ADAC All-Terrain Tire Test 225/65 R17 2025

The influential German automobile club ADAC has published the results of its 2025 all-season off-road tire test, with the results being rather disappointing for drivers of SUVs, campervans and pickup trucks .

ADAC tested eight popular all-terrain tires in the standard size 225/65 R17 and focused on the question of whether the robust appearance of these tires actually matches their capabilities in normal European traffic. A winter-rated all-season model was also used as a reference model.

The test showed that while all-terrain tires promise the ability to go anywhere, they come with a significant and potentially dangerous compromise in road safety. None of the tires tested received an ADAC recommendation .

The test included some European versions of all-terrain tires, but also models from North America, which shows that the trade-offs of all-terrain tires are the same anywhere in the world.

ADAC tested eight popular all-terrain tires in the size 225/65 R17 and used the Pirelli Cinturato SF3 all-season tire as a reference. The result: no all-terrain tire received a recommendation, while the all-season tire significantly outperformed all road models, especially in wet braking and handling .

• Best all-terrain tire : Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 – most competent in snow, overall “satisfactory”.
• Significant weaknesses : Poor grip on wet and dry roads, oversteer, long braking distances (e.g. BF Goodrich and Bridgestone).
• All-terrain benefits : Resistance to damage on gravel and extreme surfaces, slight advantage off-road.

No tire received an official recommendation. However, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 came out on top with an overall rating of “satisfactory,” with its main strength being its surprisingly good snow performance. The Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3WA, General Tyre Grabber AT3 and Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T2 also received the same rating, offering balanced, if still compromised, performance.

The other four tires were downgraded due to significant weaknesses:

• Pirelli Scorpion A/T+ – downgraded for poor handling and oversteer in snow and wet conditions.
• Toyo Open Country A/T III – downgraded for very poor wet performance.
• Bridgestone Dueler A/T002 – downgraded for the weakest performance on snow.
• BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A – the most expensive and heaviest tire, the worst on wet and dry roads.

ADAC conclusion : For most drivers, even those who occasionally go out onto gravel or wet fields, a high-quality all-season tire is a significantly safer and more competent choice than any all-terrain tire.