Best Road Tires for UTVs and Side-by-Sides

As more small towns open up their streets to UTVs and side-by-sides, riders are discovering a new kind of challenge—finding a tire that can actually handle the road. While most stock UTV tires are built for dirt, rocks, and ruts, they just don’t hold up to daily pavement riding. If you’re putting serious miles on your machine and want a smoother ride that lasts, it might be time to upgrade to a more road-friendly setup.

We're here to help you find the best tires for your SXS's specific application, so today we'll be diving into the world of road tires to see which ones are S tier and which ones should be left on the shelf. Let's take a peek!

Why Most UTV Tires Fall Short on Pavement

Typical side-by-side tires are designed with soft rubber compounds, aggressive tread blocks, and deep lugs meant to dig into dirt—not grip the road. On pavement, that kind of setup wears out fast, rides rough, and can get loud - think about the last time you rode a mud-terrain tire on the road and think about the sound it made. Now think about that thunk thunk thunk going on for MILES.

Add in poor fuel efficiency and uneven wear at higher speeds, and it becomes clear: most SXS tires are fantastic for the things they're built to do, but you need a tire that’s built for the street if you’re doing any kind of regular road riding.

What Makes a Great UTV Road Tire?

The best tires for road-going UTVs and SxS machines strike a balance between durability and versatility. You want something that can handle hard-packed surfaces and occasional dirt or gravel without sacrificing comfort on pavement. Look for:

• DOT-approved or LT-rated construction - that's "Light Truck" for the laymen
• Longer-lasting tread compounds
• Stable sidewalls for higher-speed travel
• Low road noise and smooth ride
• Compatibility with common UTV/SXS or truck-style wheels

These features help extend the life of your tires and improve the overall ride quality when you're commuting around town or cruising paved backroads.

Top Pick: BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 LT Tires

If you're serious about riding your UTV on the street without sacrificing capability, the BFGoodrich KM3 LT tires are one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Unlike the standard SXS-spec KM3s, which are built for hardcore off-road terrain, the KM3 LT is a light-duty truck tire that offers vastly superior tread life for road use—while still holding its own on loose dirt, gravel, and trails.

Why powersports riders love the KM3 LT:

• Longer lifespan on pavement thanks to truck-grade rubber compounds
• Aggressive tread that grips well off-road without chewing itself up on asphalt
• Stronger carcass construction for high-load stability and smoother highway cruising
• Trusted BFG performance—the same tech that’s earned its rep in desert racing and rock crawling

At Function Powersports, we specifically carry the LT-rated KM3s, but we've also got the softer side-by-side version in case that's what you're looking for — you’re getting a tire that's made to last either way, but be sure to check to ensure you've got the right one for your SXS.

-> Shop BFG KM3 LT Tires

Best Use Cases: Who Light Truck UTV/SXS Tires Are For

The KM3 LT tires are ideal for powersports enthusiasts who:

• Live in small towns where UTVs are legal on public roads
• Use their SxS for daily errands, cruising, or light commuting
• Want a set-it-and-forget-it tire that doesn’t need to be swapped out every season
• Occasionally hit the trails but prioritize road mileage

Whether you're riding a Polaris Ranger, Can-Am Defender, Honda Pioneer, or another utility-class UTV, this tire brings the kind of everyday dependability most stock UTV tires can’t offer. If you'd like some more tire options, though, we also offer the BFGoodrich KO2 and Falken Wildpeak AT4W, both of which provide solid LT performance for your machine.

Final Thoughts: Shop LT SXS Tires at Function Powersports

UTVs and side-by-sides are no longer just trail toys—they’re becoming legit town cruisers. But if you’re still running mud tires on pavement, you're leaving money (and rubber) on the table. The BFG KM3 LT is our top pick for riders who need a longer-lasting, smoother, and more road-friendly tire without giving up grip in the wild, although you've got some other options as well should you need them.

When you're ready to upgrade your setup, check out our full lineup of UTV road-ready tires at Function Powersports, or reach out to our team for a custom fitment guide. You can fill out the form below in case you're looking to get a set of tires that isn't currently on our store page - we're happy to help you get the best look for your machine!