Driven: Testing Linglong's Leao Lion Climber Tires on a Real Off-Road Trail

      Linglong, edited by Andrew P. Collins

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      Off-road tires can be quite costly. SUV and truck enthusiasts may easily invest as much as a Porsche 911 owner when it’s time to purchase new tires. The latest offerings from Leao, one of China's largest tire manufacturers, aim to penetrate the competitive off-road market by delivering comparable performance at significantly lower prices. I tested the Lion Climber X/T and R/T on Jeep Wranglers on a certified Honor Trail to see if they can earn their own badge.

      This tire review emphasizes real-world driving experiences, sensations, and feedback—prioritizing vibe over numerical data.

      It’s uncommon for me to attend a press event without needing to board a plane. However, I was invited to try the Leao Lion Climber R/T and X/T tires in my own backyard of the Nevada desert, so I eagerly accepted. While I’m not an off-road specialist, I have undergone a few training programs, received some personal coaching, and tackled numerous off-road courses. More importantly, I have extensive experience with traction gained from years of driving and car reviewing.

      Leao

      Our Leao test was somewhat unstructured, yet it provided me the chance to test the tires under tough conditions. The event was led by Las Vegas Rock Crawlers, who supplied modified Jeeps and facilitated the drive. The Leao brand, along with several others, is owned by Linglong Tire, a company that has not always boasted the most stellar reputation but is now striving to change that narrative.

      Linglong has been in existence for 50 years but is primarily recognized in the U.S. for its inexpensive tires for commuter cars. The company is now attempting to ascend the market slightly and enhance the quality of its offerings while still providing lower-priced alternatives.

      Leao Lion ClimberDrivenTest Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (lightly modified)Tire Size: 35×12.5R17Tire Weight: 68 lbs (X/T), 69 lbs (R/T)Load Range: E (X/T), F (R/T)Suspension & Geometry: Solid axles, lift kitDriving Conditions: Local and highway on-road, 12-mile off-road trail at Red RocksDriving Location: Red Rock National Conservation Area, Las Vegas, NevadaPros: Off-road performance of leading brands at a significantly reduced price.Cons: The R/T and X/T are designed for off-road use, meaning most SUV and truck owners will experience diminished on-road performance.Where to Buy: Confirm size before ordering!

      Leao Lion Climber X/T and R/T: Overview, Purpose, and Target Audience

      Although Linglong isn’t a premium brand, it has a long history and ranks as one of the top 12 global tire manufacturers. Based in Shandong, China, it operates five factories, with additional facilities in Thailand and Serbia. It supplies tires as original equipment (OE) for some VW Group vehicles and has been establishing a presence in the U.S. for several years.

      Leao

      The Leao Tires sub-brand offers an extensive array of truck, bus, and tractor tires suitable for everything from everyday driving on roads to navigating muddy farm terrains. The Lion Climber X/T and R/T all-terrain tires are produced in Thailand.

      There are four main categories, ranked from most on-road to most off-road oriented: all-terrain A/T, rugged-terrain R/T, extreme-terrain X/T, and mud-terrain M/T. Tires leaning more towards off-road usability generally feature softer rubber compounds and chunkier tread patterns, resulting in quicker wear, less on-road precision, lower fuel efficiency, and increased road noise. The extreme-terrain segment is the newest, designed to provide M/T’s aggressive appearance with reduced noise and improved on-road performance.

      The Leao Team is upfront about these tires being a budget-friendly option. Off-road tires, like those in any enthusiast segment, tend to be expensive. I’ve certainly used up more Z-rated tires just commuting than I’d like to acknowledge, and I suspect many off-road enthusiasts would agree. Serious adventurers may notice the difference, but let’s be realistic—many buyers of R/T and X/T tires are only likely to engage in serious off-roading a handful of times each year.

      Leao Lion Climber X/T and R/T: Evaluation

      Pricing

      Leao is not aiming to compete on performance with the priciest brands. The two tires I evaluated were 35×12.5-17s, a favored size among off-road enthusiasts. The Lion Climber R/T and X/T retail online for about $230 and $250, respectively. In contrast, leading brands like General, Nitto, Toyo, and BFGoodrich range from $350 to nearly $500 per tire.

      Visual Appeal

      I frequently observe SUVs and CUVs equipped