Off-RoadOff-road, the three-ply sidewall offered in both tires is awesome protection from rocks and other road hazards, and both tires are exceptional in handling and performance. The M/T definitely has more bite on the terra firma, but with driving skill, the A/T can get you through about 95 percent of the places that the M/T can.
In the mud and muck, the M/T shines, especially when realizing the type of terrain they got you through once you are back safely on the highway reflecting on your adventure during the return trip home. The only place off-road where the A/T has a clear advantage is in the sand dunes, where the A/T's design offers better floatation above the sand than the M/T, which has a tendency to dig through the sand.
Our PickFor everyday driving and performance, our pick is the All-Terrain T/AKO, which offers an excellent compromise between off-road ruggedness and on-road driveability, while still offering that classic design. But if your adventures take you on to the trail more often than not, or if you are building a show truck stunner, than the Mud-Terrain T/AKM is for you. Its aggressive looks and giant open blocks give your truck the most style points, but the superior streetability of this Mud-Terrain will not make you regret choosing an the M/T down the road.
On-RoadHaving sampled both the A/T and the M/T tires on each vehicle, we can tell you that the M/Ts are a great, well-rounded tire and offer almost the same ride quality as the A/T. However, there is no doubt that the A/T is superior to the M/T in terms of noise and vibration transmitted to the cabin, especially at low speeds. Once you get up to speed, the M/T vibration is more than smooth enough for a daily driver, although, you will hear the tires humming along with the engine and the wind.
When it comes to handling and on-center steering feel, the A/Ts definitely feel more responsive on the street. Cornering is better with the A/Ts, but the strides that have been made with M/T's design to provide a true M/T-rated tire with highway civility built in are noticeable the first minute you have them installed.
If you have to drive in inclement weather, the A/T is the tire to own. Because of it closed design with siping, which the M/T lacks, the A/T is better in the wet, especially under braking. However, the M/T is a still very capable in wet conditions, especially when encountering large puddles of standing water, waiting only for the snow to fall to really start showing any weakness. Because the best traction on snow is more snow, the self-cleaning nature of the M/T fails to pack up the tread with snow for the best grip. Here the closed lugs and siping on the A/T will be your friend.