What Are Radial and Bias-Ply UTV and ATV Tires?

By Sara Wines | Behind The Wheel on September 8, 2026

5M READ

Four SuperATV tires lined up next to each other. — No matter how different they may look, all UTV and ATV tires use one of two types of construction: bias ply or radial. Photo by SuperATV.

How Tire Construction Shapes Your Riding Experience

Your tires are the only part of your machine that touch the ground, so their construction has a huge impact on how your UTV or ATV performs. Tires affect everything—comfort, traction, and handling across different terrains like mud, sand, rock, and trails.

When you’re shopping for new UTV or ATV tires, you’ll notice two main construction types: radial and bias ply. Each offers unique advantages that suit specific riding styles and conditions. Understanding the difference will help you make a smarter choice.

An illustration showing the difference between bias ply and radial ply tires. — Bias-ply tires use overlapping, crisscrossing cords that run from bead to bead at an angle. Radial tires use cords that connect directly from one side of the bead to the other. Image by SuperATV.

What Are Radial Tires?

Radial tires are built for comfort and control. In a radial tire, the cords inside the casing run perpendicular to the tread—from bead to bead—creating a more flexible sidewall and a flatter contact patch.

A SuperATV Incursion tire posed at an angle showing off the lugs and the rim. — SSuperATV’s Incursion tires use 8-ply construction and a radial steel belt. They’re an incredibly capable all-terrain tire. Photo by SuperATV.

Benefits of Radial Tires

Smoother rides—The flexible sidewalls absorb bumps and vibrations for a more comfortable ride, especially on long excursions.
Better traction and handling—A consistent tread footprint keeps more rubber on the ground for improved grip and cornering.
Longer tread life—Radials wear more evenly, making them ideal for riders who log serious miles.

If you ride long distances, value comfort, and need dependable performance across mixed terrain, radial tires are the way to go.go.

Shop top-rated radial tires from SuperATV:

XT Warrior Tires—Excellent traction and stability on trails and rock.
Incursion A/T Tires—Highly capable all-terrain tires that ride smooth on hardpack, trails, mud, and more.
Hellion Tires—Adaptable tires that are ready to raise hell on all terrains.

A Segway UTV kicking up mud and grass on a trail. — Tires that use radial construction are great for a variety of terrains, including rock, hardpack, and trail. Photo by SuperATV.

What Are Bias-Ply Tires?

Bias-ply tires feature crisscrossing cords that run diagonally from one bead to the other. This layered construction creates a stiffer sidewall and a tougher overall build—ideal for rough, unpredictable terrain.

A close shot of SuperATV's Assassinator tire lugs. — SuperATV’s Assassinator tires are born and bred for mud. Their bias-ply design makes them good for wild conditions. Photo by SuperATV.

Benefits of Bias-Ply Tires

Improved durability—The reinforced structure resists punctures and damage in rocky or muddy conditions.
Superior sidewall strength—For crawling over obstacles or powering through deep ruts.
Budget-friendly—Bias-ply tires are generally more affordable than radial options.

These tires excel where toughness matters most. If your adventures involve sharp rocks, deep mud, or off-road antics, bias-ply construction is built for it.

Check out SuperATV’s top bias-ply options:

Terminator Tires—Legendary mud tire with unmatched pulling power.
Intimidator Tires—Aggressive tread and rugged construction for varied terrain.
Assassinator Tires—Massive lugs and unbeatable mud performance.

Key Differences Between Radial and Bias-Ply Tires

Both tire types perform well—but in different ways. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:

Feature	Radial Tires	Bias-Ply Tires
Construction	Cords run perpendicular to tread	Cords crisscross diagonally
Ride Comfort	Smooth, flexible sidewalls	Stiffer, rougher ride
Traction	Consistent contact patch for stable grip	Strong sidewalls for uneven terrain
Durability	Resists heat and wear on long rides	Resists punctures and sidewall damage
Ideal For	Trail riders, long-distance adventures	Mud, rock crawling, and rugged off-road use

A monstrous UTV with giant Assassinator tires taking on deep mud. — To get the performance you need, you need the right tires. Photo by SuperATV.

How to Choose the Right Tire for Your Riding Style

Choosing between radial and bias-ply tires depends on where and how you ride.

Trail & all-terrain riders: Choose radials for comfort and consistent traction.
Mud boggers & rock crawlers: Go bias ply for durability and aggressive grip.
Weekend riders on a budget: Bias ply offers reliable performance at a lower cost.
Frequent riders or racers: Radials deliver longevity and smoother handling.

Explore all tire options at SuperATV’s UTV & ATV Tires Category Page to find your tire.

A Segway Villian parked in a rocky creek. — Creek riding requires a more versatile tire type than mud riding due to the wide range of terrains you could encounter. Photo by SuperATV.

Find THE Tires for Your Next Adventure

Both radial and bias-ply tires have their strengths. Radials deliver comfort and consistency, while bias-ply tires bring brute strength and durability to varying conditions. Which tire type is best? Whichever one you’ll get the most from.

No matter what terrain you tackle, SuperATV has you covered with the industry’s toughest, most trusted tire lineup.

Browse all SuperATV Tires and Accessories to gear up for your next adventure.

A RZR with XT warrior tires in riding in MOAB or Sand Hollow. Slikrok rides both a lot — Rock crawling tires need tougher sidewalls than standard tires—an attribute you’ll find in bias-ply construction. Photo by SuperATV.

Disclaimer: This article was written by an employee of SuperATV. The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this blog are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of SuperATV. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as safety advice or official technical guidance. Modifying vehicles and using aftermarket parts can impact performance and safety. Readers are responsible for ensuring proper installation, compatibility, and safe operation. SuperATV makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and assumes no liability for any actions taken based on it.