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Guide to UTV Tires | Top Picks for Every Terrain

Guide to UTV Tires: Find the Perfect Tread for Any Terrain



Whether you're tackling tough trails, tearing through dunes, or hauling loads on the job site, your UTV is only as good as the tires it's riding on. At Side by Side Sports, we live and breathe UTV performance—so when it comes to picking the perfect tire, we’ve got your back.



How to Choose the Right UTV Tires

Before you hit the trail or the track, consider your riding conditions. UTV tires are not one-size-fits-all. From aggressive mud traction to sand-floating paddles, each tire is built for a purpose. Here are the key features to focus on:



On-Road vs. Off-Road Tires

If you plan to ride on public roads, DOT-approved tires are a must. These have reinforced layers and specific tread designs for pavement durability. Off-road tires, by contrast, are lighter and have deeper treads to improve grip and reduce punctures on wild terrain.



Tire Size Considerations

Going up in tire size can give you better traction and ground clearance—but it can also strain your suspension and drivetrain. Always consult your UTV’s manual or our experts to avoid voiding warranties or impacting performance.



Tire Ply Ratings

Ply ratings determine how tough your tires are. For rocky trails or harsh desert landscapes, look for 6- to 8-ply tires to resist punctures. If weight matters or you ride soft trails, 4-ply might be just right.



Tread Patterns & Depth

Shallow treads (< 1") are ideal for hardpack or sand. Deep lugs (1" or more) dig into mud, snow, and loose terrain. Look for wide spacing for mud, siping for snow and ice, or paddle-style tread for sand dunes.



Rubber Compounds

Soft rubber offers more grip but wears faster, while hard rubber is more durable with better rolling resistance. Some tires feature dual-compound construction for the best of both worlds—harder centers and grippy edges for cornering confidence.



Types of UTV Tires



Mud Tires

Deep, aggressive lugs make mud tires perfect for plowing through wet, sticky terrain. Just know—they're loud and rough on dry trails. Our favorites include:

  • System 3 XM310: Dual-stage lugs with 8-ply toughness.
  • SuperATV Terminator: Built-in rim guards and 2" deep treads.
  • BFGoodrich KM3: Extreme sidewall grip and mud-phobic bars.


Sand Tires

Sand tires maximize flotation with paddle-style rears and smooth-front tires for steering. Top picks:

  • Pro Armor Sand Tires: Eight-ply fronts and 16-paddle rears for ultimate dune carving.
  • SandSports SXS: Reversible tread and custom compounds to reduce paddle shock.


Rock Tires

For technical climbs and hardpack terrain, rock tires offer excellent puncture protection and bite. Check out:

  • Pro Armor Crawler XR: Soft compound, square profile, and aggressive tread.
  • Sedona Rockabilly: Built-in rock ejectors and 8-ply radial durability.
  • Maxxis Roxxzila: Available in soft or hard compound options for crawling or trail.


Snow Tires

Snow tires blend siping with wide tread gaps to grip icy trails. Some are pre-drilled for studs:

  • System 3 SS360: Lightweight dual-use for snow and sand.
  • Moose Utility 901X: V-tread and side lugs for stability on slick trails.


Racing Tires

When seconds matter, race tires give you fast response, cornering grip, and traction. Popular choices include:

  • MRT Race Series: Eight-ply radial design with square self-cleaning treads.
  • System 3 RT320: DOT-approved radial tire with performance tread compound.


All-Terrain Tires

If you want one tire for every job, all-terrain tires give you decent traction on every surface. Our top all-purpose options:

  • Pro Armor Dual-Threat: Dual-compound build with lateral-grip sidewalls.
  • Maxxis Bighorn: Durable and popular six-ply radial with versatile tread.
  • System 3 XTR30: Deep tread and multi-angle lug pattern for max terrain grip.


Shop UTV Tires at Side by Side Sports

Ready to gear up? At SideBySideSports.com, we’ve curated a full range of UTV tires to match your terrain, machine, and riding style. Whether you’re upgrading for performance or replacing worn-out stock, we have what you need. Contact us today or browse our inventory to find your next favorite set of UTV tires.

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