In 2013, Maxxis offered one of the most diverse UTV tire lineups in the industry. The range included the versatile Bighorn and Bighorn 2.0, the mud-capable Vipr, the desert-focused Coronado and the short-course-oriented Ceros.
Each tire targeted a different combination of terrain, durability, ride quality and vehicle weight. This overview preserves the specifications and positioning Maxxis published at the time. Available sizes and current production status may have changed since the original announcement.
Maxxis Vipr
The Maxxis Vipr was developed specifically for ATVs and side-by-sides that needed traction in loose dirt, intermediate terrain and mud. Its directional tread used deep, widely spaced lugs designed to dig into soft surfaces while clearing accumulated mud.
- Directional tread pattern with deep lugs
- Designed for loose-to-intermediate terrain and mud
- Radial construction for a smoother ride and larger contact patch
- Six-ply-rated construction
- Integrated rim guard
- High load rating for heavier UTV applications
The Vipr filled the more aggressive end of the 2013 Maxxis recreational lineup. Its deep tread provided more soft-terrain capability than the Bighorn family, although riders spending most of their time on hardpack generally had better all-around options.
Maxxis Bighorn
The original Maxxis Bighorn had already established itself as one of the best-known radial tires in the ATV and UTV market by 2013. Its broad footprint and relatively open tread made it useful across desert terrain, dirt trails and rocks.
- Radial construction for improved comfort over rough terrain
- Large shoulder lugs that help protect the sidewall and wheel
- Wide footprint for predictable traction
- Suitable for desert, dirt, rocks and mixed trail conditions
- Raised white lettering on one side
The Bighorn became common as both an aftermarket tire and original equipment on numerous side-by-sides. Its combination of ride quality, traction and predictable handling made it a benchmark all-terrain UTV tire.
Maxxis Bighorn 2.0
The Bighorn 2.0 carried over the basic character of the original Bighorn in a lighter package. It used slimmer tread blocks and a non-directional design intended to deliver predictable cornering and versatile traction over rocks, roots, dirt and hardpack.
- Lightweight variation of the original Bighorn
- Six-ply-rated radial construction
- Non-directional tread pattern
- Designed for desert, dirt, rocks and mixed trail riding
- Reduced rotating and unsprung weight compared with heavier-duty tires
The lower weight helped preserve acceleration, steering response and suspension performance on the relatively light UTVs available during this period. Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires later appeared as factory equipment on a wide range of recreational side-by-sides.
Maxxis Coronado
Introduced as a new model for 2013, the Maxxis Coronado was designed for high-speed desert riding and racing. Its eight-ply-rated radial carcass provided more puncture resistance than the six-ply tires in the lineup, while a long-wearing compound was intended to withstand heat and sustained speeds.
- Eight-ply-rated radial construction
- Long-wearing compound developed for desert conditions
- Stepped tread blocks with multiple biting edges
- Tread extending over the shoulder for added sidewall protection
- Performance-matched front and rear designs
- Optimized for loose-over-hard desert terrain
The Coronado used a rounded front profile to improve steering response, help the tire follow ruts and provide predictable control through flat desert corners. Maxxis also offered a complementary rear configuration intended to balance straight-line traction with the front tire’s steering characteristics.
For more background, see our original report on the introduction of the Maxxis Coronado desert tire.
Maxxis Ceros
The Maxxis Ceros was a UTV-specific radial designed primarily for hardpack and loose-over-hard conditions. Its directional tread emphasized smooth rolling, straight-line stability and predictable braking rather than deep mud or specialized rock-crawling performance.
- UTV-specific six-ply-rated construction
- Directional, smooth-rolling tread pattern
- Designed for higher UTV operating pressures
- Stable at speed on hardpack and loose-over-hard terrain
- Predictable braking and steering response
- Suitable for short-course racing and high-speed desert riding
The Ceros also earned success in short-course competition, where its relatively low rolling resistance and predictable handling suited compact racing surfaces.
How the 2013 Maxxis UTV Tires Compared
| Tire | Primary terrain | Construction | Key characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vipr | Loose dirt, intermediate terrain and mud | Six-ply radial | Deep, self-cleaning directional tread |
| Bighorn | Desert, dirt, rocks and mixed trails | Radial | Versatile traction and comfortable ride |
| Bighorn 2.0 | Hardpack, dirt, roots and rocks | Six-ply radial | Lighter version of the original Bighorn |
| Coronado | High-speed desert and loose-over-hard terrain | Eight-ply radial | Durability and puncture resistance |
| Ceros | Hardpack, short-course and desert terrain | Six-ply radial | Stability, steering precision and smooth rolling |
The Lineup’s Lasting Influence
The original Bighorn and Bighorn 2.0 became especially influential as radial tires replaced many of the lighter bias-ply designs used on early side-by-sides. Their widespread use as original equipment helped establish the ride quality and all-terrain performance riders expected from a modern recreational UTV tire.
UTVs have since become heavier, faster and more specialized. Maxxis responded with newer designs including the Carnivore for aggressive all-terrain use and the Roxxzilla for technical rock crawling. The Bighorn family nevertheless remains an important part of UTV tire history.
For a look at how Maxxis’ rock-crawling offerings evolved, see our guide to the best 35-inch sticky UTV tires, which includes the Maxxis Roxxzilla Competition.
