Tire Talk: Falken wild peak at4w VS Toyo Open Country at3

The time has come for new tires. I’ve done extensive research but cannot make a decision on which tire to go with. I’ve widdled it down to the Toyo open country at3 and the wildpeak at4ws. I also looked at the ko3s but can justify the 55lbs of each tire. Which ever one I finally end up choosing would be in a 265/75/16 SL. I’m hoping to hear peoples real world experiences with both of these to ultimately help not only myself but others who are in the same predicament. Thanks in advance for any info!

 

I had Toyo Open Country AT3's in the stock size on my 5th Gen 4Runner. I didn't have them for long, but what I like was:

1) They were relatively light weight for an E-rated tire - I know you're looking at the SL, but I imagine that must be pretty light weight compared to similar SL rated tires of other brands.

2) They performed very well on wet roads in my opinion. I don't have any measurable data on this. I'm just going off feels, so take it for what it's worth.

I have a lot of dirt roads here in NC. They performed well in thick sand. Unfortunately I no longer have that 4Runner. I do have a newer 4Runner that I put Toyo Open Country RT Trails on. I honestly only got them to try something different, and while I think I like them better than the AT3's - they are noticeably heavier and not snow flake rated.

 

I have no experience with the AT4W, but my experience with the AT3W (265/70R17 SL) was pretty terrible. Based on that I pretty much wouldn’t ever consider Falken again, just poor quality. Seen a lot of similar complaints. Maybe the 4 series is better, I have no idea. I do know that falkens run very heavy comparatively to everyone else on most of their sizes.

I like the Toyo SL a lot, but they wear out too fast. I’m probably going with LT Toyos in 265/75 next time. Either that or D-rated KO3 in 265/70.

My quick choice for your question without going into details would be Toyo.

 

What do you use them for? Mostly highway? Off road? Rock crawling? Much snow where you live? A lot of rain? Do you want them mostly for looks or? Can’t really answer your question without more information?

 

My use is primarily paved road with fire road/dirt road and gravel road usage on weekends.

I am not doing any heavy towing or rock crawling so an LT tire is overkill and my understanding is I would lose some wet traction and ride comfort in exchange for the longevity of the LT vs the SL.

I live in east central Florida so no snow, just a lot of heat, humidity and rain.

And yes I do care about looks but ultimately I just want a good performing tire.

 

You may not like the looks of them, but the Michelin Defenders LTX M/S are an excellent choice for you. Was always my go to tire for years.

 

I looked at those as well. They are a couple hundred dollars more than the options I’m currently considering and seem to be more for people who put a ton of miles on their vehicles rather quickly. Which is something I don’t really do.

 

Since you use them mostly highway and general use it doesn’t really matter what tire you get. Stick with brand name. What ever one looks good to you and is with in your price range.
I don’t want to get into a big tire thread but here is a tire I absolutely love and looks good too Hercules Terra Trac X Venture.
Here’s a post I posted recently kind of says it all. Check them out, you’ll get a great tire and cheaper than the tires you are looking at.
My post
While I haven’t had either of the 2 tires you mention I’m going to make a suggestion to check out a completely different set of tires that will meet all your needs and then some. They are the Hercules TerraTrac AT X-Venture made by Cooper. Between my Tundra and my Taco I’m now on my 4th set. Just got the 4th set a couple months ago. They have a 60,000 mile warranty and a 2 year road hazards warranty. You ruin a tire within 2 years for any reason, it’s replaced free. They are all season tires with the 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake certification. I’ve driven them in everything but sand.
My experience -
Pavement - quiet and excellent grip, traction.
Rain, wet pavement- great traction, never any hydroplaning.
Snow - 3PMS Certification, I’vedriven in snow in the Sierras, Nevada, Utah, Montana and Idaho, performed well, no problems, never needed to chain up.
Off Road - I spend a lot of time off road hunting and fishing, dirt and gravel forest roads, rough rutted logging roads, steep rocky 4wd roads, never a problem. They get me there and back 100% of the time.
You can probably find these for $60 to $100 cheaper per tire than the tires you are looking for and they look great.

 

I've owned the WP AT3s and am currently on the Toyos. The difference is negligible.