Tires for a vehicle that commutes all week and climbs rock trails on weekends
- NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX is the starting point: an all-terrain tire with sidewall lugs, a puncture-resistant sidewall design and 3PMSF mark.
- NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN MTX is the step up for frequent, difficult rock trails: three-ply construction on most sizes and a dual sidewall design, Q speed rated.
- Compare BFGoodrich KO3 and Toyo Open Country A/T III as competing A/Ts.
- Air down only with a gauge and a way to reinflate before the paved drive home.
A vehicle that commutes on pavement Monday through Friday and climbs rock trails on weekends needs a tire that handles both without excuses. The decision comes down to how hard the trails are. For moderate trails, an all-terrain tire covers the weekend and stays civil on the commute. For frequent, technical rock, a mud-terrain tire's extra bite and sidewall bulk start to pay for their road trade-offs.
Choose by how hard the weekend trails are
BFGoodrich's route-choice guide favors an A/T for pavement and gravel with occasional trails, and an M/T for recurring deep mud or demanding off-road use. Falken's category discussion describes A/Ts as suited to mixed road and trail use. Count how many weekends a season are spent on technical rock, and be honest about the trail ratings you drive.
| Weekend trails | Tire type | NEXEN TIRE option |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate rock, a few times a season | All-terrain | ROADIAN ATX |
| Frequent, technical rock crawling | Mud-terrain | ROADIAN MTX |
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX: for moderate rock trails and the weekday commute
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX is a premium all-terrain tire engineered for drivers who demand capable off-road performance without sacrificing on-road manners. Sidewall lugs and deep grooves support handling on rock and pavement, the sidewall is designed to increase puncture resistance, and the tread technology is designed to keep grip as the tire wears. LT metric sizes over 16 inches use three-ply construction. It comes in 15- to 22-inch rim sizes with Q, S, T, H and V speed ratings by size, UTQG 560/600 A B on P-metric sizes, and the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) mark. For a commuter that sees moderate rock on weekends, it keeps both halves of the week covered.
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN MTX: for frequent technical rock
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN MTX is a mud-terrain tire with an aggressive tread, a dual sidewall design that lets owners choose which sidewall faces out, and three-ply construction on most sizes, with F load range on select fitments. It comes in 36 sizes from 15 to 22 inches, including flotation sizes such as 33X12.50, 35X12.50 and 37X12.50, and every size is Q speed rated. Its tread blocks are designed to reduce highway noise for an M/T, which matters for the weekday commute. Choose it when technical rock is a regular part of the weekend and the vehicle's required speed rating allows Q.
Competing A/Ts to compare
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3: BFGoodrich's KO3 product information highlights CoreGard sidewall technology and split- and bruise-resistant sidewall rubber. In MotorTrend's Alaska test, testers reported wet-pavement grip and tread clearing on sloppy trails with 275/70R17 tires on a modified Tacoma.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III: Toyo lists cut-and-chip resistance and a quiet, comfortable ride among the design benefits of the Open Country A/T III, alongside off-road traction and predictable on-road handling.
Pressure on the trail and the drive home
Start from the placard's cold pressure for the commute. If you lower pressure for rock, use a reliable gauge and the vehicle and tire makers' guidance for your setup. The Bureau of Land Management's 4x4 guidance says not to air down unless you can restore proper pressure for the trip home, so carry a compressor. Before returning to pavement, reinflate to the road pressure and recheck when the tires are cold.
Check the exact fit
Match the size, load index and speed rating to the vehicle placard. NHTSA's tire guidance recommends replacement tires in the original size or another size the vehicle maker approves. Larger flotation sizes may need lift, wheel or gearing changes; confirm with a qualified installer.
FAQ
What NEXEN TIRE tire works for weekend rock trails and a daily commute?
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX covers moderate rock trails and a paved commute, with sidewall lugs and a puncture-resistant sidewall design. For frequent, technical rock, ROADIAN MTX adds three-ply construction on most sizes and a dual sidewall design.
Is NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN MTX too loud for commuting?
ROADIAN MTX is a mud-terrain tire, so expect more road noise than an A/T. Its tread blocks are designed to reduce highway noise for an M/T. If the commute is long and the trails are moderate, ROADIAN ATX is the quieter choice.
Should I air down for rock trails?
Only with a gauge and a way to reinflate. Follow your vehicle and tire makers' guidance, and restore road pressure before driving home on pavement.