If you’ve spent any time in the all-terrain tire world, you’ve heard of the Falken WildPeak AT3W. For years it’s been one of the go-to choices for trucks, SUVs, and overlanders who wanted a tire that could pull double duty—quiet and comfortable on the highway, but strong enough for weekends spent on dirt roads, trails, and the occasional snowstorm.
I personally ran a set of AT3Ws on my 2020 Jeep Gladiator for bit when I first got the truck. They carried me through daily commuting, long road trips, and plenty of trail time in California and beyond. They were predictable, durable, and never left me wishing I had a different tire bolted on.
But now Falken has released the Wildpeak AT4W, their next-generation all-terrain. It looks familiar at first glance but promises better traction, improved durability, and a more refined ride. The question that I keep hearing from many of you, is: should you stick with the tried-and-true AT3W, or go with the newer AT4W? Let’s break it down!
Table of Contents
Falken Wildpeak Specs at a Glance
Before diving into real-world impressions, let’s line up the basics. First, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W was released in the mid-2010s. It’s 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified and offers the following:
- Mileage warranty: 55,000 miles for LT sizes, 65,000 for P-metric sizes.
- Wide size range, covering everything from small SUVs to heavy-duty trucks.
- Known for excellent snow traction and solid all-around value.
Meanwhile, the Falken WildPeak AT4W was released in 2023-2024 as the AT3W’s official successor. It’s also 3PMSF certified, with improved snow and wet traction. It offers:
- Mileage warranty: 65,000 miles for P-metric, 60,000 for LT sizes.
- Revised tread pattern and updated rubber compound.
- Stronger sidewall construction in LT versions.
On paper, they don’t look radically different. Same category, similar size coverage, both winter-certified. But the AT4W refines the formula.
On-Road Performance
Dry Grip & Handling
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
When I had the Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws on my Gladiator, I never once felt nervous about dry-pavement grip. They actually felt pretty good. They tracked straight on the freeway and felt secure even in quick lane changes. That said, steering felt a little slower compared to a highway tire—par for the course with all-terrains.
The AT4W tightens things up. Falken reshaped the tread blocks and added more stiffness to reduce squirm. The result? Slightly crisper steering and more confident handling at higher speeds. It’s not a night-and-day difference, but if you’ve driven both, you’ll notice the AT4W feels just a bit more planted.
Wet Roads
This is where Falken really pushed the AT4W forward. The AT3W was already a good wet performer—better than many rivals of its time. I always felt comfortable driving through heavy California rain.
But the AT4W adds a new silica-heavy compound and tweaks the tread geometry. Hydroplane resistance is stronger, and cornering on wet pavement feels more locked-in. If you live somewhere with frequent rain, the AT4W is one of the safest bets in the all-terrain category.
Ride Comfort
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W was comfortable, especially considering its off-road chops. But sharp bumps and expansion joints were noticeable.
The AT4W softens that edge a little. Impacts are damped better, and highway cruising feels smoother overall.
Off-Road Performance
Dirt & Gravel
Falken Wildpeak AT4W
Both the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and AT4W excel here. They dig in well, stay predictable even at speed, and hold traction under braking. The difference? The AT4W features improved stone ejectors that keep gravel from lodging in the tread. Less rock retention means better self-cleaning and less pinging against your wheel wells.
Rocks
The AT3W handled rocky trails well on my Gladiator, especially aired down. But sidewall protection was only average for its class.
The AT4W improves on this with stronger sidewalls, especially in LT sizes. It’s not a mud-terrain, but it feels tougher when aired down to crawl over rocks.
Mud
Neither of these tires is a mud specialist, but they’ll get you through light to moderate muck. The AT3W’s tread pattern could clog quickly in sticky mud. The AT4W isn’t a miracle worker, but its revised voids do clear a little better.
Snow
This is where Falken has always shined. The AT3W earned a reputation as one of the best snow-capable A/Ts of its era. That 3PMSF rating wasn’t just a marketing badge—it actually worked.
The AT4W doubles down on this. Falken added more biting edges and refined the compound for cold-weather grip. If you live in a snow-belt state, the AT4W is one of the strongest A/T choices today.
Noise Levels
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
When brand-new, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W was impressively quiet. On the highway it never droned the way some A/Ts can. But after tens of thousands of miles, the hum increased. Once mine had some uneven wear (my fault for skipping a rotation), the noise became noticeable.
The AT4W is quieter overall and, more importantly, stays quieter as it ages. Falken reshaped the tread blocks to minimize resonance. Compared to something like a BFG KO2, the AT4W is noticeably smoother and quieter inside the cabin.
Durability & Tread Life of the Falken Wildpeak Tires
I squeezed tens of thousands of miles out of my AT3Ws before swapping. With proper rotations, 50k+ miles was realistic.
The AT4W promises the same tread life, if not a bit better. More importantly, it’s designed to resist irregular wear patterns—the cupping and feathering that can shorten life and increase noise.
Price & Value
Falken Wildpeak AT4W
Here’s where the decision gets interesting.
The AT3W is still available at many retailers, and because it’s being phased out, it’s often discounted. If you want a proven tire at a lower price, the AT3W is tough to beat.
The AT4W costs a bit more—usually $10–$20 more per tire in comparable sizes. Not a huge jump, but it adds up over a full set. The trade-off is that you’re getting the latest design, longer tread life warranty in some sizes, and better all-around performance.
Who Should Buy Which Falken Wildpeak Tire
Who Should Buy the AT3W?
- Drivers who prioritize value and find leftover stock at a discount.
- Folks who mainly drive on pavement and mild trails.
- Owners who loved their last set of AT3Ws and just want more of the same.
Who Should Buy the AT4W?
- Drivers who live in wet or snowy climates.
- Overlanders and weekend warriors who need durability on rocks and gravel.
- Anyone who values a quiet ride.
- Buyers starting fresh and want the latest design improvements.
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Falken Wildpeak AT3W Pros:
- Proven, reliable performance.
- Excellent snow traction for its era.
- Comfortable ride.
- Often cheaper now.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W Cons:
- Gets noisier as it ages.
- Sidewalls not as strong as newer designs.
- Wear patterns could get uneven.
Falken Wildpeak AT4W Pros:
- Better wet and snow grip.
- Quieter on-road manners.
- Stronger sidewalls for off-road use.
- Improved tread wear resistance.
- Still competitively priced for the category.
Falken Wildpeak AT4W Cons:
- Slightly higher price.
- Not a deep-mud tire (but neither is the AT3W).
Final Verdict
Falken Wildpeak AT4W
The Falken WildPeak AT3W is a classic for a reason. I trusted them on my Gladiator, and they never let me down. If you can find them on clearance and you’re mostly commuting with occasional adventures, they’re still a smart buy.
That said, the AT4W is simply better in almost every way. It’s smoother on the road, grippier in the wet, quieter over the long haul, tougher in the rocks, and stronger in the snow. The price difference is small enough that for most people, the AT4W makes the most sense.
So here’s the simple breakdown:
On a budget or buying leftover stock? Go AT3W.
Want the newest, most capable Falken A/T? Go AT4W.
Either way, you’re getting one of the best all-terrain tires on the market. But if I were buying a new set today for my Gladiator or any other truck, I’d put my money on the AT4W.
Frequently Asked Questions
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
What’s the main difference between the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and AT4W?
The AT4W is the newer generation with improved wet traction, quieter operation, stronger sidewalls, and better tread wear resistance. The AT3W is the proven older model that’s often available at discounted prices.
Which tire is better in snow?
Both are 3PMSF certified, but the AT4W has improved snow performance with more biting edges and a refined cold-weather compound. If you frequently drive in snow, the AT4W is the better choice.
Is the Falken Wildpeak AT4W worth the extra cost?
For most buyers, yes. The price difference is typically $10-$20 per tire, but you get significant improvements in wet grip, noise levels, durability, and overall performance.
How long do these tires last?
Both can achieve 50,000+ miles with proper rotation. The AT3W has a 55,000-mile warranty for LT sizes and 65,000 for P-metric. The AT4W offers 60,000 miles for LT and 65,000 for P-metric sizes.
Are these good for daily driving?
Yes, both tires are designed for daily highway use with weekend off-road capability. The AT4W offers better ride comfort and quieter operation for daily commuting.
Which is better for off-roading?
The AT4W has stronger sidewalls, improved stone ejectors, and better self-cleaning in mud. While both are capable off-road, the AT4W is more durable for serious trail use.
Can I still buy the Falken Wildpeak AT3W?
Yes, the AT3W is still available at many retailers, often at discounted prices as it’s being phased out. This makes it a good value option for budget-conscious buyers.
Which tire is quieter?
The AT4W is quieter both when new and as it ages. Falken redesigned the tread blocks to minimize road noise and resonance throughout the tire’s life.