Your Gladiator’s payload and towing capacity are directly affected by the tires you choose. Finding the best tires for Jeep Gladiator isn’t just about looks—it’s about safety, performance, and getting the most out of your truck. Whether you daily drive your Gladiator, take it off-road every weekend, or tow a trailer, the right rubber makes all the difference.
We’ve tested dozens of tire models on the Gladiator platform. We looked at tread life, traction in mud and snow, highway noise, and how each tire handles the Gladiator’s unique weight distribution. Here is our complete guide to the best tires for Jeep Gladiator in 2024.
Best Tires For Jeep Gladiator
Before we dive into specific tire recommendations, you need to understand what your Gladiator needs. The factory tires are usually a compromise. They work fine on pavement but fall short off-road. Upgrading your tires can improve braking, reduce road noise, and give you the grip you need for trails.
We’ve broken down the best options by driving style. This way you can pick the perfect set for your specific use case.
Best All-Terrain Tires For Jeep Gladiator
All-terrain tires are the most popular choice for Gladiator owners. They offer a great balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. You can drive them daily without the roar of a mud tire.
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 – The gold standard. Excellent tread life, great in snow, and tough sidewalls for rocks. Slightly noisy on highway.
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W – Quiet on pavement, amazing in rain and light snow. Less aggressive than KO2 but more comfortable.
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Aggressive look with good on-road manners. Excellent in deep snow and mud. Tread wears faster than KO2.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III – Very quiet, long lasting, and great for towing. Not as capable in thick mud as more aggressive options.
For most Gladiator owners, the BFGoodrich KO2 is the safest bet. It’s proven, durable, and works in almost every condition. If you prioritize highway comfort, go with the Falken Wildpeak.
Best Mud-Terrain Tires For Jeep Gladiator
If you hit serious off-road trails, mud-terrain tires are a must. They have deeper treads and bigger gaps between lugs. This helps them clean out mud and grab loose rocks. The trade-off is more road noise and faster wear.
- BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 – Excellent traction in mud and rocks. Strong sidewalls resist punctures. Noisy on highway but manageable.
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T – Aggressive tread pattern with good road manners. Quieter than many mud tires. Great for daily drivers who also wheel.
- Cooper Discoverer STT Pro – Armor-Tek3 construction for extreme durability. Very aggressive in mud and snow. Heavy and can affect fuel economy.
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T – Excellent grip in rocks and mud. Powerply technology reduces road noise. Expensive but worth it for serious off-roaders.
For a daily driver that sees weekend trails, the Nitto Trail Grappler is hard to beat. It’s quieter than most mud tires and still performs well off-road.
Best Highway Tires For Jeep Gladiator
Not everyone takes their Gladiator off-road. If you mainly drive on pavement and want a smooth, quiet ride, highway tires are the way to go. They also improve fuel economy and tread life.
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 – Incredibly quiet and long lasting. Excellent wet and dry traction. Not for off-road use at all.
- Continental TerrainContact H/T – Great for towing and hauling. Low road noise and good treadwear warranty. Limited off-road capability.
- Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus – Eco-friendly with low rolling resistance. Smooth ride and good in light snow. Not for serious trails.
- Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus – Comfortable and quiet. Excellent for long highway trips. Avoid mud and deep snow.
If you never leave pavement, the Michelin Defender LTX is the best choice. It will last 70,000+ miles and keep your Gladiator quiet and comfortable.
Best Tires For Towing And Hauling
The Gladiator has a maximum towing capacity of 7,650 pounds. But your tires need to handle that weight safely. Look for tires with higher load ratings and stiffer sidewalls.
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Available in load range E. Excellent for towing and off-road. Stiff ride when empty.
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 – Also available in load range E. Great for heavy loads and towing. Durable sidewalls.
- Firestone Destination A/T2 – Good load capacity and affordable. Decent on-road comfort. Not as aggressive off-road.
- General Grabber A/TX – Strong construction and good for towing. Quieter than many all-terrains. Tread life is average.
When towing, always check the tire’s load index. A load range E tire can handle up to 80 psi and much more weight than standard tires.
Best Budget Tires For Jeep Gladiator
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get good tires. There are solid budget options that perform well for the price. They may not last as long or perform as well in extreme conditions, but they get the job done.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S – Affordable all-terrain with good snow rating. Quiet and comfortable. Tread life is decent.
- Ironman All Country A/T – Very cheap but surprisingly capable. Good in light off-road. Noisy at highway speeds.
- Milestar Patagonia A/T – Aggressive look at a low price. Good for mud and rocks. Tread wears quickly.
- Atturo Trail Blade A/T – Budget-friendly with a tough appearance. Decent on-road manners. Not for heavy towing.
Budget tires are fine for light use. But if you tow often or go off-road regularly, spend a little more for better quality.
Tire Size Options For Jeep Gladiator
Your Gladiator can fit different tire sizes depending on your lift and wheel setup. Stock Gladiators usually come with 33-inch tires. You can go up to 35 inches with a small lift. Some owners even run 37s or 40s with major modifications.
Stock Tire Sizes
The factory tire size for most Gladiators is 285/70R17. This is about 33 inches tall. Some trims come with 18-inch wheels and 255/70R18 tires. These work fine for daily driving but lack off-road grip.
Upgrading To 35-Inch Tires
35-inch tires are the most popular upgrade for the Gladiator. They give you more ground clearance and better off-road performance. You’ll need at least a 2-inch lift to avoid rubbing. You may also need to regear for better power.
Popular 35-inch options include:
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 in 315/70R17
- Nitto Ridge Grappler in 35×12.50R17
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac in 35×12.50R17
Going To 37-Inch Tires
37-inch tires require a 3-4 inch lift and significant modifications. You’ll need to regear to at least 4.88 or 5.13. The ride quality suffers and fuel economy drops. But the off-road capability is unmatched.
If you go this route, consider:
- BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 in 37×12.50R17
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T in 37×12.50R17
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T in 37×12.50R17
How To Choose The Right Tires For Your Gladiator
Picking the best tires for Jeep Gladiator depends on your priorities. Here’s a simple step-by-step process.
- Determine your primary use. Daily driver? Off-road? Towing? This narrows down the tire type.
- Check your budget. Tires range from $150 to $400+ each. Set a realistic limit.
- Consider your climate. If you see snow, get a tire with the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating.
- Decide on size. Stick with stock size for best fuel economy and ride comfort. Go bigger for off-road capability.
- Read reviews. Look for feedback from other Gladiator owners. Real-world experience matters.
- Check load rating. If you tow or haul heavy loads, get a tire with a higher load index.
- Install and test. After mounting, check for rubbing at full turn. Drive a few miles to feel the difference.
Don’t rush this decision. The right tires will transform your Gladiator’s performance and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tire size for a stock Jeep Gladiator?
The best tire size for a stock Gladiator is 285/70R17 (33 inches). This size fits without any lift or modifications. It provides good off-road capability while maintaining ride quality and fuel economy.
Can I put 35-inch tires on a stock Jeep Gladiator?
No, 35-inch tires will rub on a stock Gladiator without a lift. You need at least a 2-inch lift to fit 35s properly. You may also need to trim the fender liners or use wheel spacers.
Do bigger tires affect fuel economy on the Gladiator?
Yes, bigger tires reduce fuel economy. Heavier tires require more energy to spin. The increased rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag also hurt MPG. Expect a drop of 2-5 MPG when going from 33s to 35s.
What is the best all-terrain tire for the Jeep Gladiator?
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is widely considered the best all-terrain tire for the Gladiator. It offers excellent durability, good snow traction, and strong off-road performance. The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is a close second for those who prioritize highway comfort.
How often should I rotate tires on my Jeep Gladiator?
Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. This ensures even tread wear and extends tire life. The Gladiator’s weight distribution means front tires wear differently than rear tires, so regular rotation is important.
Final Thoughts On Gladiator Tires
Your Gladiator is a versatile truck, but its stock tires limit its potential. Upgrading to the best tires for Jeep Gladiator will improve every aspect of your driving experience. Whether you choose all-terrains for daily driving, mud-terrains for serious off-roading, or highway tires for comfort, make sure they match your needs.
Invest in quality tires. They are the only thing connecting your truck to the road or trail. Cheap tires can compromise safety and performance. Take your time, do your research, and pick the set that works best for you.
We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision. Happy driving, and enjoy your Gladiator to the fullest.