Made in the U.S., the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R is packed full of surprises. For instance, the sidewalls feature a reinforcement ply of aramid-the same stuff used to make bulletproof vests. Naturally, this makes the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R's sidewalls as tough as they get; an independent test showed that the Kevlar-reinforced version of the MT/R was 35 percent stronger than the previous version without Kevlar. However, the innovations don't stop there. One look at the radically asymmetrical tread pattern, and you know you're dealing with a different kind of tire. Goodyear consulted with experts from Sandia National Labs during the design of the tire, and using sophisticated supercomputers they were able to test and fine-tune the MT/R in a virtual environment. As such, the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R is clearly a different breed of mud-terrain. The central section of the pattern features a semi-solid tread element that provides excellent street manners in all conditions. Then, add in widely spaced side lugs that act like paddles to propel the vehicle through deep mud and sand.
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar
The results really do impress. It's like having both an aggressive mud-terrain and a mild-mannered all terrain wrapped up in one attractive package. Throughout our testing, we couldn't help but wonder if other tire companies would follow Goodyear's lead and produce similar-looking and -performing tread designs. The MT/R hooked up in every area of our test loop at Hollister Hills, yet returned one of the smoothest ride qualities of the group. The open tread design scored the lowest on our tractive element test, yet returned a middle-of-the-pack biting-edges-per-inch score of 1.49. Available in sizes ranging from 31 to 42 inches, the MT/R is truly a tire for everyone. It even comes in an extra-sticky competition-only compound for extreme rock racing.
The Bottom Line
The MT/R is the do-all tire that Goodyear claims it to be, and only better because of Kevlar reinforcement.
The Details
Tire: Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar
Size: 37x12.50R17
Type: Radial
Load range: D
Max load rating (lb @ psi): 3,525 @ 50
Sidewall: 2-ply polyester, 1-ply aramid
Tread: 2-ply polyester, 2-ply steel, 1-ply nylon
Approved rim width (in): 10
Tread depth (in): 22/32
Tread width (in): 9.3
Section width (in): 12.5
Overall diameter (in): 36.8
Static loaded radius (in): N/A
Revolutions per mile: N/A
Claimed weight (lb): N/A
Weight as tested (lb): 76.2, 75.4, 75.2, 73.6
Biting edges per square inch (in): 1.49
MSRP: $403.00
Info: www.goodyeartires.com
