When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I ran Michelin LTX tires on my GX460 for years with great results. I’ve put about 13k miles on my Yukon Denali with the Goodyear Eagle tires that were on it when I bought it from a Lexus dealer.
Last week I had Discount Tire install the Defender LTX, and the difference is huge. It completely changed the truck. What used to feel big, sloppy, and lacking traction now feels tighter, smoother, and much more controlled. Cornering and overall handling are noticeably better. I did go a little bigger in size.
We have had the following experience on "similar" platforms.
Highway - pavement 90% of the time go for the Defender LTX M/S2's This is a long wearing, quiet tire that will absolutely perform in the rain, light snow, and mud. We have these on our 2023 GX and our 2006 Landcruiser. Well worth the money.
Highway 50% Trail / Rough terrain 50% we have some cheap Americus Rugged Terrain tires. These are loud, don't wear well, and vibrate when cold, but the traction with our 2002 Landcruiser is amazing while not a true "mud" tire it performs very well. The sidewall is soft and it does some crazy things when aired down a bit.
Highway 80%, trail / mud / rough 20% I just changed from the Americus RT's to Wildpeak AT4W's on my 2022 GX. Still expect it to handle off pavement but wanting a quieter ride with longer treadwear. My previous Americus made it 30,000.
We have Nitto Terra Grappler G3's on our 2023 4Runner. This rig sees the most snow and these have been very good on the highway, rain, and in light to moderate snow.
All three of these tires have been great in the rain, zero complaints of hydroplaning even in the 4runner which is part time 4wd.
I would also add in the terrain contact ht from cont. Usually cheaper, inspired by the ltx tread, similar performance just a little bit heavier and long term might have to be rebalanced.
+1 for the terra grappler G3s. Behave well on-road, minimal noise and even wear. Have done well aired down and off road and one of the lighter options available.
... ran 4-sets of Michelin Defender LTX tires on a GX470 and GX460 ... brilliant in all road conditions for predominantly street driving but look like Soccer Mom tires.
Now have Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires ... a vastly better alternative to the BF Goodrich All-Terrain (that I will never ever purchase again). Has an aggressive look but is extremely quiet ... with road manners very close to the Michelin Defenders and has 3-Peak winter rating.
I ran Michelin LTX tires on my GX460 for years with great results. I’ve put about 13k miles on my Yukon Denali with the Goodyear Eagle tires that were on it when I bought it from a Lexus dealer.
Last week I had Discount Tire install the Defender LTX, and the difference is huge. It completely changed the truck. What used to feel big, sloppy, and lacking traction now feels tighter, smoother, and much more controlled. Cornering and overall handling are noticeably better. I did go a little bigger in size.
We have had the following experience on "similar" platforms.
Highway - pavement 90% of the time go for the Defender LTX M/S2's This is a long wearing, quiet tire that will absolutely perform in the rain, light snow, and mud. We have these on our 2023 GX and our 2006 Landcruiser. Well worth the money.
Highway 50% Trail / Rough terrain 50% we have some cheap Americus Rugged Terrain tires. These are loud, don't wear well, and vibrate when cold, but the traction with our 2002 Landcruiser is amazing while not a true "mud" tire it performs very well. The sidewall is soft and it does some crazy things when aired down a bit.
Highway 80%, trail / mud / rough 20% I just changed from the Americus RT's to Wildpeak AT4W's on my 2022 GX. Still expect it to handle off pavement but wanting a quieter ride with longer treadwear. My previous Americus made it 30,000.
We have Nitto Terra Grappler G3's on our 2023 4Runner. This rig sees the most snow and these have been very good on the highway, rain, and in light to moderate snow.
All three of these tires have been great in the rain, zero complaints of hydroplaning even in the 4runner which is part time 4wd.
Thanks for your extended advice. It was really helpful.
I would also add in the terrain contact ht from cont. Usually cheaper, inspired by the ltx tread, similar performance just a little bit heavier and long term might have to be rebalanced.
+1 for the terra grappler G3s. Behave well on-road, minimal noise and even wear. Have done well aired down and off road and one of the lighter options available.
Tire recommendations
