Top 5 SUV Tyres For Optimal Performance On Rural Roads Of India

Tougher roads need tougher vehicles to deal with and to put them into the best of their purpose, these versatile off-road oriented SUV tyres are the best bet.

 

• Unpaved and rougher surfaces require tyres with stronger shoulders and big tread blocks for additional strength and traction.
• Various tyre brands like CEAT, Apollo, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Yokohama make tyres between 16-inch to 18-inch, which are direct fits for many SUVs. 
• Most of the all-terrain tyres designed for unpaved roads are suitable to be used on both wet and dry off-road surfaces. 

 

In recent decades, the road network in India has developed exponentially, with many new highways and expressways assuring excellent connectivity between prominent cities. However, despite the consistent growth in the network of roads, there are many places in the country, especially rural areas, which are still facing the inconvenience caused by poorly constructed roads which haven’t been repaired for ages. 

For such unpaved roads and sections of tarmac covered by dirt and gravel, one needs durable all-terrain tyres which can face the brunt of aplomb. Following are some of the most durable tyre options from various tyre brands for SUVs and vehicles with high ground clearance:

 

• CEAT CrossDrive

The most rugged SUV-oriented tyre from CEAT’s portfolio, the Crossdrive all-terrain tyre has a zig-zag circumferential groove for a balanced steering response, traction and long-term durability. For additional stability at higher speeds, the CEAT Crossdrive has an open tread pattern, which allows it to have better traction over dirt and gravel surfaces. 

The lower lateral void with reduced lateral groove width enhances acceleration and braking over rougher surfaces, while the presence of stone-ejector elements like steps and bars make this tyre hold its grounds even firmer.

 

S. No.	Popular Tyre Sizes Of CEAT CrossDrive	Compatible Car Models
1	235/70 R16	Tata Aria, Tata Hexa, Tata Safari Storme
2	235/65 R17	Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, Jeep Compass
3	255/65 R18	Mahindra Thar, Ford Endeavour, Tata Safari

 

• Apollo Apterra HT2

Designed exclusively for SUV owners who want a long-lasting and durable tyre for consistent use over rougher surfaces, the Apollo Apterra HT2 also ensures a smooth and silent ride over longer journeys. The wear-resistant tread compound helps this tyre last long with enhanced wear life, while the finite element analysis-optimized multi-pitch tread design reduces road noises even after excessive wear. 

The Apollo Apterra HT2 has a specially designed tyre contour and construction for optimized absorption of road shocks without the loss of geometric stability. 

 

S.No.	Popular Tyre Sizes Of Apollo Apterra HT2	Compatible Car Models
1	235/70 R16	Tata Aria, Tata Hexa, Tata Safari Storme
2	235/65 R17	Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, Jeep Compass
3	235/60 R18	Jeep Meridian, Citroen C5 Aircross, Hyundai Tucson

 

• Bridgestone Dueler A/T

Bridgestone has designed the Dueler A/T as an all-terrain tyre, which is ready to take on both urban roads and off-road terrains with equal finesse. This tyre features a two-ply construction in its sidewall, which ensures maximum durability even over consistent driving over rougher surfaces. 

At the same time, the deeper tread grooves of Bridgestone Dueler A/T give it a longer life span and excellent grip over off-road surfaces. 

 

S.No.	Popular Tyre Sizes Of Bridgestone Dueler A/T	Compatible Car Models
1	235/70 R16	Tata Aria, Tata Hexa, Tata Safari Storme
2	235/65 R17	Jeep Compass, Mahindra Scorpio-N, Mahindra XUV700
3	265/60 R18	Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Hilux, Ford Endeavour

 

• Goodyear Wrangler AT SilentTrac

The Goodyear Wrangler AT SilentTrac claims to offer a silent ride quality and traction even over gruelling surfaces, which it does with its tougher sidewall that has a thicker gauge and robust compound. These qualities also make it resistant to cuts and punctures.

The Goodyear Wrangler AT SilentTrac also has an angled design for its tread blocks for lower pattern noise, while the thicker rubber layer under those tread blocks softens the tyre’s contact with the road for an even smoother ride quality. 

 

S.No.	Popular Tyre Sizes Of Goodyear Wrangler AT SilentTrac	Compatible Car Models
1	215/65 R16	Renault Duster, Kia Seltos, Renault Captur
2	235/65 R17	Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier, Tata Safari
3	265/65 R17	Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero

 

• Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015

 

Claiming to offer uncompromised traction and durability over off-road terrains, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 tyre for SUVs has four wide straight grooves for excellent manoeuvrability and anti-aquaplaning abilities over wet surfaces. 

The narrower design for the lug grooves towards the centre section and their wider design towards the shoulder area aid in additional traction over rougher surfaces. The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 also has 3D-shaped sipes for exceptional stiffness on dry off-road surfaces, while its optimized design for the shoulder gives it an aggressive visual appeal. 

 

S.No.	Popular Tyre Sizes Of Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015	Compatible Car Models
1	215/65 R16	Renault Duster, Kia Seltos, Renault Captur
2	235/65 R17	Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier, Mahindra Scorpio-N
3	265/60 R18	Mahindra Alturas, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner

 

Conclusion:

SUVs with high ground clearances can show their prowess and capabilities of driving over off-road sections in the best possible way with the correct set of all-terrain tyres. Most of the roads in smaller towns and rural areas are not in their best shape, and to deal with such surfaces without compromising on ride quality and stability, these all-terrain tyres are the need of the hour.  

 

FAQs

Q1. What types of tyres are required for unpaved roads and off-road sections?

Answer – For unpaved roads and off-road sections, SUVs or vehicles with high ground clearance are the most suitable ones, which require tyres with large tread blocks, strong shoulders and grooves for anti-aquaplaning abilities.  

Q2. What are some of the best all-terrain tyres for SUVs in India?

Answer – Some of the best tyre options for SUVs to deal with unpaved and poorly-constructed roads are CEAT Crossdrive, Apollo Apterra HT2, Bridgestone Dueler A/T, Goodyear Wrangler AT Silenttrac and Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015.

Q3. What tyre sizes are used mostly in SUVs in India?

Answer – Most of the SUVs sold in India come with tyres ranging between 16-inches to 18-inches.