Best 35-Inch Tires for Jeep Wrangler: Top Picks for Every Budget

The 35-inch tire has become the default upgrade size for Jeep Wranglers, and there are practical reasons behind its popularity. At 35 inches, you gain roughly 2 inches of additional ground clearance over the stock 33-inch Rubicon tires. This translates to better approach and departure angles, the ability to straddle larger obstacles, and more clearance for axles and differentials on rocky trails.

The modifications required for 35s are moderate and well-understood. A 2.5-inch lift on a JL Wrangler or 3 inches on a JK provides adequate clearance. Regearing is recommended but not immediately critical if you have 4.10 axle gears. The factory Dana 44 axles on Rubicon models handle 35s without issue, and even the Dana 30 front axle on Sport and Sahara models manages 35s for moderate trail use.

The practical ceiling above 35s rises quickly. Moving to 37-inch tires demands more lift, mandatory regearing, potential driveshaft and steering upgrades, and significantly higher tire costs. For most Jeep owners, 35s deliver 90% of the off-road capability improvement at 50% of the cost and complexity of going bigger.

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 remains the benchmark all-terrain tire for Jeeps. Available in 315/70R17 (34.4 inches) and the load-range-specific LT35x12.50R17, the KO2 offers a compelling combination of on-road manners, off-road grip, and durability. Its CoreGard sidewall technology provides genuine puncture resistance, and the tire carries a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for winter capability. Tread life is rated at 50,000 miles. On pavement, the KO2 is remarkably quiet for an AT tire with this level of aggression. Pricing runs approximately $320-$370 per tire in the 35-inch size.

The Falken Wildpeak AT3W has emerged as the top value-oriented competitor. It matches or exceeds the KO2 in snow traction (also 3PMSF rated), offers excellent wet-road performance with its 3D Canyon sipes, and typically costs $50-$70 less per tire. Treadwear has been comparable to the KO2 in real-world testing. The Wildpeak uses a heat-diffuser technology in the lower sidewall that reduces heat buildup during sustained highway driving, a meaningful feature for daily-driven Jeeps. The main tradeoff is slightly less aggressive sidewall protection compared to the KO2.

Both tires are available in Load Range C (6-ply) and Load Range E (10-ply). For a daily-driven Jeep that sees occasional trails, Load Range C saves weight and provides a more compliant ride. For towing, heavy off-road use, or added puncture resistance, Load Range E is the safer choice.

The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is the mud tire that does not punish you on the highway. Its Krawl-TEK compound is softer than previous BFG mud tires, conforming to rock surfaces for improved crawling traction, while the tread pattern generates surprisingly modest noise for an MT tire. The KM3 linear flex zones allow the tread blocks to wrap around obstacles, and the ejectors in the tread voids do an exceptional job of clearing mud. Available as LT35x12.50R17, pricing runs $370-$420 per tire. Tread life is the main concession, expect 25,000-30,000 miles.

The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss is the choice for Jeep owners who prioritize maximum traction and do not mind a more aggressive on-road personality. The Baja Boss uses a Sidebiters design with functional sidewall lugs that are among the most aggressive in the industry. These lugs provide traction in deep ruts and on off-camber terrain when the sidewall makes ground contact. On pavement, the Baja Boss is loud, there is no sugarcoating it. But on rocks, mud, and loose terrain, it is one of the most capable tires available in the 35-inch size. Pricing is similar to the KM3 at $380-$430 per tire.

The Nitto Ridge Grappler occupies the space between AT and MT better than nearly any other tire. The center tread blocks are tightly spaced like an AT for highway stability and noise control, while the shoulder blocks are open and aggressive like an MT for off-road traction. The result is a tire that handles commuting acceptably while being genuinely capable in moderate mud and on rocks. Expect 35,000-40,000 miles of tread life. Pricing is $330-$380 per tire in 35-inch sizes.

The Toyo Open Country RT Trail is a newer entry that has quickly gained a following. It leans slightly more toward the AT side of the hybrid spectrum, with excellent road manners and lower noise than the Ridge Grappler, while still offering substantial off-road capability. The RT Trail also carries a 3PMSF winter rating, which neither the Ridge Grappler nor most MT tires can claim. At $310-$360 per tire, it offers strong value.

Not every Jeep owner needs to spend $1,400+ on a set of tires. Several budget options deliver respectable performance at a significantly lower price point.

The Ironman All Country MT runs approximately $180-$220 per tire in 35-inch sizes. It is a basic mud-terrain tire with acceptable off-road performance and shorter tread life (15,000-20,000 miles), but at nearly half the price of premium options, it is an attractive choice for Jeeps that see heavy trail use and will chew through tires regardless of brand.

The Kanati Mud Hog is another value MT option at $190-$230 per tire. It has developed a loyal following in the Jeep community for its surprisingly effective mud performance and reasonable noise levels for the price.

For all-terrain on a budget, the Hankook Dynapro AT2 at $240-$280 per tire offers genuine quality and a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty. It is not as aggressive off-road as the KO2 or Wildpeak, but it handles rain, light snow, and gravel roads with confidence.