6 Best Tires for 28-Inch Rims of 2025

Dominant grip and rugged engineering define the Fuel Maverick and Tensor Regulator combo, making it a standout for riders who demand serious all-terrain performance. The 28×10-14 Tensor Regulator A/T tires feature an 8-ply rating and aggressive tread blocks that bite into loose gravel, muddy trails, and rocky inclines with confidence. Paired with the stout Fuel Maverick 14×7 matte black wheels, this bundle delivers a no-nonsense setup that’s ready to tackle extreme conditions straight out of the box—no guesswork on compatibility thanks to the included 4×156 bolt pattern and precision lug kit.

In real-world testing, these tires shine on mixed terrain, offering remarkable stability at speed and consistent traction when climbing steep, uneven surfaces. The 10mm lug height provides excellent ground clearance, while the radial construction ensures a smoother ride over washboard trails compared to bias-ply alternatives. However, the 8-ply build, while durable, adds noticeable weight—this can slightly impact acceleration and steering responsiveness on lighter UTVs or ATVs. On paved surfaces, expect a noisier ride and slightly reduced fuel efficiency due to the aggressive tread pattern.

When stacked against other bundles, this setup outperforms in durability and traction, though it trades off some agility and refinement. It’s a clear step above entry-level all-terrain options like the EFX Moto MTC, offering superior sidewall protection and a more robust wheel design. Ideal for serious off-roaders and utility users who prioritize long-term resilience over light handling, this kit justifies its higher cost with proven performance. Compared to the MSA Kore and BKT AT 171 bundle, it offers better tread depth and ply rating, making it a smarter pick for demanding trail abuse.

Don’t let the modest price tag fool you—the EFX Moto MTC is a surprisingly capable performer that punches well above its weight class in the 28-inch tire arena. With 1-1/4-inch lugs and a 6-ply construction, it delivers dependable grip on sand, dirt, and light mud, making it a smart choice for weekend riders and budget-conscious trail explorers. The built-in rim protector is a thoughtful touch, shielding the wheel from rock strikes and trail debris—something many entry-level tires overlook. It’s a no-frills design that solves the core problem: getting solid traction without breaking the bank.

On the trail, the Moto MTC handles moderate off-road conditions with ease, offering a balanced mix of flexibility and durability. The tread pattern transitions smoothly from loose terrain to hard-packed paths, and the 6-ply sidewall resists cuts and punctures better than expected for its class. However, in deep mud or rocky crawls, the lugs start to pack and lose bite—this isn’t a tire built for extreme muck or technical rock climbing. At higher speeds, it remains stable, but the ride can get buzzy on uneven terrain due to the stiffer tread blocks.

Compared to the premium Pro Armor Crawler XR or Tensor Regulator, the Moto MTC lacks the depth of tread and reinforced casing for harsh environments. But for casual riders or those replacing a single worn tire, it’s the best value single option in the lineup. It’s not trying to be an ultra-mud tire or a highway cruiser—it’s a reliable workhorse for general trail use. When matched against the budget LCI/SI 28×8-12, it offers wider footprint and better sidewall support, making it a more versatile all-rounder despite a slightly higher cost.

If longevity under punishment is your top priority, the MSA Kore and BKT AT 171 bundle is engineered to survive where others fail. The BKT AT 171 tires feature a rugged 6-ply construction with a reinforced casing that shrugs off thorns, rocks, and trail impacts—ideal for hunters, ranchers, and utility users who log serious miles. The MSA Kore wheels add to the toughness with a flat-black finish and +0mm offset that ensures a flush, stable fit on most 4×156 hubs. This isn’t the flashiest setup, but it’s built for real-world abuse, not showroom appeal.

In testing, the AT 171 proved exceptionally resistant to punctures and sidewall damage, even after repeated runs over sharp limestone and dry riverbeds. The tread pattern provides consistent grip on hard-packed trails and loose dirt, though it lacks the deep biting edges needed for soft mud or snow. At higher speeds, the ride is stable but firm—there’s minimal flex, which enhances load-carrying capability but sacrifices some comfort on bumpy terrain. The 28×9-14 size offers a slightly narrower footprint than wider 10- or 12-inch options, reducing floatation in sand or muck.

Compared to the Fuel Maverick and Tensor Regulator bundle, this setup trades off some traction depth for superior puncture resistance and sidewall rigidity. It’s less aggressive than mud-focused tires like the ITP Mud Lite XL, but far more durable for daily workhorse use. Best suited for utility-focused riders who need tires that won’t quit after a season of hard use. Against the System 3 ST-4 and Pro Armor combo, it may lack the radial comfort, but it wins in pure rugged resilience and repairability.

When the trail turns to soup, the MSA Kore and ITP Mud Lite XL combo becomes a mud-churning beast that thrives where most tires surrender. The 28×12-14 Mud Lite XL tires feature staggered, paddle-like lugs that dig deep and self-clean with each rotation—essential for maintaining momentum in thick clay or flooded fields. With a 6-ply rating and aggressive staggered tread, this setup is purpose-built for extreme off-road dominance, especially when paired with high-torque UTVs. The inclusion of both 10-inch and 12-inch wide tires in the bundle allows for a staggered rear setup, enhancing rear grip and roosting power.

On muddy inclines and swampy flats, these tires deliver unmatched bite and ejection, clearing debris efficiently and maintaining forward thrust even in low-traction quagmires. The 12mm lug spacing prevents clogging better than tightly packed all-terrain patterns, and the radial-like flexibility improves ride quality over chunky terrain. However, on dry or hard-packed surfaces, the wide lugs create a bouncy, unstable feel and wear unevenly over time. Highway use is not recommended—the noise and vibration become excessive beyond 30 mph.

This bundle stands apart from the BKT AT 171 and EFX Moto MTC by prioritizing maximum mud clearance over all-terrain versatility. It’s not a daily trail tire, but for dedicated mud junkies, it’s the ultimate weapon. Compared to the Tensor Regulator setup, it sacrifices on-road manners and tread life for sheer off-road aggression. Best for mud-laden environments and low-speed crawling where raw traction trumps refinement. When weighed against other 28-inch options, it’s the only one truly optimized for extreme muck mastery.

The System 3 ST-4 and Pro Armor Crawler XR bundle earns its title as the best overall 28-inch setup by blending performance, comfort, and durability into one seamless package. The 8-ply radial construction of the Crawler XR tires delivers a rare combination: aggressive off-road capability with a surprisingly smooth ride, even at higher speeds. The deep, multi-angle tread blocks provide exceptional grip on rocks, mud, and loose gravel, while the radial sidewalls flex intelligently over obstacles instead of bouncing off them. Paired with the gloss-black ST-4 wheels, this kit offers a refined, plug-and-play upgrade for serious trail riders.

In real-world use, the Crawler XR excels across diverse terrains—climbing slick rock with confidence, powering through mud without packing, and maintaining stability on fast fire roads. The 4×110 bolt pattern opens compatibility to a wider range of machines, and the included Gorilla lug kit ensures a secure, wobble-free fit. At 28×10-14, the footprint strikes a perfect balance between floatation and clearance, making it ideal for technical trails and long-distance adventures. The only real limitation? The radial construction, while comfortable, can be more vulnerable to sidewall slashes in sharp-rock environments compared to bias-ply alternatives.

Stacked against the Fuel Maverick and Tensor Regulator, this bundle offers a smoother, more refined ride with equal traction. Compared to the MSA/BKT setup, it trades a bit of puncture resistance for vastly better comfort and handling. It’s the ideal middle ground for riders who want one tire to rule all terrains—not just survive them. For those seeking the most balanced, high-performance 28-inch package, this combo outshines the rest with its radial ride quality and trail versatility.

For riders on a tight budget but still needing reliable trail performance, the LCI/SI 28×8-12 tire is a no-nonsense solution that delivers core functionality without fluff. With a 6PR rating and 480-pound load capacity per tire, it’s built to handle utility tasks and light trail riding with ease. The 55F LCI/SI rating ensures solid puncture resistance, and the all-terrain tread offers dependable grip on dirt, grass, and gravel—perfect for side-by-sides used on farms, trails, or construction sites. It’s designed for simplicity: easy to mount, compatible with standard 12×6.5 rims, and ready to work right away.

In practice, this tire performs admirably for light-duty use, providing stable handling and predictable traction at moderate speeds. The narrower 8-inch width reduces floatation in sand or mud, but improves fuel efficiency and steering ease on lighter machines. The tread pattern is less aggressive than high-end options, so it struggles in deep ruts or slick conditions—this isn’t a tire for extreme off-roading. However, for mowing, hauling, or casual trail loops, it offers a reliable, cost-effective upgrade over worn OEM rubber.

Compared to the EFX Moto MTC, it’s slightly narrower and smaller in diameter (28×8-12 vs 28×10-14), limiting ground clearance and trail capability. But for machines that don’t need massive tires, it’s a smarter value—especially when buying in pairs. It lacks the included wheels and lug kits of the bundles, but for DIYers or those replacing just tires, it’s the most budget-friendly entry in the 28-inch category. When judged on pure value per mile, it stands tall among basic all-terrain options.