Toyo Proxes ST III Review: There is debate about whether cargo vehicles, such as SUVs and crossovers, can go fast. These vehicles are mainly for carrying heavy loads, not speed. However, there are performance tires for them. The Toyo Proxes ST III is a good option.
Many might question whether this tire can truly meet performance needs. To answer that, let’s delve into a detailed review of the Toyo Proxes ST III in today’s article.
Key technologies
Toyo added unique features to boost the Proxes ST III tire’s year-round performance. They tested these features with Toyo’s “T-mode” software under different conditions. The tire’s construction stands out for its tough rayon ply carcass and silica-rich material.
Rigid Rayon Ply Carcass
The Toyo Proxes ST III has a tough rayon ply carcass. This boosts its strength and stability. It also increases flexibility at high speeds, ensuring good stability when turning.
High Silica Content in Tread Compound
The Proxes ST III tire uses a high-silica tread compound. This compound enhances grip on dry and wet roads. It also prevents overheating at high speeds. Moreover, it stays flexible in the cold, aiding traction on icy roads. The high silica content reduces rolling resistance. This, in turn, lessens wear and boosts fuel economy for your SUV.
Toyo combines these features for reliable performance. The tire is ideal for high-performance SUVs and crossovers.
Specifications & Features
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| UTQG Max | 500 AA |
| Load Max | 2,094 lbs |
| Inflation Pressure | 50 psi |
| Tread Depth | 10.1/32″ |
| Tire Weight | 6-8 lbs |
| Rim Width | 6.5″ |
| Section Width | 9″ |
| Tread Width | 6.7″ |
| Overall Diameter | 28.5″ |
| Revolutions Per Mile | 729 |
| Country of Origin | Japan (JP) |
Features
The Toyo Proxes ST III tire is unique and specialized. It’s made for SUVs, crossovers, and heavy trucks, and it’s full of great features.
It blends high-performance street and sport tire traits. This mix is unusual but surpasses expectations. The tire boosts acceleration, responsiveness, and traction in heavy SUVs, features not commonly found in other products.
Its all-season performance is key. It ensures good traction and handling in varied weather, reducing the risk of accidents due to bad conditions.
Crossovers’ weight often makes turning hard and stressful. The Proxes ST III tackles this issue. Its design and materials significantly improve handling and traction, making driving in these vehicles easier and safer.
These benefits boost confidence, even for less experienced drivers. The tire’s features simplify heavy vehicle driving.
Most street/sport all-season tires lack long warranties. The Proxes ST III is different. It comes with a 40,000-mile warranty, impressive for sport SUV tires.
Apart from the warranty, the Proxes ST III offers extra benefits. This makes it a high-value choice for SUV and crossover owners, balancing performance and reliability.
Performance & Test
In this section, I’ll discuss the Toyo Proxes ST III’s actual performance. We’ve tested it in various conditions to identify its features, both good and bad.
We ran several tests to ensure accurate and objective results. The data below will aid your decisions.
I’ll also cover key factors like comfort and value.
Dry Traction
Street/Sport all-season tires are great in dry conditions. SUV tires are also known for this. Now, the Toyo Proxes ST III combines these strengths.
This tire has special features. It includes directional shoulder blocks and a high rubber content. These boost grip and performance on dry ground. Thicker shoulder blocks, common in heavy-duty tires, improve braking and cornering traction.
It offers stable and safe performance. Whether on highways, rough suburban roads, or sandy areas, the ride is smooth and controlled.
With this tire, braking is much easier. I’ve struggled with heavy vehicles at high speeds. So, I really appreciate this improvement. Effective braking on dry surfaces is crucial, and the Proxes ST III nails it.
Moreover, its traction and acceleration are impressive. The mix of SUV and Sport tire elements makes this tire exceed expectations.
Wet Traction
The Proxes ST III excels in wet conditions, rivaling competitors in its segment. In tests on water-covered surfaces, the tire allowed my SUV to reach the finish line quickly and stably.
Key features like lightning grooves and high-grip tire compounds contribute to this performance. The deep grooves channel water away from the tire surface, reducing hydroplaning and increasing traction.
This enhanced grip minimizes slippage at high speeds, a crucial factor for large SUVs. The stable traction provided by the Proxes ST III ensures safer handling in wet conditions.
Ice and Snow Performance
The Proxes ST III struggles in snow and ice. During tests in snow-covered areas, its performance was notably poor compared to other tire models. For this reason, I advise against using this tire in snowy or icy conditions.
Off-Road Performance
I do not recommend the Proxes ST III for off-road driving. The tire’s design, suited for SUV and Sport applications, is not ideal for unstable terrain. Attempting to navigate steep slopes or muddy areas can lead to complications and potential problems. While it may handle relatively stable areas with few obstacles, it is best to avoid challenging off-road conditions.
Comfort
The Toyo Proxes ST III contains twice as much rubber as typical tires, providing a unique bounce that absorbs impacts from obstacles. This feature enhances comfort by reducing backlash, allowing for a smoother ride. You can comfortably drive a vehicle equipped with these tires all day without discomfort or pain.
Treadwear and Durability
High-performance tires, such as the Proxes ST III, usually wear out faster than all-season touring tires. Yet, the Proxes ST III can last for about 40,000 miles, or even more when not pushed to the limit.
Toyo improved this tire’s durability by adding slightly tilted outer tread blocks. This design lowers the chance of damage, ensuring even wear and a longer lifespan.
Maintenance Indicators
The Proxes ST III features industry-standard treadwear indicators (TWI). These are small gauges within the tire tread blocks that become visible as the tire wears down to its final 2/32″ of tread.
As the tire tread depth decreases, you can periodically check these indicators. When the tread aligns with the indicator, it’s time to replace the tires, as driving with less than 2/32″ of tread is unsafe. In some US states, it’s also illegal to drive with such low tread depth, making these indicators especially important.
Is It Worth Your Money?
The Toyo Proxes ST III is a great value. It’s affordable and boosts a vehicle’s performance. The tires stand out for their features and capabilities, making them a smart choice.
I bought a set for my car. The difference was clear right away. For a closer look at their performance, watch the video below.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High grip | Can’t move in the snow |
| Works well in different conditions | |
| High elasticity | |
| Attractive price | |
| Many sizes to choose from | |
| The perfect combination of SUV and Sport tires |
Should You Buy It?
The Toyo Proxes ST III removes size worries. It fits wheel diameters from 17 to 24 inches. Before, I had trouble finding SUV wheels in the 20 to 24-inch range. Now, the Proxes ST III solves that.
Vehicle Fit For Toyo Proxes ST III
| Vehicle Make | Vehicle Model |
|---|---|
| Ford | F-150 |
| Chevrolet | Silverado |
| GMC | Sierra |
| Ram | 1500 |
| Toyota | Tundra |
| Nissan | Titan |
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee |
| Dodge | Durango |
| Cadillac | Escalade |
| Lincoln | Navigator |
| BMW | X5 |
| Mercedes-Benz | GLE |
| Audi | Q7 |
| Lexus | RX |
| Infiniti | QX80 |
Competitors and alternatives
- Pirelli Scorpion Verde
- Yokohama Parada Spec X
FAQs
Toyo Proxes ST III tires are manufactured at the US-based Toyo Tire plant in Georgia.
Toyo Proxes ST III tires excel in high-performance highway driving. Their only minor downside is limited traction in snow.
Toyo Proxes ST III tires last about 40,000 miles. They can last even longer if not constantly pushed to their limits.
The speed rating for the Proxes ST III tire includes a “V” rating and a “W” rating for the ultimate sporty trim choice.
You can purchase Toyo Proxes ST III tires at US-based Toyo Tire dealerships and online tire shops, often with available discount codes.
The Toyo Proxes ST III is a higher trim of the Toyo Proxes tire model. It is designed for a sportier ride with extra stability features and advanced structures.
The Toyo Proxes ST III is similar to the Nitto 420V but has a slightly higher expected tread life.
The Pirelli Scorpion Verde offers slightly better wet traction. The Proxes ST III excels in cornering stability and driving comfort.
Conclusion
The Toyo Proxes ST III is an excellent tire, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. I hope this article has provided you with the information needed to determine if this tire is right for you.
The Toyo Proxes ST III is a tire for SUVs and sports cars. It excels in dry and wet conditions, boosting grip, acceleration, and braking. However, it’s not ideal for snow, ice, or off-road use. Still, its great overall performance and comfort make it perfect for SUV and crossover owners. These features ensure a safer, more enjoyable drive.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me via email for more detailed answers. Thank you for reading!