Published by Rims & Tires
Compiled & checked by the site's publisher from manufacturer, NHTSA & USTMA data · Updated 2026-07-24
The Land Rover Defender is one of the most capable production off-road vehicles in the world. The new-generation Defender (2020 to present) combines that legendary capability with a modern platform, air suspension, and a level of interior refinement that would have seemed impossible in an old Defender. Tires can either honor that dual capability or undermine one side of it.
Land Rover Defender tire sizes
The Defender 90 and 110 base models use 255/70R18 on 18-inch wheels. Mid-tier option packs use 255/65R19 (19-inch) or 255/60R20 (20-inch) wheels. The largest wheel option uses 275/45R22 on 22-inch wheels. The Defender 130 shares these wheel packages.
The 255/70R18 is the most off-road-capable size — more sidewall height means better absorption of rocks and debris, more room for airing down. The 22-inch package with 275/45R22 has minimal sidewall and significantly limits off-road tire options.
Best all-terrain tires for the Defender
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (255/70R18) is the classic choice for Defender owners on 18-inch wheels: proven off-road capability, strong puncture resistance, and enough highway manners for daily driving. It's the most popular aftermarket upgrade for Defender off-road use.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W (255/70R18) is the quietest all-terrain in this size, with off-road capability that's competitive with the KO2 and measurably lower road noise. Best for Defender owners who split time evenly between trail and highway.
Toyo Open Country AT III (255/70R18, 255/60R20) — available in both common Defender sizes. Excellent all-terrain performance with the best on-road manners in the segment. Very quiet for an all-terrain.
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All-season highway tires for on-road Defender use
Continental CrossContact LX25 (255/60R20) — for Defender owners on 20-inch wheels who rarely go off-road. The quietest all-season in this size, excellent wet traction, and refined highway character. A significant road noise reduction compared to the OEM Goodyear Wrangler.
Michelin CrossClimate2 SUV (255/60R20) — best all-weather choice for Defender owners who encounter winter conditions on road trips. 3PMSF-rated for genuine snow capability without sacrificing on-road refinement.
Best Tires for the Land Rover Defender at a glance
| Trim | Tire | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| All-terrain | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (255/70R18) | the classic choice for Defender owners on 18-inch wheels: proven off-road capability, strong puncture resistance, and enough highway manners for daily driving. The most popular aftermarket upgrade for Defender off-road use. |
| All-terrain | Falken Wildpeak AT3W (255/70R18) | the quietest all-terrain in this size, with off-road capability competitive with the KO2 and measurably lower road noise. Best for owners who split time evenly between trail and highway. |
| All-terrain | Toyo Open Country AT III (255/70R18, 255/60R20) | available in both common Defender sizes. Excellent all-terrain performance with the best on-road manners in the segment — very quiet for an all-terrain. |
| All-season highway (on-road use) | Continental CrossContact LX25 (255/60R20) | for Defender owners on 20-inch wheels who rarely go off-road. The quietest all-season in this size, excellent wet traction, and refined highway character — a significant road noise reduction compared to the OEM Goodyear Wrangler. |
| All-season highway (on-road use) | Michelin CrossClimate2 SUV (255/60R20) | the best all-weather choice for Defender owners who encounter winter conditions on road trips. 3PMSF-rated for genuine snow capability without sacrificing on-road refinement. |
Frequently asked
What tire size does the Land Rover Defender use?
Defender 90/110 base (18-inch): 255/70R18. Mid packs (19- or 20-inch): 255/65R19 or 255/60R20. Largest 22-inch pack: 275/45R22. Verify on the driver door sticker — sizes vary by option pack.
What tires does the Land Rover Defender come with from the factory?
Most Defenders come equipped with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure all-terrain tires as OEM. Many owners upgrade to BFGoodrich KO2, Falken Wildpeak AT3W, or Toyo Open Country for better off-road capability or quieter road manners.
Do I need all-terrain tires on my Defender if I never go off-road?
No. If your Defender lives on pavement, a quiet highway all-season or all-weather tire rides smoother, wears longer, and drops a lot of the road noise that comes with knobby all-terrains. Save the aggressive A/T or M/T tires for owners who actually use the trail hardware. You can still handle a gravel road or a muddy driveway on a capable all-weather tire.
What's the difference between all-terrain and all-season for a Defender?
All-terrains are built for dirt, rock, and mud with tougher sidewalls and open tread, at the cost of road noise, some fuel economy, and a bit of wet-pavement polish. All-season highway tires flip that: quiet and long-wearing on the road, but not meant for serious off-roading. Pick based on how often you truly leave the pavement, and if you split the difference, a good all-weather or hybrid tire covers both reasonably well.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.