Hankook Dynapro AT2 vs Toyo Open Country (AT2 and AT3): Both all-terrain tires built for optimized driving experiences on road trips, and off road hikes as well. Dynapro offers excellent on road traction using massive contact patch of its tread. Its specialized siping pattern account for firm grip on road even in wet conditions.
On the other side, Toyo Open Country AT performs better in rugged terrains due to its open tread design.
Examine the treads on these tires closely. They hold the key to knowing which to choose. In fact if you visit my "tread design" page, picking the right tire would never bother you.
Good traction over muddy and snowy surfaces is credited to its huge voids and better rock traction is provided by aggressive blocks, staggered shoulders and bold stone ejectors.
Lets compare them all in detail. But first, make sure you also check out the Hankook Dynapro other family members as well.
Table of Contents
Comparison of Hankook Dynapro AT2 vs Toyo Open Country A/T-3
Hankook Dynapro AT2
Toyo AT3
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 is particularly made to provide a smooth and comfortable ride on-road along with a decent performance off-road.
It has a denser tread design that gives it more surface area which permits it to have a good grip on dry roads. This tire can perform well on wet surfaces as long as the weather conditions are not extreme, due to its deep grooves. At the same time, these grooves allow it to move through soft terrains with greater efficiency. But it cannot perform well on extreme terrains due to narrow grooves that do not possess the self-cleaning ability to tackle those terrains.
Subsequently, the Toyo Open Country A/T-3 has an open symmetric tread pattern that is molded with a cut-and-chip resistant tread compound and it features an evenly spread void ratio in its design to provide good traction on all terrains.
The Open Country A/T-3 has wet traction focused compound and 3D Multi-Wave Sipes that improve its wet traction and stability. Large lateral grooves help the tire to enhance its hydroplaning resistance and improve grip in snowy conditions.
Side Note: In terms of traction, the Falken Wildpeak sits right in the middle of these 2 tires.
Traction Comparison
Mud
The Dynapro AT2 features deep circumferential grooves and adequate sipes on its tread blocks that allow it to dig deep into the mud and excavate it easily, this allows the tire to have good traction on the muddy terrain. Even so, the AT2 cannot beat drastic muddy tracks because its grooves are not wide enough to clean itself effectively in those conditions.
The Open Country A/T-3 not only possesses bigger circumferential grooves but also increased lateral grooves and 3D multi-wave sipes in its tread design that enables it to sit firmly in the mud and remove the mud from its treads with a greater self-cleaning ability to move effortlessly across the mud. The A/T-3 can even beat drastic muddy tracks, unlike the AT2 because of its wider grooves.
Snow
The Dynapro AT2 and the Open Country A/T-3 have 3-peak snowflake ratings which makes them suitable for winter traction. Both of the tires behave differently in soft and hard snow. The AT2 has a more compact tread design with multi-directional grooves and sipes that work in conjunction with its Locking lugged shoulders which enable it to function effectively on light snow by grabbing and throwing the snow that comes in its path, but it cannot beat heavy snow.
In contrast, the Open Country A/T-3 can function better on heavy snow than the Dynapro AT2 because it has better features to deal with this terrain. It contains larger grooves and staggered shoulder lugs that work together to provide great biting strength. These features allow the tire to scoop the snow with additional power and move with greater efficiency. This makes the A/T-3 better on light and heavy snow than the Dynapro AT2.
Gravel and Rocks
The Dynapro AT2 is not going to do a great job on rugged terrains like gravel and rocks. This is because it doesn’t have those large grooves to maintain its grip on unleveled surfaces.
On the other hand, the Open Country A/T-3 has larger grooves and specially designed blocks that help it to displace stones and gravel that get stuck in the grooves. Moreover, this tire is more ruggedly built that makes it a better tire for harsh terrains.
Durability and Tread-wear
The Dynapro AT2 is constructed from a long tread wear compound with the addition of a reinforced under-tread gauge, nylon-reinforced belt, and high steel belts in its construction. All of these features make this tire highly durable on the road and decrease its wear and tear. Moreover, it has a wide tread and advanced footprint that work together to improve the efficiency of the tire.
On the other side, the Open Country A/T-3 has a more open tread pattern with evenly distributed void areas that are made from a cut and chip resistant compound. Therefore, it has a smaller surface area which decreases the rolling friction of the tire and makes it easier for it to spin on the road. Furthermore, its 3D sipes encourage even wear of the tire that enhances its life. Between these tires, the Open Country A/T-3 has better off-road tread-wear and durability.
Comfort
The Dynapro AT2 features a block-chain control system that not only increases riding comfort but also works in conjunction with the Step block edge technology designed around the grooves that act as sound barriers to eliminate the noise produced by the tire. What’s more, it has aerodynamic shoulders that deflect the air coming in its way and reduce air resistance. It has smaller grooves in its tread design and it tends to vibrate less than most of the A/T tires.
The A/T-3 has bigger grooves in its tread design that facilitate it to entrap a lot of air in its treads and therefore it produces noise and vibrations by the virtue of the air colliding in between the treads. Hence, this tire is not as comfortable as the Dynapro AT2.
Price
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 is more expensive than the Open Country A/T-3. Both of the tires have different specialties that give them better performance on certain terrains. So, the difference in their price is judicious.
Comparison of Hankook Dynapro AT2 vs Toyo Open Country A/T3
Vs
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 is particularly made to provide a smooth and comfortable ride on-road along with a decent performance off-road. It has a denser tread design that gives it more surface area which permits it to have a good grip on dry roads. This tire can perform well on wet surfaces as long as the weather conditions are not extreme, due to its deep grooves. At the same time, these grooves allow it to move through soft terrains with greater efficiency. But it cannot perform well on extreme terrains due to narrow grooves that do not possess the self-cleaning ability to tackle those terrains.
Subsequently, the Toyo Open Country A/T-3 has an open symmetric tread pattern that is molded with a cut-and-chip resistant tread compound and it features an evenly spread void ratio in its design to provide good traction on all terrains. The Open Country A/T-3 has wet traction focused compound and 3D Multi-Wave Sipes that improve its wet traction and stability. Large lateral grooves help the tire to enhance its hydroplaning resistance and improve grip in snowy conditions.
Side Note: In terms of traction, the Falken Wildpeak sits right in the middle of these 2 tires.
Traction Comparison
Mud
The Dynapro AT2 features deep circumferential grooves and adequate sipes on its tread blocks that allow it to dig deep into the mud and excavate it easily, this allows the tire to have good traction on the muddy terrain. Even so, the AT2 cannot beat drastic muddy tracks because its grooves are not wide enough to clean itself effectively in those conditions.
The Open Country A/T-3 not only possesses bigger circumferential grooves but also increased lateral grooves and 3D multi-wave sipes in its tread design that enables it to sit firmly in the mud and remove the mud from its treads with a greater self-cleaning ability to move effortlessly across the mud. The A/T-3 can even beat drastic muddy tracks, unlike the AT2 because of its wider grooves.
Snow
The Dynapro AT2 and the Open Country A/T-3 have 3-peak snowflake ratings which makes them suitable for winter traction. Both of the tires behave differently in soft and hard snow. The AT2 has a more compact tread design with multi-directional grooves and sipes that work in conjunction with its Locking lugged shoulders which enable it to function effectively on light snow by grabbing and throwing the snow that comes in its path, but it cannot beat heavy snow.
In contrast, the Open Country A/T-3 can function better on heavy snow than the Dynapro AT2 because it has better features to deal with this terrain. It contains larger grooves and staggered shoulder lugs that work together to provide great biting strength. These features allow the tire to scoop the snow with additional power and move with greater efficiency. This makes the A/T-3 better on light and heavy snow than the Dynapro AT2.
Gravel and Rocks
The Dynapro AT2 is not going to do a great job on rugged terrains like gravel and rocks. This is because it doesn’t have those large grooves to maintain its grip on unleveled surfaces.
On the other hand, the Open Country A/T-3 has larger grooves and specially designed blocks that help it to displace stones and gravel that get stuck in the grooves. Moreover, this tire is more ruggedly built that makes it a better tire for harsh terrains.
Durability and Tread-wear
The Dynapro AT2 is constructed from a long tread wear compound with the addition of a reinforced under-tread gauge, nylon-reinforced belt, and high steel belts in its construction. All of these features make this tire highly durable on the road and decrease its wear and tear. Moreover, it has a wide tread and advanced footprint that work together to improve the efficiency of the tire.
On the other side, the Open Country A/T-3 has a more open tread pattern with evenly distributed void areas that are made from a cut and chip resistant compound. Therefore, it has a smaller surface area which decreases the rolling friction of the tire and makes it easier for it to spin on the road. Furthermore, its 3D sipes encourage even wear of the tire that enhances its life. Between these tires, the Open Country A/T-3 has better off-road tread-wear and durability.
Comfort
The Dynapro AT2 features a block-chain control system that not only increases riding comfort but also works in conjunction with the Step block edge technology designed around the grooves that act as sound barriers to eliminate the noise produced by the tire. What’s more, it has aerodynamic shoulders that deflect the air coming in its way and reduce air resistance. It has smaller grooves in its tread design and it tends to vibrate less than most of the A/T tires.
The A/T-3 has bigger grooves in its tread design that facilitate it to entrap a lot of air in its treads and therefore it produces noise and vibrations by the virtue of the air colliding in between the treads. Hence, this tire is not as comfortable as the Dynapro AT2.
Price
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 is more expensive than the Open Country A/T-3. Both of the tires have different specialties that give them better performance on certain terrains. So, the difference in their price is judicious.
Comparing Hankook AT2 with Toyo AT2
Vs
Dynapro AT2 gives a classic look characterizing a denser tread with narrow grooves, step edged blocks, specialized siping pattern, tiny stone ejectors and bulky, flat shoulder lugs.
Low void ratio makes contact patch of tread greater, leading to firm grip on road.
Multi directional sipes along with zigzag grooves wipe off water and provide hydroplaning resistance, offering good wet traction as a result.
However, over off road surfaces, low void ratio is more of a demerit.
Decreased width and depth of grooves minimizes space available for evacuation of loose substances like mud, clay or snow, causing gradual stuffing of tread and decreased traction in various off road terrains.
Less prominent stone ejectors and less textured sidewalls only provide a little resistivity against harms of striking gravel fragments.
Open country AT2 exhibits an aggressive look owing to its massive grooves, angular lugs, staggered shoulders with bold scalloped blocks, bumpy stone ejectors and strongly built sidewalls.
On hard paved paths, it exhibits lesser traction in comparison as broad channels have reduced contact patch resulting in decreased grip of tread on road.
However, low contact patch and higher void ratio favors in rolling smoothly over rough off road surfaces.
Wider and deeper grooves provide space for effective evacuation of mud and snow, thus, prevent groove-choking and maintain good traction.
S shaped blocks of central ribs provide biting edges to grip on uneven rocky surfaces tightly and staggered shoulders provide firm handling while steering along difficult turns.
Stone ejectors safeguard tread from punctures and gravel clogging of grooves, as they toss off bombarding rock particles and tiny pebbles.
Traction Comparison
Mud Terrain
Hankook AT2 loses to its competitor when it comes to mud traction due to its low void ratio. Narrow and shallow grooves offer less space for evacuation of mud and dirt leading to mud stuffing of voids and loss of traction over the surface covered with such loose stuff. Flattened shoulder lugs without any texturing for traction makes handling over muddy corners risky and uncontrolled.
Toyo AT2 is a better choice for wandering into boggy plains due to its superior evacuation abilities. Dirt and mud quickly find a way out through its wide and deep grooves, making traction over such loose substances greater. Shoulder lugs with alternate staggering and scallops provide traction and biting ability for firm steer handling in muddy areas.
Snow Terrain
Over surfaces covered with snow, Dynpro offers less traction in comparison owing to its higher contact patch. Its smaller grooves lack proficiency to throw soft snow off the tire in backwards direction, as a result tread gradually gets filled with snow and tire loses traction. On ice, however, it shows good performance as massive blocks with higher contact patch have more biting ability on ice. Excessive siping pattern provide efficient slip resistance as water squirm away quickly through these multidirectional slits.
Comparatively, Open Country shows superior traction on surfaces covered with light snow owing to its high void ratio. Broad grooves offer much space for throwing soft snow backwards and clearing themselves as well as their pathway while rolling ahead. On the other side, it faces troubles over ice as minimal contact patch due to huge voids result in poor grip and lesser ice traction. Slippery liquids are wiped off by sipes and massive grooves but this property do not improve ice traction as compared with its competitor.
Rock Terrain
Due to less aggressive tread design, Dynapro shows lesser capability over rocky slopes in comparison to its competitor. Its blocks have less angular edges and show lesser biting ability on uneven rocky surfaces. Shoulder lugs cannot grip firm while steering along difficult mountain turns as they lack any scooping or staggering texture. Stone ejectors among grooves are tiny and less prominent, accounting for lesser capacity to toss off rocky fragment and prevent stone-choking and puncture drilling into tread.
Open Country shows excellent performance in rock terrain due to its more aggressive tread pattern. Angular blocks especially S-shaped lugs of central ribs have biting edges to grip on rough surfaces strongly. Sturdy, staggered and scalloped shoulders provide firm handling experience over tricky mountain turns. Strengthened sidewalls absorb shocks effectively and also provide lateral stability to the tire over uneven surfaces. Its bold and prominent stone ejectors are efficient in knocking out bombarding stony fragments and prevent them from choking the grooves or drilling holes into tread.
Driving Comfort
Dynapro gives quieter and more comfortable ride on road. Its smaller grooves minimize area available for circulation and collision of noise making wind particles, moreover tie bars among shoulder blocks and step edge blocks act as sound barriers and reduce resonation of sound waves leading to decreased tire noise. Low void ratio and massive contact patch account for better traction on road, resulting in greater comfort on highway driving.
Open Country offers less comfort on paved tracks in comparison. Its broad and deep grooves allow free movement, reflection and resonation of noisy air particles, producing loud tire sound while rolling. Decreased traction due to higher void ratio and limited contact patch make on road drives shaky and less comfortable.
Durability and Tread wear
Dynapro shows greater wear resistance, longer tread life and superior durability. Its sturdy tread wears slowly because it is built from tough rubber reinforced with nylon casting and steel belts, offering good resistivity against cuts, scratches, chip and bruises. It is backed by longer tread life warranty of 65,000 miles from its manufacturer.
Although Toyo AT2 is fairly durable tire yet its durability is lesser than its competitor. Its tread composition includes 2 ply polyester with 1 ply nylon casting rubber reinforced with twin high strength steel belts, making it resistant to punctures, chips and abrasions, nevertheless it wears faster than its competitor. Its tread life is warranted up to 50,000 miles by its manufacturer, lesser warranty shows its lesser durability in comparison.
Comparing Price
Open Country is priced lesser, moreover, its superior off-road performance and long-lasting tread further improves its economic value.
Standardize comfort on road using Dynapro AT2 comes for a higher price.
