Choosing the right tyre for your off-road adventures can be tricky. Here is a comprehensive evaluation of two popular choices, the CEAT CrossDrive AT and the Apollo Apterra AT2 based on durability, and performance. This detailed guide will help you choose the right tyre for your SUV.
Key Verdicts:
- CEAT CrossDrive AT is budget-friendly and durable, offering dependable performance on rocky terrains
- Apollo Apterra AT2 delivers superior mileage and a quieter ride, making it ideal for long-distance travelling
- Both tyres excel in traction and stability for mixed conditions as they provide outstanding grip and comfort
If you are an adventure enthusiast, it’s easy to land up in a dilemma while choosing the best all-terrain tyre for your SUV. Whether you simply love long drivers or go off-roading occasionally, both CEAT CrossDrive AT and Apollo Apterra AT2 are top choices for the Indian market. Both these tyres have been designed to offer a seamless mix of traction, comfort, and durability on rugged terrains.
It would be interesting to observe how these two popular all-terrain tyres perform while competing with each other. In this comprehensive review, we have pitted the CEAT CrossDrive AT against the Apollo Apterra AT2 based on price, durability, performance, and safety. Read on to find which of these two all-terrain tyres will be perfectly suited for your vehicle.
CEAT CrossDrive AT vs. Apollo Apterra AT2: A Comprehensive Overview
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CEAT CrossDrive AT
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As an all-terrain tyre, the CEAT CrossDrive AT is perfect for adventure seekers. It combines durability with a strong grip on challenging terrain. This tyre is a dependable choice for SUV owners looking for superior traction and stability on both paved roads and rugged surfaces.
The CrossDrive AT features a rugged tread pattern with deep grooves. This ensures stable handling on rocky terrains, maximising traction in off-road conditions. Apart from its robust design, the CrossDrive AT makes your rides balanced and comfortable. This makes it suitable for mixed driving conditions.
Key Features of CEAT CrossDrive AT
- Superior traction: Deep grooves improve grip on rocky and uneven surfaces
- Better comfort: The tyre ensures smooth handling even on highways
- Long durability: Offers reinforced sidewalls to resist punctures on rough roads
- Affordable pricing: Available at a competitive price for budget-conscious buyers
| CrossDrive AT Tyre Sizes | Compatible Vehicles |
|---|---|
| 215/75 R15 | Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Scorpio |
| 235/70 R16 | Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova, Mahindra Alturas |
| 265/65 R17 | Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner |
| 265/70 R17 | Nissan Terra, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport |
| 265/60 R18 | Mahindra XUV700, Jeep Compass |
| 255/65 R18 | Mahindra Thar |
| 255/60 R19 | Jaguar F-Pace |
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Apollo Apterra AT2
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The Apollo Apterra AT2 comes with an aggressive block design. It is ideal for drivers who frequently venture into muddy, sandy, and rocky terrains. The Apterra AT2 is known for exceptional wet and dry traction and provides a comfortable experience on highways with low noise. At the same time, it retains its durability while you use it in off-road conditions.
The all-terrain tyre is designed to offer higher mileage compared to typical all-terrain tyres, making it a perfect choice for long-distance drivers and adventure enthusiasts. Thanks to the optimised tread, the Apollo Apterra AT2 ensures stability, fuel efficiency, and better handling in different weather conditions.
Key Features of Apollo Apterra AT2
- Aggressive tread design: Features an enhanced block pattern for superior off-road grip
- Higher mileage: Optimized for long-term durability and fuel efficiency
- Low noise levels: Ideal for driving in both cities and highways, offering a quieter experience
- Wet and dry traction: Performs well in rain, ensuring better stability on wet roads
| Apollo Apterra AT2 Tyres | Compatible Vehicles |
|---|---|
| 215/75 R15 | Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Scorpio |
| 225/70 R15 | Tata Hexa, Mahindra XUV 500 |
| 235/75 R15 | Toyota Innova, Ford EcoSport |
| 235/70 R16 | Land Rover Range Rover, Tata New Safari |
| 265/65 R17 | Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Fortuner |
| 265/60 R18 | Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV700 |
Key Differences between CEAT CrossDrive AT and Apollo Apterra AT2
Have a look at the main features and specifications for each tyre in the table presented below. This will help you understand where each tyre excels.
| Feature | CEAT CrossDrive AT | Apollo Apterra AT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tread Pattern | Rugged, Deep Grooves | Aggressive, Block Design |
| Mileage | Moderate | Higher |
| Noise Levels | Moderate | Low |
| Ideal Terrain | Rocky, Rough Roads | Muddy, Sandy, Rocky Roads |
CEAT CrossDrive AT vs. Apollo Apterra AT2 Performance Comparison
We have compared the CEAT CrossDrive AT vs. Apollo Apterra AT2 based on the crucial parameters below to help you make the right purchase decision.
Durability and Mileage
CEAT CrossDrive AT is designed as a standard all-terrain tyre capable of delivering moderate mileage. However, it stands out in rugged terrains, which means fewer punctures on its sidewalls.
In terms of mileage, the Apollo Apterra AT2 delivers slightly better performance. This makes it more suitable for long-distance driving. The tyre’s tread is optimised to resist wear, extending its lifespan compared to similar all-terrain tyres.
Grip and Traction on Wet Surfaces
Both the tyres perform well in wet conditions. However, the CEAT tyre gains an edge with a higher wet grip rating of 4.4, offering better stability and control. The Apollo tyre scores 4.2 in wet traction, which makes it a dependable choice for unpredictable weather conditions.
Ride Comfort
The Apollo Apterra AT2 is known to make your drives quieter, which is a major perk for highway driving. The CEAT CrossDrive AT offers a balanced performance but may produce moderate noise on asphalt surfaces. City drivers should be aware of this type of performance before proceeding to purchase.
Pros and Cons
CEAT CrossDrive AT
Pros
- Excellent durability for rough terrains
- Slightly more affordable
- Balanced performance on highways and rugged roads
Cons:
- Moderate noise levels on highways
- Slightly less mileage compared to the Apollo Apterra AT2
Apollo Apterra AT2
Pros:
- Higher mileage and longer lifespan
- Superior wet grip and traction
- Low noise and better comfort during long-distance travelling
Cons:
- Slightly higher price
- Designed more for different terrains, with less specialization for rocky terrains
Which Tyre Should You Choose?
| Your Requirement | Recommended Tyre |
|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly Option | CEAT CrossDrive AT |
| High Mileage and Longevity | Apollo Apterra AT2 |
| Better Wet Grip | CEAT CrossDrive AT |
| Durability on Rocky Terrains | CEAT CrossDrive AT |
| Low Noise on Highways | Apollo Apterra AT2 |
Conclusion
When you choose between the CEAT CrossDrive AT and the Apollo Apterra AT2, consider your specific driving requirements and preferences. If you are on the lookout for an affordable and durable tyre to be used on rocky terrains, the CEAT CrossDrive AT will be the right choice.
On the other hand, if you are someone who largely prioritises comfort and low noise with longer mileage, go for the Apollo Apterra AT2.
Thus, both tyres offer reliable performance, which makes them an excellent choice for your SUV.
FAQs
- Which tyre is better for long-distance driving?
The Apollo Apterra AT2 is a better choice for long drives as it offers superior mileage and produces lower noise.
- Are these tyres suitable for city driving?
Yes, both these all-terrain tyres are suitable for city driving. However, the Apollo Apterra AT2 provides a quieter and more comfortable ride.
- Which tyre has better wet traction?
CEAT CrossDrive AT has slightly better wet traction, rated at 4.4 compared to Apollo Apterra AT2 which gets a rating of 4.2.
- Which tyre is more affordable?
The CEAT CrossDrive AT generally comes at a lower price, making it a more budget-friendly option for your SUV.
- Can Apollo Apterra AT2 and CEAT CrossDrive AT tyres handle off-road conditions?
Yes, both tyres are designed to excel in off-road conditions. However, the CEAT CrossDrive AT excels on rocky surfaces, while Apollo Apterra AT2 is better for muddy and sandy terrains.
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