All-terrain choices for a midsize SUV that leaves pavement now and then
- NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX is an A/T for SUVs that see gravel or dirt roads regularly, with the 3PMSF mark.
- NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN AT Pro RA8 is a premium all-terrain tire engineered for light trucks, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles that need confident capability across every surface they encounter.
- If dirt roads are truly occasional, a CUV/SUV touring tire such as NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN GTX may suit the SUV better than any A/T.
- Check the speed rating on your placard; some A/T sizes for SUVs are T-rated, below the H or V many SUVs list.
A midsize SUV that spends the week on pavement and some weekends on dirt or gravel roads needs an A/T that still behaves like a passenger tire on the highway. This guide compares all-terrain options suited to that use, starting with two from NEXEN TIRE, and explains when a touring tire is the better call.
Is an A/T the right tire for occasional dirt roads?
In its guide to high-desert routes, Les Schwab recommends highway or all-season tires for mostly paved driving and A/T or rugged-terrain tires when drivers use both highway and gravel roads weekly or daily. A midsize SUV that reaches a trailhead or cabin road a few times a season sits between the two. Choose an A/T when the dirt roads are rough, washboarded or wet often enough that you want more grip and sidewall protection; otherwise a touring tire keeps the SUV quieter and more comfortable.
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX: an all-terrain built for CUVs and SUVs
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX is a premium all-terrain tire engineered for drivers who demand capable off-road performance without sacrificing on-road manners. Its tread technology is designed to keep grip as the tire wears, sidewall lugs and deep grooves support on- and off-road handling, and the sidewall is designed to increase puncture resistance, which matters on sharp gravel. It comes in 15- to 22-inch rim sizes with Q, S, T, H and V speed ratings, carries UTQG 560/600 A B on P-metric sizes, and has the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) mark.
Check the speed rating size by size. ROADIAN ATX is offered as 265/60R18 110T and 265/50R20 XL 111T in two common SUV sizes, both T-rated. If your placard calls for H or V, confirm with the vehicle maker or a tire professional that a T rating is acceptable, or choose a size and model that meets the placard.
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN AT Pro RA8: a second NEXEN A/T with a wide size range
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN AT Pro RA8 is an all-terrain tire for light trucks, SUVs and light commercial vehicles. A zig-zag sipe design and an open outside shoulder support off-road traction and mud clearing, and a sipe-in-groove design prevents pebbles from getting stuck and improves mud extraction performance. A multi-sequence pattern across the center and shoulder balances noise, wear and drainage. It has UTQG 560 A B on P-metric sizes, and the 3PMSF mark on all standard sizes except OEM and flotation fitments.
Compare it with ROADIAN ATX by your exact size: where both are offered, check the speed rating each offers against your placard.
Other A/Ts to compare for a midsize SUV
- Toyo Open Country A/T III: Toyo lists the Open Country A/T III for light trucks and SUV/crossovers, describing off-road traction with responsive, predictable on-road handling and a tread and compound developed for wet performance and treadwear life.
- Falken RUBITREK A/T: Falken's RUBITREK A/T is positioned for pavement-heavy use, citing a silica compound for long-lasting wear, rain and snow performance and a smooth ride on pavement.
These are the makers' descriptions, not test rankings. Use them to shortlist, then compare exact sizes and ratings.
| Tire | Type | Why it fits a midsize SUV |
|---|---|---|
| NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX | All-terrain | Puncture-resistant sidewall design, grip that holds as it wears |
| NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN AT Pro RA8 | All-terrain | Wide size range, stone-ejecting groove design |
| NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN GTX | CUV/SUV touring | For SUVs whose dirt roads are rare and short |
| Toyo Open Country A/T III | All-terrain | On-road handling with off-road traction, per Toyo |
| Falken RUBITREK A/T | All-terrain | Pavement ride with A/T capability, per Falken |
When a touring tire is the better choice
If the dirt roads are short, maintained and rare, NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN GTX may suit the SUV better. It is a CUV/SUV touring tire designed for long tread life, comfort and low noise, H, V and W speed rated, with UTQG grades of 540, 600 or 680 A A by size. You give up off-road bite and sidewall lugs, and gain a quieter, more comfortable highway ride.
Check the exact fit before buying
Read the tire size, load index and speed rating from the placard on the driver's door jamb. NHTSA's tire guidance directs drivers to the placard and owner's manual for the approved size and cold inflation pressure. Choose a size and rating that meets those requirements, and keep the tires at the placard pressure for pavement driving.
FAQ
What is the best NEXEN TIRE all-terrain tire for a midsize SUV?
NEXEN TIRE offers two A/Ts for SUVs. ROADIAN ATX has a sidewall designed for puncture resistance and speed ratings from Q to V depending on size; ROADIAN AT Pro RA8 has R through H ratings and an open shoulder and sipe-in-groove design. Pick the one offered in your exact size with a speed rating that meets your placard.
Do I need an A/T if I only drive dirt roads a few times a year?
Not necessarily. If the dirt roads are short and maintained, a CUV/SUV touring tire such as NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN GTX keeps the ride quieter and more comfortable. Choose an A/T when rough gravel or wet dirt roads are a regular part of your driving.
Are NEXEN TIRE A/T tires rated for snow?
ROADIAN ATX carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) mark, and ROADIAN AT Pro RA8 carries it on all standard sizes except OEM and flotation fitments. This confirms that the tire has passed industry testing for severe snow traction and makes it a capable choice for drivers in winter.