In the rugged world of utility task vehicles (UTVs), tires are the unsung heroes that determine whether your side-by-side conquers the trail or gets stuck in the mud. As of 2025, the UTV tire market is booming, valued at approximately $888 million globally and projected to reach $1.45 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%.
This surge is fueled by the rising popularity of off-road recreation, agricultural applications, and utility tasks, with North America holding the largest regional share at around 40% of the market.
But amid the competition from giants like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear, one brand consistently emerges as the top seller in UTV tires: Maxxis. Backed by Cheng Shin Tire Co., Ltd., Maxxis commands a significant portion of the market through its specialized off-road lineup, innovative designs, and strong presence in both OEM and aftermarket channels.
This post dives into the facts behind Maxxis's dominance, drawing from industry reports, sales data, and expert analyses.
The UTV Tire Market: A Quick Overview
UTV tires differ from standard automotive rubber. They're engineered for extreme conditions—deep mud, rocky climbs, sandy dunes, and everything in between—with features like reinforced sidewalls (often 6- to 8-ply ratings), aggressive tread patterns, and radial or bias-ply constructions for better traction and durability. The market segments break down as follows:
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Segment
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Key Details
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Market Share Insight (2024)
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By Vehicle Type
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UTVs (side-by-sides) vs. ATVs
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UTVs hold ~55% share, driven by utility and recreational demand
straitsresearch.com
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By Tire Type
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All-terrain, mud, sand, racing
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All-terrain tires dominate at 45%, with mud tires close behind at 30%
marketresearchfuture.com
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By Rim Size
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Up to 10 inches, 10-15 inches, over 15 inches
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10-15 inches leads with 35-40% for mid-size UTVs
skyquestt.com
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By End-Use
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Recreational/mountaineering, agriculture, military
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Mountaineering/recreational accounts for 59% of sales
fortunebusinessinsights.com
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Key players include Maxxis, Kenda, ITP, BFGoodrich, and Carlisle, but sales rankings highlight Maxxis's edge. According to Allied Market Research and ResearchAndMarkets, Maxxis ranks among the top three by revenue, with a focus on UTV-specific innovation giving it an estimated 20-25% market share in North America—the world's largest UTV market
.Why Maxxis Reigns Supreme as the Top SellerMaxxis's ascent isn't accidental. Founded in 1967 as part of Taiwan-based Cheng Shin Tire, the brand has invested heavily in powersports, producing over 100 million tires annually across categories. In the UTV space, Maxxis's sales leadership is evident from multiple sources:
. Kenda and ITP are strong contenders, but Maxxis's broader lineup and pricing (tires starting at $150-$300 each) make it the go-to for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
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Industry Recognition: A 2025 ResearchAndMarkets report lists Maxxis (via Cheng Shin) as a top innovator in ATV-UTV tires, excelling in versatile, terrain-specific models that drive volume sales
. Tires-Easy.com echoes this, naming Maxxis, ITP, and Kenda as "top-tier brands leading the market" for 2025 UTV performanceresearchandmarkets.com.tires-easy.com
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Sales Data and Retailer Insights: At major retailers like Ride Direct—one of the largest UTV parts distributors—Maxxis tires top the bestseller lists for UTV categories, outselling competitors in all-terrain and mud segments
ridedirect.com
- OEM Partnerships: Maxxis supplies original equipment tires for major UTV manufacturers like Polaris, Can-Am, and Honda, securing a steady revenue stream. This OEM dominance translates to aftermarket loyalty, as riders stick with familiar brands for replacements.
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Market Share Metrics: While exact figures vary, Maxxis holds the largest slice in the UTV subset, estimated at 22% globally per 2025 Technavio forecasts, ahead of Kenda (18%) and Michelin (15%)
. In the U.S., where UTV registrations topped 1.2 million in 2024, Maxxis's focus on radial constructions for smoother rides has boosted its share by 5% year-over-yeartechnavio.com.tirereview.com
Standout Maxxis Models Driving SalesMaxxis's portfolio is tailored for UTV demands, with radial tires comprising 60% of its UTV sales for better heat dissipation and longevity. Top sellers include:
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Bighorn 2.0: The best all-terrain option, featuring a lighter radial build and reinforced sidewalls. It's praised for ride comfort on mixed surfaces and tops 2025 "best of" lists from Tires-Easy
.tires-easy.com
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Razr AT: Updated in November 2024 with a new rubber compound and S-shaped blocks for enhanced stability. Ideal for light trucks and UTVs, it saw a 15% sales spike post-launch
.skyquestt.com
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Carnivore: A mud-focused beast with 20mm-deep lugs, popular for its self-cleaning tread. It accounts for 25% of Maxxis's UTV mud tire sales
.marketresearchfuture.com
What Sets Maxxis Apart in a Crowded MarketMaxxis's edge comes from R&D focused on UTV realities: 70% of sales stem from recreational use, where traction and puncture resistance are paramount
. The brand invests in sustainable compounds (e.g., low-rolling-resistance radials) and partners with events like the King of the Hammers race, boosting visibility. Retailers note Maxxis's supply chain reliability—minimal stockouts during 2024's demand surge—further cements its sales lead
.Challenges persist: Rising raw material costs could pressure prices, and emerging brands like Valor Offroad are gaining traction with direct-to-consumer models
. Yet, Maxxis's track record positions it to maintain dominance through 2030.
nextmsc.com
tirereview.com
skyquestt.com
Final Thoughts: Rolling Strong with MaxxisIn 2025, if you're outfitting a UTV, Maxxis isn't just a choice—it's the statistical frontrunner, powering more machines across trails and farms than any rival. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time rancher, its blend of performance, affordability, and availability makes it the top-selling brand for a reason. For the latest fitments, check retailers like Rocky Mountain ATV/MC or consult OEM specs. Safe trails ahead!
Sources: Data compiled from Allied Market Research (2024), ResearchAndMarkets (2025), Tires-Easy (2025), and Technavio (2025). All figures are estimates based on public reports as of December 2025.
