Toyo Proxes ST III Review: The SUV and Truck Tire That Does It All

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The Toyo Proxes ST III is an all-terrain tire designed for drivers who demand versatile performance on and off the beaten path. Engineered to strike a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, this tire caters to the needs of adventure-seekers, overlanders, and outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to be limited by terrain.

With its aggressive tread pattern and specialized compound, the Proxes ST III excels in a wide range of conditions, from smooth highways to rugged trails. Its unique design features a combination of rigid tread blocks and deep siping, providing exceptional traction on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, and sand, while maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride on paved roads.

Toyo’s cutting-edge technology and attention to detail have resulted in a tire that not only performs admirably but also boasts impressive durability and longevity. The Proxes ST III is built to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures while delivering reliable performance mile after mile.

Whether you’re tackling a challenging off-road trail or embarking on a long-distance road trip, the Toyo Proxes ST III promises to be a versatile and capable companion, ready to conquer any terrain that stands in your way.

Tire Construction and Design

The Toyo Proxes ST III is designed with a unique tread pattern that combines an aggressive off-road look with on-road performance. The tread features a symmetric pattern with large, siped tread blocks and deep grooves to provide excellent traction on various surfaces. The tread compound is a specialized silica-based rubber compound that enhances grip on wet and dry surfaces while promoting even wear and extended treadlife.

The tire’s construction incorporates two high-tensile steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon for improved durability and resistance against punctures and impacts. The sidewalls are reinforced with high-turn-up plies for added protection against cuts and abrasions when driving on rugged terrains.

Toyo has optimized the Proxes ST III’s design for a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. The tire features a continuous center rib that promotes straight-line stability and responsiveness on paved roads. At the same time, the large shoulder blocks and deep grooves provide enhanced traction and self-cleaning ability on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, and sand.

The Proxes ST III’s tread pattern and compound are engineered to perform well in various conditions, from dry and wet tarmac to light off-road trails. The tire’s versatility makes it a popular choice for drivers who need a capable all-terrain tire that can handle daily driving and occasional off-road adventures.

On-Road Performance

The Toyo Proxes ST III delivers impressive on-road performance for an all-terrain tire. On dry pavement, the tire provides confident grip and responsive handling. The tread pattern and compound allow for predictable cornering and stable highway driving. Wet traction is also admirable, with the grooves and sipes effectively evacuating water to maintain traction on slick surfaces.

While not designed as a dedicated winter tire, the Proxes ST III can handle light snow and icy conditions reasonably well. The multi-directional tread blocks and siping provide some bite in wintry conditions, though deep snow or extreme cold may require a proper winter tire.

Ride comfort is one of the strengths of this tire. The polyester casing and optimized tread design help absorb road imperfections, resulting in a smooth and compliant ride, even on rougher surfaces. Road noise is also well-managed, making for a quieter cabin experience compared to some other all-terrain tires.

Overall, the Toyo Proxes ST III offers a well-rounded on-road performance package, balancing dry and wet grip, winter traction, ride quality, and noise levels in a capable manner for an all-terrain tire designed for mixed use.

Off-Road Capability

The Toyo Proxes ST III is designed to deliver reliable off-road traction and performance. Its aggressive tread pattern and specialized compound are engineered to tackle a variety of challenging terrains with confidence.

On muddy trails, the deep, widely spaced tread blocks and open shoulder grooves effectively expel mud, providing impressive grip and preventing clogging. The tire’s sturdy construction and reinforced sidewalls resist punctures and cuts from rocks and debris, ensuring durability in rugged conditions.

When traversing loose dirt and gravel, the tire’s large tread blocks and high void ratio offer exceptional traction, preventing wheelspin and ensuring controlled handling. The tire’s flexible carcass and optimized sidewall design enhance articulation, allowing the tread to conform to irregular surfaces for maximum grip.

On sandy surfaces, the Proxes ST III’s unique tread pattern and specialized rubber compound work together to resist sinking and maintain forward momentum. The tire’s ability to disperse sand and regain traction quickly makes it a reliable choice for beach driving or desert adventures.

Overall, the Toyo Proxes ST III delivers impressive off-road capability, combining toughness, grip, and traction across a wide range of challenging terrains, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Durability and Treadlife

The Toyo Proxes ST III is designed to provide impressive durability and treadlife, even in demanding conditions. With a treadwear rating of 600 AA, this tire offers excellent longevity, ensuring you get your money’s worth from your investment.

One of the standout features of the Proxes ST III is its resistance to chips and cuts. The tire’s robust construction and advanced compound technology make it highly resilient against road hazards, such as sharp rocks, debris, and rough terrain. This trait is particularly valuable for those who frequently venture off the beaten path or encounter challenging driving conditions.

In terms of expected mileage, the Proxes ST III delivers outstanding performance. Toyo’s engineers have optimized the tire’s tread design and compound to maximize treadlife, allowing you to rack up the miles without premature wear. Many drivers report achieving impressive mileage figures, often exceeding the manufacturer’s estimates.

Furthermore, the tire’s symmetric tread pattern promotes even wear, ensuring that the tread depth remains consistent across the entire surface. This feature contributes to the tire’s overall longevity, as it helps prevent uneven wear patterns that can lead to premature replacement.

Overall, the Toyo Proxes ST III is a tire that prioritizes durability and treadlife, offering exceptional value for your investment. Whether you’re tackling rugged off-road adventures or simply seeking a reliable tire for daily driving, the Proxes ST III’s impressive durability and treadlife make it a compelling choice.

Sizing Options and Fitments

The Toyo Proxes ST III is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Sizing starts at 15 inches and goes up to 22 inches in diameter, with section widths from 225 to 325 millimeters. This extensive size lineup allows for proper fitment on everything from compact crossovers to full-size heavy-duty pickup trucks.

One of the strengths of the Proxes ST III is its plus-sizing capability. Plus-sizing refers to fitting a slightly wider and shorter tire onto a vehicle, which can provide improved traction, load capacity, and styling. The Proxes ST III’s rigid construction and reinforced sidewalls make it an excellent choice for plus-sizing applications, allowing drivers to upsize by 1-2 inches in diameter while maintaining proper load ratings.

In addition to the broad aftermarket sizing, the Proxes ST III is an OEM (Original Equipment) fitment on several popular truck and SUV models from manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, and GM. This speaks to the tire’s high quality and performance capabilities straight from the factory. Whether you need a replacement set or are looking to upgrade, the Proxes ST III has a size to fit your vehicle’s needs.

Pricing and Value

The Toyo Proxes ST III comes at a premium price point when compared to some other all-terrain tire options on the market. However, many experts and consumers feel that the higher initial investment is well worth it given the impressive durability and long treadlife of these tires.

At a typical retail price of $200-300 per tire, the Proxes ST III sits on the higher end of the all-terrain category. Competitors like the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT tend to come in $50-100 less expensive. But the Toyo makes up for that higher upfront cost with superior longevity.

Estimates suggest the Proxes ST III can deliver 50,000-70,000 miles of usable tread life when properly rotated and maintained. That works out to an impressive cost per mile of just 3-6 cents when calculating the amortized expense over the life of the tires. Many drivers find they get 2-3 years of hard use from a set of Proxes ST III tires before needing to replace them.

So while requiring a bigger initial cash outlay, the Toyo Proxes ST III can actually provide better overall value than some cheaper alternatives by lasting significantly longer on your vehicle. For those who plan to keep their truck or SUV for several years of heavy driving, these tires could be a smart investment.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Owners of the Toyo Proxes ST III have generally been impressed with the tire’s performance, both on and off the road. Many praise its excellent traction on wet and dry pavement, as well as its surprisingly capable off-road abilities on light trails and unpaved surfaces. The tire’s durability and treadlife have also been commended, with several owners reporting they’ve gotten well over 50,000 miles out of a set.

However, some customers have noted that the Proxes ST III can be a bit noisier than other all-terrain tires, especially on the highway. There have also been a few complaints about the tire’s performance in deep mud or heavy off-road conditions, where it may struggle compared to more aggressive all-terrain designs.

Professional reviews from tire evaluation sites like TireRack and Tire Reviews have been favorable overall. They highlight the Proxes ST III’s well-rounded capabilities as an all-terrain tire that excels in most conditions without major drawbacks. Several reviews praise Toyo’s ability to balance on-road comfort and off-road traction in the tire’s design.

On enthusiast forums and discussion boards, the Proxes ST III gets solid reviews from owners using it for a mix of daily driving and light off-roading. Many appreciate its predictable handling and confident wet traction. Some forum members have raised concerns about treadlife, although experiences seem to vary based on driving conditions and rotation schedules.

Compared to Competitor Tires

The Toyo Proxes ST III competes in the highly competitive all-terrain and mud-terrain tire segments, going up against some well-established and capable rivals. When stacked against other leading options, the Proxes ST III holds its own and even outperforms the competition in certain areas.

Compared to popular all-terrain tires like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, the Proxes ST III offers superior on-road comfort and noise levels. Its more street-friendly tread design and construction allow for a smoother, quieter ride on paved surfaces. However, the BFGoodrich and Falken tires may have a slight edge in terms of off-road traction and durability in extreme conditions.

When pitted against dedicated mud-terrain tires such as the Nitto Trail Grappler or the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss, the Proxes ST III trades off some extreme off-road capability for better on-road manners. While the Nitto and Mickey Thompson tires excel in deep mud, rock crawling, and other harsh terrain, they can be louder and harsher on the street. The Proxes ST III strikes a balance, offering respectable off-road performance without compromising too much on-road comfort.

In terms of pricing, the Toyo Proxes ST III tends to be more affordable than some of its premium competitors, providing good value for the money. However, it’s important to note that tire prices can vary significantly based on size, retailer, and location.

Overall, the Toyo Proxes ST III holds its own against other leading all-terrain and mud-terrain tires, offering a well-rounded package of on-road comfort, off-road capability, and value. While it may not be the absolute best in any single category, it provides a compelling balance of performance characteristics that should appeal to a wide range of truck and SUV owners.

Pros and Cons Summary

The Toyo Proxes ST III is an excellent all-terrain tire that offers a well-rounded performance for both on-road and off-road driving. Here’s a concise overview of its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

• Impressive traction and handling on dry and wet roads
• Capable off-road performance on various terrains, including mud, gravel, and light trails
• Durable construction with reinforced sidewalls and cut-resistant compounds
• Relatively quiet and comfortable ride for an all-terrain tire
• Available in a wide range of sizes to fit various trucks and SUVs

Cons:

• Tread life may be shorter compared to some competitors in the same category
• Not recommended for extreme off-road conditions or rock crawling
• Slightly higher rolling resistance, which can impact fuel efficiency
• Higher price point compared to some budget-friendly all-terrain tires

Best Uses:

The Toyo Proxes ST III is an excellent choice for drivers who need a versatile tire capable of handling both on-road and moderate off-road conditions. It’s particularly well-suited for daily driving, towing, and light off-road adventures on well-maintained trails. However, if you frequently encounter extreme off-road conditions or prioritize maximum tread life, you may want to consider other specialized tires.