Modern utes and SUVs are different. Higher, heavier and more powerful than their older counterparts, they exert more strain and stress on tyres.

But while modern utes are different, the tyres they use might not be. Tyres originally designed to suit older vehicles can struggle on modern vehicles, and coupled with less-than-perfect New Zealand road conditions, can become a significant issue for driver comfort and safety.  

Or so it used to be. Maxxis has just released a tyre designed specifically for the unique design geometry of the modern ute and SUV. The Maxxis RAZR HT780 is the perfect match for late-model vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Ford Everest, Toyota Hilux and Toyota Highlander. Not only does the RAZR HT successfully tame the changed driving characteristics of these vehicles, it’s also durable enough to satisfy any Fleet Manager or vehicle owner.

The first thing obvious about the tyre known as ‘the Highwayman’ is the unrelenting grip. They are very direct and the dynamic sidewalls stiffen as more cornering force is applied. So when the driver pushes the vehicle around a corner, the tyre reacts and stabilises the ride. In the past, tyres could struggle under the force of cornering at speed in modern utes, as the weight and force surpassed the ability of the tyre. The RAZR HT’s new compound and carcass ply solve this issue. It’s a crucial improvement and any driver who has ever had to swerve or change direction will appreciate it.  

One of the big issues faced by heavier vehicles is a lack of grip in the wet. Maxxis says the RAZR HT has the solution, its wet surface grip is “arguably the most impressive ever seen in a tyre fitted to a modern ute”. It disperses water very effectively via evacuation channels to maintain traction, even when water starts to pool on the road.  

Then there’s Maxxis Optim-Tech. This is the pitch arrangement technology used in the tyre to silence the hum of the open road. Anyone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel or makes use of hands-free for calls when on the road will appreciate this.  

There’s normally a cost associated with improvements of this kind. The Maxxis RAZR HT is different in that regard too. Tyres not designed for modern utes will degrade and wear quicker, unable to cope with the driving forces of the vehicles, marking them as more costly as they have to be replaced more frequently. The Highwayman uses high-reinforced silica nano-particles to resist wear and tear.

The Maxxis RAZR HT780 is a performance tyre for modern utes and SUVs. It has the crispness and grip to turn the most ‘floaty’ of high utes into a stable and safe workhorse.