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Last updated 3/31/2025 - Originally published 3/31/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs can be driven on- and off-road, and therefore, they need tires that complement their versatility. All-terrain tires are very popular among occasional off-roaders as they can be used on rough terrains and highways, but some enthusiasts particularly look for aggressive performance on rugged terrains along with reliable performance on the highways.
That’s where the rugged-terrain tires play a significant role. They are comparatively better off the road than all-terrain tires and can be used on paved roads as well. Their tread is engineered for commanding performance in mud, loose sand, gravel, dirt, and rocks, alongside serving you with confident drives on the tarmac. These tires are called a blend of mud-terrain and all-terrain tires because of their versatile abilities.
Here, we will learn which of the two rugged terrain tires is better – the Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T or the Patriot R/T. Both tires are optimized for on- and off-road traction, and they feature an aggressive tread pattern that allows them to perform on soft, loose, and uneven terrains.
While the Terra Hunter R/T was introduced by Venom Power in 2019, the Patriot R/T came in 2017. They are both optimized to conquer terrains and sport innovative technologies and features to offer seamless transitioning from paved roads to trails and rugged terrains.
If you want to choose the best out of the two as per your driving style, needs, and budget, read this Terra Hunter R/T vs Patriot R/T tires comparison till the end, as we compare them based on their overall capabilities, traction, handling, and longevity. Additionally, to ease the comparative analysis, we use our proprietary tire rating system, SimpleScore.
Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T tires
Let’s talk about the Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T, which is rated an overall SimpleScore rating of 7.5 and can serve on the trails and highways. It is made for use on SUVs, Jeeps, and light trucks, and is optimized for smooth handling and comfort on the highways. Solid durability, enhanced off-road traction, long-lasting tread life, and optimum damage resistance are other key highlights of this tire. The Terra Hunter R/T additionally features a self-cleaning tread pattern that assures improved traction and grip in varying terrain and weather conditions.
Get Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Patriot R/T tires
The Patriot R/T is rated a great 8.0 SimpleScore rating. This means the tire offers dependable performance on- and off-road. The tire is Mud and Snow (M+S) rated for better performance in deep mud and snowy conditions. Patriot has optimized the tire for on-road comfort, superior handling, quieter and smoother rides, off-road traction, better stability, and puncture resistance. It is also backed by a tread life warranty for a great ownership experience.
Get Patriot R/T tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T vs Patriot R/T tires on traction
Let’s commence our comparative analysis with traction and find out which of the two tires can maintain surefootedness on the highways and has better biting or gripping ability while driving in conditions like mud, dirt, rocks, gravel, and sand.
The Terra Hunter R/T secures a 7.6 SimpleScore rating in traction, confirming its good ability to go on- and off-road. The tire features an aggressive dual sidewall design for increased off-road traction and gets an optimized void-to-lug ratio for extreme off-road performance in conditions like mud, sand, snow, and rocks. The deeper tread depth boosts off-road ability and also resits hydroplaning in wet conditions. For increased traction on rocky terrain, the Terra Hunter R/T is offered with staggered shoulder lugs that enhance the tire’s biting ability.
On the contrary, the Patriot R/T also scores a 7.6 SimpleScore in traction, and the tire is also Mud and Snow (M+S) rated for increased traction on snowy and muddy conditions. The all-season compound allows this rugged-terrain tire to maintain contact with the surface while driving on the highways, assuring reliable year-round performance. The computer-optimized tread block sizes and shapes along with multiple lateral grooves and sipes increase the tire’s traction on different terrain conditions.
Both, the Terra Hunter R/T and the Patriot R/T achieve an equal SimpleScore and confirm their similar traction abilities.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T vs Patriot R/T tires on handling
Here, let’s discuss how the Terra Hunter R/T and the R/T from Patriot perform when it comes to controllability, steering response, cornering performance, braking efficiency, stability, and lane changes on the highways based on the tires’ scores and features.
The Terra Hunter R/T is rated a 7.8 SimpleScore for its reliable handling performance on paved roads as well as while off-roading. The wider, flat footprint provides stability in varying conditions, while the advanced tread pattern and pitch variation contribute to enhanced comfort on the highways and offer smooth drives. The shoulder lugs of the tire with biting edges provide driving confidence on rocky terrain. Thanks to the wider gaps between the tread blocks, the tire reduces the chances of hydroplaning for better control in wet and light snow conditions. Additionally, the dual sidewall construction is optimized to withstand off-roading and cornering pressures.
On the other hand, the Patriot R/T comes as a more competitive choice and scores a 7.9 SimpleScore rating in handling. Thanks to the robust 3-ply construction, the tire provides surefooted handling on all kinds of terrains. The wider center tread block also contributes to enhancing stability and handling performance year-round. While the dual sidewall design boosts cornering performance and prevents off-road impacts, the lateral grooves and angled sipes improve braking performance and ride control on wet and snowy surfaces.
Both tires offer good controllability, however, it is the Patriot R/T that marginally excels.
ADVANTAGE: Patriot R/T
Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T vs Patriot R/T tires on longevity
Here, in this section, let’s find out which of the two tires is better on the longevity front and can resist wear better.
Starting with the Terra Hunter R/T, the tire is rated a good 7.6 SimpleScore rating and comes as a dependable choice for those who want a tire that can serve a good number of miles. The robust sidewall design with armor prevents cuts, chips, and tears for a long-lasting performance. Similarly, the deep tread depth promotes longer wear, and the mud and stone ejectors prevent stone drilling for a longer service. The flat and wide footprint of the tire allows a large area to come in contact with the road and distributes the highway driving pressures for longer and even wear.
Comparatively, the Patriot R/T scores an impressive 8.7 SimpleScore rating, assuring the drivers of an extended service life. The coverage of 45,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty also hints of the tire’s longer service. The robust 3-ply construction of the tire provides increased puncture resistance and longer tread life. Likewise, the wider, center tread blocks ensure even tread wear. The rubber compound, the sidewalls, and the inner construction of the tire are also reinforced to resist the impacts for a longer service.
In longevity, we see a significant gap in the scores of the two tires, and it is the Patriot R/T tire that takes the lead, leaving the Terra Hunter R/T behind.
ADVANTAGE: Patriot R/T
When to use each
Both the Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T and the Patriot R/T are rugged-terrain tires suitable for on- and off-road driving. They are a good choice for those who want to experience the aggressive off-road performance, yet do not want to miss the enjoyment on the highways. If you usually drive more on the roads and occasionally go off-roading, then all-terrain tires could be a better option for you, but if you want to experience the typical terrain-crushing experience (not as great as mud-terrain tires though), then stick to the rugged-terrain tires. The advantage of the Patriot R/T over the Terra Hunter R/T is that it is Mud and Snow (M+S) rated and provides better performance while driving in muddy terrains and snow.
Coming to the sizes, the Terra Hunter R/T is available in 17- to 22-inch rim sizes, while the Patriot R/T is offered in 17- to 24-inch rim size options.
Which one should you choose?
Looking at the overall SimpleScore, the Patriot R/T is better than the Venom Power Terra Hunter R/T (8.0 vs 7.5). However, they both have their own unique attributes, which must be taken into consideration when buying a tire that best meets your driving style and needs.
Coming to the prices, the Terra Hunter R/T is offered at a starting price of at least $191 per tire, while the Patriot R/T is available at a starting price of at least $174 per tire. This means a set of four Terra Hunter tires will cost you at least $764, while a set of four Patriot tires will cost you at least $696.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Terra Hunter R/T if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Ford F-150 or the Toyota Tacoma.
- Want an equally good tire in traction (7.6 vs 7.6).
- Can pay more to buy a tire that delivers reliable performance on- and off-road.
On the other hand, you should consider the Patriot R/T if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or the Nissan Titan.
- Want a tire that’s equally good in traction.
- Need a tire that’s better in handling (7.9 vs 7.8) and longevity (8.7 vs 7.6).
- Prefer a tire that’s Mud and Snow (M+S) rated.
- Need a tire that’s backed by a 45,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
- Need a comparatively cheaper and overall better tire.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.