Tried Both: Nokian Outpost NAT & Falken AT4W – Here’s the Verdict

[undergroundsr5]

I recently went through a bit of a tire journey on my 2025 Tacoma SR5. I put on some TRD Off-Road take-off wheels and sized up to 285/70R17 in an SL load, since it’s my daily driver and I wasn’t looking to haul or tow heavy. I’ve run various tires over the years (Yokohama, Falken, Michelin), and I’ve got buddies with Nittos, Toyos, and BFGs, so I’ve had a pretty wide range of exposure.


This time, I really wanted the Nokian Outpost nAT to be “the one.” The reviews were solid, they’re 3PMSF rated, lightweight, looked aggressive, and the price was reasonable. I was hoping for a perfect daily-use all-terrain.


Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.


I gave them a fair shot—got them balanced twice—but the ride was just flat-out terrible. Way too bouncy, and honestly rode worse than my old FJ Cruiser on 35” mud terrains. The rain traction was also sketchy, which shocked me for a tire that’s supposed to be snow-rated and all-weather capable. I really don’t like talking bad about gear, but this was a first for me: I ended up returning them. I genuinely wanted them to be great, but they just weren’t.


Enter the Falken Wildpeak AT4W.


From the moment I had them installed, it was a night and day difference. Even though they’re heavier, my gas mileage stayed the same, and the ride improved drastically. The handling felt more planted, traction was noticeably better, and the road noise—or lack of it—was the biggest surprise. These things are whisper quiet. I’ve run quite a few tires and the Falkens have seriously impressed me as a daily driver tire.


They’re a little firmer, which I expected with the beefier sidewalls, but I actually like the feel—no floaty vibes, just a confident ride. I haven’t had them in snow or off-road yet, but I’m honestly excited to test them out in more conditions.


Huge shoutout to Discount Tire too. They took back the Nokians and installed the Falkens without charging labor. Funny twist: I was originally going to get Toyo AT3s, but they accidentally put the Falkens on. When I took it around the block, I told them to leave them on. They honored the Toyo price, and the decision was easy.


For those hunting for a solid daily-driver all-terrain, I just wanted to put this out there. Maybe I got a bad batch of Nokians, who knows—but the Falken Wildpeak AT4W has absolutely won me over. I’d say the Toyo AT3 is probably up there too, but I’ll admit it—the Falkens look better.


If anyone has questions on either tire, feel free to ask. I’m super picky about tires and love helping others dial in the right setup for their rig.

Sponsored

 

[GDTRFB]

Looks great! I am currently going through the tire selection dilema (also planning to stay SL in 285’s for the same reasons) and that is very helpful. I was leaning Toyo AT3’s, mostly due to weight, and considering Nitto Terra grappler g3’s or maybe Recon Grapplers.

Did you add any sort of lift or level? Could you add a photo from the side if you have one?

I had kind of written off BFG KO3’s and Falken AT4’s due to their increased weight, but now may have to throw them back in the mix.

 

[Wife bought my 24 TRD]

I recently went through a bit of a tire journey on my 2025 Tacoma SR5. I put on some TRD Off-Road take-off wheels and sized up to 285/70R17 in an SL load, since it’s my daily driver and I wasn’t looking to haul or tow heavy. I’ve run various tires over the years (Yokohama, Falken, Michelin), and I’ve got buddies with Nittos, Toyos, and BFGs, so I’ve had a pretty wide range of exposure.


This time, I really wanted the Nokian Outpost nAT to be “the one.” The reviews were solid, they’re 3PMSF rated, lightweight, looked aggressive, and the price was reasonable. I was hoping for a perfect daily-use all-terrain.


Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.


I gave them a fair shot—got them balanced twice—but the ride was just flat-out terrible. Way too bouncy, and honestly rode worse than my old FJ Cruiser on 35” mud terrains. The rain traction was also sketchy, which shocked me for a tire that’s supposed to be snow-rated and all-weather capable. I really don’t like talking bad about gear, but this was a first for me: I ended up returning them. I genuinely wanted them to be great, but they just weren’t.


Enter the Falken Wildpeak AT4W.


From the moment I had them installed, it was a night and day difference. Even though they’re heavier, my gas mileage stayed the same, and the ride improved drastically. The handling felt more planted, traction was noticeably better, and the road noise—or lack of it—was the biggest surprise. These things are whisper quiet. I’ve run quite a few tires and the Falkens have seriously impressed me as a daily driver tire.


They’re a little firmer, which I expected with the beefier sidewalls, but I actually like the feel—no floaty vibes, just a confident ride. I haven’t had them in snow or off-road yet, but I’m honestly excited to test them out in more conditions.


Huge shoutout to Discount Tire too. They took back the Nokians and installed the Falkens without charging labor. Funny twist: I was originally going to get Toyo AT3s, but they accidentally put the Falkens on. When I took it around the block, I told them to leave them on. They honored the Toyo price, and the decision was easy.


For those hunting for a solid daily-driver all-terrain, I just wanted to put this out there. Maybe I got a bad batch of Nokians, who knows—but the Falken Wildpeak AT4W has absolutely won me over. I’d say the Toyo AT3 is probably up there too, but I’ll admit it—the Falkens look better.


If anyone has questions on either tire, feel free to ask. I’m super picky about tires and love helping others dial in the right setup for their rig.

Looks great
Personally I am a fan of the 255/80-17's
A true 33x9.5, great mileage and the height.

Sponsored