Light Truck vs SUV Tires: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

Last updated on July 17th, 2025

When it comes to choosing new tires, one common question drivers ask is: What’s the difference between light truck and SUV tires? If you’ve ever stood in a tire shop staring at rows of rubber labeled “LT” or “P-Metric,” you’re not alone. Understanding the difference can save you money, improve your vehicle’s performance, and keep you safer on the road.

In this Light Truck vs SUV tires comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know—clearly and simply. Whether you drive a full-size pickup or a compact crossover SUV, choosing the right tire type matters more than you might think. The wrong fit could affect your handling, comfort, and even fuel efficiency.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to spot the differences, when it makes sense to use light truck tires on an SUV, and how to make the best decision for your driving needs and budget. Let’s get rolling.

Why Tire Type Matters

Tires aren’t just round pieces of rubber—they play a big role in how your vehicle feels, handles, and performs. Choosing between light truck (LT) tires and SUV tires (P-Metric) isn’t just about size. It’s about matching the tire to the job.

Comfort vs Capability

Let’s say you drive a family SUV like a Toyota Highlander. You mostly stick to highways, school drop-offs, and weekend errands. In this case, you probably want a P-Metric tire (commonly called SUV tires). These are designed for comfort, better fuel economy, and a smoother ride.

Now imagine you drive a Ford F-150 or a heavy-duty SUV like a Chevy Suburban, and you often haul gear or tow a trailer. This is where light truck tires make sense. LT tires are built tougher. They can carry heavier loads and handle rough roads better.

Safety First

Putting the wrong type of tire on your vehicle can cause problems. For example, using light truck tires on a small SUV might lead to a rougher ride, longer stopping distances, or uneven wear. On the flip side, using SUV tires on a heavy-duty truck could stress the tire under load and increase the risk of blowouts.

Real Tip: Check Your Door Sticker

Want a quick way to see what your vehicle needs? Open the driver’s side door and check the tire label. It will tell you the original tire size and type—usually starting with “P” for SUV tires or “LT” for light truck tires.

It’s About How You Drive

Here’s the bottom line: Your tire choice should match how you use your vehicle. Light truck tires are tough and workhorse-ready. SUV tires are smoother and more efficient for everyday driving. Getting this right means better safety, better performance, and longer tire life.

Coming up next, we’ll dig into what exactly makes these two tire types different. Stay with me—this is where it gets interesting.

Understanding Tire Types: Light Truck vs SUV Tires

Let’s break down the two main types of tires you’ll see when shopping for trucks and SUVs: Light Truck (LT) tires and SUV tires (also called P-Metric tires). They may look similar on the outside, but they’re built for very different jobs.

What Are Light Truck (LT) Tires?

LT tires are made for the heavy lifters of the road. These are the tires you’ll find on work trucks, large vans, and some big SUVs.

They’re built tough—with reinforced sidewalls, thicker rubber, and higher load ratings. That means they can handle more weight, more pressure, and more punishment. If you’re towing a trailer, hauling construction tools, or hitting rough roads often, LT tires are what you need.

Common Use Cases for Light TruckTires:

• Towing a boat or camper on weekends
  
• Hauling heavy loads for work (like landscaping or tools)
  
• Driving off-road or on unpaved trails
  
• Using a vehicle for commercial delivery or job sites
  

For example, if you drive a Ford F-250 or a Ram 2500 and regularly tow a trailer, LT tires are not just a good choice—they’re the right choice. They’re designed for those stress-heavy tasks that standard SUV tires just can’t handle safely.

What Are SUV Tires (P-Metric Tires)?

Now let’s talk about P-Metric tires, which are usually labeled with a “P” before the size (like P265/65R18). These are also known as SUV tires or passenger tires.

These tires are made for comfort and everyday driving. They have softer sidewalls, a lighter construction, and they focus on giving you a smooth ride, good fuel mileage, and solid all-season traction.

Common Use Cases for SUV Tires:

• Commuting to work or school
  
• Driving mostly on paved roads
  
• Occasional road trips or light loads
  
• City and highway driving
  

So, if you drive a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or even a lighter Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’ll likely be on P-Metric SUV tires. They’re perfect for daily drivers who prioritize comfort and efficiency over heavy-duty hauling.

Quick Tip: Not sure which type you have now? Check your tire’s sidewall. If it starts with “LT,” you’ve got Light Truck tires. If it starts with “P,” you’re running Passenger (SUV) tires.

In the next section, we’ll compare these two tire types head-to-head so you can see where they really differ. Let’s dig in!

Key Differences Between Light Truck and SUV Tires

Now that you know what Light Truck (LT) tires and SUV (P-Metric) tires are, let’s break down how they actually compare. From how they’re built to how they feel on the road, there are some important differences to keep in mind—especially if you’re deciding between the two.

Construction and Durability

Light truck tires are built tougher. They have thicker rubber, more plies (layers), and reinforced sidewalls. This extra strength helps them handle heavy loads, sharp rocks, and rough roads.

SUV tires are lighter and more flexible. That makes them better for comfort and daily driving. They’re designed with smoother roads and average loads in mind.

Real Tip: If you’re hitting construction zones, gravel roads, or towing gear, go with LT tires. If you’re mostly cruising around town or on the highway, SUV tires will do just fine—and feel better doing it.

Load Capacity

Here’s where LT tires shine. They have a higher load index, which means they can safely carry more weight. Perfect for towing a trailer, carrying heavy tools, or loading up your truck bed for a weekend move.

SUV tires, on the other hand, are made for lighter duty. They’ll easily handle groceries, camping gear, or a couple of suitcases. But if you’re hauling a trailer or loading your vehicle full of bricks or mulch—you’re pushing their limits.

Quick Tip: Look at your tire’s sidewall or door sticker. It tells you the recommended load range. Never guess—too much weight on the wrong tire can lead to blowouts or premature wear.

Ride Comfort and Noise

If you care about a smooth, quiet ride, SUV tires win here. They’re softer, quieter, and better at absorbing bumps. Great for family trips, commuting, or just enjoying the drive.

LT tires are louder and stiffer. That’s the trade-off for all that strength and durability. On a light SUV, they can feel harsh—especially on city streets.

Real-World Example: If you swapped your factory SUV tires for LT tires without needing them, you might notice the ride feels bumpier and your gas mileage drops. That’s because you’re carrying more tires than you need.

Tread Patterns and Off-Road Capabilities

LT tires usually have deeper tread patterns and tougher rubber. That gives them better traction in mud, dirt, and gravel. They’re a solid choice for off-roaders or anyone who lives down a rough country road.

SUV tires are made for pavement. They do fine on wet roads and can handle a dirt driveway or light trail—but they’re not built for serious off-roading.

Pro Tip: If you want an SUV tire that can handle mild trails, look for “all-terrain” options made specifically for crossovers or light-duty SUVs. You’ll get a bit more grip without going full-on LT.

Pricing and Lifespan

Are SUV and truck tires the same price? Not exactly.

Light truck tires often cost more. They use more materials, have reinforced construction, and are made to carry heavy loads. So yes, you’re paying for durability.

SUV tires are more affordable and often easier to find. But under heavy use—like towing or overloading—they may wear out faster.

Cost Tip: Think about how you use your vehicle. If you’re not towing or hauling, you could be spending more on LT tires than you need to. For normal driving, SUV tires are the smarter, budget-friendly option.

What Is the Difference Between Light Truck Tires and SUV Tires?

In short, LT tires offer higher load capacity, tougher construction, and better off-road ability. SUV tires prioritize comfort, quieter rides, and fuel economy. See the table below for a quick comparison:

Which Tire Type Is Right for You?

Choosing between Light Truck (LT) tires and SUV (P-Metric) tires isn’t just about what can fit your vehicle—it’s about what’s best for how you drive. Let’s look at when each tire type makes the most sense.

Choose LT Tires If…

• You tow heavy loads.
  Pulling a boat, camper, or utility trailer? LT tires are built to handle the extra weight and stress.
  
• You drive off-road or on rough terrain.
  Think dirt roads, construction sites, rocky trails, or muddy fields. LT tires have tougher tread and stronger sidewalls for better durability and grip.
  
• You drive a full-size SUV or pickup.
  Vehicles like the Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition, or Ram 1500 often benefit from LT tires—especially when used for work or long hauls.
  
• Your SUV is often fully loaded.
  If your rear seats are always packed with passengers, gear, or equipment, you’ll appreciate the added strength of LT tires.
  

Real Tip: If you frequently travel with a full roof rack or a trailer behind you, LT tires offer more peace of mind and safety over long distances.

Choose SUV Tires If…

• You mostly stick to highways, suburbs, or city streets.
  P-Metric SUV tires are designed for smooth, quiet pavement driving. Perfect for commuting, school runs, and road trips.
  
• You prioritize comfort.
  These tires have softer sidewalls and absorb bumps better—giving you a smoother ride.
  
• You want better fuel economy.
  Lighter construction means less rolling resistance, which can help improve gas mileage.
  
• You’re watching your tire budget.
  SUV tires are usually more affordable and easier to find. They’re also a better value if you don’t need the heavy-duty features of LT tires.
  

Quick Example: Driving a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander to work and back, with occasional weekend trips? Stick with SUV tires—you’ll get a quieter ride and save money, too.

Still unsure? Check your owner’s manual or talk to a tire pro. And remember: the best tire is the one that fits your vehicle, your load, and your lifestyle.

Can I Put Light Truck Tires on a SUV?

Yes, but it depends on your vehicle and how you use it.

You can install LT tires on a larger SUV—like a Ford Expedition or Chevy Suburban—especially if you’re using it for towing or hauling heavy cargo. LT tires are stronger and have a higher load range, which makes them ideal for that kind of work.

But there are trade-offs. LT tires are heavier and usually need higher air pressure to perform properly. That can make your SUV ride stiffer and noisier. Fuel economy might also take a slight hit.

Are SUV and Truck Tires the Same?

Nope, they’re not the same.

SUV tires are usually labeled with a “P” for Passenger, like P235/65R17. These are made for comfort, fuel efficiency, and regular driving conditions.

Truck tires often have an “LT” label, like LT265/70R17. They’re built for higher loads, rough roads, and tough jobs.

So while they might look similar in size, their internal construction and intended use are very different.

Are SUV and Truck Tires the Same Size?

Not necessarily.

SUVs and light trucks can sometimes share similar tire sizes, but it’s not a guarantee. Tire sizing includes:

• Width (e.g., 265 mm)
  
• Sidewall height (a percentage of the width)
  
• Rim diameter (e.g., 17 inches)
  

Even if the dimensions are close, LT and P-Metric tires behave differently because of their build.

How to Check Tire Size:

Look at the sidewall of your tire. A code like P245/70R17 means it’s a Passenger tire, 245 mm wide, with a 70% sidewall height, and fits a 17″ rim. If it starts with LT, you’re looking at a light truck tire.

Final Thoughts

By now, you’ve got a solid grip on the key differences between Light Truck (LT) tires and SUV (P-Metric) tires—from how they’re built to how they handle the road. The most important takeaway? It’s not about which tire is “better,” but which one is right for your needs.

If you tow, haul, or head off-road often, LT tires are the tough, dependable choice. But if you’re all about comfort, fuel efficiency, and smooth city or highway driving, SUV tires will likely serve you better.

Still unsure what to pick? Start by checking your current tires and your vehicle’s door sticker. Then match your tire type to your real-world driving habits.

👉 Need help finding the perfect tire? Check out our Top 10 SUV Tire Picks for 2025 to see which models are getting top marks for comfort, durability, and value.

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FAQs — Quick Answers About Light Truck vs SUV Tires

Here are some fast, clear answers to your top questions about Light Truck (LT) vs SUV tires—perfect for quick reading and easy understanding.

Can I use SUV tires on a light truck?

Generally, no. SUV tires (P-Metric) are designed for lighter loads and everyday driving. Light trucks often need LT tires with higher load capacity and tougher construction for towing and heavy-duty use. Using SUV tires on a light truck could reduce safety and performance.

How do I know if my tires are LT or P-Metric?

Check the tire sidewall. Tires labeled with “LT” (like LT265/70R17) are Light Truck tires. Tires starting with “P” or no letter (like P235/65R18) are Passenger or SUV tires (P-Metric). This code tells you the tire type and its intended use.

Do LT tires last longer?

LT tires are built tougher with reinforced sidewalls, so they often last longer under heavy loads and rough conditions. However, if used mainly on smooth roads without heavy hauling, their lifespan may be similar to SUV tires.

Will LT tires hurt my SUV’s fuel economy?

Yes, usually. LT tires are heavier and have more aggressive tread patterns, which can increase rolling resistance and lower fuel efficiency. If you mostly drive on highways and city streets, SUV tires are better for saving gas.

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