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Tyre Reviews 2026 All-Terrain Tyre Test Analysed for Australia

Off-road truck with various all-terrain tyres in rugged landscape.

Pirelli’s latest all-terrain tyre has emerged as the surprise winner of one of the industry’s most comprehensive independent comparisons, although Australian motorists cannot currently buy it through the brand’s official local dealer network.

Independent tyre tester Jonathan Benson has published the results of Tyre Reviews’ 2026 All-Terrain Tyre Test, comparing seven premium and budget all-terrain tyres in size 265/70R17 using a Ford Ranger Raptor as the test vehicle.

The comparison evaluated each tyre across multiple disciplines including dry braking, wet braking, wet handling, aquaplaning, dirt handling, ride comfort, road noise and winter performance.

For Australian motorists, the test is particularly relevant. The Ranger remains one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles, while 265/70R17 is one of the country’s most common replacement sizes for dual-cab utes and four-wheel drives.

This article should be read as a companion piece to the original test, interpreting the findings through an Australian lens rather than replacing the source material.

Overall Results

Rather than simply reproducing the rankings, we have examined what the results mean for Australian buyers, which tyres are actually available locally and how each manufacturer’s engineering objectives compare with the independent findings.

The Tyre Reviews programme assesses tyres across a broad range of on-road and off-road conditions before combining the results into an overall ranking. This approach rewards tyres that perform consistently well across multiple categories rather than those that excel in only one area.

It is however important to take note of some of the individual test results, especially braking. Most all-terrain tyres spend the majority of their lives on sealed roads, commuting, towing, touring or travelling between destinations, while only a small proportion of their use is on gravel tracks, beaches or more demanding off-road terrain.

A tyre that delivers predictable braking, confident wet-weather handling and good road manners can therefore be just as important as one that performs exceptionally in rough terrain.

Overall Results

The biggest surprise of the comparison was the performance of the new Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT, which comfortably secured the overall victory despite not yet being available through Pirelli Australia’s official dealer network.

Established favourites including the BFGoodrich KO3, Falken Wildpeak AT4W and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT all remained competitive, but none consistently matched the Pirelli across the full range of disciplines.

Overall RankTyreAustralian Availability
1Pirelli Scorpion XTM ATLimited local relevance
2Nokian Outpost nATGrey imports only
3BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3Officially available
4Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RTOfficially available
5Falken Wildpeak AT4WOfficially available
6Nitto Recon Grappler A/TLimited local relevance
7Westlake SL369 A/TOfficially available

As with any independent comparison, the overall ranking should be viewed as a guide rather than a definitive buying recommendation. Every tyre in this test was designed with a slightly different balance of on-road refinement, off-road capability and intended customer use. For Australian buyers, choosing the right tyre remains a matter of matching the product to how and where the vehicle is driven, rather than simply selecting the highest-ranked tyre.

Dry Braking

Dry Braking

For many motorists, dry braking is taken for granted. Modern vehicles equipped with ABS have created an expectation that all tyres perform similarly during emergency stops.

Independent testing continues to demonstrate otherwise.

The dry braking test was conducted from 130 km/h to zero, reflecting testing conditions in countries where highway speed limits are higher than those typically found in Australia. While Australian speed limits are generally 100 km/h, with some highways posted at 110 km/h, the relative performance differences between the tyres would be expected to remain broadly similar even though the absolute stopping distances would be shorter.

TyreReview AT Test Dry Braking Infographic 3

One of the easiest ways to visualise the results is to convert the stopping distances into Ford Ranger Raptor lengths, using the same vehicle that Tyre Reviews used throughout the comparison. The reference Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT came to a stop in 40.99 metres, while the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, the longest stopper in the all-terrain field, required 47.06 metres. That difference of 6.07 metres equates to approximately 1.2 Ford Ranger Raptor lengths.

More importantly, at the point where the reference tyre had already stopped, the KO3 was still travelling at a residual speed of 49.3 km/h, illustrating how a seemingly modest increase in stopping distance can translate into a significant impact speed in a real-world emergency.

Wet Braking

Wet Braking

If dry braking measures outright grip, wet braking is arguably the most important test to run. From heavy rain on the Highway to winter conditions across southern Australia, wet roads remain one of the biggest challenges facing everyday 4×4 drivers, who spend a large percentage of their driving time on the bitumen.

TyreReview AT Test Wet Braking Infographic 2 1

The wet braking rankings also demonstrate how small differences in measured distance can become meaningful in an emergency. The shortest-stopping tyre in the wet test came to rest several metres earlier than the last-placed tyre, equating to almost two Ford Ranger Raptor lengths.

At the point where the leading tyre had already stopped, the last-placed tyre was still travelling at a measurable residual speed, highlighting how even relatively small improvements in wet grip can substantially reduce the severity of a potential collision.

Readers interested in the complete wet braking rankings and the full test methodology can view Jonathan Benson’s original Tyre Reviews article.

An Interesting Observation About the Wet Braking Results

One aspect of the Tyre Reviews data caught our attention during the preparation of this article. In most independent tyre comparisons, wet braking distances are typically longer than dry braking distances because the reduced grip available on a wet surface increases the distance required to bring a vehicle to a complete stop.

In this test, however, the published wet braking distances are shorter than the dry braking distances. Based on our experience this is unusual and prompted us to investigate further.

Unfortunately, the accompanying YouTube video does not show the dry and wet braking tests being performed, so there is no visual confirmation of the test procedures. The video does, however, display a graphic indicating the wet braking test was conducted from 50-6 mph, whereas the published dry braking results are presented from a higher reference speed. If the wet braking assessment was indeed carried out from a lower initial speed, this would explain why the measured stopping distances are shorter despite the reduced grip available on a wet surface.

Update: After publication, Jonathan Benson from Tyre Reviews confirmed in the comments of his test article why there is an apparent difference between the published dry and wet braking distances. Benson confirmed that the wet braking test was conducted from 80 km/h to 10 km/h, while the dry braking test was conducted from 100 km/h to 10 km/h.

This clarification explains why the wet braking distances are shorter than the dry braking distances and reinforces the importance of understanding the underlying test methodology when comparing braking performance.

Why Residual Speed Matters

Stopping distance tells us how far a vehicle travels before coming to a complete stop, but residual speed shows something arguably even more important. It measures the speed a vehicle is still travelling when another vehicle fitted with a better-performing tyre has already stopped.

For example, if the leading tyre in a braking test comes to rest in 40.28 metres and another tyre requires 47.06 metres, the second vehicle has not simply travelled six metres further. At the point where the first vehicle is stationary, the second may still be travelling at a speed of almost 50 km/h. That is effectively a collision in a 50 km/h speed zone where a driver has not reacted and collided with an object as full speed.

This is why tyre test organisations often calculate residual speed alongside braking distance. It translates a difference of just a few metres into a real-world scenario that is much easier to understand. A tyre that stops only three or four metres sooner can reduce the impact speed dramatically, potentially turning a high-speed collision into a low-speed impact or avoiding it altogether.

In other words, braking distance explains where the car stops, while residual speed explains what happens if it doesn’t stop in time. That’s why both measurements are valuable when comparing tyre performance, particularly in emergency braking situations where every metre and every kilometre per hour can make a meaningful difference.

Comfort and Road Noise

Comfort and Road Noise

All-terrain tyres have traditionally required motorists to accept increased road noise as the price of improved off-road traction.

That compromise continues to shrink.

The latest generation of premium all-terrain tyres demonstrates how advances in tread block design, pitch sequencing and casing construction are delivering noticeably better highway refinement than previous generations.

For Australian buyers who spend most of their time commuting, touring or towing caravans on sealed roads, comfort and road noise remain important purchasing considerations.

Tyres with larger tread blocks generally generate more road noise, while tighter tread patterns tend to improve refinement but may sacrifice ultimate off-road traction.

The test highlighted the varying approaches manufacturers continue to take in balancing these competing priorities.

Dirt Handling

Dirt Handling

Unlike sealed bitumen testing, where surface conditions remain relatively consistent throughout the day, off-road testing is inherently more subjective.

Every pass across a dirt or gravel course changes the surface. Loose material is displaced, ruts develop and grip levels evolve as the test progresses.

Professional testers minimise these variables through repeated testing, reference tyres and carefully managed test procedures. Even so, dirt handling should always be viewed as a comparative indication rather than an absolute measurement.

Despite those challenges, the comparison still provides valuable insight into steering precision, balance and driver confidence on loose surfaces.

The Pirelli again demonstrated impressive composure, while the BFGoodrich and Goodyear continued to reinforce their reputation for dependable off-road performance.

Why We Haven’t Analysed Every Category

Why We Haven’t Analysed Every Category

The original Tyre Reviews comparison also included snow performance and a value ranking.

While both categories are relevant in Europe, they have less direct application for Australian readers. See our article on winter tyre relevance for Australia.

Snow performance remains important for motorists travelling to Victoria’s alpine regions, the New South Wales Snowy Mountains and parts of Tasmania, particularly where 3PMSF-certified tyres are beneficial. However, it is unlikely to influence the purchasing decisions of the majority of Australian buyers.

Similarly, the value ranking was based on international retail pricing.

Australian pricing varies significantly due to freight costs, exchange rates, local promotions and distributor pricing strategies. For that reason, TreadTorque has focused on the performance categories that translate directly to Australian conditions.

Tyre-by-Tyre Analysis

Tyre-by-Tyre Analysis

Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT

All-terrain tyre with rugged tread pattern for off-road driving.

Manufacturer’s Design Philosophy

Pirelli positions the Scorpion XTM AT as a premium all-terrain tyre designed to combine genuine off-road capability with SUV-like on-road refinement. According to the company, its development focused on improved wet grip, durability, ride comfort and 3PMSF certification without compromising all-terrain performance.

Engineering Highlights

The Scorpion XTM AT represents Pirelli’s first clean-sheet premium all-terrain development in many years, designed specifically for the North American and global 4WD market.

Unlike traditional all-terrain tyres that prioritise aggressive off-road capability above all else, the XTM AT was engineered to reduce the compromises typically associated with this tyre category.

According to Pirelli, the tyre incorporates:

  • A new-generation tread compound designed to improve wet braking while maintaining cut and chip resistance on gravel roads.
  • Interlocking tread blocks that increase footprint stability under braking and cornering without sacrificing traction on loose surfaces.
  • Wide lateral grooves that evacuate water and reduce aquaplaning on sealed roads.
  • Stone ejector technology integrated into the tread grooves to minimise stone drilling and casing damage.
  • Reinforced casing construction developed to improve puncture resistance during off-road use.
  • Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification for severe snow service.
  • Variable pitch tread sequencing intended to reduce highway road noise compared with conventional all-terrain tyres.

Collectively, these technologies demonstrate Pirelli’s objective of producing an all-terrain tyre that behaves more like a premium SUV tyre during everyday driving while still delivering genuine off-road capability.

Independent Test Results

The Scorpion XTM AT entered the comparison as the newest tyre in the field, yet it consistently demonstrated why it emerged as the overall winner. Rather than relying on a single standout discipline, it produced strong performances across almost every category, which ultimately proved to be the key to its success.

Tyre Reviews praised the tyre for its balanced character, with particularly strong performances in wet braking, wet handling and dirt handling, while also maintaining excellent road manners and competitive dry braking. The test highlighted how predictable and confidence inspiring the tyre remained when driven at the limit, with progressive breakaway characteristics that made it easier to control than many of its rivals.

Rather than dominating one individual discipline, the Pirelli consistently ranked near the top across the entire programme, illustrating the value of balanced engineering over outright specialisation. That consistency ultimately secured its overall victory.

Because the Scorpion XTM AT is not yet freely available in Australia, we have included a USA review of the tyre which was done at the official product launch.

Australian Relevance

Despite taking the overall victory, the Scorpion XTM AT is not currently available through Pirelli Australia’s authorised dealer network, meaning Australian motorists cannot simply walk into a Pirelli stockist and purchase a set today.

The tyre’s absence from Australian showrooms is not due to a cancelled launch or lack of market interest. Instead, it reflects Pirelli’s staged global rollout strategy.

The Scorpion XTM AT was officially unveiled in October 2024, with production commencing in March 2025 and additional sizes continuing to be introduced through a phased rollout extending into the third quarter of 2026. Australia may be on the cards for Pirelli, time will tell.

For Pirelli Australia, this independent victory provides a strong marketing opportunity should the company decide to introduce the XTM AT locally. From a consumer perspective, it is certainly one to watch.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3

BFGoodrich KO3

Manufacturer’s Design Philosophy

BFGoodrich developed the KO3 as the successor to the hugely successful KO2, incorporating updated tread technology, improved wear performance, reinforced sidewalls and enhanced durability while retaining the off-road capability that made the KO range famous.

Engineering Highlights

The KO3 builds upon one of the most recognised all-terrain tyres ever produced, the KO2.

Rather than redesigning the concept entirely, BFGoodrich concentrated on improving durability, tread life and wet-weather confidence while retaining the characteristics that made the KO2 so popular among touring enthusiasts.

Key technologies include:

  • CoreGard Technology, derived from BFGoodrich’s off-road racing experience, strengthening the shoulder area against staking and sidewall damage.
  • A tougher tread compound developed to improve wear life without compromising off-road grip.
  • Full-depth 3D locking sipes that continue to provide biting edges as the tyre wears.
  • Serrated shoulder blocks that improve traction in sand, mud and loose gravel.
  • Deflection ribs positioned between tread blocks to help eject stones before they become trapped.
  • Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.

BFGoodrich’s engineering philosophy continues to prioritise durability first, making the KO3 particularly attractive for remote-area touring where puncture resistance is often considered more important than ultimate braking performance.

Independent Test Results

The KO3 entered the test carrying perhaps the highest expectations of any tyre in the comparison. As the successor to the legendary KO2, it already enjoys a strong reputation among Australian four-wheel-drive owners before many have even accumulated significant kilometres on the new model.

The independent testing confirmed that BFGoodrich has retained the tyre’s core strengths. The KO3 continued to demonstrate excellent stability on loose surfaces, predictable handling characteristics and impressive durability-oriented performance, particularly during the dirt testing where its aggressive tread pattern and robust construction inspired confidence.

On sealed roads, however, the competition has clearly become stronger. While the KO3 remained competitive throughout the programme, it no longer held the outright advantage in several braking and handling disciplines as newer competitors have improved their road-focused performance.

Australian Relevance

For decades, the KO and later the KO2 became almost the default upgrade for four-wheel-drive owners planning extended outback travel, towing caravans or exploring remote regions. Its reputation was built not only through independent testing but through years of real-world experience across Australia’s harshest conditions.

The KO3 therefore entered the market with enormous expectations.

While the Tyre Reviews comparison shows the latest generation of competitors has narrowed the performance gap, it should not be interpreted as a decline in the KO3 itself. Rather, it reflects how rapidly the premium all-terrain segment has evolved.

Australian buyers who prioritise sidewall strength, puncture resistance, remote-area durability and proven touring credentials will continue to find the KO3 a compelling choice. Those whose driving consists primarily of metropolitan commuting and highway travel may place greater emphasis on the improved wet-road performance demonstrated by some newer competitors.

Falken Wildpeak AT4W

All-terrain tyre with rugged tread pattern for off-road driving.

Manufacturer’s Design Philosophy

Falken says the Wildpeak AT4W combines an all-weather compound, aggressive tread pattern, reinforced construction and 3PMSF certification to improve durability across gravel, mud and snow while maintaining everyday usability.

Engineering Highlights

The Wildpeak AT4W replaces the highly successful AT3W and expands Falken’s “All Terrain, All Weather” philosophy.

Its development focused on improving longevity and wet-weather performance while retaining the aggressive off-road capability that helped establish the Wildpeak name globally.

Falken highlights:

  • An advanced silica-enriched compound designed to improve wet grip and reduce uneven wear.
  • A redesigned tread pattern with increased block rigidity for improved steering response.
  • Deep tread depth intended to maximise long-term off-road traction.
  • Step-down support ramps that reduce tread block movement under braking.
  • Heat diffuser technology within the lower sidewall to improve durability under heavy loads.
  • Aggressive upper sidewall lugs that provide additional grip when tyre pressures are reduced for off-road driving.
  • Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.

The tyre clearly targets Australian touring enthusiasts who expect one tyre to comfortably handle highway commuting, long-distance travel and demanding off-road conditions.

Independent Test Results

Replacing the highly regarded AT3W was always going to be a challenging task for Falken, particularly given the strong reputation the Wildpeak name has built among Australian touring enthusiasts.

The independent comparison showed the AT4W remains a highly capable all-round performer. Dry braking was one of its strongest disciplines, reflecting the increased tread block stability and revised compound introduced during development. Steering response also remained predictable, providing drivers with reassuring feedback during higher-speed handling tests.

Where the tyre lost ground was in several wet-road disciplines, where the newest generation competitors demonstrated greater outright grip and shorter stopping distances. Although these differences were measurable under controlled testing conditions, the Wildpeak continued to perform safely and progressively, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable all-purpose touring tyre.

Australian Relevance

Few tyres have built a stronger following among Australian touring enthusiasts over the past decade than the Wildpeak.

The previous AT3W established itself as a favourite among owners of Rangers, Hiluxes, Prados, LandCruisers and Isuzus thanks to its combination of strong road manners, dependable off-road capability and competitive pricing.

The AT4W builds upon that reputation rather than replacing it entirely.

The Tyre Reviews results suggest Falken has focused on refining an already successful formula rather than chasing outright victories in individual disciplines. For Australian buyers, that approach makes considerable sense. Most all-terrain tyres spend the majority of their lives on sealed roads before being called upon for weekend camping trips, beach driving or extended touring holidays.

The Wildpeak therefore remains particularly well suited to motorists wanting a genuine do-everything tyre rather than one optimised for a specific type of terrain.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT

Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tyre with rugged tread for off-road use.

Manufacturer’s Design Philosophy

Goodyear positions the DuraTrac RT as a modern all-terrain tyre that bridges the gap between highway refinement and aggressive off-road capability through reinforced construction and advanced tread design.

Engineering Highlights

Goodyear positions the Wrangler DuraTrac RT between its traditional all-terrain and mud-terrain offerings.

Rather than producing an extremely aggressive off-road tyre, Goodyear has attempted to maximise versatility.

Engineering highlights include:

  • An asymmetric tread layout balancing highway stability with off-road traction.
  • Large shoulder blocks providing improved grip on loose surfaces.
  • Reinforced sidewall construction for additional resistance against rock damage.
  • Optimised tread void geometry to assist self-cleaning in mud.
  • Increased siping throughout the tread to improve wet grip and winter performance.
  • Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.
  • Construction suitable for towing and heavier utility vehicles.

The result is a tyre intended to appeal equally to daily drivers, weekend adventurers and long-distance tourers.

Independent Test Results

The Wrangler DuraTrac RT delivered one of the most consistent performances of the comparison, reinforcing Goodyear’s objective of producing a versatile all-terrain tyre rather than an aggressively specialised off-road product.

Throughout the testing, the tyre demonstrated balanced behaviour across both sealed and unsealed surfaces. It performed particularly well in the winter-related disciplines included in the original programme, highlighting the effectiveness of its tread design and siping arrangement under low-grip conditions.

On dry and wet roads, the Goodyear remained composed and predictable, without displaying any significant weaknesses that would detract from its overall capability. While it did not dominate every category, it consistently remained competitive, allowing it to finish strongly in the overall standings.

Australian Relevance

The Wrangler name has long been associated with four-wheel-drive vehicles in Australia, making the DuraTrac RT a natural evolution of an already familiar product family.

Unlike some competitors that deliberately target extreme off-road enthusiasts, the DuraTrac RT appears better suited to motorists seeking one tyre capable of handling daily commuting, long-distance touring, towing duties and recreational off-road driving without requiring significant compromise.

That broad capability aligns well with the Australian market, where many dual-cab utes spend Monday to Friday commuting before heading onto gravel roads, beaches or national parks on weekends.

Nitto Recon Grappler A/T

All-terrain tyre with rugged tread pattern for off-road use.

Manufacturer’s Design Philosophy

The Recon Grappler is designed as a quieter, more road-oriented member of Nitto’s Grappler family.

The Ridge Grappler is more commonly sold in Australia.

Engineering Highlights

Unlike the more aggressive Ridge Grappler, the Recon Grappler was developed primarily for motorists spending most of their time on sealed roads.

Nitto describes the tyre as blending highway refinement with light-duty off-road capability.

Key features include:

  • Zig-zag tread grooves designed to improve wet traction.
  • Staggered shoulder lugs providing additional loose-surface grip.
  • Variable pitch tread blocks that reduce pattern noise.
  • Reinforced coupling joints increasing tread stability during braking.
  • Dual sidewall styling allowing owners to choose between two different appearances.
  • Full-depth siping maintaining wet grip throughout the tyre’s life.

This engineering philosophy differs significantly from the Ridge Grappler, explaining why Australian buyers should not directly compare the results of this test with Nitto’s better-known local product.

Independent Test Results

The Recon Grappler occupied an interesting position within the comparison because its design philosophy differs noticeably from several of the more aggressive all-terrain tyres tested.

The tyre demonstrated respectable performance throughout the programme but generally struggled to match the outright grip and confidence delivered by the leading premium competitors, particularly in the more demanding wet handling exercises. Rather than exhibiting sharp steering responses or aggressive off-road characteristics, the Recon favoured predictable behaviour and everyday road manners.

Those results closely align with Nitto’s intended positioning of the product. The Recon Grappler was never designed to compete directly with hybrid-terrain tyres or the most aggressive all-terrain offerings. Instead, it targets motorists seeking a quieter, more refined tyre that still offers the visual appearance and occasional off-road capability expected from the all-terrain category.

Australian Relevance

Australian buyers are much more likely to encounter the Ridge Grappler than the Recon Grappler.

The Ridge Grappler targets serious off-road users with a more aggressive hybrid tread pattern, while the Recon Grappler prioritises highway comfort, lower road noise and everyday usability.

The results of this test should therefore not be interpreted as representing the Ridge Grappler commonly sold in Australia. For motorists considering a Nitto product, understanding the differences between the Recon and Ridge Grappler is likely to be more important than their respective positions in an international comparison test.

Westlake SL369 A/T

All-terrain tyre with rugged tread pattern for off-road driving.

Manufacturer’s Design Philosophy

Westlake markets the SL369 as an affordable all-terrain tyre for motorists seeking dependable everyday performance across sealed and unsealed roads.

Engineering Highlights

Westlake targets motorists seeking practical all-terrain capability without premium pricing.

Although positioned as a value product, the SL369 still incorporates several technologies commonly associated with more expensive competitors.

These include:

  • Multi-angle tread blocks designed to improve traction on loose gravel.
  • Continuous centre ribs enhancing highway stability.
  • Wide circumferential grooves to improve water evacuation.
  • Reinforced shoulder tread blocks providing additional durability on rough roads.
  • Stone ejector ribs helping reduce stone retention.
  • A cut-resistant tread compound intended to improve durability during recreational off-road use.

Rather than competing through advanced proprietary technologies, Westlake focuses on delivering dependable all-round performance at a lower purchase price.

Independent Test Results

The tyre demonstrated that budget products continue to improve, although it could not consistently match the premium brands across every discipline. Finishing towards the rear of the overall rankings is perhaps unsurprising given it was competing against some of the most technically advanced premium all-terrain tyres on the market.

While it could not consistently match the leaders across the full test programme, it nevertheless delivered respectable results in several on-road disciplines, demonstrating how far value-oriented tyres have progressed in recent years.

Australian Relevance

An interesting observation from the comparison is that the SL369 represents what many Australian motorists would consider a traditional or light-duty all-terrain tyre, rather than the newer generation of rugged, adventure-focused all-terrain products tested alongside it.

Its tread pattern is noticeably less aggressive than tyres such as the KO3, Wildpeak or Nitto, reflecting a design philosophy that appears to place greater emphasis on everyday road use than extreme all-terrain performance.

That should not be interpreted as criticism of the test methodology. Rather, it highlights the increasingly broad spectrum of tyres now marketed as “All-Terrain”. Consumers shopping in this category should therefore look beyond the label and consider where each product sits on the highway-to-off-road continuum before comparing results directly.

Westlake is commonly available through value-oriented retailers, including Tyroola, making it one of the more accessible budget all-terrain options in the Australian market.

Grey Imports and Warranty Considerations

Grey Imports and Warranty Considerations

One interesting aspect of the Tyre Reviews comparison was its use of the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 as the reference tyre.

Although not an all-terrain tyre, it provided a useful benchmark against which the all-terrain products could be measured.

Australian motorists should note that the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is not officially promoted through Pirelli Australia’s mainstream dealer network. It can occasionally be sourced through grey import channels.

This serves as a useful reminder that not every tyre sold in Australia is imported through the manufacturer’s authorised distribution network.

Pirelli Australia’s published Terms and Conditions of Trade state that products supplied outside its authorised Australian distribution network are excluded from local warranty support. In practice, this means warranty responsibility rests with the retailer who imported and sold the tyres rather than Pirelli Australia itself.

For buyers considering imported tyres, understanding who will support any future warranty claim is just as important as comparing tread patterns or performance results.

For more information, see TreadTorque’s Australia’s Grey Market Tyre Guide.

What This Test Tells Us

What This Test Tells Us

Beyond the rankings themselves, the 2026 Tyre Reviews comparison reveals several broader trends shaping the all-terrain market.

Wet-road performance continues to improve without compromising off-road capability. Road noise and ride comfort have become genuine engineering priorities, narrowing the gap between all-terrain and highway-terrain tyres. At the same time, premium manufacturers continue to separate themselves through their ability to deliver balanced performance across multiple disciplines rather than excelling in only one.

For Australian motorists, perhaps the biggest takeaway is that there has never been a wider choice of capable all-terrain tyres. The challenge is no longer finding a good tyre, but choosing the one that best matches how and where the vehicle is actually driven.

Readers interested in the complete methodology, scoring tables and detailed performance data should visit Jonathan Benson’s original test at Tyre Reviews.

Editorial note: This article is an independent Australian analysis of the 2026 Tyre Reviews All-Terrain Tyre Test. The underlying testing was conducted by Jonathan Benson and published by Tyre Reviews. TreadTorque has independently analysed those results for Australian conditions and supplemented them with additional research into manufacturer product information, local availability and market context.

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