Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP vs. Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires

Several light trucks, CUVs, Jeeps, and SUVs are seen plying all over the roads these days, with all-season tires being suitable for a large number of them. Although such tires are suitable for dependable year-round traction, long treadwear, a quiet and comfortable ride, and capable handling, you’ll find them struggling in tricky conditions that involve snow, gravel, mud, or loose dirt. It would be fair to expect a truck equipped with 4WD to fair well in such conditions, but with all-terrain tires. In today’s world, all-terrain tires offer not just off-road mastery and high durability, but also sedate and predictable street behavior. Based on the above, we have decided to compare tires by local American lad Mickey Thompson and Japanese veteran Yokohama.

Between the above manufacturers, Mickey Thompson has built a tremendous name for itself through its incredible range of off-road tires. Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP is defending its credibility against Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD in this comparison. As premium all-terrain tires, both demonstrate composed manners on paved roads and come into their own while being put through off-road stretches. Both tires are packed with great features and innovations, as well as top-quality materials.

At SimpleTire, we’ll be making use of our proprietary SimpleScore to figure out the winner. SimpleScore is generated based on parameters such as longevity, traction, and handling. Apart from these, we also have an average SimpleScore for an overall idea. So, without further ado, let’s dive headfirst into this comparison of Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP vs Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires.

Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP tires

An aggressive tread design with strong shoulder blocks and a distinct inner tread on the Baja Legend EXP should come as no surprise, considering that off-road tire guru Mickey Thompson manufactures it. While the T4 silica-based rubber composition offers durability for reliable operation, lateral and circumferential grooves facilitate the rapid removal of mud, snow, and water from the tread. As an American product, the Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP has a lightweight design for improved ride comfort, tread life, and steering response. The Baja Legend EXP delivers improved on- and off-road traction, thanks to its broad surface components, sidebiters, and great void ratio. A raised white letter or black sidewall can be found on the outside, giving the tire an attractive appearance. Further, it is also backed by a limited manufacturer tread life warranty, enabling us to give it an average SimpleScore of 8.3.

Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires

Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD is an all-terrain tire designed for heavy-duty pickup trucks and work vans that can be used both on- and off-road and for hauling and towing. It features wraparound lugs at the shoulder onto the sidewall to generate improved lateral traction (meant for clawing out of ruts) and a cut-and-chip-resistant tread formulation for high endurance in severe use. Yokohama's GEO-SHIELD technology system provides great traction and long service life by strengthening the sidewall and casing against cuts, punctures, and bruises. Mud and stone ejectors are available to self-clean the tread, and several wavy sipes generate traction on tricky surfaces. A special casing system is available, as is a stylized design. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol certifies the Geolandar A/T XD for use in deep snow. Based on the above, this all-terrain tire deserves an average SimpleScore of 8.5.

Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP vs. Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires on traction

Traction is essential for the tire to remain in contact with the surface, preventing skidding and enabling the vehicle to move in a particular direction. Whether on- or off-the-road, traction is vital for driving confident and control, and both of these tires ensure the same. Wide voids and large tread blocks on the Baja Legend EXP quickly remove snow, mud, water, and muck from the tread to generate consistent traction in wet, dry, and snowy conditions. Expect the T4 silica-reinforced rubber compound and sidebiters to boost traction further. The above qualities award the Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP with an 8.2 SimpleScore rating.

Despite the above features, Yokohama wins the traction battle, scoring an 8.6. Both tires have the same deep initial tread depth. Both tires showcase a ply rating of 10, indicating their ability to carry heavy loads. As a commercial-grade tire, the Geolandar A/T XD is made using GEO-SHIELD technology that comprises a full nylon cap, a 3-ply sidewall, and a high turn-up carcass to generate great traction. These tires are most suitable for gravel, dirt, and snow, and you’ll be able to drive through moderate to deep snow as per the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.

ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD

Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP vs. Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires on handling

The Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP features a T4 silica-reinforced rubber compound and an optimized tread design that ensures enhanced steering feedback in dry and wet conditions. A solid outer tread and a broad inner tread help boost handling and stability, both on- and off-the-road, allowing us to award an average handling SimpleScore of 8.4.

Both tires feature Q-speed ratings. With a SimpleScore of 8.4 for the Yokohama, there’s not much comparison in the handling category. The Geolandar A/T XD is a great commercial-grade tire for anyone who wants to have fun while negotiating difficult terrain. High tread depth, an advanced tread compound, and an aggressive tread design also contribute to a favorable handling performance.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP vs. Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires on longevity

The true value of a tire is calculated by the miles/years it can survive, making longevity one of the most critical aspects for any buyer. A special T4 rubber compound of the Baja Legend resists abrasions, chips, and cuts minimizes uneven wear, leading to a longer tread life. Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP is a next-gen lightweight tire with highly tensile body plies that boost durability and tread life. Further, it is backed by a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, leading to an average longevity score of 8.5.

In terms of longevity, it isn’t only the limited manufacturer’s tread life warranty that tells the entire story. When compared to Mickey Thompson, the Yokohama doesn’t have a limited manufacturer tread life warranty at all. However, it is made using numerous wavy sipes that minimize uneven wear, resulting in a long service life. We feel that the Yokohama is a more durable tire, enabling it to be used for commercial service. The tire was found suitable for an average longevity score of 8.7.

ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD

When to use each

All-terrain tires are a good option for a mix of on- and off-the-road driving. These tires offer excellent grip, traction, and durability on smooth roads, while their tough character returns superb off-road performance with optimum grip and traction. For instance, if you intend to use this tire to climb out of ruts from time to time during off-road competitions or trails, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD would be a better buy. However, if you’re looking for a lightweight tire that enhances fuel efficiency and also possesses self-cleaning properties, the Baja Legend EXP is a great bet.

On a completely different note, if you rarely go off the beaten path, consider fitting your pickup truck with highway tires.

Which one should you choose?

Here's the reality about the two tires featured in this comparison. The Geolandar A/T XD is an excellent illustration of why the Yokohama Geolandar brand has been one of the most reputable tire families in the industry for many years. It is made to work in very challenging conditions, such as snow, loose dirt, deep or soupy mud, sand, or gravel, providing consistent traction and control. On the other hand, Mickey Thompson’s entire portfolio of tires is centered around grip and performance on harsh terrain.

If you’re looking for tires that give more confidence due to their warranty, the Baja Legend EXP should be your choice. However, if you intend to drive more in heavy snow, the Geolandar A/T XD, with optional TSMI #15 studs (check local laws before purchase) is what you should buy. Expect the Mickey Thompson tires to be quieter than the Yokohama.

A price comparison will make the final choice easier for you. While you’ll have to shell out roughly $210 per tire ($840 for 4) for Mickey Thompson, the cost will be approximately $149 per tire ($596 for 4) for the Yokohama.

Summarising the above points, you should buy the Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP if you:

• Want more fuel efficiency
• Want to feel more confident over off-road terrain
• Want to experience confident handling performance
• Want limited manufacturer tread life warranty

Buy the Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD if you:

• Want better traction
• Want dependable handling like its peer
• Want a more cut-and-chip resistant tire
• Need an affordable tire

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.