Best tire for stock 2002 XLT

[gcbimmer]

I've been reading reviews and having trouble deciding on what tires to put on my 2002 XLT. I am looking for an aggressive looking all around good tire. I have seen the Michelin LTX M/S2 & AT2 have great reviews but are expensive and not very aggressive looking. I saw the BFG Rugged Terrrrain, but there is not much on them as they are a fairly new release. In order of importance I would like a (1) quiet, (2) good in rain, (3) good in snow, (4) aggressive looking, (5) good off road ability, (6) long lasting tire. My driving is 65% city/30% highway/5% off road.
All input is greatly appreciated...thanks for all your help!!

 

[toypaseo]

Look at the Kumho KL61...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireModel=Road+Venture+SAT+KL61&tireMake=Kumho

Third in the category, following Firestone Destination A/T and Michelin LTX A/T 2.

I might try these when it is time to replace my Michelin LTX M/S...

 

[Anime]

The "best" tire for 95% pavement/5% off road probably is the Michelin LTX M/S2. It's got top honors in the tirerack.com survey, and if it's better than the LTX M/S, it's no wonder why. It might not be considered aggressive looking, but the classic four channel design and sipes is all it needs to provide traction in the dry, wet, and even in deep snow and off road in dirt and mud. If they ever make them in an LT variety when the originals are completely discontinued, I'll be going to those. The great thing about the Michelins is they last a long, long time. They only have a 60,000 mile warranty, but they tend to last for 80,000-100,000 or more. My last set was barely half worn at 60,000 miles, and that was even with some alignment issues and without regular rotation.

Michelin also has a $70 instant rebate offer, so if you buy 4 of these at an authorized dealer, you get $70 off.


If you care that much about looks, the BFG Rugged Terrain is for you. It's in second place at tirerack, and though it's fairly new, it's perfect for those who want a good pavement tire, but with cosmetic elements to go with the looks of a pickup or SUV. The other thing that's great about it is the price. The treadwear rating and 50,000 mile warranty makes me think it won't last nearly as long as the Michelin, but if you like the looks more, the lower price helps and they should be good all around otherwise.


The Firestone Destination A/T and Michelin LTX AT2 are good all-terrain options, but those are more for vehicles that see more than occasional off-road use. I know all-terrains are used as regular street tires on pickups and SUVs just because, but the reality is they have more rolling resistance and higher treadwear than all-season/highway designs, and they don't always work better off-road, either.


If you aren't in any immediate rush to get new tires, you could always wait a little longer and see which way the reviews go on the BFG Rugged Terrains. There might even be a BFG rebate offer similar to the Michelin offering (Michelin owns the BF Goodrich tire brand, and they do similar rebate marketing all the time) to make your decision a little easier.

 

[doug625]

You might like the General Grabber AT2 which is pretty aggressive looking and the Firestone Destination LE, not as aggressive but both are much less expensive than the Michellins and are very good tires. The 255 70 16's go for about 150 each for both brands. The Michellins are usually over 200 bucks each.

 

[gcbimmer]

You might like the General Grabber AT2 which is pretty aggressive looking and the Firestone Destination LE, not as aggressive but both are much less expensive than the Michellins and are very good tires. The 255 70 16's go for about 150 each for both brands. The Michellins are usually over 200 bucks each.

I thought I needed 235/70/16 as that is what is on there now. What is the difference with the 255/70/16 and 235/70/16? What performs better? What looks better?
Thanks.

 

[doug625]

In my opinion the 235's just look a little small on explorers, that is the original size but I like how the 255's look much better. The appearance is the only reason I did it. It is not a huge difference but I notice it and love how they look. The 255's are about an inch taller so your speedo will be off 2-3 mph when cruising at 70 and I have seen no change in mileage, so for me it is worth it with the look of the slightly bigger tire. Look on some forums on this site to see pics of explorers with 255's and even 265's. If you are at all worried about up-sizing just stay with the 235's. Remember 2nd generation explorers had a little more room(and they came stock with larger sizes than 3rd generations) so 265's is pretty much the max size on a 3rd generation and I believe those will rub slightly when turning the wheel all the way according to a user on this site. Just read reviews on tires that your considering before you buy.

 

[Anime]

The 255/70R16's will look better since they are wider and have a slighty taller sidewall as well due to the width/height ratio. The wider tires will also add better braking performance and give more grip on turns. The downside is they will be heavier and the additional weight and friction of a wider tread might drop mileage some.

The 235/70R16's will be better in snow and inclement weather since a narrow tire cuts through snow better.

Best bet might be checking out the difference in cost for the same tire in both sizes. If the price difference isn't much, going to 255's might be worth it. If it's 50-60+ more per tire, you might feel like sticking with the 235's.

 

[gcbimmer]

In my opinion the 235's just look a little small on explorers, that is the original size but I like how the 255's look much better. The appearance is the only reason I did it. It is not a huge difference but I notice it and love how they look. The 255's are about an inch taller so your speedo will be off 2-3 mph when cruising at 70 and I have seen no change in mileage, so for me it is worth it with the look of the slightly bigger tire. Look on some forums on this site to see pics of explorers with 255's and even 265's. If you are at all worried about up-sizing just stay with the 235's. Remember 2nd generation explorers had a little more room(and they came stock with larger sizes than 3rd generations) so 265's is pretty much the max size on a 3rd generation and I believe those will rub slightly when turning the wheel all the way according to a user on this site. Just read reviews on tires that your considering before you buy.

Will the 255's make my car sit 1" or 2" higher? I barely clear my garage door with the 235's as it is.

Thanks.