Maxxis Tires for Overland & Off-Road Adventures: Real-World Review

When it comes to overland and off-road adventures, your tires can make or break the experience. We’ve run Maxxis tires on both our builds—the Bronco Raptor and our Chevy Colorado—and they’ve seen everything from rocky trails and deep sand to slick mud and long highway miles. From the slick rock of Sand Hollow to the remote wilderness of Alaska, and even Baja, our Maxxis tires have taken it all in stride. So, how do they hold up? Let’s dive in.

Maxxis RZR MT 37x12.50R17 (Bronco Raptor)

Our Bronco Raptor is built for tough terrain and fast desert runs, so we needed a tire that could handle it all. The Maxxis RZR MTs have been nothing short of impressive.

Traction & Performance

From crawling over sharp rocks in the Sierras to charging through Baja-style sand washes, these tires dig in and don’t let up. The aggressive tread pattern provides excellent grip, and the Load E rating means they can take a beating without feeling overly stiff on the road. They excel in muddy conditions compared to all-terrain options, making them a great choice for extreme off-roaders.

Durability

One of the biggest concerns with running larger off-road tires is sidewall strength. These RZR MTs have held up against jagged rocks and unexpected trail obstacles without issue. No punctures, no failures—just solid performance. We’ve pushed these tires through deep snow, slick mud, and even the brutal terrain of Alaska, and they continue to impress.

On-Road Comfort

For a mud-terrain tire, road noise is always a consideration. While you’ll hear a hum at highway speeds, it’s not unbearable. In fact, compared to other aggressive mud-terrain tires like the Nitto MT, the Maxxis RZR MTs are surprisingly quiet. Their ability to balance well and avoid excessive vibration is crucial for long road trips between trails.

Maxxis RZR AT 35x12.50R17 (Chevy Colorado)

Our Colorado was built for long-haul overlanding trips, blending technical off-road capability with highway comfort. The RZR ATs were an easy choice for a truck that sees everything from mountain passes to daily driving.

Versatility & Traction

As an all-terrain tire, the RZR AT finds that sweet spot between grip and road manners. It hooks up well in loose dirt, gravel, and even light mud. The tread design allows for solid wet-weather traction, which has been a game-changer on rainy road trips. In the Eastern Sierras and on the Utah mud, these tires performed exceptionally in snow, ejecting it from the tread almost immediately and maintaining grip.

Durability & Longevity

After thousands of miles, these tires are wearing evenly, and we’ve had zero issues with chunking or excessive wear. While the AT tire does last longer than the MT, we haven’t noticed a significant difference between the two in terms of longevity. Whether aired down for trails or running full PSI on the highway, they’ve proven reliable and tough.

Road Comfort & Noise

Compared to mud-terrains, these ATs are whisper-quiet. They feel planted on pavement, making them ideal for a rig that splits time between off-road and daily driving. They are quieter than BFG KO2s, Goodyear Duratrac, and Cooper all-terrain options, making them a solid choice for long highway stretches.

Tire Pressures & MPG Considerations

On both tires, we typically run:

• Highway: 35-40 PSI

• Trails: 18-20 PSI

• Rocks & Sand Dunes: 10-15 PSI (depending on difficulty)

Like any Load E-rated tire, we expected a small hit to fuel economy due to their added weight. Across both vehicles, we’ve seen about a 2-3 MPG drop, but considering the amount of gear we carry, that’s a minor tradeoff for the durability and confidence these tires provide.

Final Thoughts: Are Maxxis Tires Worth It?

Absolutely. The RZR MT is perfect for extreme off-roaders who need a tough, high-traction tire that can handle serious abuse. Meanwhile, the RZR AT offers the best of both worlds—off-road capability with daily drivability. We’ve run multiple tire brands, including Nitto Ridge Grapplers, Cooper, Goodyear Duratracs, and BFG KO2s, and the Maxxis tires have outperformed them in both capability and reliability.

One of the biggest benefits? Peace of mind. We used to worry about our tires holding up on remote trails. But after running Maxxis for thousands of miles, it’s one less thing on our minds. We trust these tires to get us there and back, no matter the conditions.

What’s your go-to tire setup? Let’s talk tires in the comments!