Expert Guide to UTV Tire Sizes and Types

ATVs, also called quads, tend to be smaller, lighter, and more agile than their UTV cousins. They have a motorcycle-like seat and handlebars, allowing single or two-up riders to navigate tight trails and deep woods.

Read this: What’s the Difference Between an ATV and UTV?

UTVs, also known as side-by-sides, have a more car-like appearance and have a steering wheel and foot controls, much like a car. They are built to carry multiple passengers and cargo or pull a trailer. This makes them much heavier and more powerful than ATVs. That means UTVs require heavy-duty tires with a higher ply rating than most ATVs.

Sizes and Types of UTV Tires

Your selection of a UTV tire depends on the terrain you intend to navigate. With tires made for just about any terrain and situation, many options exist, including tires for rock crawling, mudding, sand, and other specialized terrain.

The most important thing is to choose tires with the same load-carrying capacity as the stock tires—or exceed it—and the same or greater ply rating. This will not only help avoid flats and punctures on the trail, but it will also improve the overall ride.

When replacing the tires on a UTV, determine the current tire sizes on your machine by examining the sidewall of each. UTV tire sizes use a three-number sequence. Here’s an example using a typical size:
28 x 12.00-14

• The first number (28) is the tire’s height in inches.
• The second number (12.00) is the tire width in inches.
• The third number (14) is the wheel diameter the tires are mounted to in inches.

So, in review, a 28 x 12.00-14 tire has a 38-inch height, is 12 inches wide, and is mounted on 14-inch wheels.

Read: Choosing the Right ATV Tires

UTV Tires Can Be Smaller in Front

Before power steering became popular in UTVs, running different front and rear tires was common; owners called it “staggered tire sizes.” Running narrower front and wider rear tires allows UTVs without power steering to steer more efficiently and improves rear-wheel traction.

The opposite of a staggered tire setup is called a “square tire setup,” where all four tires are the same size. Since most modern UTV models come standard with power steering, today’s UTV models have a square tire setup off the showroom floor.

Key Features for UTV Tires

Tire size – It is vital to determine your stock tire sizes before purchasing. Replace tires with the exact dimensions unless you intend to buy a completely new tire-and-wheel combination. Remember that deviating from the recommended tire sizes can negatively affect handling, ride, and overall performance.

Tread pattern and depth – Decide what type of usage and terrain you intend to tackle (e.g., mud, sand, rocks, turf, gravel), and choose a tire model and tread pattern designed for those conditions. Deeper tread patterns work better in soft terrain, while less depth works better in hardpack conditions. For driving in varying trail conditions, there are all-terrain tires on the market designed for all-around performance, similar to all-season automobile tires.

Construction – There are two common types of UTV tire construction: bias-ply and radial construction. Bias-ply tires have layers of cords within the tire that run diagonally in a crisscross pattern, often in multiple plies (layers). Bias-ply tires are less durable than radial construction tires but are available at a lower cost. Radial tires arrange the cord plies at a 90-degree angle to the direction of vehicle travel—radially from the center of the tire. Radial tires are today’s industry standard due to better traction, a smoother ride, more puncture resistance, and longer tread life.

Ply rating – A tire’s ply rating defines its overall strength and durability, significantly impacting its puncture resistance, ride, and performance. The higher the ply rating, the more robust and durable the tire, the heavier it becomes. UTV tires range from two-ply to as high as 10-ply for extreme conditions.

Brand reputation and price – Price is always a factor when purchasing. However, don’t let price be the only factor. It’s worth considering tires from a reputable brand that makes durable, high-quality products that provide peace of mind on the trail. Research tires before making your final purchase.

Maxxis Carnivore

Popular UTV Tire Brands and Models

Maxxis Carnivore: Best for All-terrain

Maxxis is a market-leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-performance powersports vehicle tires backed by the latest technology and research. The Carnivore features an eight-ply-rated radial carcass with a universal-terrain aggressive tread pattern. It delivers outstanding traction on rocks, roots, desert terrain, and mud.

Prices for Maxxis Carnivore UTV tires start at $325.

Pro Armor Crawler XG: Best for Rock Crawling

Pro Armor Crawler XG

Engineered to provide unmatched grip, Pro Armor’s Crawler XG is built for rocks. From rock crawling to high-speed desert running, the Crawler XG delivers confidence thanks to an aggressive tread pattern, eight-ply rated Armor Belt construction for rock puncture resistance, plus a sticky, soft compound.

Prices start at $230.

ITP Cryptid: Best for Mud

ITP Cryptid UTV tire

With a paddle-like shoulder configuration, the Cryptid provides maximum bite and mud-churning performance for muddy and snowy conditions without compromising trail comfort. It has a proven chevron tread pattern, grooved center lugs to channel mud and debris, and a super durable rubber compound to protect against abrasions, chips, and cuts.

Prices for ITP Cryptic UTV tires start at about $260.

CST Sandblast: Best for Sand

CST Sandblast

The lightweight Sandblast from CST is dune-engineered to deliver maximum flotation. The front size and tread create excellent flotation and turning ability, so transitioning from dune to dune is effortless, while the rear scoop pattern helps power you through the dunes.

Prices for CST Sandblast UTV tires start at $180.