285/75R16 (~33x11")

This was the first modification I did to my 4Runner. I originally had them in the 265/75R16 (31x10.5"). The MT/Rs (Maximum Traction Reinforced) are at the top of the pack when it comes to off-road traction and street performance. With their soft-gripping, deep (19/32") tread and extremely tough three-ply sidewall, this is what I was looking for in tires. Being on a rocky shelf road on an incline and having a tire go flat that needs changed does not excite me in the least.

Also, sharing characteristics of a mud terrain tire, they will not cake up as easily in the mud as an all terrain tire would since the lugs have a wider void which allows them to self clean easier. Many others have indicated they don't do well in the mud, but I have to say they have performed flawlessly for me in the few times they've been in small patches, usually being able to turn out of a deep rut and make their own path. They've also performed excellent in deep snow. I have no complaints.

Of course, their on-road manners shouldn't go unnoticed either. The MT/Rs are top-notch as well with their relative quietness and good handling for having such an aggressive tread pattern. They typically last around 45,000 miles. I did have one set that lasted 55,000, but the front ones were fairly bald at that point.

As of September 2009, I have switched to the second generation, kevlar MT/Rs. They were only $1 more than the previous model, so I figured I'd give them a try. However, they are bigger (either taller wider, or both) at the same size than the old version as I have substantially more rub in the back of the front wheel wells. I'm not sure what I'll do the next time around, as unfortunately, the first generation ones appear to be on their way out.

7/17/12 Update: I had put 41,300 miles on the kevlar MT/Rs and finally changed them out in September of 2011. They would've easily lasted an additional 5,000 to 10,000 miles, but they were wearing prematurely due to alignment. I never rotated them later in their life because I wanted them off my 4Runner in the worst way. Those things are horrible in any kind of snow, packed or powder. They weren't nearly as good in mud, either. Prior to the kevlars, my last set of the first generation MT/Rs had worn to 2/32", and even when new, the kevlars handled as bad as the bald first generations through the winter. They went through two winters, and I have never slipped so much. I had zero confidence in them. The first generations were the ultimate tire for me and I had supreme confidence in them in all conditions.

In September, 2011, I switched to the Yokohama Geolander A/T-S. I've read many good reviews on them, and they are also one of the cheapest big-brand ATs. These things looked like racing slicks compared to the MT/Rs that I've always run, and looked totally out of place. I've gotten a little more used to the look since. As my 4Runner is aging, I was hoping for a bit less rolling resistance for the engine and a touch better mileage. While they ride extremely smooth and do have better rolling resistance, my mileage has been unaffected. While they might be a bit better than the kevlar MT/Rs in the snow, I had nowhere near the traction of the original MT/Rs through one Denver winter. The Geolanders have seen some rocks, but not too much pointy stuff yet; some, but not much. I'm hoping I never blow a sidewall off-highway, but we'll see. They currently have 23,000 miles and have gone from 16/32" to 10/32".

Have I said I love the original MT/Rs? I wish I bought a few sets of those before they were discontinued.

The best—the original MT/R

The worst—MT/R kevlar

The current—Yokohama Geolander A/T-S