When it comes to the discussion of which terrain tire is best, both Toyo Open Country AT3 and Goodyear Duratrac come to mind. And as far as the Toyo Open Country AT3 vs GoodYear DuraTrac debate goes, there are plenty of valid points on each side.
Personally, the Duratrac tire is the better option overall. Compared to the Toyo tire, it has better performance on many terrains. However, if you’re strictly going for comfort and durability, the latter is a superior choice.
Let’s look at these two tires and compare them side by side.
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Key Differences
To get a clear comparison between Toyo vs GoodYear tires, we’re going to look at certain aspects to see which one outperforms the other. We will include aspects like tread appearance, durability, performance, and fuel efficiency, among others.
1. Tread Appearance
First off, let’s look at the tread appearance on both tires.
The Toyo Open Country AT3 comes with S-shaped blocks, which make for a really smooth experience on the road. It also creates less noise. In a sense, the tire prioritizes comfort over off-road performance due to the absence of stone ejectors.
Meanwhile, the GoodYear DuraTrac tire has a more “aggressive” design, which makes it perfect for off-road driving. It features the Tractive Groove Technology for enhanced traction, as well as robust sidewall lugs for improved grip on very rough terrain.
In spite of its aggressive design, it is surprisingly quiet, though to a lesser extent than Toyo’s tire.
2. Durability and Lifespan
Next up is durability, and in this aspect, the DuraTrac proves to be the better choice.
For starters, it comes with a 2-ply polyester casing, which is then reinforced by 2 steel belts. And to top it all off, it also comes with 2 extra layers of nylon at the top and rim protectors to prevent curb damage.
On the other hand, the Open Country AT3 lacks the additional nylon layers, which should make it a bit less durable.
However, because the Duratrac has a softer compound, its tread actually wears quicker. If we compare the two tires’ UTQG scores, Toyo’s Open Country is rated 600 for treadwear, while Duratrac received a respectable 500.
3. Winter Performance
Though they aren’t winter tires, we’re going to take a look at their performance on snowy and icy terrains. All-season tires should still perform well under cold weather, after all.
The good news is that both tires received a 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. This simply means that they exhibited good performance on snow compared to most all-season tires.
Still, there are some key differences between the two.
- For one, the DuraTrac has decent grip and handling when riding on moderate Besides, its tread allows it to resist low temperatures without any issues.
- Similarly, the Open Country AT3 has great snow-to-snow contact due to the F and S-shaped blocks on its tread. This design allows it to scoop the snow effortlessly while driving. Unfortunately, it’s a bit less resistant to low as well as freezing temperatures, so Duratrac is slightly better in this category.
4. Wet, Dry, and Off-road Performance
In terms of dry traction and handling, Toyo is marginally better as it has a wider contact patch for quicker braking and ridges for lateral traction.
On wet roads, however, it’s the opposite. Goodyear outperforms Toyo because the Duratrac has more interlocking sipes and better flexibility.
If you take these tires off the beaten path, the Duratrac will also outrank Toyo’s Open Country AT3 in clearing mud, though both models are equally average on sandy and rocky terrains.
5. Fuel Efficiency
Lastly, let’s talk about fuel efficiency.
In case you don’t know yet, a tire’s fuel efficiency is affected by several factors, such as tread composition, weight, and design.
With that in mind, the Open Country AT3 is the better and more fuel-efficient option. The reason is that it has less overall weight and low rolling resistance, which allows you to save more fuel in the long run.
Which Tire is Better?
With all things considered, it’s time to settle the debate regarding Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac vs Toyo Open Country AT3.
Overall, we’re more inclined to go with the Duratrac for a number of reasons.
While the Toyo is more fuel-efficient and has better dry performance, the Duratrac has proven to be the better choice in terms of overall performance on wet, snow, and mud terrains.
However, this verdict might not be favored by those who prefer a more durable tire design that’s capable of quality on-road performance and low noise. In this case, Toyo would be preferable.
Related: Toyo Open Country AT3 vs Nitto Ridge Grappler
Conclusion
Hopefully, this side-by-side comparison of Toyo Open Country AT3 vs GoodYear DuraTrac has given you some insights on which tire to choose for your vehicle.
Both are solid options, though they do differ quite a bit in terms of performance. AT3 offers good longevity and overall comfort, while the DuraTrac excels in off-road situations.
Needless to say, your choice will mostly depend on your preferences and which type of terrain you want to tackle.
