UK, Europe debut for Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT

Following a launch in “many demanding global markets” such as Australia, the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT has arrived in the UK and European markets. Additional sizes of this evolution of the Wrangler DuraTrac 4×4 arrive in Q4 2023.

This latest tyre in the Goodyear 4×4 range is a 50/50 on/off-road offering that “meets the needs of modern off-road drivers.” Goodyear says the tyre’s “bold appearance, toughness and comfortable handling” make it an excellent fit for the current generation of off-road vehicles. The manufacturer reports both “great performance off-road” and a “quiet and smooth ride on-road.”

Rugged since the 70s

The Wrangler name can trace its heritage back to 1976. ‘RT’ stands for rough terrain, denoting the product’s ability over rugged terrain. The letters RT adorned the very first Wrangler tyre and have been a symbol for off-road performance ever since.

Wrangler DuraTrac RT joins a European SUV segment that is expected to grow 5.5 per cent year-on-year in the half-decade through to 2027. Premium and value brands dominate the segment, which makes up 96 per cent of the SUV summer off-road market. A Goodyear-commissioned survey found that 95 per cent of customers want products that are durable, followed by ride comfort and mileage.

Goodyear provides the following summary of the enhancements in Wrangler DuraTrac RT:

•  Tread: A new, optimised tread pattern with solid tread blocks and more biting edges provides superior grip and traction in mud and other rugged conditions. The bold, attractive appearance clearly showcases the RT’s capability.
• Light Truck Construction: More robust construction and the introduction of Tri-Shield Technology – a thicker, three-ply sidewall, increasing strength for greater resistance to abrasions and cuts from rocks and sharp objects.
• Traction: DuraEdge Technology extends deep tread features over the shoulder of the tyre onto the upper sidewall, adding side-biters to enhance traction and delivering greater protection against rocks and extreme off-road hazards, especially when running lower pressures in unpredictable terrain.
• Compound: Wrangler DuraTrac RT retains the proven, durable tread compound of the original DuraTrac, lauded for its hard-wearing characteristics, outstanding traction and resistance to cutting and chipping in extreme conditions. It remains as reliable as ever.
• Protection: Built-in rim protection provides a defensive barrier against scratches and wheel damage in rough terrain to keep rims looking their best.

A step forward

“Goodyear’s next generation off-road tyre is here, with a step forward in all areas, particularly performance, durability and aesthetics,” says Laurent Colantonio, Goodyear’s senior director technology Consumer Tires EMEA. “Wrangler Duratrac RT is a product tailored to fulfil the demands of true off-road enthusiasts, with a growing consumer interest across the European market. The tyre’s exceptional performance in durability, traction and its ability to handle challenging terrain perfectly represents Goodyear’s spirit of exploration.”

Goodyear will continue to roll out Wrangler Duratrac RT sizes during Q4 2023 in 15- to 19-inch rim sizes. A total of 15 sizes will be available.