Toyo Proxes ST III Review 2024: A Near Perfect Truck Tire

Specifications

While the 40,000-mile warranty of the Toyo Proxes ST III is lower when compared to its competitors and even its previous version, the Toyo Proxes ST IIl, although its decreased price makes it a more reasonable and economical option.

Despite the lower price point, the tire has not been compromised on built quality and, in fact, improves upon its predecessor. Toyo’s decision to provide a more realistic estimation instead of an exaggerated claim is understandable, as truck tires are often unpredictable in terms of durability.

I was truly impressed by Toyo’s decision to increase the load index in comparison to its predecessors. The Toyo Proxes ST III comes with a 265 lbs increase in load index from its previous version.

With this increased load index of 1609 lbs, the tire would be able to handle the load of the vehicle better, but carrying heavy objects might still need to be well evaluated.

However, the Pirelli scorpion zero as Plus has a 2039 load index which is absolutely great when making tires for heavy vehicles.

I greatly appreciate Toyo for understanding a major concern among truckers with the limited availability of wide tire size ranges. Even the Pirelli Scorpion Zero A/S Plus falls short in offering a wide variety of options.

However, Toyo addresses this issue admirably with the Toyo Proxes ST III, which provides a comprehensive selection ranging from 17-inch to 24-inch wheel diameters and a rim range of 6.0-(7.0)-8.0.

Although the maximum speed of the Toyo Proxes ST III remains unchanged and unaffected, moreover performance tires often require the potential for higher speeds.

Interestingly, one of its competitors, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero A/S Plus, offers an impressive 186 mph rating, which is indeed a smart move by Pirelli.

However, it’s important to consider that the Pirelli Scorpion Zero A/S Plus comes with a significantly higher price tag compared to the Toyo Proxes ST III. Therefore, if budget considerations are a priority, the Toyo Proxes ST III still offers a competitive option without compromising on other advanced essentials.

The Toyo Proxes ST III takes over Pirelli in terms of tread depth with just 0.8 deeper tread, which feels more when the tire is on its last days.

With the Street/Sport all-season category still in its growing stage, the Toyo Proxes ST III faces relatively limited competition. However, it has managed to make a significant impact with its combination of an economical price point and impressive advanced features.

The Japanese manufacturer has set a new standard by offering a tire that excels in multiple areas, including durability, handling, and performance. By focusing on delivering a high-quality product at an affordable price, Toyo has solidified its position as a frontrunner in the category.

Maintenance Indicators

The Toyo Proxes ST III, while lacking a maintenance indicator, compensates for it with its budget-friendly price point. However, don’t let this deter you, as its performance and durability make it a worthy contender in its price range..

Different Season Performance Testing Results

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Dry Performance

During testing the Toyo Proxes ST III on the highway and dry roads, I found that the toyo proxes st iii maintained its quietness, and it was a smooth and vibration-free ride. The arrowhead tapers increase the contact of the tire, making it stiffer and more stable during highway driving. 

Generally, truck tires tend to develop vibrations under heavy loads, but the Toyo Proxes ST III proved to be exceptional in this regard. Enjoying a smooth and quiet ride without any vibrations is a fundamental requirement that enhances both the performance and comfort of our vehicles.

However, you might wonder if prioritising comfort has compromised traction.? 

Fortunately, with the Toyo Proxes ST III, there is no such compromise. These tires offer exceptional traction even at high speeds. They exhibit a stiffer feel that allows them to hug the road perfectly. As a result, cornering feels more secure, providing a tight road grip sensation.

Undoubtedly, Toyo has improved the overall dry performance with the ST III. The cornering grip and traction are truly impressive, enhancing the driving experience.

Additionally, the enhanced braking capability and increased comfort add an extra layer of satisfaction to the vehicle. The Toyo Proxes ST III has truly proven itself to be exceptional in every aspect.

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Snow Performance

While driving through the streets filled with 3-4 inches of snow, I was impressed with the tire’s light snow traction and how it performed. The breaking was average. While accelerating to a moderate speed, I was pleased with the impressive stability exhibited by the tires.

However, while pushing the vehicle aggressively, I noticed certain symptoms that suggested a potential slide or loss of traction. This highlighted an area where the tire performance needs to be improved.

As a performance tire, I had high expectations for stability and precise handling at high speeds in snowy conditions. Regrettably, the tires fell short in this aspect, failing to deliver the desired level of performance and compromising my confidence while driving in such conditions.

While breaking twice or thrice at a moderate speed, the vehicle stopped firmly without any slip or slide. But while turning on such deep snow, the vehicle did lose its control and fishtailed, indicating that it is not built to provide enough traction on heavy snow.

For those residing in areas with extremely harsh winter conditions or for aggressive winter driving, it may be necessary to switch to dedicated winter tires. The Toyo Proxes ST III, while capable, may not be able to withstand excessive pushing or extreme winter conditions.

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Wet Performance

The performance of the Toyo Proxes ST III tires on wet roads did not fail to impress me. With the Toyo Proxes ST III tires, you can confidently drive on rainy days without worrying about the wet traction thanks to its directional tread pattern.

The hydroplaning tendencies of the Toyo Proxes ST III are quite aggressive. It exhibits excessive hydroplaning when driven with caution. Although hen pushed beyond the speed limit, its ability to handle hydroplaning decreased.

The silica-based tread compound and wider tread blocks contribute to a moderate reduction in braking distance and improved acceleration on wet roads, which surprises me, given the affordable price of the Toyo Proxes ST III tire.

The outstanding wet performance of the Toyo Proxes ST III serves as a testament to its tire engineering capabilities. The Toyo Proxes ST III confidently takes on challenging wet conditions thanks to the lightning grooves, giving its rivals a run for their money.

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Off Roading Performance

While the Toyo Proxes ST III is undoubtedly an exceptional performance tire, its full potential may be diminished when driving off-road. Off-roading conditions often involve rough terrain and sharp surfaces, which require tires with specialised treads and belts to handle such challenges effectively.

Performance tires, like the Toyo Proxes ST III, are primarily designed to excel in on-road driving scenarios, offering superior grip, handling, and responsiveness.

While they may still perform adequately on some mild off-road surfaces, it’s important to understand that their design and construction prioritize performance on paved roads and may not provide the same level of durability or traction as dedicated off-road tires.

Features And Their Performance

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Noise And Comfort

I believe Toyo has made significant efforts to prioritize the comfort of the vehicle with the Proxes ST III. This tire provides quieter ride which effectively reduces cabin noise and provides a more serene driving experience. The focus on creating a “mute” tire showcases Toyo’s commitment to enhancing the overall comfort of the vehicle.

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Steering Response And Handling

The Toyo Proxes ST III offers good steering response and handling characteristics. Its advanced design and construction provide precise and nimble control, enhancing the overall driving experience. The tire’s responsive nature allows for confident cornering and anticipated driving.

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Tread Pattern, Tread Wear And Durability

The horizontal V-shaped tread pattern of the Toyo Proxes ST III tire not only serves as a functional design for various weather conditions but also enhances the overall beauty of the vehicle. Its aesthetically impressive appearance caught my attention, as it adds a touch of elegance to any vehicle.

However, the appeal of this tire goes beyond its looks. The Toyo Proxes ST III comes with exceptional durability, which is an important factor when considering a long-lasting tire.

The consistent wear out evenly over time, contributes to its extended lifespan and makes it highly durable. This longevity is achieved in part due to the use of solid compounds in the construction of the tire.

With the Toyo Proxes ST III, you can expect a tire that not only
performs well in different weather conditions but also maintains its attractive appearance while delivering high durability.

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Availability And Pricing 

Toyo is a renowned brand known for its wide availability and reliable tire offerings. The Toyo Proxes III, despite its affordable price point, delivers exceptional performance that can rival higher-priced options in its category.

With its superior design, construction, and quality, this tire surpasses expectations. The economical pricing of Toyo Proxes III makes it an attractive choice for truck, SUV, and CUV owners who can reap benefits without compromising on performance or reliability.

Toyo Proxes ST III Review: Acceleration and Breaking

These tires demonstrate exceptional resistance to the applied torque, ensuring excellent handling. The tread pattern excels in reducing braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces.

While it’s natural for an all-season tire to have slightly reduced braking performance in winter conditions, it still performs admirably. Furthermore, when towing a 3000 lb trailer, the tires exhibited flawless handling without any compromises.