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Last updated 11/12/2024 - Originally published 11/12/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Most people identify with all-terrain tires that they are designed for equal use on- and off-road. These tires primarily feature robust construction and display aggressive tread patterns for traveling on loose dirt, gravel, mud, and other off-road surfaces. Yet another category that ensures more traction than all-terrain tires but lesser than mud-terrain tires in deep mud and slush is rugged-terrain. We aim to compare two tires that fall into this category and tell you which is the better one. Tires such as Toyo Open Country R/T and Falken Wildpeak RT01 deliver a potent combination of on- and off-road traction with comfort. As compared to all-terrain tires, these feature extra sidewall reinforcements, deeper tread blocks, and a more durable tread compound.
During this Toyo Open Country R/T vs Falken Wildpeak R/T01 comparison, we found that they can be fitted on full-size pickups, lifted trucks, and SUVs. These rugged-terrain tires can also be used for driving on pavements. This comparison shows the competition between two Japanese brands that have created a strong presence for themselves in the US market and are constantly upgrading their portfolios. Both tires have been rated as per our proprietary SimpleScore system.
Toyo Open Country R/T tires
The Toyo Open Country R/T is an all-terrain tire made for full-sized pickup trucks that can handle any rough terrain. It may be regarded as an ideal choice if you're searching for a set of smooth, long-lasting, and dependable tires that provide great performance and traction over difficult uneven terrains. The Open Country is an aggressively styled tire with a dual sidewall design and a limited manufacturer tread life warranty. The strong polyester construction endows it with high off-road traction and durability properties. We found the Open Country R/T suitable for an average SimpleScore of 8.3.
Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires
Falken Wildpeak R/T01 is yet another innovative product in Falken’s illustrious Wildpeak portfolio. It offers drivers high stability and tread life as a rugged-terrain tire while providing the road manners necessary for everyday driving. A 10-ply rating means that it is perfectly capable of handling heavy loads. The tread depth on this tire is much higher than that of the Toyo and it is available with a limited manufacturer tread life warranty as well. It is a tire that can perform all the functions of a modern heavy-duty pickup, including hauling, crawling, working, and more. Based on the above, it is good enough for an average SimpleScore of 8.7.
Toyo Open Country R/T vs Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires on traction
Open, scalloped shoulder blocks not only help improve off-road traction and increase overall grip on the Toyo Open Country R/T but also eject mud and snow from open channels. Stone and mud ejectors remove stones, mud, and other debris to keep the tread clean and provide consistent traction. A customizable dual sidewall design is responsible for two distinct appearances and the optimized tread pattern decreases road noise to ensure a comfortable ride. This tire is suitable for a traction score of 8.2.
On the other hand, Falken calls it a hybrid terrain tread pattern that provides the longevity and stability of an all-terrain tire while generating the off-road traction of a mud-terrain tire. It has a significantly higher tread depth than the Toyo tire and offset shoulder blocks for claw-like traction in off-camber driving scenarios and at low tire pressures. The wide shoulders display self-cleaning properties that remove mud and other debris from the tread for better traction, resulting in a traction score of 8.5.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak RT01
Toyo Open Country R/T vs Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires on handling
The Toyo tire} is known for delivering reliable performance on challenging terrains through a combination of off-road qualities and on-road skills. The high turn-up polyester construction and the durable tread compound enhance handling, with 3-ply construction for LT-Metric and Flotation sizes and 2-ply construction for P/Euro-metric sizes. The Toyo Open Country Q/T is suitable for an average handling score of 8.6.
With a higher tread depth and a hybrid tread pattern that puts more rubber on the surface for better on- and off-road stability and handling, the Falken tire seems to be perfectly built for its functions. Tectonic tread blocks with step-down support minimize tread squirm and increase hauling stability. We found the tire to be suitable for the same score as the Toyo — an 8.6.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Toyo Open Country R/T vs Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires on longevity
The Toyo Open Country R/T can be found in a variety of tire sizes that range between 15 to 24 inches. It is also available with a 45,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. Made of high turn-up polyester, this tire’s construction is tough enough to maximize durability and impact resistance. Mud and stone ejectors remove debris for easy movement and the combination of an aggressive sidewall design and a durable sidewall compound increases side impact protection. As per the above, the Open Country R/T is suitable for an average longevity score of 8.3.
Compared to the above, the Falken Wildpeak R/T’s hybrid tread pattern ensures high contact with the surface to ensure uniform wear. The optimized tread pattern provides a high mix of durability and longevity and the Wildpeak R/T provides a limited manufacturer warranty of 50,000 miles. The tectonic tread blocks on this tire generate step-down support for firming up hauling and towing stability. Expect the wide open shoulders to increase off-road puncture and abrasion resistance. As a result, we have given the Wildpeak R/T a fantastic average longevity score of 9.2.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak RT01
When to use each
Although they may produce a bit more noise on some pavement conditions, rugged-terrain tires are made with the same performance objectives in mind for street use. In contrast, mud-terrain tires perform best in muddy and rugged off-road conditions. These tires are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, which means that they would not be suitable for heavy snow. Pickup trucks are commonly used for fitting both the above tires, with the Falken being a better bet for high-power diesel pickups.
Which one should you choose?
While comparing the two tires, you would have noticed that the Falken Wildpeak R/T01 enjoys an edge over the Toyo Open Country R/T, scoring higher in 2 out of 3 parameters. However, there’s virtually no difference between the two products in terms of handling. To gain a better idea, let’s take a look at the starting prices of the Open Country R/T and the Wildpeak RT01. At $229.53 per tire ($918.12 for 4), the Toyo tire compared here is cheaper than the Falken Wildpeak tire which begins from $277 per tire ($1108 for 4).
You can consider purchasing the Toyo Open Country R/T for the following reasons:
- You want to get a more affordable tire
- You want the dual sidewall design for better looks
- You want to choose from many tire sizes
Given below are the reasons to buy the Falken Wildpeak HT01:
- You want better traction
- You want the higher limited manufacturer tread life warranty
- You own a lifted or a high-power diesel truck
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.