Even if snow isn’t an issue, though, the type of tire you should buy for your RAV4 also depends on the kind of terrain that you will be driving on. There are special kinds of tires that are designed specifically for trucks and SUVs that are made to cater to different environments. Someone who uses their RAV4 to commute to work, run errands in town, and pick up their kids from school in the city probably doesn’t need the same tires as someone who needs to tow farm supplies across muddy fields or cart tools to an unpaved construction site.
Those who primarily drive on paved roads should opt for basic passenger tires, touring tires, or sport truck tires. These are designed to have smooth and reliable traction, make less noise, and typically boast a longer tread life so long as you stick to the pavement. Performance tires are also a good option for areas that get a lot of rain, appreciate the Pacific Northwest, since they have larger circumferential and lateral grooves, which gives them better traction in wet weather.
Those who take their RAV4 off the beaten path might be better off getting all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. All-terrain is best for hybrid on and off-road driving. Meanwhile, mud-terrain is for drivers who need the most aggressive tread pattern possible for off-roading. These also typically have siding protection to reduce the likelihood of punctures, abrasions, and tearing.
