By Dan in Trucks — 26 Jan 2026

Kumho Road Venture RT vs Toyo Open Country A/T III

A real-world comparison of the Kumho Road Venture RT vs Toyo Open Country A/T III after 1,200+ miles of daily driving, highway, rain, dirt, and real snow. Quiet on road, stable at speed, and stronger off-road than expected.

Real-World Review: Kumho Road Venture RT vs Toyo Open Country A/T IIIWhen it comes to tire reviews, there’s a big difference between a short test drive and a full ownership-level experience. This post supplements my latest YouTube video, where I put the brand-new Kumho Road Venture RT tires through 1,200+ miles of real-world testing across daily driving, highway speeds, rain, dirt, and real snow.These replaced my Toyo Open Country A/T III tires, which I had on my truck for a long time and knew like the back of my hand. I had one of the first sets of 35-inch Road Venture RTs in the U.S. This isn’t just a quick spin around the block. It’s a true deep dive into real-world performance.

Kumho Road Venture RT: The Specs

Size Tested: 35x12.50R17LT
Load Rating: 121R
Section Width: 12.5 in on 10.0 in rim
Overall Diameter: 34.5 in
Weight: 72.5 lbs
Max Load: 3,195 lbs
Max Inflation: 65 psi
Tread Depth: 17.3/32 in
Warranty: 50,000 mile limited

Compare that to the Toyo ATIII:

Size: 35x11.50R17LT
Load Rating: 118Q
Section Width: 11.4 in
Weight: 63 lbs
Max Load: 2,910 lbs
Max Inflation: 50 psi
Tread Depth: 16.9/32 in
Warranty: Up to 50,000 miles

What Surprised Me Most

I expected the Kumhos to be louder and more compromising on the road. They’re wider, heavier, and more aggressive. But the truth? They’re shockingly quiet. Not just compared to the Toyos, but compared to any aggressive off-road tire I’ve run.Even after back-to-back daily driving, I noticed less hum, more stability, and zero annoying drone. That was unexpected.

Road and Weather Performance

Highway:

Smooth and stable at 75+ mph
Less wandering than expected for a rugged terrain tire

Rain and Wet Braking:

Confident braking and cornering in Phoenix storms
No hydroplaning or sketchy transitions

Snow and Ice:

Real snow tested, not just slush
Performed WAY better than anticipated
Kumho rates this tire 7/10 for snow (their AT52 is only 8/10)

Important note:The 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating is only an acceleration test. It does not measure cornering, braking, or real-world winter behavior. The Kumho RT doesn’t have the 3PMSF symbol, but its internal rating tells a more accurate story. After using both tires in snow, I’d take the Kumhos again.

Off-Road and Dirt

Excellent grip on rocky terrain
Minimal sidewall deflection
Strong shoulders and tread blocks
No chunking or sidewall damage after abuse

If you’re running desert trails or mixed terrain, these hold up well. They’re not a mud terrain, but they chew through loose stuff with confidence.

Fitment and Sizing

My only real gripe: I wish Kumho offered a 35x11.50R17. That size matters when you’re tight on clearance, especially with aftermarket wheels and lifts.The 12.5 width looks great, but it can rub in tighter setups. If they ever offer a narrower 35-inch version, it’s an instant buy for me.

Should You Upgrade?

If you’re currently running Toyo Open Country A/T IIIs and want:

More off-road bite
A wider and stronger tire
Surprisingly quiet performance

Then yes, the Kumho Road Venture RT is a strong upgrade. Especially for trucks that live a dual life on the highway and the trail.I’m impressed. Not in a hype way, but in a real-world, didn’t-see-this-coming way.

Disclaimer:

Product Provided for Review: The product was provided at no cost for evaluation. No payment was received. Coverage is not guaranteed, and opinions reflect real-world use.

Affiliate-Linked Content: The content may include affiliate links. If a purchase is made through those links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to the viewer. Affiliate links do not influence editorial conclusions.