Upgrading tyres can significantly change the driving dynamics and character of a vehicle. Recently, I installed a set of Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 tyres on my Tata Safari Storme, replacing the stock Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts after they had served for around 39,000 km. This article captures my installation experience, initial impressions, and early performance feedback from a road trip to the hills.
Tyre Selection & Installation
Maintaining the OEM size of 235/65 R17, I opted for the Geolandar A/T G015 primarily because of its reputation for striking a solid balance between on-road comfort and occasional off-road capability—a mix that aligns well with my driving pattern, which includes urban commuting, long highway runs and occasional off-road escapades.
Installation was done at the Yokohama Club Network in Noida Sector 64, where the technicians ensured precise wheel balancing, alignment and even made a slight camber correction. This professional approach added confidence right from the start.
It’s worth noting that I couldn’t replace the spare wheel due to a quirk in Tata’s offering—despite 17-inch wheels becoming standard before the Safari Storme was discontinued, the spare continues to be a 16-incher.
Visual and Static Impressions
The most noticeable change post-installation was the stance of the Safari Storme. The aggressive tread pattern of the Geolandars, with their pronounced grooves and sidewall ridges, filled the wheel arches more assertively, giving the SUV a more purposeful and rugged appearance.
Driving Experience: City & Highway
Almost immediately on the drive back home, the ride quality felt significantly improved. The Geolandars seemed to absorb bumps and potholes with greater poise, offering a more plush and composed ride compared to the outgoing highway-terrain tyres. The steering feel also lightened up, making city driving a tad more effortless.
On highways, the difference was equally notable. A subsequent road trip to Chail and Shimla allowed me to test the new set thoroughly across diverse surfaces. On the Himalayan Expressway, the tyres exhibited commendable grip and cornering stability. Even under moderate throttle inputs mid-corner, the rear tyres stayed planted—a noticeable improvement over the stock setup, which had a tendency to let the rear step out.
Tyre noise, often a concern with all-terrain rubber, was surprisingly well-controlled. The cabin remained relatively quiet, and the tyres didn’t drone, even at expressway speeds.
Off-Road Behavior
The ascent toward Chail presented a more challenging terrain, with narrow, uneven and loosely surfaced roads. The Geolandars took this in stride. Ride comfort remained consistent, and the tyres offered confident traction on broken roads and gravel sections, allowing the Safari to climb effortlessly without drama.
The A/T credentials of the G015s seem to work well in moderate off-road conditions, though I’ve yet to subject them to a proper trail or slushy terrain.
Fuel Economy & Pending Nitrogen Top-Up
One area where data is currently lacking is fuel efficiency. Since the early impressions came from a mix of highway and hilly terrain, it’s difficult to comment accurately on the impact the new tyres have had on economy. Similarly, I have yet to inflate them with nitrogen, which I plan to do shortly to assess any potential improvements in pressure stability and rolling resistance.
These aspects will be evaluated further in upcoming updates.
Initial Verdict
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 appears to be a well-rounded upgrade for those looking to retain daily drivability while enhancing their vehicle’s capability for occasional adventures. It has so far delivered better ride comfort, improved grip, quieter operation and a bolder stance—without compromising on city or highway usability.
There’s still more to explore in terms of long-term wear, fuel efficiency and extreme off-road behaviour but the early signs are certainly promising.
Stay tuned for a detailed long-term review coming soon.
