Yokohama Rubber has announced that its Geolandar M/T G003 off-road tire will equip 12 teams competing in the 2026 Asia Cross Country Rally, scheduled for August 10-15 in Thailand. The rally, an FIA-sanctioned cross-country event similar to the Dakar Rally, will see 20 SUVs and pickup trucks navigate approximately 1,200 miles of challenging terrain from Pattaya to Phitsanulok. This continued partnership underscores the tire’s proven track record in extreme off-road conditions.

The selection represents significant momentum for Yokohama’s off-road tire technology. Vehicles equipped with Geolandar tires have claimed the AXCR overall championship in three of the last four years, winning in 2022, 2023, and 2025. This dominance signals to consumers that the tire delivers real-world performance when conditions get demanding. The 2026 rally will push the tire even further, with competitors crossing mountains, jungles, beaches, and plantations across Thailand.

Championship Teams Return on Geolandar Rubber

The defending champions at Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will defend their title on three Mitsubishi Triton pickup trucks, all rolling on the Geolandar M/T G003. The team has won the overall championship twice with Yokohama support, capturing victories in 2022 and 2025, with a third-place finish in 2023. This year, the team aims for back-to-back titles, bringing together experienced drivers including Chayapon Yotha, a two-time overall champion, and newer entrants like Kazuto Koide, who completed his AXCR debut in 2024.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Indonesia will also return with Geolandar tire support, fielding a Toyota Fortuner that has previously claimed the overall championship and second place in consecutive years. The team’s track record reflects both the SUV’s capability and the tire’s reliability across extended rally distances. Additionally, Isuzu Suphan Trane Titanium Yokohama Nexzter Rally Team will enter three vehicles after finishing fourth last year, suggesting these teams view the Geolandar M/T G003 as essential to their competitive strategy.

What Makes the Geolandar M/T G003 Stand Out for Off-Road Drivers

rugged pickup truck mountain terrain
Photo by sayan Nath

The Geolandar M/T G003 is engineered specifically for varied off-road surfaces with an emphasis on extended tread life and durability. The tire features a robust, aggressive tread design optimized for loose terrain, rocky surfaces, and water crossings. Unlike all-season street tires, this mud-terrain option prioritizes grip over fuel efficiency, making it ideal for serious off-road enthusiasts and adventurers who venture beyond paved roads.

Yokohama has demonstrated the tire’s capability through competition worldwide, building a reputation for off-road performance that extends beyond a single market or vehicle type. For shoppers considering serious off-road adventures, whether in SUVs or pickup trucks, the tire’s three-year winning streak in one of Asia’s most demanding rally events provides concrete evidence of durability and traction under extreme stress. Tire manufacturers continue to expand investments in off-road and specialty segments, reflecting growing consumer interest in vehicles capable of handling diverse terrain.

Growing Off-Road Interest and Tire Selection

off-road competition vehicle rally
Photo by Alex Perz

The expanded roster of Geolandar-equipped teams for 2026 aligns with broader market trends. Consumer surveys indicate that when evaluating tires for off-road use, traction across varying surfaces ranks as the top priority for 42 percent of respondents. This preference directly matches what the Geolandar M/T G003 delivers, with its aggressive tread pattern and reinforced sidewall construction designed for rock crawling and extreme terrain.

The AXCR itself has grown significantly since its inception in 1996. As one of the premier cross-country rallies, the event attracts serious off-road competitors and showcases tire technology under real-world conditions far more demanding than typical consumer driving. Yokohama’s continued support of multiple teams, including those with female drivers, demonstrates the tire’s broad appeal across the off-road enthusiast community.

What This Means for Tire Shoppers

Competition among tire manufacturers drives innovation in specialized segments, and rally success often translates to consumer benefits through improved product design. When a tire wins major competitions repeatedly, engineers collect real-world data that informs future generations of the product. The Geolandar M/T G003’s consistent podium presence means Yokohama has invested significant resources in understanding how the tire performs under the most punishing conditions.

For buyers with SUVs or pickup trucks who plan serious off-road adventures, this tire represents a proven option with multiple years of competitive validation. If you’re shopping for a mud-terrain tire and want evidence of durability, traction, and real-world reliability, the repeated selection by winning rally teams provides a strong endorsement. The tire’s availability in multiple sizes makes it accessible to a broad range of vehicle owners, from weekend adventurers to serious off-road racers.

Leadership in tire innovation continues shaping the market’s future, with manufacturers investing in competition to validate product claims. Yokohama’s dominant presence in the AXCR reflects both engineering excellence and a commitment to testing products where they matter most: in real competition against other manufacturers.