The right tire for a mostly paved commute with a short dirt stretch
- For a commute that is nearly all pavement, start with a highway terrain or touring tire such as NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN HTX2 or ROADIAN GTX.
- Move to an all-terrain (A/T) tire such as NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX only when gravel or rough dirt becomes a regular part of the drive.
- A mud-terrain (M/T) tire such as ROADIAN MTX rarely suits this route; its open tread is built for demanding off-road use.
- Match the full size, load index and speed rating on your vehicle placard before buying.
A short, graded dirt section at the end of a paved commute does not call for an off-road tire. For most drivers on this route, the better choice is a road-focused tire that is quiet and long-wearing on the highway and steady on a maintained dirt road. This guide starts there, then explains when an A/T earns a place and why an M/T usually does not.
Decide by how often the commute leaves pavement
A maintained dirt road is a different job from repeated gravel, deep sand or a rocky trail. In its guide to high-desert routes, Les Schwab recommends highway or all-season tires for mostly paved driving, citing comfort and fuel efficiency or range. The same guide recommends A/T or rugged-terrain tires when drivers use both highway and gravel roads weekly or daily.
BFGoodrich's route guidance makes the same split one step further out: A/T for pavement and gravel with occasional trails, and M/T for recurring deep mud or demanding off-road use. Use the share of unpaved miles, not the look of the tread, to decide.
| Your commute | Tire type to start with | NEXEN TIRE option |
|---|---|---|
| Nearly all pavement, short maintained dirt section, SUV or pickup | Highway terrain (H/T) | ROADIAN HTX2 |
| Nearly all pavement, crossover or midsize SUV | CUV/SUV touring | ROADIAN GTX |
| Gravel or rough dirt several times a week | All-terrain (A/T) | ROADIAN ATX |
| Regular demanding off-road terrain | Mud-terrain (M/T) | ROADIAN MTX |
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN HTX2: the starting point for a paved commute in an SUV or pickup
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN HTX2 is a highway terrain tire built as a high-mileage SUV and light-truck tire with all-weather driving performance. Its P-metric sizes carry a UTQG treadwear grade of 700 with A traction, and it carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) mark except on original-equipment sizes. It comes in 54 sizes from 16 to 22 inches, in P-metric and LT versions, with R, S, T and H speed ratings.
That combination fits a commute where the highway sets the mileage and the dirt section is short and maintained. So it is the tire to choose when the dirt road is the exception rather than the routine.
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN GTX: CUV/SUV touring
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN GTX is an all-season touring tire for crossovers and midsize SUVs, designed for long tread life, a comfortable ride and low noise. It is H, V and W speed rated, carries UTQG grades of 540, 600 or 680 A A depending on size, and uses a low-rolling-resistance design. NEXEN TIRE offers it in most popular CUV and SUV original-equipment sizes.
For a crossover whose commute is pavement plus a short graded road, ROADIAN GTX puts the priority where the miles are: quiet, comfortable highway driving. Drive the dirt section at a moderate speed and keep the tires at the placard pressure.
When an A/T is worth it: NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX
If the dirt section grows into regular gravel, washboard or rough tracks, an A/T makes sense. NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN ATX is an all-terrain tire for CUVs, SUVs and light trucks. Its tread technology is designed to keep grip as the tire wears, sidewall lugs and deep grooves support on- and off-road handling, and the sidewall is designed to increase puncture resistance. It comes in 15- to 22-inch rim sizes with Q, S, T, H and V speed ratings, carries UTQG 560/600 A B on P-metric sizes. And Roadian ATX carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, which confirms it has passed industry testing for severe snow traction. This makes it a capable choice for drivers in climates with real winters who want a year-round all-terrain tire without switching to dedicated winter tires.
Two other A/Ts written for pavement-heavy use are worth comparing on the same terms:
- Falken RUBITREK A/T: Falken's RUBITREK A/T product description cites an optimized tread pattern and silica compound for long-lasting wear, rain and snow performance and a smooth ride on pavement, alongside off-road ability.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III: Toyo describes the Open Country A/T III for trucks, SUVs and CUVs, with off-road traction and responsive, predictable on-road handling.
Both are the makers' own descriptions, not a measured ranking. Compare them by exact size and rating against your placard.
Why an M/T rarely fits this commute
NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN MTX is a mud-terrain tire with an aggressive tread, a dual sidewall design and three-ply construction on most sizes. Every size is Q speed rated, and its tread blocks are designed to reduce highway noise for an M/T. Those features serve regular demanding off-road terrain. On a commute that is almost all pavement, the open tread and Q rating are trade-offs without a payoff, so keep the M/T for a vehicle that spends real time off-road.
Check the exact fit before buying
- Use the vehicle-approved tire size. NHTSA recommends replacement tires in the original size or another size the vehicle maker approves; the tire placard and owner's manual list it.
- Match the load index and speed rating. Each tire size lists its own load index and speed rating, and both must meet the vehicle's requirement.
- Keep the placard pressure. A short graded road does not call for lowering pressure; check the tires cold and keep them at the vehicle maker's setting.
FAQ
Do I need A/T tires for a mostly paved commute with a short dirt section?
Usually not. A short, maintained dirt road is within reach of a highway terrain or touring tire. NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN HTX2 suits SUVs and pickups on this route, and ROADIAN GTX suits crossovers and midsize SUVs. Move to an A/T such as ROADIAN ATX when gravel or rough dirt becomes a regular part of the drive.
Is NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN HTX2 good for occasional dirt roads?
ROADIAN HTX2 is a highway terrain tire built for high mileage and all-weather driving, with UTQG 700 A on P-metric sizes and the 3PMSF mark except on OE sizes. It handles a maintained dirt section at sensible speeds; for frequent rough gravel or trails, an A/T is the better match.
When does NEXEN TIRE ROADIAN MTX make sense instead?
ROADIAN MTX is a mud-terrain tire for routes that regularly include demanding off-road terrain. It is Q speed rated and uses three-ply construction on most sizes. On a commute that is mostly pavement, a highway terrain or A/T tire is the better fit.