Falken WildPeak AT4W All‑Terrain Tire Review

When the Falken WildPeak AT3W debuted in 2016, it quickly became one of the most popular all‑terrain tires on the market. Drivers loved its smooth highway ride, Severe Snow Service (3‑peak mountain snowflake) rating and good balance between on‑road comfort and off‑road capability. I should know…this was the original set of tires on my 2020 Jeep Gladiator prior to moving to larger 35” tires.

That tire remained a market leader for years, but by 2024 competitors had improved their offerings. To stay ahead, Falken introduced the WildPeak AT4W as an evolution of the AT3W rather than a radical redesign. The company promised longer tread life, beefier sidewalls, more sizes—including heavy‑duty LT sizes for towing—and the same or better performance in rain and snow.

The question is this: Was the update worth it?

In this article we’ll dive into the design changes and evaluate how the AT4W performs on road, off road and in inclement weather based on manufacturer information, independent testing and real owner reviews.

Table of Contents

• What’s New on the AT4W?
• Are the WildPeak AT4W Tires Good?
• Are AT4W Tires Better Than AT3W?
• Are WildPeak AT4W Tires Loud?
• Pros and Cons
• Who Should Buy the Falken WildPeak AT4W?

What’s New on the AT4W?

Falken markets the WildPeak AT4W as an “all‑new all‑terrain tire engineered for both everyday adventure and severe off‑road duty.” On paper its list of features is impressive:

• Longer Tread Life: The AT4W uses a silica‑enhanced rubber compound and tread design that is claimed to deliver up to a 65‑000‑mile limited tread‑wear warranty on passenger sizes (60 000 miles for LT and floatation sizes). Falken’s FAQ explains that the “4W” stands for wear, winter, wet and warranty—a hint that longer life was a major design goal.
• Severe Snow Rating: Like its predecessor, the AT4W carries the 3‑peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating it meets the standard for winter performance; full‑depth zig‑zag sipes maintain biting edges throughout the life of the tire.
• Improved Traction: Staggered shoulder blocks and larger voids between tread blocks were added to enhance off‑road traction and self‑cleaning in mud and snow.
• DURASPEC Three‑Ply Sidewall (optional): Select sizes feature Falken’s DURASPEC three‑ply sidewall technology, giving the tire extra sidewall thickness and stiffness for better puncture resistance on rocky trails. The company notes that 3‑ply construction is stiffer and more puncture‑resistant than the 2‑ply sidewalls on the AT3W.
• Heavy‑Duty Sizes: New “HD” light‑truck sizes use a more rigid carcass and thicker tread blocks, giving them higher load ratings (up to load range E) to improve towing stability. Falken’s press release emphasises that heat diffuser technology in the lower sidewall helps dissipate heat when carrying heavy loads.

Falken acknowledges that these changes come with trade‑offs. A heavier carcass and deeper tread can add weight, and some consumers worry that the new compound may not match the AT3W’s snow performance. Let’s explore how the new design fares in the real world.

Are the WildPeak AT4W Tires Good?

On‑Road Comfort and Dry Traction

Most reviewers agree that the AT4W delivers comfortable and confident highway manners. Driver Soul, an independent automotive review site, tested AT4W tires on a Toyota 4Runner and gave them perfect 5/5 scores for dry traction and uneven pavement handling. The reviewer found the tire “as quiet and smooth as a street tire” and praised its stability during lane changes.

A Hooniverse comparison test looked at the AT4W alongside BFGoodrich’s updated KO3, Toyo’s Open Country A/T III and Goodyear’s Wrangler Duratrac. The author noted that the AT4W has a deeper tread and heavier construction than the competition, which helps absorb potholes and expansion joints better than older KO2s. They were “surprisingly quiet” for an aggressive all‑terrain and “provided a smoother ride on broken pavement”.

Real‑world owners echo these sentiments.

One Bronco Sport driver who logged 500 miles on AT4W tires rated braking 9/10 and remarked that the tires cornered flat and provided confident braking and acceleration on pavement, outperforming the original Pirelli Scorpion ATRs.

Meanwhile, a 4Runner owner on Reddit, after 5, 000 miles, said the AT4W was “very quiet for an all‑terrain tire” and that they experienced “excellent rain traction” with no hydroplaning. An F‑150 owner compared the AT4W to their General Grabber AT/X and concluded the Falkens were just as quiet, though this anecdote could not be directly cited due to site restrictions.

Wet Weather Performance

Falken emphasizes that the AT4W’s rubber compound was engineered for wet braking, and independent testing backs this up. Driver Soul gave the tire a 5/5 rating for wet traction and explained that the deep grooves “channel water away from the contact patch, providing excellent wet braking and eliminating hydroplaning”. Hooniverse noted that the AT4W’s heavy weight and deep tread did not adversely affect wet handling; in fact, the tire performed better than expected in puddles.

Owners also report strong wet performance. The 4Runner driver on Reddit said the AT4Ws “stopped on a dime” in rain and that the 4Runner never hydroplaned despite heavy storms. A Jeep Wrangler forum thread summarized by the site’s “Answers” feature noted that many AT3W owners praised that tire’s wet braking and snow grip and hoped the AT4W would match or exceed it; one user with 11 000 miles on AT4Ws confirmed they delivered great traction and a smooth ride.

Snow and Ice Traction

Because the AT4W carries the 3PMSF symbol, expectations for winter traction are high. Driver Soul’s test found the tire excelled in deep, heavy snow, awarding a perfect 5/5 for heavy snow; the author noted the 4Runner “never once got stuck” and remained controllable in nearly a foot of snow. However, the review also found that light snow or icy conditions revealed a weak point—the tires slid sideways and required longer stopping distances on polished ice. The reviewer rated the tire 3/5 in light snow and ice and suggested that drivers in icy climates might still need dedicated winter tires.

Forum discussions mirror these mixed experiences. A Jeep Gladiator forum thread, summarised by the site, noted that AT3W owners generally found their tires excellent in snow and expressed concerns that the AT4W might be worse in mud and snow due to a stiffer carcass. A Bronco Sport owner rated snow performance 7/10, saying the tires provided good traction in moderate snow but weren’t as sharp as a dedicated winter tire.

Off‑Road Capability

The AT4W’s beefier sidewalls, staggered shoulder blocks and full‑depth sipes are designed for off‑road duty, which is why companies like Iron Peak Campers (shown above) outfit their off-road campers with these tires.

Driver Soul gave the tire 5/5 for off‑road performance and noted that the 3‑ply DURASPEC sidewalls shrugged off rocks and ruts without requiring the driver to air down. The reviewer also praised how easily the tire clawed through nearly a foot of snow and thick mud.

A Reddit 4Runner owner who frequently runs forest roads and rocky trails agreed that the AT4W offers excellent off‑road traction; they rarely aired down and found the tire maintained grip on mud and rocky climbs. However, the AT4W’s weight was noticeable; the user reported a small drop in fuel economy (roughly 1–3 mpg) and slower acceleration.

A Jeep Wrangler forum summary noted some concerns that the AT4W’s stiffer carcass and closer tread spacing might reduce mud performance compared with the AT3W. All‑terrain tires are not designed to slog through deep clay like dedicated mud‑terrain tires, and some users recommended the Yokohama M/T G003 or other mud‑terrains if mud is a primary concern.

Longevity and Durability

Falken’s 65 000‑mile warranty (60 000 for LT sizes) is one of the longest in the all‑terrain segment. Driver Soul noted that after a cross‑country trip and heavy snow testing, the tread still looked new and the tires showed even wear. On the Bronco Sport forum, one user noted that after 500 miles the tread pattern looked hardly worn and predicted a long service life.

Falken’s use of a 3‑ply sidewall on certain sizes increases puncture resistance compared with the AT3W’s 2‑ply sidewall. However, this extra ply increases weight. A Jeep Gladiator forum contributor remarked that the AT4W is heavier than the AT3W and that E‑rated tires may ride stiffer, but they also acknowledged that quality E‑rated tires can still ride smoothly if properly inflated.

Real‑World Drawbacks

No tire is perfect. Based on our research, the main drawbacks of the AT4W include:

1. Weight and Fuel Economy: Many reviewers note that the AT4W is heavier than the AT3W. Driver Soul observed a 3 mpg reduction in fuel economy after installing the tires. A Bronco Sport owner also felt the vehicle had “noticeably slower acceleration and reduced MPG”.
2. Light Snow/Ice Performance: While deep snow performance is impressive, light snow and ice traction can be mediocre. Driver Soul rated the tire only 3/5 in light snow/ice, noting that the 4Runner slid sideways and struggled to stop on ice.
3. Mud Performance: Some forum users worry that the AT4W’s tighter tread pattern and stiffer sidewalls reduce self‑cleaning and grip in deep mud compared with the AT3W. The Jeep Wrangler forum summary notes that AT3W owners praised its mud performance, and some believe the AT4W is slightly worse. All‑terrain tires are not ideal for deep clay or gumbo mud; drivers who frequently encounter mud may prefer a mud‑terrain tire.
4. Fitment Concerns: A 4Runner owner noted that the beefy side knobs on the AT4W caused rubbing at full steering lock, requiring trimming of the bumper and inner liner. The added weight and sidewall thickness may necessitate adjustments on smaller vehicles.
5. Price and Availability: As of 2025 the AT4W is priced slightly higher than the AT3W, though the difference varies by size. Some sizes are produced in China while others are made in the USA; a few forum users expressed concerns about overseas manufacturing quality.

Are AT4W Tires Better Than AT3W?

This question depends on your priorities. Let’s compare key areas:

For drivers who prioritize long tread life, towing capability and puncture resistance, the AT4W is better than the AT3W. It has a longer warranty, more sizes, improved wet braking and heavier sidewalls.

However, if you are looking for a lighter tire with proven mud and ice performance and you don’t need a heavy‑duty load rating, the AT3W may still be the better choice. Many Jeep Wrangler forum participants plan to stick with the AT3W because of its smooth ride and excellent snow performance. At the same time, a user who ran AT4Ws for 11, 000 miles reported they were just as good as the AT3W, offering smooth ride and great wear.

Are WildPeak AT4W Tires Loud?

Noise is a major concern for any all‑terrain tire, and Falken markets the AT4W as “on‑road quiet.” Based on available evidence, these tires are relatively quiet:

• Driver Soul said the AT4W exhibited “minimal road noise”—so little that the reviewer said they could hear more engine and wind noise than tread hum.
• Hooniverse found the AT4W “surprisingly quiet,” even compared with their well‑worn KO2s. The deeper tread acted like a sponge, softening impacts and noise.
• A Bronco Sport owner reported some “buzzing road noise”, but clarified it was not annoying and was expected for an all‑terrain tire.
• A 4Runner owner on Reddit noted that the AT4W is “very quiet for an all‑terrain tire”.

Overall, while the AT4W is heavier than the AT3W, its noise levels remain low. Most users agree that road noise is comparable to or slightly higher than the AT3W but still quieter than many competing all‑terrains. Keep in mind that noise may increase as the tread wears down; early user experiences are generally positive, but long‑term data is limited.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Long Tread Life: The AT4W’s new compound and deeper tread provide up to a 65 000‑mile warranty, the longest of any Falken all‑terrain.
2. Excellent Wet and Heavy Snow Performance: Independent testing and owner reviews consistently praise the AT4W’s wet braking and hydroplaning resistance. The tire performs impressively in deep snow, often outperforming competitors.
3. Quiet and Comfortable: Despite its aggressive appearance, the AT4W is surprisingly quiet and offers a smooth ride, even on rough pavement.
4. Robust Sidewalls: The optional 3‑ply DURASPEC sidewall offers excellent puncture resistance for off‑roading, and the heat diffuser technology helps maintain sidewall integrity under heavy loads.
5. Broad Size Range and Heavy‑Duty Options: The AT4W comes in up to 96 sizes, including HD LT sizes for towing and load range E/F applications.
6. Attractive Pricing: Though prices vary, the AT4W is often cheaper than premium competitors like the BFGoodrich KO3 or Goodyear Duratrac while offering a similar warranty.

Cons

1. Heavy Weight: The AT4W is heavier than the AT3W and many competitors, which can reduce fuel economy and acceleration.
2. Mixed Ice and Light‑Snow Traction: While deep snow traction is excellent, the tire struggles on hardpack and ice. Drivers in icy climates may need dedicated winter tires.
3. Mud Self‑Cleaning: A few users believe the new tread pattern holds mud more than the AT3W; the tire isn’t ideal for deep, sticky mud.
4. Fitment Issues on Smaller Vehicles: The beefy shoulder lugs can rub at full steering lock on certain vehicles, requiring minor trimming.
5. Manufacturing Variations: Some sizes are produced in different countries. A few forum posters raised concerns about quality differences, though there are no widespread reports of defects.

Who Should Buy the Falken WildPeak AT4W?

The Falken WildPeak AT4W is a thoughtful evolution of the popular AT3W. Its new rubber compound, deeper tread and optional 3‑ply sidewall improve tread life, wet braking and durability. Independent testing shows that the AT4W performs exceptionally well on dry pavement, wet roads and in deep snow while remaining quieter than many all‑terrain competitors. For daily drivers who need a versatile tire that can commute Monday through Friday and explore remote trails on the weekend, the AT4W is an excellent choice.

That said, the AT4W is not perfect. The extra weight reduces fuel economy and may require more engine effort to accelerate. If you live where roads are frequently icy or you often encounter clay‑like mud, the AT3W or a dedicated winter/mud‑terrain tire might be better. And while noise is minimal, the heavier carcass can produce a slight hum that wasn’t present on the AT3W.

In summary, the Falken WildPeak AT4W offers a compelling mix of longevity, comfort, off‑road durability and severe‑snow capability at a reasonable price. It may not dethrone its predecessor in every category, but it represents a well‑rounded and modern all‑terrain option for SUVs, trucks and overlanding rigs.