Falken Wildpeak RT Review: How Do They Handle Mud, Snow and Ice?

The Falken Wildpeak RT is an all-terrain tire designed for pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.

This tire line was introduced by Falken in 2020 to replace the aging Wildpeak AT3W model.

The Wildpeak RT brings updated tread design, compounds, and sizing to enhance overall traction, durability, and comfort across various road conditions.

As an all-terrain tire, the Wildpeak RT is intended to balance impressive off-road capability with composed on-road manners and long tread life.

This makes it a versatile choice for drivers seeking one tire to fit their lifestyle needs on and off the pavement. Key features of the Wildpeak RT line include rugged tread blocks, multiple sipes for wet traction, and wide tread grooves to eject rocks and debris.

Available in a wide range of sizes, Falken designed the Wildpeak RT for popular truck and SUV fitments.

Overall, the Falken Wildpeak RT enters the highly competitive all-terrain segment with the aim of combining aggressive styling, dependable performance, and impressive treadwear in one complete tire line.

Our in-depth Falken Wildpeak RT review will analyze how it lives up to these goals across critical test categories.

List of Other Falken Tire Reviews

Falken is a prominent tire company offering a wide range of products suitable for various driving demands, terrains, and weather conditions. Here’s a brief overview of some popular Falken tire models we review:

• Falken Wildpeak AT3W Review
• Falken Rubitrek AT Review
• Falken Wildpeak AT Trail Review
• Falken Wildpeak RT Review

Tread Design of Falken Wildpeak RT

The Falken Wildpeak RT features an aggressive tread pattern designed to provide maximum traction in extreme off-road conditions. The asymmetric tread features large, staggered blocks to grip loose surfaces and evacuate mud and debris.

The outer shoulders have pronounced scoop-shaped lugs to claw into rocks and dirt when cornering at extreme angles. Channel vents between the blocks increase flexibility while also boosting traction on wet, muddy terrain.

Siped lines crisscrossing the tread blocks create additional biting edges for increased grip on snow, ice and slick rocks. The aggressive upper sidewall blocks provide sidewall protection and extra traction in deep ruts or off-camber terrain.

For heavy-duty trail use, the Falken Wildpeak RT tread pattern is optimized for rugged performance in muddy, snowy and wet conditions. The siped blocks, scoop lugs and open channels provide tenacious grip for extreme off-road driving.

Performance

The Falken Wildpeak RT is engineered to perform well in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile all-terrain tire.

Dry Performance of Falken Wildpeak RT

Testers found the Wildpeak RT to have excellent dry road manners and responsive steering. The tire feels stable at highway speeds, with even treadwear and minimal road noise compared to other all-terrain tires. The tread pattern provides plenty of grip during dry conditions.

Wet Performance of Falken Wildpeak R/T

In wet conditions, the Wildpeak RT continues to perform admirably.

The Falken Wildpeak R/T is well-regarded for its wet performance. It has been specially designed to provide strong traction and control even in rainy conditions.

Thanks to its aggressive tread pattern and deep grooves, it excels in water displacement, which aids in preventing hydroplaning.

The inclusion of siped tread blocks in the Falken Wildpeak R/T’s design works to improve grip in wet conditions.

The tire also features heat diffuser technology in the lower sidewall to dissipate heat, protecting the internal tire components and ensuring vehicle stability even when towing or carrying heavy loads in wet conditions.

Still, as with any tire, the Wet Performance of the Falken Wildpeak R/T can be influenced by various factors. These include the driving style of the driver, condition of the roads, and vehicle performance among other aspects.

Snow Performance of Falken Wildpeak RT

While not a dedicated winter tire, the Falken Wildpeak RT offers competent snow and ice traction for an all-terrain.

The deep sipes and independent tread blocks allow the tires to conform to snowy and icy surfaces.

Testers found the Wildpeak RT to provide adequate snow grip, but noted that a winter tire would outperform it in deeper snow.

Off-Road Performance of Falken Wildpeak R/T

The Wildpeak RT really excels in off-road environments. The tire provides excellent traction in dirt, gravel, and mud thanks to the aggressive tread pattern.

The tire also has reinforced sidewalls to take on rugged terrain. Reviewers found the Wildpeak RT to be very capable over rocks, ruts, and through mud. It provides a balanced blend of off-road grip and on-road manners.

The Falken Wildpeak R/T, designed for various road terrains, exhibits commendable off-road performance. Its impressive off-road durability is attributable to features like an aggressive upper sidewall, which shields the tire from sharp rocks.

Additionally, the tire sports offset shoulder blocks facilitating claw-like traction at low-tire pressures and in off-camber situations.

According to reviews, the tire serves drivers well who alternate between highway driving and off-road challenges.

Additional ground clearance on full-size 4×4 pickups is also noted as an asset for the Falken Wildpeak R/T, further enhancing its off-road performance.

All in all, the Falken Wildpeak R/T’s capabilities, including its sturdy construction and improved traction, provide drivers with a reliable and efficient tire for off-road situations.

Ride Comfort of Falken Wildpeak RT

When it comes to ride comfort, the Falken Wildpeak RT performs quite well for an all-terrain tire. The tread pattern is designed to reduce road noise compared to more aggressive mud-terrain tires.

Overall, owners report moderate noise and vibration levels on the highway. The Wildpeak RT is not the quietest tire out there, but it provides a reasonable level of comfort for shorter commutes and highway driving.

Compared to loud mud tires, most owners find the noise levels very manageable for everyday use.

The Falken has a stiff sidewall which helps reduce sidewall flex over bumps. This translates to less cabin vibration on rough roads.

The tire is firm but compliant enough to smooth out smaller ruts and bumps. Larger potholes and expansion joints will still make their presence known, but the ride is not overly harsh or punishing.

While a highway tire or grand touring tire may have lower noise and vibration, the Wildpeak RT strikes a good balance.

It avoids the loud, truck-like ride of aggressive off-road tires while still providing capable traction off-pavement.

For a tire designed for both on and off-road use, Falken’s Wildpeak RT offers better comfort than expected.

Treadwear of Falken Wildpeak R/T

The Falken Wildpeak RT is designed as an all-terrain tire, built to withstand off-road adventures while still being road-worthy.

Compared to more aggressive mud tires, drivers can expect a longer tread life from the Wildpeak RTs due to the tread design and rubber compound.

Mud terrain tires often have very aggressive tread blocks and soft rubber compounds that wear down more quickly, especially on paved roads.

The Wildpeak RT uses a harder rubber compound and tighter tread blocks to balance off-road traction with on-road manners and treadwear.

Owners report getting anywhere from 25,000 to 45,000 miles out of a set of Wildpeak RTs, depending on their driving style and road conditions.

More aggressive drivers will experience faster wear, while those sticking mainly to pavement can reach the higher end of that range.

For an all-terrain tire, most would consider 25,000-30,000 very respectable.

Proper tire maintenance like rotations and alignment will help maximize the treadlife of the Wildpeak RTs.

And the tread wear indicators built into the tires allow you to monitor the remaining tread depth to determine when it’s time to replace them.

Overall, the Wildpeak RT offers a good balance of off-road capability and tread longevity for an all-terrain tire.

Warranty of Falken Wildpeak RT

Falken offers a 60,000 mile manufacturer warranty on the Wildpeak RT for LT-metric sizes. This means the tire is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 60,000 miles.

The warranty covers 100% replacement for the first 2/32″ of treadwear, and pro-rated replacement after that until the tire reaches the end of its usable tread life (2/32″ of remaining tread depth).

The warranty applies to the original purchaser and is non-transferable if the tires are sold to another party.

To be eligible for the warranty, proper tire rotation every 6,000 miles and alignment checks are recommended.

The warranty does not cover damage from road hazards, improper installation, irregular wear, vehicle mechanical problems, racing, off-road use or other misuse.

Overall, the 60,000 mile warranty provides assurance that the Wildpeak RT should deliver reliable performance for on-road use throughout its tread life.

Keeping up with proper maintenance will help maximize the coverage.

Tire Sizes Available

The Falken Wildpeak RT is available in a wide range of popular tire sizes to fit most light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Here are some of the key sizes available:

• 235/65R17 – One of the most common sizes used on compact and midsize crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4
• 245/65R17 – A slightly wider size for midsize SUVs like the Ford Edge and Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 265/70R17 – Provides added sidewall height for increased off-road capability on trucks and SUVs
• 245/70R17 – A great size for vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner that need additional sidewall without going up to a taller aspect ratio
• 265/75R16 – Fits many pickup trucks for a beefy and rugged look
• 285/70R17 – Oversized diameter for trucks seeking maximum presence like the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150
• 275/55R20 – A lower profile street size for SUVs like the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE
• 305/55R20 – For fitting 1-ton trucks like the Ford F-250/F-350 that require loads of traction

The Wildpeak RT spans from 16 to 22 inch wheel diameters covering the most popular fitments. No matter your vehicle, there should be a size that’s optimal for your needs.

Intended Use of Falken Wildpeak RT

The Falken Wildpeak RT is an all-terrain tire designed for SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. Unlike more specialized off-road tires, the Wildpeak RT strikes a balance between off-road capability and everyday on-road performance.

This makes it a smart choice for drivers who go off-roading occasionally or lightly but still spend most of their time on paved roads.

The deep tread blocks and aggressive pattern give the Wildpeak RT plenty of traction and grip when venturing onto loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, or sand.

At the same time, the tire is refined enough to provide a smooth, quiet ride around town without compromising handling and stability.

The Wildpeak RT can handle light to moderate off-roading but it’s best suited for stock vehicles rather than highly modified off-road rigs. It’s capable on forest service roads, trails, and in snow but may not be aggressive enough for serious rock crawling or mudding.

Overall, it’s a versatile all-terrain option for SUV and truck owners who don’t want a specialized off-road tire but need something more rugged than a highway tire.

Pricing of Falken Wildpeak R/T

The Falken Wildpeak RT is competitively priced against other all-terrain tires. Here are some example prices for common sizes:

• 235/75R15 – $150-$180 per tire
• 265/70R17 – $180-$220 per tire
• 275/55R20 – $170-$210 per tire
• 285/45R22 – $190-$240 per tire

Prices can vary between retailers. Generally expect to pay around $150-180 for most light truck sizes, $170-220 for SUV sizes, and $190-250+ for larger truck tires.

Overall the Wildpeak RT is very affordable for an all-terrain tire with advanced tread design and durable construction.

While not the absolute cheapest option, the Wildpeak RT gives you strong performance for the price.

Conclusion

The Falken Wildpeak R/T is an excellent all-terrain tire that excels in a variety of conditions.

With its aggressive tread pattern and rigid sidewalls, it provides excellent traction off-road while still maintaining composed on-road manners.

Key takeaways:

• The Wildpeak RT is at home on pavement and off-road trails, making it a versatile choice for trucks and SUVs that are used for both work and play. The tread design balances on- and off-road performance.
• While not as smooth and quiet as a highway tire, the Wildpeak RT offers a comfortable ride quality for an aggressive A/T tire. Road noise is not excessive.
• The tire wears well, with owners reporting it can last 50,000+ miles with proper rotations and alignments. The 65,000 mile treadwear warranty provides peace of mind.
• Falken offers the Wildpeak RT in a wide range of popular sizes to fit most trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.
• Pricing is very competitive, providing great value for an all-terrain tire with advanced performance capabilities.

Overall, the Falken Wildpeak RT is an excellent all-around choice for an aggressive all-terrain tire, suitable for drivers who spend time both on- and off-road.

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