2019 Goodyear Wrangler Review: AT SilentTrac

All-Terraire tires are going through a tough time - they are expected to be everything to everyone. They are expected to be quiet, comfortable and safe on the road, but also able to provide enough traction off-road. Often attempts at this combination of attributes result in the tire being too much of a compromise to be truly effective at anything.

But, as with any industry, technology is advancing rapidly, as is the ability of tire manufacturers to quickly and comprehensively respond to the needs and desires of their customers, existing and potential.

So, Goodyear's new all-terrain tire, the Wrangler AT SilentTrac, has entered the company's lineup to replace the outgoing AT/SA (Silent Armor) model and is aimed at the booming SUV and passenger car market.

Let's face it, tires are a rash purchase for many, that is, people are reluctant to part with money for them, when in fact the purchase of tires is one of the most important investments that everyone makes for their safety and the safety of their family. And a tire should never be a compromise.

Goodyear invited CarsGuide to a product launch at the Norwell Motorplex, near the Gold Coast, to show reporters and tire dealer owners how the new tires perform on and off the road.

TIRE

The Goodyear Wrangler AT SilentTrac is available in rim diameters from 15 to 18 in 23 sizes, including 14 for 4X4 passenger cars and nine for 4X4 light trucks.

Tire expert Goodyear prepares SilentTrac tires for the drive. (Image credit: Markus Kraft)

“Our many years of experience in the 4x4 segment and proven track record in developing award-winning 4x4 and off-road tires has led us to create the latest Wrangler AT SilentTrac tire that allows mid-price consumers to drive confidently with increased traction. and durability for a pleasant and quiet driving experience,” said Goodyear Asia Pacific President Ryan Patterson.

Among many exaggerations at the time of launch, Goodyear officials noted that SilentTrac Durawall (thick rubber) technology "provides durability for confident off-road driving"; its traction crests and square shoulder blocks "help clear mud and snow for versatile off-road traction" and redirect air to reduce road noise; and the thick rubber layer under the tread helps absorb road noise better than their previous ATs and thus ensures a quiet and comfortable ride.

It doesn't look overly aggressive - and an all-terrain tire shouldn't be, because its city-focused looks make up a big part of its appeal - but how does the SilentTrac handle when driving?

ON THE ROAD

It's impossible to get the final picture of any product, let alone something as complex as a tire, in just 30 minutes of direct user interaction. But damn it, we still had a crack.

Prados, some with SilentTrac, some with Bridgestone Duelers, between rides for comparison. (Image credit: Markus Kraft)

Goodyear officials are very pleased with their SilentTrac tires to say the least, so in an attempt to showcase the positive performance of their new tyres, the racing competition included side-by-side tire-to-competitor comparisons on the Prado, as well as a short, twisty time-synchronized drive on the sled in the back HiLux double cabin rear. All SilentTrac tires were 265/65R17.

Our first event was to drive the Prado with Bridgestone Duelers tires for a few hundred meters of the race track and then drive the Prado with SilentTrac tires on the same stretch to highlight the superiority of the Goodyear tires. Both sets of tires were set to 32 psi (psi). Sharp steering and braking were part of the mix.

The performance differences between the two different brands were hard to see on such a short route in such a short amount of time, but if anything, the Goodyear tires showed marginal advantages over the competition in terms of traction and cornering control. It seems to be quiet too.

We then drove an unloaded HiLux on SilentTracs on a short, easy loop in the wet.

Again, hard to tell with little time on it and nothing to compare it to, but there was definitely a certain amount of rubber control in tight corners in the wet and hard braking.

OFF-ROAD

SilentTracs 15" bushing boots are ready to go. (Image credit: Markus Kraft)

The off-road components of our drive day were divided into "soft" trail and "extreme" trail, and gave a little more information about the positive qualities of the tires when driving on terrain that is harsher than just bitumen.

We completed both trails in a Jeep Wrangler wearing SilentTrac 31X10.50R15 LT (Light Truck Construction) tires at 24 psi.

The first track involved short-range 4WD driving over a variety of terrain, including a short stretch of rock, some easy climbs and descents, shallow water crossings, and small ruts and bumps. Wrangler vehicles are on the right side of ability, and Wranglers tires seemed to complement that skill level effectively.

Driving one of the 4WD test cycles. (Image credit: Markus Kraft)

The second off-road loop was more challenging for drivers and vehicles with more severe obstacle options we had ridden earlier in the day, and again, the rubber proved to be effective in helping to maintain traction at the right time.

Goodyear officials believe the SilentTrac is capable of withstanding "rough off-road use, cut and tear resistant", but I can't comment authoritatively on those claims because our rides were short. 

Climbing uphill during one of the 4WD test laps. (Image credit: Markus Kraft)

As mentioned earlier, it's impossible to get any really valuable insight into a tire after such a short exposure to it, and I'd like to spend a lot more time driving the AT SilentTrac before making an informed decision on them, but you have to give credit to the Goodyear mafia: they are enthusiastic about their new tires and are not afraid to show it.