As we compare these two exceptional tire models, both of which boast cutting-edge tread compounds, it becomes evident that they cater to the specific needs of 3/4-ton trucks, 1-ton pickup trucks, body-on-frame SUVs, and Jeeps with impressive efficiency.
Both A/T tires perform very well in snowy, dry, and wet conditions, when it comes to pavements, though the Falken AT3wa still gets to have a slighter upper hand, with it’s closed up tread voids, and similar siping structure. On the other side, the Falken Wildpeak AT3w shines on rugged terrains, and I should add, by a big margin. It features superior durability and more number of biters, that allow it to excel in muddy, sandy, and rocky terrains with much more ease.
Table of Contents
Tire Facts
The Falken Wildpeak AT3w comes in 15 to 22 inches, with following specs.
- Speed ratings: Q, R, S, T, and H.
- Tread depth: 12 to 19/32″.
- Load Range: SL, XL, C, D, E, and F.
- Weight Range: 35 lbs to 79.4 lbs.
- UTQG: 660 A B.
- Warranty: 55k miles on all.
- Winter ratings: 3PMSF along with M+S.
On the other side, the Falken Wildpeak AT3wA, comes in 18 to 22 inches (rims), with following specs.
- Speed ratings: Q, R, S, T, H and V
- Load ratings: XL, SL and C.
- Tread depth range: 11 to 14/32″.
- Weight range: 40 to 60 lbs.
- UTQG: 500 B A.
- Winter ratings: 3PMSF (not on all sizes).
- Tread mileage rating: 50k miles.
- Sidewalls are available with white letters (unlike the AT3w).
Tread Features
Falken Wildpeak AT3wa features a better design for on-road use. Let me explain why by describing its tread.
Starting form the middle, the tire features almost-continuous running zigzag rib, with lugs having off-set edges, and rectilinear siping.
These account for a superior braking distance and acceleration times on highways (more on that later).
The surrounding ribs have bigger lugs, and sharper edges, along with longer rectilinear sipes. These lugs despite having larger lateral gaps in between, are still attached to each other with the help of connectors, helping overall on-road traction efficacy.
These ribs are then divided up/separated from the shoulders by very tough passing and sharp toothed circumferential grooves.
The shoulder lugs are a little different from the rest, they although have similar sharp edges, and connector between them, their structure is a little bigger and blocky, and they carry a combination of interlocking and rectilinear siping.
And towards outer edges, each of these lugs is staggered on itself. And yes, they also makes pretty great looking sidewalls too, with sharp edges.
Moving towards the Wildpeak AT3w, you get a more open tread design, stating the obvious.
In the middle here, you get a combination of Z and C shaped blocks, forming interconnected web of lateral and longitudinal tread voids.
All these lugs have stepped edges, reinforced foundations, notches and rectilinear sipes to them.
And they are more compacted up compared to outer shoulder lugs, which are separated by zig-zag, and tough-passing circumferential grooves.
Speaking of which, the shoulder lugs cover the major portion of the tread.
They are elongated, and carry interlocking (full-depth) siping. Though their inner edges have similar to central lugs features, such as notches and stepped edges.
And towards outer margins, these blocks have serrated edges, and they join up with U shaped sharp-edged sidewall lugs too.
Dry Performance
In the realm of all-terrain tires, the both tires are transforming the landscape. I mean their computer-optimized tread designs ensure ample rubber-to-road contact, which then translates in to the grip.
Though here, with less aggressive tread pattern the Falken AT3wA is still taking the lead.
This is because the tire features a more streamlined longitudinal ribs, which account for greater connectivity with the pavement.
The Wildpeak AT3w on the other hand features wider grooves, which aren’t able to grip on the surface with as much consistency as its counterpart.
Wet Performance
Wet traction may pose a challenge for some, but not for these boys over here. That’s why they have the W in their name, which represent their epic “WET” traction.
Both tire basically come with a combination of dual siping, with interlocking sipes on the shoulders and rectilinear ones in the middle.
So it makes sense why both of them have similar wet braking distances and handling times.
Though still overall, I would still have to give Wildpeak AT3w an upper hand here, due to its superior hydroplaning resistance capability.
It’s interconnected web of grooves account for faster water evacuation efficacy in comparison, so you get greater floating speed on both straight and curved aqua tests.
But in terms of wet grip, both tires are simply great. Their quick responsiveness to subtle steering inputs offers a highly alert feedback, and I simply am in love with that.
Off-Road Performance
Off-road performance demands a tire that can withstand harsh off road conditions. Let’s analyze how our boys handle them across various terrains (which I mentioned below).
Rocky Areas
On rocks, durability is a big one, as most of the punctures (mainly on sidewalls) happen on this terrain.
Moreover you also need a lot of grip and from all sides, as when climbing rocks you need both lateral and longitudinal traction.
And without any doubt, I can confirm that the Falken Wildpeak AT3w is a better pick here.
The tire features 2 extra layers covering the sidewalls, and bead area, allowing for superior protection, and it’s Z and C shaped biters, along with serrated shoulder lugs supply you with all the grip you need.
Though by lowering air pressure, the Wildpeak AT3w also does great, as it features similar U shaped (sharp and slanted) sidewall lugs, compared to AT3w.
Gravely Roads
On gravely roads, stones can easily get trapped in the tread. And they then not only cause damage, but also significantly reduce the overall grip and traction.
To handle this, both the AT3w and the AT3wa are crafted with cut-resistant rubber.
Though the Wildpeak AT3w still outperforms its counterpart, as it comes with a more voided design, even though its missing with dedicated stone ejectors, just like it’s little brother.
Sandy Dunes
Sandy landscapes, is where the Wildpeak AT3wA outshines the AT3w, as it features superior floating abilities. Let me explain.
The tire significantly has a lighter weight, and smoother outer edges, and both of these elements avoid digging into the soft sandy terrains.
Moreover, the tire’s closed-up lugs and and (similar) U shaped sidewalls, supply with greater footprint to meetup up with the sand. So you get superior traction.
Thick Mud
Mud is the toughest of all terrains, and they say its the worst enemy of A/T tires. Though some tires still do pretty great here, and Falken Wildpeak AT3w is in that list.
The tire basically features tread depth up to 19/32″ (one of the largest in A/T tires). I mean such tread depth is mostly seen on mud tires. So it can handle good amount of mud.
Moreover, it’s Z/C shaped lugs along with shoulders, having notches and stepped edges, break down the mud particles efficiently, as it flows out through the interconnected tread voids (they make).
Also I love how it’s U shaped sidewall lugs also act as traction scoops, paddling its way out, even when it’s knee deep in mud.
The Wildpeak AT3wa on the other side can’t handle as much mud, due to it’s longitudinal tread voids, restricting mud to flow out sideways.
Snow Traction
A/T tires display commendable performance on snowy terrains, incorporating several characteristics which are actually seen on winter tires.
Though, keep in mind, these tires can’t offer as much traction as dedicated winter tires do.
But they are close. And that goes for both or our boys here, coming with 3 peak mountain snowflake ratings, and epic all season rubber compound.
But still there are some differences between the two.
The Falken Wildpeak AT3w with its larger tread depth, and bigger notches, and stepped edges on Z and C shaped lugs basically deliver superior traction on deeper terrains (anything above 2 feet of snow).
On the other hand, the Falken Wildpeak AT3wA, while it falls a tad short on giving you ample biters, it compensates that with superior siping in the middle.
You get a superior grip on packed up snowy terrains.
Summary
Both A/T tires offer superior performance in almost all conditions. Both 3 peak mountain snowflake rating, demonstrating high-quality traction on snowy terrains.
And they both have ample full depth siping to deliver good enough wet traction as well.
Moreover, in terms of fuel economy the Wildpeak AT3wa takes the lead due to it’s lighter weight (for the most part), showing up with small rolling resistance values.
Though that does not mean the tire also excels in the tread life department. Here the Wildpeak AT3w takes the lead, due to its superior tread depth going up to 19/32″ and greater durability.
Moving towards off-road, these boys offer varying performance based on the terrain. I mean on rocks and mud, the Wildpeak AT3 is taking the lead of course.
But on sandy terrains, surprisingly the Falken AT3wa comes out as a better choice.
The at3w are not found in Europe nor on the official website, only the at3wa are found, do you have any particular acronym to search for?
Ill get back to you on this! (On email).
You are right. I have been trying to find them also for my pickup, I eventually just ordered the A because I am running out of time with a long roadtrip ahead. That’s a great review Ozmen. Just a shame we don’t get the W in EU…
I have AT/3wA tires on my ’24 Tundra, stock from the factory. I cannot locate the 3PMSF logo on the sidewalls. Are you certain that the AT/3wA indeed has this rating? Mine only have “M+S” ratings on the sidewalls.
The 3 Peak rating is not available on all of its sizes.
Is the rating not available on all of the sizes b/c they haven’t fully tested all of the sizes and therefore can not certify, or is there an actual difference in traction between the sizes? It seems to me that if the tread pattern is the same across all the sizes then the handling qualities would also be the same also. Interested in your thoughts. [We have the 265/60R20 stock size on our Tundra and looking to go into the snow] – Thanks.
Well a lot of things change with sizes, including contact patch and weight. If I talk about weight alone, it makes a lot of a difference as greater the weight, the more pressure lugs put on the snow, and better snow-to-snow contact is achieved, improving traction.
Looking for tire for my jeep grand cherokee and can’t decide between AT3w and AT3wa.
I will use the vehicle mostly on the road but take a yearly hunting trip which it will need to handle gravel roads, wet muddy fields, and heavy snow. Also where I reside, it will need to be able to handle snow for 4-6 months out of the year. If the wa can perform well enough in the snow, I can most likely manage the gravel and offroading. I also want a tire that offers good road handling and decent fuel economy.
Tire size is 265/60/18R. From what the specs say from the dealer, both tires weight 43.2 lbs. w is rated 114T XL 660AB. wa is rated 110H SL 500BA. I’m a little concerned about the lower ratings here on the wa. Any thoughts/suggestions?
How about I leave this one to my readers huh?