More Americans are showing interest in off-road driving than they did a year ago, according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index. The study found that 64% of U.S. drivers are interested in taking an all-terrain trip, nearly doubling last year’s figure and highlighting growing enthusiasm for travel on dirt, mud, and gravel roads.
Interest in All-Terrain Driving Continues to Rise
The Hankook Tire Gauge Index, described as the tire industry’s longest-running driver behavior study, was released in July and found that 64% of U.S. drivers are interested in an all-terrain trip.
That compares with 34% who expressed the same interest one year earlier, indicating a significant increase in demand for off-road driving experiences.
Younger Drivers Lead the Trend
The study found that younger generations are driving much of the growing interest in off-road travel.
Among respondents, 74% of Gen Z drivers and 72% of Millennials said they are interested in heading off the pavement. Interest also remained strong among older drivers, with 57% of Gen X respondents and 42% of Baby Boomers expressing the same interest.
Wooded Trails Top Destination Choices
Forest routes were the most popular destination for off-road trips, with 45% of respondents selecting wooded trails.
Desert driving ranked considerably lower, attracting 17% of those surveyed.
SUVs Are the Preferred Vehicle
More than half of respondents, or 52%, said they would choose an SUV for an all-terrain excursion, while 36% preferred a traditional pickup truck.
The study also found that gasoline-powered vehicles remain the preferred choice for trail driving. Among SUV owners, 79% favored internal-combustion power, while that figure increased to 87% among pickup truck drivers.
Traction Remains a Top Priority
According to the survey, traction across different driving surfaces is the most important tire characteristic for 42% of respondents.
The findings suggest that vehicle capability and performance on varying terrain remain key considerations for drivers planning off-road travel.
Study Highlights Growing Interest in Outdoor Driving
The latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index points to a growing appetite among American drivers for all-terrain adventures, with interest increasing across multiple age groups.
The survey also shows that wooded trails, SUVs, gasoline-powered vehicles, and strong traction continue to define the preferences of many drivers seeking off-road experiences.
