Hankook Tire Gauge Index Finds Most Drivers are Ready to Go Off-Road, Even in Challenging Weather Conditions

• New survey reveals insights into Americans' attitudes toward off-roading and all-terrain adventures
• Hankook Tire's Gauge Index, the longest running survey of consumer behavior in the tire industry, examines this growing segment of driving 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American drivers are increasingly confident in their ability to tackle off-road conditions – even as challenging weather remains a key concern, according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index. With many drivers using the spring and summer months to explore the great outdoors, the latest edition of the Gauge Index explores interest and preparedness in all-terrain adventurers even amid challenging driving conditions.

Americans are Ready for All-Terrain Adventures

Drivers are itching to take their cars off the beaten path: Hankook found that 7 in 10 drivers are interested in trying at least one type of adventurous  driving, with off-roading proficiency leading the way as the top recreational driving skill that respondents expressed interest in (34%). Younger drivers are especially eager: on average, Gen Z, Millennial, and Gen X drivers combined (85%) say they are most interested in all-terrain adventures. Boomers are less adventurous, with nearly half (47%) showing no interest at all in off-road experiences.

When deciding their ideal all-terrain adventure, forest trails are drivers' overall top pick (31%) - specifically, those living in urban areas are slightly more likely (33%) to want an adventure in the woods than drivers who live in suburban areas (29%). Regardless of the type of off-roading adventure, drivers know they need to be prepared for anything. Four-in-10 drivers (41%) say a spare tire and tools are the most essential, followed by a GPS (25%). Experienced drivers are especially likely to make preparedness a priority, with nearly half (47%) of Boomers prioritizing a spare tire and tools as their first choice, compared to just 32% of Gen Z.

Many off-road adventures require drivers to tow something fun behind their vehicles and camping dominates towing interests, with over half (59%) of Americans saying they would tow camping gear or use an RV/camper van and tow their vehicle for a road trip. Boomers are more likely to lean towards an RV or camper van (34%), while Gen Z is almost equally likely (33%) to pack camping gear in their car. Driver confidence also extends to towing skills, with 53% of drivers saying they would be comfortable backing up with a trailer – and almost as many people (48%) are even confident backing a boat into the water.

Confidence in Facing the Elements

Off-road adventures aren't the only reason to get off the beaten path. Hankook found 61% of drivers are confident their current vehicle could handle off-road driving in an emergency. Millennials feel especially prepared, with 34% saying they are extremely confident taking their current vehicle off-road for an emergency. However, confidence in our driving skills is a different story, depending on the conditions: nearly a third (32%) say they are least confident driving on icy roads or paths. This uncertainty is especially pronounced among Gen Z drivers, with at least four out of five drivers saying they are least confident driving in snowy and icy conditions – lower than any other generation.

An overwhelming 84% of all drivers say they are extremely or somewhat confident driving in rainy weather. Across all drivers, 63% report being somewhat or extremely confident driving in either mud or rocky, rough terrain, despite only 8% reporting their vehicle is equipped with all-terrain or mudding tires. Interestingly, households with children reported, on average, 9% higher confidence driving in difficult conditions compared to households without children. 

The majority of drivers (45%) say their current car is equipped with all-season tires, making it the most popular choice across all age groups and regions by more than double (21% of drivers claim to have all-weather tires on their vehicle). When it comes to tire features, more than a third (34%) of drivers prioritize all-condition capabilities for off-road tires, such as an industry rating for snow handling, while ride comfort and stability are least important (13%). Notably, Boomers rank puncture protection as their top priority (38%), more than any other generation.

The Hankook Gauge Index is a survey of Americans' attitudes and opinions about driving. The latest survey was conducted on April 15 through April 18 polling 1,000 randomly selected American drivers aged 18 and older.

About Hankook Tire America Corp.

Hankook Tire America Corp. is a growing leader in the U.S. tire market, leveraging investments in technology, manufacturing and marketing to deliver high-quality, reliable products that are safer for consumers and the environment. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Hankook Tire America Corp. markets and distributes a complete line of high-performance and ultra-high-performance passenger tires, light truck and SUV tires as well as medium truck and bus tires in the United States. Hankook Tire America Corp. is a subsidiary of Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., a Forbes Global 2000 company headquartered in Seoul, Korea.

SOURCE Hankook Tire America Corp.