Choosing the right ATV or UTV tyre isn’t just about finding the correct size. The tread pattern plays a major role in how your machine handles different terrain, from hard-packed farm tracks and rocky trails through to deep mud and everything in between.
Maxxis offers several popular tyre options, each designed with a different riding style in mind. In this guide, we’ll compare four of the most popular Maxxis ATV and UTV tyres to help you find the best match for your riding conditions.
Understanding ATV & UTV Tread Patterns
Before comparing tyres, it’s worth understanding what makes one tread pattern different from another.
The height and spacing of the tread blocks, often called lugs, determine how a tyre performs. Deeper, more aggressive lugs generally provide better traction in mud and loose terrain, while shorter, closer-spaced lugs typically offer a smoother ride on hard-packed surfaces.
You’ll also notice that some tyres use radial construction. Radial tyres generally provide improved ride comfort, better handling and longer tread life, making them a popular choice for both recreational and work vehicles.
Maxxis Bighorn – The All-Rounder
The Maxxis Bighorn has built a strong reputation among ATV and UTV owners for good reason. The Bighorn delivers a great balance of traction, ride comfort and durability across a wide range of conditions.
Its tread pattern provides enough bite for loose terrain while still maintaining a smooth, predictable ride on harder surfaces. This makes it one of the most versatile tyres in the Maxxis range.
Best suited for:
- Farm and property work
- Trail riding
- Mixed terrain
- Everyday recreational use
If you’re looking for one tyre that can comfortably handle a bit of everything, the Bighorn 2.0 is often the safest choice.
Shop Maxxis Bighorn Tyres
Maxxis Coronado – Built for Comfort
The Coronado is designed for riders who spend long hours behind the wheel and want a smoother ride without sacrificing off-road capability.
Its radial construction helps absorb bumps and rough terrain while maintaining excellent stability and handling. The tread pattern offers a strong grip on gravel roads, paddocks and hard-packed trails without becoming overly aggressive.
Best suited for:
- Property owners
- Touring and recreational riding
- Gravel roads and hard-packed terrain
- Riders prioritising comfort
For UTV owners covering long distances around the farm or on trails, the Coronado offers an excellent combination of comfort and capability.
Shop Maxxis Coronado Tyres
Maxxis Carnivore – Aggressive Trail Performance
The Carnivore is one of Maxxis’ most popular performance-focused UTV tyres. It features a more aggressive tread pattern than both the Bighorn and Coronado, providing increased traction across rocky, loose and technical terrain.
Large tread blocks and a robust construction make it well-suited to modern high-powered side-by-sides that demand extra grip and durability.
Best suited for:
- Aggressive trail riding
- Rocky terrain
- High-performance UTVs
- Recreational riders seeking maximum traction
If your weekends involve challenging tracks and technical terrain, the Carnivore is designed to keep up.
Shop Maxxis Carnivore Tyres
Maxxis Zilla – The Mud Specialist
When mud is the priority, the Zilla stands out from the crowd.
Its deep, widely spaced tread blocks are designed to dig through soft terrain and clear mud efficiently. The lightweight construction helps maintain performance while reducing unnecessary weight.
While the Zilla performs exceptionally well in muddy conditions, it is more specialised than the other tyres in this comparison. It may not offer the same ride comfort on hard-packed surfaces.
Best suited for:
- Mud riding
- Wet conditions
- Swamps and deep ruts
- Riders regularly tackle soft terrain.
For dedicated mud riders, the Zilla remains one of Maxxis’ most proven options.
Shop Maxxis Zilla Tyres
Maxxis Tyre Comparison
Choose the Bighorn 2.0 if:
You ride a mix of trails, paddocks and gravel roadsYou want a versatile all-round tyreYou use your ATV or UTV for both work and recreation
Choose the Coronado if:
Ride comfort is your top priorityYou spend long hours in your vehicleMost of your riding is on hard-packed terrain
Choose the Carnivore if:
You ride aggressivelyYou tackle rocky and technical trailsYou want maximum traction without moving to a dedicated mud tyre
Choose the Zilla if:
You regularly ride through mud and soft terrainMaximum mud performance is your priorityYou want a tyre that can clear mud efficiently
Which Maxxis Tyre Matches Your Riding Style?
Farm & Property Work
For general property maintenance, livestock work and towing duties, the Bighorn 2.0 and Coronado are both excellent options.
The Bighorn offers slightly more off-road versatility, while the Coronado prioritises ride comfort for long days in the seat.
Trail Riding
Trail riders will generally be best served by the Bighorn 2.0 or Carnivore.
The Bighorn is ideal for mixed conditions, while the Carnivore suits riders looking for more aggressive traction and performance.
Mud Riding
If mud is your primary terrain, the Zilla is the clear winner.
Its tread design is specifically built to clear mud and maintain traction in soft conditions where more general-purpose tyres can struggle.
Sport & Performance Riding
For high-powered side-by-sides and more aggressive riding styles, the Carnivore offers the best balance of traction, durability and control.
Final Thoughts
The best Maxxis tyre ultimately depends on where and how you ride.
If you need a versatile all-rounder, the Bighorn remains one of the most popular choices available. For riders seeking extra comfort, the Coronado is hard to beat. The Carnivore shines in aggressive trail conditions, while the Zilla is purpose-built for mud and soft terrain.
By matching your tyre tread pattern to the terrain you ride most often, you’ll enjoy better traction, improved handling and greater confidence every time you head out.
Still Not Sure Which Tyre Is Right for You?
Every rider is different, and the best tyre for your mate’s machine may not be the best tyre for yours.
If you need help choosing tyres, our team can point you in the right direction based on your vehicle and where you ride most often.
Visit ATVStore to browse the full Maxxis range or get in touch with our team for expert advice.