What is the difference between AT, MT, and other ATV/UTV tire types?
AT (all-terrain), MT (mud-terrain), sand/paddle, and hard terrain tires each serve different riding conditions for ATVs and UTVs.
ATV and UTV tires are categorized by the terrain they are designed to handle. The main types you will encounter at Function Powersports:
- AT (All-Terrain): Balanced tread for trail, dirt, gravel, and light mud. The most versatile and common choice for recreational riders. Great for mixed terrain.
- MT (Mud-Terrain): Aggressive, widely-spaced lugs that self-clean in deep mud. Best for bog riding, mud runs, and machines built specifically for wet, muddy conditions. More noise and wear on hard surfaces.
- Sand/Paddle: Paddle-style scoops for maximum propulsion in loose sand. Purpose-built for dune riding -- not meant for trail or mud use.
- Hard Terrain / Rock: Lower-profile tires with tighter tread patterns optimized for rocky terrain and hard-packed trails where puncture resistance and handling precision matter more than mud self-cleaning.
- Street/DOT: Some UTV models are street-legal, and DOT-rated tires are available for on-road use. These are more road-comfortable but sacrifice off-road performance.
Browse by tire type at functionpowersports.com/store/tires or contact our team for a recommendation based on your terrain and machine.