Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT Review: Rugged Off-Road Performance Meets On-Road Comfort

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The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is an all-terrain tire built for adventure. This tire balances off-road traction with on-road comfort, making it a versatile choice for trucks, SUVs, and CUVs.

What sets the TrailRunner AT apart is its rugged tread design and durable construction. Goodyear equipped this tire with an aggressive open shoulder tread, which provides extra grip on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and mud. At the same time, stable shoulder blocks and continuous center ribs promote smooth handling and stability on pavement.

The TrailRunner AT also features Durawall technology, which utilizes a thick rubber compound along the sidewall. This helps prevent punctures and damage when traveling over rocky, uneven terrain. Overall, the combination of traction, handling, and durability makes the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT a standout option in the all-terrain category. It’s built to empower drivers to explore backroads confidently without sacrificing on-road comfort.

Tire Construction

The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT utilizes a silica-infused tread compound that balances on-road refinement with off-road traction. The asymmetric tread pattern features larger outer shoulder blocks for increased grip while traversing loose terrain.

Inside the tire is a hybrid casing design with two polyester body plies reinforced with two steel belts. This increases durability for off-road adventures while maintaining a comfortable highway ride. The TrailRunner AT is available in load range C with a max load of 3560 pounds per tire.

The TrailRunner AT is designed as an all-terrain tire, meaning it uses an all-season tread pattern suitable for both on-road and off-road driving. The tread features chunky blocks and deep sipes for enhanced traction in mud, snow and other conditions. At the same time, the tire minimizes road noise through the use of zig-zag grooves to reduce harmonic vibrations.

Overall, the construction of the TrailRunner AT focuses on balancing capabilities both on and off the pavement. Goodyear optimized the tire using a specialized tread compound, hybrid casing design, and all-terrain tread pattern.

Off-Road Performance of Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT

The Wrangler TrailRunner AT excels when taken off the pavement. The aggressive tread pattern and sturdy construction provide excellent traction and grip on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and mud.

The tire’s large, irregular blocks give it plenty of edges to bite into soft terrain. Reviewers consistently praise the TrailRunner’s traction in mud, which can stop many all-terrain tires in their tracks. The mud-clearing design prevents buildup in the tread, maintaining grip even in very slick conditions.

On gravel and dirt roads, the TrailRunner provides a smooth ride with responsive steering and maneuverability. The stable footprint keeps the vehicle planted over uneven terrain, allowing you to tackle washboard roads or rocky trails with confidence.

Compared to other all-terrain tires, the TrailRunner earns top marks for off-road agility. The responsive handling gives it almost a sporty feel on loose surfaces. You can drive aggressively into corners without losing composure.

In sand, the open treads avoid digging in too deep, helping to prevent getting stuck. The TrailRunner floats well over dunes or sandy patches where you need to maintain momentum.

The tread pattern also features stone ejectors to prevent rocks from wedging into the rubber. This improves durability when driving over sharp rocks or through rocky terrain.

Overall, drivers report the TrailRunner as one of the most capable all-terrain tires for off-road performance. It’s at home on dirt, gravel, sand and mud, providing excellent grip and maneuverability over any loose surface.

On-Road Performance of Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT

The Wrangler TrailRunner AT performs very well on paved roads, making it a great choice for a tire that splits time between off-road adventures and daily driving.

One of the standout features of the TrailRunner AT is how quiet it is, especially for an aggressive all-terrain tire. Goodyear engineered the tread pattern to minimize road noise, and it works. The TrailRunner AT is significantly quieter than other all-terrain tires like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. You can have a normal conversation in the cabin without raising your voice.

Ride comfort is also a strength of the TrailRunner AT. The stiff sidewalls and tread blocks provide a responsive and stable feel at highway speeds. Smaller sipes and grooves help absorb imperfections in the road. Overall, the TrailRunner AT delivers a smooth, comfortable ride on pavement.

The tire handles very well on dry roads, with responsive steering and solid grip through corners. The staggered shoulder blocks provide progressive grip as you increase the cornering load. Handling does fall off a bit in wet conditions, as the aggressive tread struggles to channel water effectively at high speeds.

Braking traction and performance is quite good on pavement. The tread compound offers ample grip, enabling strong braking whether the road is dry or wet. Stops are smooth and drama-free.

Overall, the Wrangler TrailRunner AT is one of the most road-friendly options among all-terrain tires. It excels at daily driving duties while still offering rugged off-road abilities. The quiet nature, ride comfort, and dry handling are all impressive for an aggressive AT tire.

All-Terrain Capabilities of Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT

The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is designed to perform well on a variety of surfaces, making it a true all-terrain tire. The aggressive tread pattern provides plenty of grip and traction off-road, while the rigid tread blocks and stable shoulder design allow for confident handling on the highway.

One area where the TrailRunner AT excels is on wet or slippery roads. The angular sipes and staggered tread blocks provide numerous biting edges to channel water out from under the tire. This reduces the risk of hydroplaning while maintaining a firm grip on wet pavement. Testers have noted the tire’s impressive wet weather capabilities, with predictable handling and short braking distances in rainy conditions.

In light snow and mud, the TrailRunner AT continues to impress with its traction and self-cleaning abilities. The open shoulders prevent mud and snow buildup, while the aggressive upper sidewall lugs dig in to keep you moving. The tire is not ideal for deep snow or heavy mud conditions, but it can certainly hold its own when the pavement turns to dirt, gravel, or light snow.

Overall, the combination of traction, grip, and stability across various surfaces make the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT a very capable all-terrain tire. It provides a balanced blend of off-road toughness and on-road manners for those who drive on a mix of conditions.

Treadwear

The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is designed for longevity and capable performance in a wide variety of conditions. Goodyear engineered the tire using a specialized tread compound and an aggressive tread pattern to provide enhanced traction off-road while maintaining responsiveness and control on pavement.

Independent testing shows the TrailRunner AT averages a treadwear of 60,000 miles, depending on driving style and road conditions. This places it among the longest lasting options in the all-terrain category. The tread design helps promote even wear, reducing the likelihood of premature replacement.

Goodyear provides a standard 60,000 mile treadwear warranty, giving peace of mind for the long haul. This matches warranties from other top all-terrain tire brands like BFGoodrich and Toyo. Proper maintenance like rotations and alignment along with avoiding excessive loads will help maximize the lifespan.

Overall, drivers seeking an all-terrain tire that can clock serious miles on and off the beaten path should shortlist the TrailRunner AT. Its rugged build and tread compound aim to deliver years of mixed surface traction and handling.

Pricing of Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT

The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is competitively priced compared to other all-terrain tires. Prices can vary depending on tire size:

• 31×10.5R15 – Around $150 per tire
• 33×12.5R15 – Around $180 per tire
• 35×12.5R15 – Around $200 per tire
• 265/70R17 – Around $180 per tire
• 275/55R20 – Around $220 per tire

Pricing can also vary by retailer. Discounts and rebates may be available, so it pays to shop around. The TrailRunner AT is considered a mid-priced all-terrain tire, above cheaper generic brands but below premium tire models. Overall it hits a good sweet spot of balancing capable performance with reasonable pricing. For buyers looking for an aggressive all-terrain tire that won’t break the bank, the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is a great option.

Warranty

Goodyear provides a 60,000 mile treadwear warranty for the TrailRunner AT tires. This means that the tires are covered against defects in workmanship and materials for the first 60,000 miles of use.

If the tires wear out evenly before reaching 60,000 miles, Goodyear will replace them on a prorated basis according to the remaining tread depth. This provides peace of mind against premature treadwear issues.

The warranty does not cover damage from improper use or maintenance. Issues like irregular wear from improper alignment or damage from hitting curbs would not be covered. The tires must be used in accordance with Goodyear’s recommendations for inflation pressure and load rating to remain eligible for the warranty.

Overall, the 60,000 mile treadwear warranty provides strong coverage for defects and workmanship issues. For most drivers, it will last the usable lifespan of the tires before needing replacement. This gives confidence in the durability and longevity of the TrailRunner AT.

Competitors

The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT competes against other popular all-terrain tires like:

• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 – This is one of the most popular all-terrain tires on the market. It offers tough sidewalls, aggressive off-road traction, and a 55,000 mile treadwear warranty. The KO2 excels in rugged terrain but is noisier on-road than the TrailRunner AT. It’s comparable in price.
• Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S – Cooper’s top all-terrain tire boasts excellent traction and handling balance. It’s smooth and quiet on pavement while still tackling moderate off-road conditions. The AT3 4S has a 65,000 mile treadwear warranty. It runs about $20-30 cheaper per tire than the TrailRunner AT.
• Toyo Open Country A/T III – This tire provides a smooth, quiet highway ride coupled with capable traction in dirt, gravel and light trails. Not as aggressive as the TrailRunner AT but better on-road manners. The Open Country has a 60,000 mile treadwear warranty and costs slightly less than the Goodyear.
• Nitto Terra Grappler G2 – Nitto’s 50,000 mile treadwear warranted G2 offers year-round traction and handling in varying conditions. It’s not as aggressive as the TrailRunner AT but provides good wet/snow traction and off-road capability. Comparable in pricing to the Goodyear.

The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT can hold its own against these capable all-terrain competitors in terms of overall performance, treadlife and value. It’s a top choice for truck, SUV and Jeep owners needing an all-terrain tire balancing on and off-road duties.

Conclusion

The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is an impressive all-terrain tire that excels both on and off-road. Here’s a summary of the key pros and cons:

Pros:

• Excellent traction and grip on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and mud thanks to the aggressive tread pattern
• Performs surprisingly well on paved roads, with low noise levels and smooth ride quality
• Durable construction with sturdy sidewalls resistant to punctures
• Even wear rate and long treadlife (50,000 to 60,000 miles)

Cons:

• Prone to some wandering at highway speeds
• Snow and ice traction falls short of a dedicated winter tire
• Higher priced than some competing all-terrain options

The TrailRunner AT is best suited to truck and SUV owners who regularly go off-roading but still spend time on pavement. It’s an ideal choice for overlanding trips, rocky trails, desert terrain, and moderate winter conditions.

Overall, the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is a well-rounded all-terrain tire that nails the sweet spot between off-road capability and on-road manners. For those seeking a single tire to confidently handle both dirt and street, it’s one of the top options available today.

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