The latest Hankook Gauge Index highlights growing interest in all-terrain driving as many drivers use the spring and summer months to explore the outdoors. Hankook found that seven in 10 drivers want to try at least one type of adventurous driving. Off-roading proficiency ranks as the top recreational driving skill, with 34% of respondents expressing interest. Younger drivers show the most enthusiasm, with 85% of Gen Z, Millennial, and Gen X drivers eager for all-terrain adventures. Nearly half of Boomers (47%) reported no interest in off-road experiences, Hankook found.
Drivers Prepare for All-Terrain Adventures
Forest trails lead as the most popular choice for off-road experiences, with 31% of drivers selecting them. Urban residents are slightly more likely (33%) to seek wooded adventures compared to suburban drivers (29%), according to Hankook.
Preparedness stands out across all demographics, Hankook said. Four in 10 drivers (41%) rank a spare tire and tools as essential, followed by a GPS (25%). Experience plays a role, with nearly half (47%) of Boomers prioritizing a spare tire and tools compared to just 32% of Gen Z.
Many off-road activities require towing. Over half of drivers (59%) would tow camping gear or use an RV or camper van for a trip. Boomers lean toward RVs and camper vans (34%), while 33% of Gen Z would pack camping gear into their cars. Confidence extends to towing skills, with 53% of drivers comfortable backing up a trailer and 48% confident launching a boat.
Hankook Gauge Index Shows Weather Readiness
Off-road confidence goes beyond recreation, Hankook said. The Hankook Gauge Index found that 61% of drivers believe their current vehicle could handle off-road driving in an emergency. Millennials feel the most prepared, with 34% extremely confident in such situations.
However, weather impacts confidence. Nearly one-third of drivers (32%) are least confident driving on icy roads, a concern especially high among Gen Z. In contrast, 84% of all drivers feel extremely or somewhat confident driving in rainy weather, according to Hankook. Mud and rocky terrain see 63% expressing confidence, despite only 8% reporting their vehicle has all-terrain or mudding tires.
Households with children show 9% higher confidence in rough conditions compared to those without, according to the index. Most drivers (45%) say their vehicle uses all-season tires, while 21% report having all-weather tires. More than a third (34%) prioritize all-condition capabilities for off-road tires, including snow handling ratings. Boomers stand out, ranking puncture protection as their top priority (38%) over other features.
