Falken Wildpeak A/T4W Review
Summary
An iconic off-road tire with exceptional tread life and a pioneer in year-round performance.
Falken Tires has recently launched its latest all-terrain offering, the Wildpeak A/T4W, as a follow-up to its highly successful Wildpeak A/T3W. The A/T3W put Falken on the map as a mainstream all-terrain tire with genuine winter capability at an attractive price. Now, the new Wildpeak A/T4W aims to build on that reputation with improved durability, towing capability, and an impressive 65,000-mile tread life warranty.
So does it deliver? Let’s find out.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive 65,000-Mile Warranty: Among the best in the all-terrain category.
- Durable Construction: DURASPEC Three Ply Sidewall Technology on select sizes for extreme off-road protection.
- Winter-Ready: Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rated for severe snow conditions.
- Improved Towing Capability: Heavy Duty LT-rated sizes available.
- Full-Depth Sipes: Provide consistent traction throughout the tire’s lifespan.
Cons:
- Tread Life Comparatively Short for Some LT Sizes: The LT sizes have a slightly lower tread life warranty of 60,000 miles.
- Less Aggressive Than Some Competitors: While durable, the tread pattern may not be as aggressive as some more extreme off-road tires.
Overview of the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
The Wildpeak A/T4W is designed to tackle everything from backcountry trails to the open road, making it a versatile choice for drivers who need a tire that performs well both on and off the pavement. With the industry-standard 3PMSF symbol for severe snow conditions, this tire is engineered for harsh winter weather, featuring full-depth sipes that maintain traction throughout its lifespan. The tread pattern resembles that of its predecessor, the A/T3W, but with a new rubber compound and increased tread rigidity for enhanced performance.
Durability and Off-Road Capability
One of the standout features of the Wildpeak A/T4W is Falken’s DURASPEC Three Ply Sidewall Technology, included in select sizes. This technology, borrowed from Falken’s rugged Wildpeak R/T and M/T tires, ensures that the A/T4W can handle extreme off-road conditions. The staggered shoulder blocks add to the tire’s all-terrain confidence and rugged durability, providing better grip on loose surfaces like mud and gravel. For those who need heavy-duty performance, Falken has introduced LT-rated sizes, enhancing the tire’s towing capacity and overall strength.
Performance in Winter Conditions
Just like the A/T3W, the Wildpeak A/T4W is built to handle severe winter conditions. It proudly carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which signifies its ability to perform well in snow and ice. With full-depth sipes that last the life of the tire, the A/T4W provides consistent traction in snowy and icy conditions, making it a reliable option for winter driving.
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W Price
While the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W offers advanced features, it remains competitively priced within the all-terrain tire segment – something Falken has always been known for. Prices can vary based on size and specifications, but it is generally affordable considering the durability, warranty, and technology it brings to the table.
Pricing ranges from $160 per tire for the smallest 15-inch size and goes up to around $550 per tire for some of the largest LT sizes.
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W Warranty
One of the most impressive aspects of the Wildpeak A/T4W is its 65,000-mile Limited Tread Life Warranty for non-LT sizes, which is quite notable for an all-terrain tire. LT sizes come with a 60,000-mile warranty. In addition to this, Falken offers a 30-Day Ride Guarantee and Road Hazard Protection, providing peace of mind for buyers.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W vs A/T4W
The Falken Wildpeak A/T4W brings several key improvements over its predecessor, the Wildpeak A/T3W, which was already a standout in the all-terrain segment for its winter capability and affordability. The A/T4W retains the same tread pattern that made the A/T3W so successful but enhances it with a new rubber compound for increased tread rigidity, resulting in better durability and a more stable ride. Falken has also introduced Heavy Duty LT-rated sizes for the A/T4W, offering improved towing capability and strength, which caters to drivers who demand more from their tires in challenging conditions. Additionally, while the A/T3W was known for its winter performance, the A/T4W builds on this with full-depth sipes that provide consistent traction throughout the life of the tire. The new model also comes with a longer treadwear warranty of up to 65,000 miles for non-LT sizes, surpassing the A/T3W and providing more value and confidence to drivers.
Should You Buy the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W?
The Falken Wildpeak A/T4W builds on the legacy of the Wildpeak A/T3W by offering enhanced durability, better towing capabilities, and an industry-leading 65,000-mile tread life warranty. While it continues to focus on capability, especially in off-road and winter conditions, this comes at a slight expense of tread life. The Wildpeak A/T4W is ideal for pickup trucks and true SUVs, but crossover owners may find more suitable options that prioritize on-road comfort and tread longevity. For those who prioritize rugged durability and winter performance, the A/T4W is a strong contender in the all-terrain market.