P-metric vs LT tires

I have a 5th generation 4Runner that will be needing new tires in a few months. Currently it has the factory Bridgestone P-metrics. They’re fine on the road, don’t do well off road.
So, what are the pros and cons between a P-metric and a LT tire? Considering that most of my driving is road/highway, but I do go off road. Though no rock crawling.

 

P metric are lighter, so better fuel economy and road performance. They are also cheaper. Typically quieter.

LT tires are heavier, so worst fuel economy, and acceleration. They cost more, but last longer due to larger tread depth.

I would suggest p metric for you with a tame all terrain. Yokohama G015 or Falken AT3W. etc.

4runners come with terrible tires, similar to the old 2nd gen tacoma days. Anything is an upgrade haha.

 

Thanks

 

So, Bishop84. All things being equal, that is, same diameter tires, roughly the same tread design, does the lighter tire generally equate to better mileage?
I’m comparing the Falkens to the Michelin LTX AT2 in the P-metrics.

 

I’m not Bishop, but in my experience, Yes. They tend to give a little better fuel economy and ride better.

I have the Hankook DynaPro AT2 and love them. Definitely tell the difference in “grip”. When I first got my truck, it had Rugged Trails. To be honest, I was disappointed in the trucks ability off-road. Tires make a HUGE difference.
Especially on a completely open diff truck with no traction control.

I agree with Bishop, if I were you I’d stick with P rated.

 

Falkens have better cold weather performance if you live near any snow.

LTX AT2's aren't great in my eyes, but I saw them on stock Tundra TRD Offroads and they never seemed to wear that well.

Hankook Dyna Pro's are another solid choice.

You can read reviews on all these tires on websites and make an educated decision.

 

I second dynapro at's. Had some on my 2nd gen and they were superior in every way to my Toyo AT2's except in clearing mud from the voids. The snow and ice traction with them was excellent. Snow and ice with my Toyo's is terrifying. My Hankooks were P metric and Toyo's are LT-C.

On my '16, when I switched from the factory wranglers, I went up one size. The wranglers do seem to be unusually light at 36lbs iirc. My Toyo's are 44lbs iirc. The diameter went up by one inch. My gas mileage took a good hit from the change. I lost about 3 mpg. If you care about mileage I would prioritize light weight. Tires are both unsprung and rotating weight, so a small increase makes a big difference.

 

The biggest difference is load carrying capacity when you use a P metric for an LT. You have to decrease the max load by 10% (I think) on a P metric if you use it for an LT application. Probably not an issue if you aren't carrying loads or pulling trailers, but something to be aware of.

 

Thanks for all the replies.
Now I understand why my Tacoma TRD gets such poor milage. On a good day, I'm lucky to get 18 mpg. But then I have Michelin LTX AT2 LT265/70R17 tires.
Comparing all the tires I have been recommended, the Hankook and the OEM Bridgestones P-metrics are the lightest at 39#. Falken and Michelin P-metrics are about even at 46.5# and 43# respectively. While the Falken and Michelin LTs are 52.9# and 48#.
So, right now I'm trying to find some Falkens at a local tire shop who has a $40 off rebate per tire. Failing that, i'll check out the Hankooks. Though, unfortunately, the shop I am dealing with doesn't seem to have the Hankook AT2s in P metric.