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Discover the Falken Wildpeak H/T HT02 highway all-season tire's performance in our detailed tests. Scoring 74/100 overall, it shines in dry conditions for trucks and SUVs but has room for improvement in snow and ice. See scores, pros, cons, and comparisons to help you decide.
Quick Pick
Falken Wildpeak H/T HT02 Highway All-Season Tire
Top choice for trucks, SUVs, and crossovers needing solid dry highway performance with light off-road versatility. Overall score: 74/100.
Explore our best tires guide for more options.
If you're shopping for highway all-season tires for your truck, SUV, or crossover, the Falken Wildpeak H/T HT02 deserves a close look. This tire is engineered for everyday highway driving with a touch of light off-road capability, making it ideal for suburban commuters who occasionally hit gravel roads or light snow. In our comprehensive testing on the 225/65R17 102H size, it earned an overall score of 74 out of 100—respectable for its price point, which undercuts many premium competitors.
What sets the Wildpeak H/T HT02 apart is its aggressive tread pattern, designed to bite into wet roads and provide decent traction in light snow. However, it's not a full all-terrain beast; think of it as a highway tire with adventure-ready extras. We'll break down the test data, real-world implications, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against category averages to help you make an informed buy.
Our tests evaluate tires across critical categories like braking, handling, comfort, and longevity. The Wildpeak H/T HT02 performs best in dry conditions, where responsive handling keeps you confident on interstates. Wet performance is solid but not elite, and winter metrics reveal its limits.
| Category | Falken Wildpeak H/T HT02 | Category Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74/100 | 72/100 | Strong value pick |
| Dry Braking | 42 | 40 | Excellent stopping power |
| Wet Braking | 60 | 62 | Average; monitor in rain |
| Dry Handling | 80 | 75 | Agile for its class |
| Wet Handling | 70 | 68 | Good cornering grip |
| Hydroplaning (Low Risk) | 75 | 72 | Resists water buildup |
| Hydroplaning (High Risk) | 65 | 68 | Improves with caution |
| Snow Traction | 65 | 62 | Decent for light snow |
| Ice Braking | 45 | 48 | Swap for winters in harsh cold |
| Ride Comfort | 65 | 67 | Firm but stable |
| Noise | 70 | 68 | Quiet on highways |
| Rolling Resistance | 55 | 58 | Fuel-efficient enough |
| Projected Tread Life | 55,000 miles | 50,000 miles | Reliable longevity |
This table highlights the tire's edge in dry handling and braking, where it outperforms averages—crucial for safe highway merges and emergency stops. We based averages on data from dozens of highway all-season tires in similar sizes.
Dry braking scored a standout 42, meaning shorter stopping distances from highway speeds (around 60 mph). Paired with an 80 in dry handling, the H/T HT02 feels planted during lane changes and spirited drives. Its silica-enhanced compound and wide tread blocks minimize slip, giving SUVs like the Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer a sporty edge without sacrificing stability.
Pros in Dry Conditions:
Cons: None major—it's a dry-condition champ.
See our best grand touring all-season tires for similar high-performers.
Wet braking at 60 and handling at 70 are average, translating to controlled but not razor-sharp performance in downpours. The tire's deep grooves channel water effectively, earning 75 in low-risk hydroplaning. At high speeds or deep puddles (high-risk score: 65), it requires smoother inputs to avoid aquaplaning.
In real-world tests, it held up well on rain-slicked interstates, but drivers in monsoon-prone areas might prefer tires with 65+ wet scores.
Pros:
Cons:
Snow traction hits 65—good for slushy driveways or unplowed streets, thanks to the open shoulder lugs. Ice braking at 45 is a weak spot; expect longer stops on glare ice. This tire suits mild winters (e.g., Midwest flurries) but mandates dedicated winter tires for severe conditions like the Rockies.
Pros:
Cons:
For harsher winters, check our best winter tires of 2026.
Ride comfort (65) feels firm over bumps, prioritizing handling over plushness—great for loaded trucks. Noise at 70 means a hushed cabin at 70 mph. Rolling resistance (55) supports decent MPG, and the 55,000-mile tread life projection beats many budget options with even wear.
Overall Pros:
Overall Cons:
This tire fits:
Skip it if:
Pair it with proper alignment and rotations every 6,000 miles to maximize that 55,000-mile life. Inflate to 35-38 PSI for optimal performance.
Dive into our best automotive picks for compatible vehicles.
Falken's lineup offers variety. The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W steps up all-terrain prowess, while the Falken Aklimate boosts all-weather grip. For summer thrills, try the Falken Azenis FK510.
Yes for light snow (65 traction score), but switch to winters for ice or heavy accumulation due to its 45 ice braking.
Projected 55,000 miles with proper maintenance—better than many in its class.
Tested in 225/65R17 102H; check your vehicle's specs for fit.
Rolling resistance of 55 suggests average efficiency; rotate regularly for best results.
It matches dry performance at a lower price but trails in wet/snow versus brands like Michelin.
Light gravel yes; avoid rocks or mud—consider all-terrain alternatives.
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