatility. It’s a tire that was built for those looking for off-road traction without giving up ride quality. It’s tough enough to withstand trail abuse, but not so stiff that it feels like you’re piloting a lumber wagon. It’s an ideal choice for overlanders, weekend warriors, and commuters, hitting the sweet spot of quiet on asphalt but digs deep when concrete turns to dirt and rocks.

Kelfire DMR RT

The new kid on the block, the Kelfire DMR RT has made quite the impression early. This hybrid-terrain packs all the aggressive bite of an M/T with the composure of A/T into one tire, making it the go-to choice for drivers looking for a setup that does it all. The staggered tread blocks can dig deep into dirt and gravel, while the wide shoulder lugs give your sidewall added resistance to cuts and damage while improving grip for loose climbs. Its treads also clear remarkably quickly, so you aren’t hauling excess mud with you everywhere you go.

It’s the balance of attitude and adaptability that really makes the DMR RT one of a kind. The design is bold and aggressive enough to pass for a pure M/T, but that civilized ride you’ll feel on the highways makes the daily grind much easier. Noise levels stay low and controlled, while the tread life keeps going long and strong after heavy use. The Kelfire DMR RT is a no-brainer if you’re looking for something that combines grip, grit, and good manners all in one good-looking piece of rubber.

TIS TT1

The first thing you might notice about the TIS TT1 is its bold design, but take a second glance, and you’ll quickly notice there’s more to this tire than eye-catching good looks. Serious performance lies just beneath the surface, with bold tread blocks, deep voids, and tough shoulders all made to dominate loose terrain and sling mud with the best of them. The sidewalls can resist rocks and other trail hazards, while the tread pattern puts in work to stay responsive and stable at higher speeds. This is the kind of tire that doesn’t just look tough in the parking lot, it’s got the power to back up the talk when needed.

It’s the combination of personality and practicality that the TT1 possesses that makes it unique. A tire that looks as good as it performs, this is a quality option for those who want something that looks great in a parking lot but still tough enough to stand up to harsh terrains. Despite the aggressive build of the TT1, it’s surprisingly mild-mannered on the roads, with some noise, but not too harsh. The rare combo of TT1’s intense style and powerful performance make it a great option for drivers looking for something unique.

Radar Renegade AT Pro

The final entry on our last delivers the goods that drivers want, just without having to brag about it. The Radar Renegade AT Pro is designed for adventure, minus the typical accompanying price tag. It skillfully toes the line between highway comfort and off-road muscle, featuring angled tread blocks and stepped edges for confident grip even in mud and gravel. Its stone ejectors help keep debris from damaging the tire, giving you peace of mind that your tires can stand up to anything you encounter. This tire feels just at home on a backroad as it does on the highway to work Monday morning.

Comparing the durability of the Renegade AT Pro to what you’d typically pay for a tire this tough is really where it manages to make a mark. Its tough compound is incredibly resistant to abuse, and doesn’t ride like a brick. You’ll carry that smooth, composed feel all the way to the trails, where its durability makes sure you’ll come through your run relatively unscathed. The Renegade AT Pro is the kind of tire that you wonder how it isn’t more popular, but in a way you’re glad it isn’t, because adding them to your build feels like finding hidden treasure.

Shop All Off-Road Tires for Your Ride at TrailBuilt Off-Road!

Whether you found that you love one of the options we’ve listed here or you’d rather browse our massive selection of off-road tires, we know that there’s something that’ll be the perfect fit for your build. You can even use our Shop By Vehicle tool so you’ll find everything we have to offer for your specific make and model, taking all the guesswork out of it. We offer free shipping and quick delivery on all purchases, as well as some great financing options to help make your purchase easier and more affordable by making payments back over time. And as long as you’re looking at tires, when you bundle a set of in-stock wheels with your new tires, you’ll get free mounting and balancing included as an extra bonus, so your new setup will arrive at your front door ready to go. Good luck out there and see you out on the trails!