Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 Reviews

Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 255/85R16 — 15,000 km review on a 2012 Defender 110 I fitted five Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003s in 255/85R16 to my 2012 Land Rover Defender 110 and have now covered approximately 15,000 kilometres on them. For comparison, the Defender was originally fitted with Goodyear Wrangler MTRs in 235/85R16, which lasted approximately 70,000 km. I then ran two sets of Maxxis Bighorn mud-terrain tyres in the same size, achieving approximately 80,000 km from one set and 90,000 km from the other. I was very happy with the Bighorns, particularly their sealed-road grip for a mud-terrain tyre. Unfortunately, they were no longer readily available in the form I had been using, and Maxxis pricing had increased substantially over the years. Otherwise, I probably would have bought another set. For more than 200,000 km, I had also wanted to move up from 235/85R16 to 255/85R16. With the Bighorns no longer being the obvious replacement, I took the opportunity to change size. I considered the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 as well as the Yokohama G003. I chose the Yokohama because it was cheaper and, according to the specification tables I compared, was marginally taller and lighter while still providing the load rating I required. This is not a perfect like-for-like comparison. I changed both tyre model and size, reduced my operating pressures, and replaced a set of completely worn-out tyres. Nevertheless, my long experience with the previous tyres gives me a useful point of comparison. Pressures and ride With the Defender lightly loaded, I currently run approximately 30 psi in the front and 32 psi in the rear when cold. After sustained running at 100 km/h, they generally increase by around 4 psi. This is approximately 6 psi lower than I normally ran in the Bighorns under similar light-load conditions. The most immediate differences after fitting the G003s were the reduction in noise and the improvement in ride comfort. The Defender became noticeably quieter and more plush. Some of that improvement will inevitably come from the lower pressure, larger tyre volume and replacing completely worn tyres. However, I had previously run the Bighorns at reduced pressures on gravel, and the G003s still felt significantly more compliant. The greatest surprise was an immediate reduction in how sharply the Defender’s driveline backlash could be felt. The tyres obviously do not remove any mechanical play from the drivetrain, but they cushion the take-up and make it feel considerably less abrupt. I cannot separate the effects of the taller sidewall, lower pressure, full tread depth and carcass construction, but the improvement was noticeable immediately after fitting the tyres and has remained noticeable. Sealed-road handling In wet conditions, the tyres have tracked straight and remained composed. When encountering unavoidable puddles or standing water at highway speeds, I have not experienced the pronounced steering tug or wandering that some aggressive tyres can produce. They also remain stable and predictable during normal highway driving and overtaking. Under firm braking, the vehicle remains straight and even, without an obvious tendency to pull or break traction prematurely. Compared with the Bighorns, however, the combination of the larger sidewall and lower operating pressure produces more movement on sealed roads. When pushed harder through corners, the G003s have a slight skating sensation and begin to push into understeer earlier. The Bighorns felt unusually planted and would bite into the road surface particularly well for a mud-terrain tyre. The G003s feel softer and less sharply keyed into the bitumen. It is noticeable, but not concerning, and appears to be part of the trade-off for their more compliant ride. Noise The G003 produces a relatively low-frequency hum rather than the higher-pitched growl or scream I experienced from the Bighorns. The Bighorns became noticeably louder as they wore, so I cannot yet make a complete lifetime noise comparison. After approximately 15,000 km, however, the Yokohamas remain considerably more civilised. Off-road performance and stone retention I have not yet tested the G003s in serious off-road conditions, so I cannot fairly assess their performance in deep mud, rock or difficult terrain. The Bighorns had a particularly stiff carcass and generally needed to be reduced to approximately 12 psi on my vehicle before they began to bag visibly. I expect to begin at around a similar pressure with the G003s and adjust them according to the terrain. Although their sidewalls appear more compliant, their larger casing may partly offset that difference. This remains an expectation rather than a tested conclusion. The tread does pick up stones, and I have had several thrown out after returning to bitumen. It has not been excessive or especially concerning, but it is a characteristic worth mentioning. Overall impression After approximately 15,000 km, I am very satisfied with the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003. The standout qualities have been: the appearance of the tall 255/85R16 size; the quieter, lower-pitched road noise; the considerably more plush ride; stable and predictable wet-road behaviour; and, most unexpectedly, the reduction in how sharply driveline backlash is felt. It is still too early to judge their ultimate tread life, and I have not yet subjected them to serious off-road use. However, based on their road manners, comfort, noise and purchase price, they are currently my default replacement choice—provided their wear performance remains satisfactory.

I fitted these as there are limited options in 275/70r17, my rims are 9" wide, so it was the only practical size that ticked all the boxes (height/poke/ spare fitting/legal). The tread wear has been very even, rotated every 15k. Wet handling has been more than acceptable, better than previous KO2's. The ride is fairly harsh, and they will step out on rough bitumen but that is accentuated by not carrying much weight at 35psi cold. I have been running them at 28psi lately and they are more comfortable. Road noise has increased at this pressure but thats to be expected. Off road they have been great, never let me down, but to be honest I haven't tested them to their full potential. I would strongly recommend them for someone who was carrying close to max gvm/gcm. Will I buy them again? Maybe. I have had good experiences with Cooper st maxx on a v6 Amarok, but that is a completely different beast to a BT50 but I will be tempted to go with the Coopers next time.

I fitted the G003 after looking at Maxxis,Nitto MT. But i like to stick to Brands I know i can Trust & a Respected. And Cheaper than the Others, Why Not. I admit they're a Tad Noisy, turn the Stereo up. Off Road Performance running road Pressure(240kpa) they're Brilliant. I haven't needed to air them down, But I know of Mates with the Same Tyres & run them on 16psi & they're unbelievable in the Mud of Toolangi or High Country of Victoria. I highly recommend the Yokohama Geolandar MT G003 if you really want to have the confidence of not getting stuck in the Bush.

Good off road, ok on the highway. Standard losses in fuel consumption due to muddies. Their biggest downfall is the road noise. Anything over 60kms and that howl

I live in Thailand and used this tire for my extreme weekend hobby only. On Road: Performance is very good if considered the semi-extreme tire pattern. Never get slip on wet curve and highway (100 on street/city, 120 km/h on highway is my behavior speed limit). Not very smooth ride on my load E tire but beyond satisfy for MT. Off Road: Big shallow treads pattern beats the other MT tire I'd used before especially in grave, mud and rock. Unfortunately no snow in Thailand. Never stuck in mud if my UTE doesn't get hanged. Downside of this tire is big shallow threads pattern itself. Big shallow means smaller thread block. I got 3 major blocks shipped off from 4 tires after extreme rock climbing. Those blocks perfectly did the job, not died in vain. I cannot notice any changes in sound & performance from losing those 3 block while driving on highway. I sold my 265/75R16 G003 set at 10,000km with half price l purchased and expected to replaced with, again, G003 (w/up size to 285/75R16) but cannot find this size in stock because Covid-19 strike the factory. So, I got KM3 load-C instead and do not as satisfy as G003 except thread block looks stronger with some trade-off in extreme traction performance. KM3 is more overall performer than G003 while G003 out perform in extreme.

I highly recommend these tyres to anyone looking for a good performing mud terrain tyre that won't break the bank. They are amazing on road characteristics for a mud terrain and aren't loud or anything (far more quite then my previous set of Bridgestone ATs) They handle pretty well on the wet roads but you can get the back to slide out if you wanted it to. Off-road they go great, especially in the mud and rocks but haven't had them on the sand or snow. Tyre life is also pretty good and haven't had any chuncks come off when off-roading nor have had a puncture. Great tyre and great value! I'd consider buying another set when the time comes👍👍

I think they are a great tyre for all! Whether they are new to 4WDING and are after something to replace their road tires, or would like to change from what they have been using on their pride and joy over the last few years. Tread wear is great, very quiet on the road and have great traction on and off.

Noisey wear to easily Not much grip rock climbing

I love the look of these tyres., however their performance off road is poor. I traded up from A/T G015. I have to say these M/T's do not grip anywhere near as well as the A/T's. Can't wait until I need a new set of tyres so I can change to something else.

To date, these tyres have been exceptional! For an aggressive mud terrain not only do they look fantastic but they are wearing exceptionally well with very acceptable road noise. We have done 10,000km on them so far and showing little wear.  We have now also done 3 trips to the Victorian High Country and are showing no shipping which I’m super impressed with. Would recommend these tyres to anyone, you won’t be disappointed.