The world of tires is overflowing with options and, if you’re like us, finding one that is just right for your vehicle can turn into what seems like a full-time, obsessive job. As you’d expect, the right tire bears a nuanced balance of quality, price, and performance, and the countless options make it all the more imperative that there be staples; mainstays that you can rely on that won’t break the bank, will get you through most anything you find in daily life- and some not so daily life- and have lasting quality. Thankfully this option exists in the Toyo Open Country A/T III. It brings a blend of on-road comfort and off-road aptitude. Having had these on previous vehicles nearly a half decade ago, we were excited to mount a new set of these on our 4Runner, keeping the stock 265/70/R17 size.
On the road, the Toyos are extremely quiet compared to what they replaced on our 2022 4Runner. After nearly 20,000 miles of testing, the noise in the cabin from the tires has only increased slightly while the tread depth has worn so lightly that it is barely noticeable. We did notice a slight decrease in gas mileage compared to the stock tires, which is to be expected when going to a more rugged and aggressive all-terrain tire from the tame stock highway all-seasons. Yet in the grand scheme of tires we find these to be fairly balanced, and at a reasonable 39-pounds per tire, you likely won’t notice much of a difference in the power of your vehicle, which is another advantage compared to other aftermarket all terrain tires. It’s also worth noting that the relative light weight of the Toyos brings the benefit of better MPG (i.e., less of a hit versus stock) compared to other competitors in the market.
On the capability front, the ability the Open Country A/T III shows by performing exceptionally during both on-road and off-road excursions. This is their premium feature. The reasonably aggressive tread pattern assists in providing terrific traction on adverse terrain. The stability and handling they deliver is remarkable, and weather proved to be no match for these tires. Torrential rain, snow, and icy conditions all came up short in their quest to make the 4Runner lose traction. Within reason, we pushed these tires to the limit on the road, imploring the conditions to best our pursuit of continued grip. Time and time again we were both relieved and impressed to find that they were steadfast in maintaining traction.
Toyo offers a treadwear warranty in addition to their standard limited warranty, underscoring their belief in their own products and belief in their durability. Toyo puts their money where their mouth is, oozing confidence in this tire, as they are offering to refund or replace your set within 500 miles or 45 days if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
Some tires tend to fall into certain categories: Fantastic in one area while struggling in others, or the jack-of-all–trades-and-master-of-none sort. The Toyo Open Country A/T IIIs break the mold and fall into a rare third, where we find them to be exceptional in all facets while maintaining a reasonable price. From all terrain to terrain-specific tires, the Toyo Open Country A/T III continues to be a masterclass in extraordinary quality, durability, and versatility. Whether your intent is to find a tire suitable for daily on-road driving or you’re more ambitious to expand your travels, we are confident you’ll enjoy and your vehicle will thrive while sporting these tires.
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