Tyres for 2012 Kluger KX-S AWD

Are you looking for expert advice or opinions?

Glenn

Tyre queries and requests for recommendations come up regularly on this forum so a search will give you a wide range of comments - mostly useful - if you have the time to wade through them. But to give you a quick guide the following AT tyres almost always get high ratings on many different forums from people driving a variety of vehicles. There are better tyres for particular uses but these are very good all-rounders and their popularity means you can usually find them at reasonable prices (another reason for sticking with popular sizes).

In no particular order:
BFGoodrich AT (the old or the new pattern)
Yokohama Geolander
Bridgestone D697

Light Truck (LT) versions get the thumbs up because of their strength and puncture resistance.

I've had a good run out of all my Bridgestones - currently running D697 - and stuck with the brand because they are well-priced if you shop around. Mind you I've cursed my choice occasionally in slippery conditions, but all tyres are a compromise for most of us. The reports are so good about the BFGs and Yokos that I might give them a run next time - providing the price is right of course.

intersting link for bridgestone 697 some education on what to look for in tires

I am assuming you have the 19" rims on your Kluger.
I had a similar issue with larger rims a few years ago and it was going to cost a bomb to get rubber for 18" rims back then. (Note: Now 18" rims are easier to get now)
I spent $250 for 4 secondhand wheels off ebay that were 17".
This allowed me to get a better range of tyres at a much cheaper price than the 18's.

Cost wise: $250 for 4x 17" rims plus 4 tyres at $230each. Was cheaper than 4x 18" tyres at $380 each.
Now I have plenty of choice and a tyre better suited to sand driving, which is what I wanted.

A quick ebay search shows 16" and 17" Kluger wheels aplenty. I just hope Toyota did not change their wheel / rim / PCD specs between each of the models. And that all these are compatible with your vehicle.

This will open up a lot of options for better off-road tyres

Thanks for the info. Would expert advice come from a tyre retailer or Toyota?

Hi Glenn

Being in the tyre industry for over 25 years I will give you one word of advise, don't go to Toyota for advise as you wouldn't go to the doctor for a sore tooth.
As for a good tyre brand stick with a Japanese made tyre ( Toyo,Yokohama,Bridgestone or Sumitomo)or Michelin they do make the best quality tyres. Not always the best off road or mud but quality for balance. My personal choice would be the Toyo then Bridgestone but that's my personal choice. Someone did mention to up size not recommended unless you want to change all five tyres and can Handel the speeding fines when you get caught a few km's over the speed limit.
As for BF Goodrich or Cooper personally they are over rated these days but if you back 20 years they where far superior back then but not anymore, just very we'll marketed. There is many good tyres on the market these happy shopping
Regards
Brad

We went for federal couragia fx tyres on the tribeca. They are an extra load rated 4 season tyre. I cannot see much merit in going for an a.t. on an SUV? They maintain the nice road going atmosphere of the car and will handle any of the very slight off road it might never do.