- A short note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking Discount Tire - Treadwell out. Now, you can effortlessly get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites without going to the Discount Tire store.
TRIED & TRUSTED!
Ridge Grappler and Open Country RT are rugged-terrain tires built in the same factory. As rugged-terrain tires, they place between mud-terrain and all-terrain tires. Though, some rugged-terrain tires are built with all-terrain intent and some with mud-terrain intent. Hence, their usage range might show some differences. Let’s see which one will meet with your expectations!
At a Glance
| Nitto Ridge Grappler | Toyo Open Country RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Lifted vehicles and wider aftermarket wheels, appearance, highway-oriented driving, mid-size SUVs | Wet and winter traction, off-road lovers, longevity |
| Pros | Satisfying wet and dry traction, can handle mild and severe off-road, quiet for its design | Satisfying wet and dry traction, great winter performance, great off-road durability, long-lasting rubber, well-balanced air-down / highway tire |
| Cons | The ride is a bit stiff, P-Metric sizes are providing average tread life | A bit noisy (not as much as mud tires), |
| Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Nitto Ridge Grappler has better on-road manners. It offers a smoother and quieter ride. Moreover, it’s a lightweight tire in this comparison. Hence, it provides superior gas mileage. They both can handle mild off-road. Yet, Toyo Open Country RT is a slightly better off-road tire due to its sidewall durability. The tread life warranty of Open Country RT is another take-home point.
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
What Vehicles Will They Fit?
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Ford F-150
- GMC Sierra 1500
- Nissan Titan
- Ram 1500
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Any SUV
- Any 4×4
- Any Crossover
- Any 3/4 ton or above light trucks (Toyo RT is a better option in this case)
Road Noise and Comfort
Most customers use rugged-terrain tires only for their aggressive look, not off-road capability. Therefore, they generally need on-road manners instead of off-road manners. Road noise and comfort are crucial metrics for highway usage. Let’s see which one is better!
Nitto Ridge Grappler (vs Trail and Terra Grappler) has exceptional on-road performance. Due to its variable pitch tread pattern and soft compound, it can reduce road noise easily. That feature makes it one of the best rugged-terrain tires regarding quietness. Moreover, these asymmetrical tread lugs can grip to surface in order. Hence, they alternately hit the ground and absorb the vibration.
Toyo Open Country RT, on the other hand, I love Open Country RT’s tread design. It works as pretty as Ridge Grappler. Due to its narrowed center section gaps, it reduces the road noise very well. Though worth reminding, it has a bit stiffer compound than Ridge Grappler. Therefore, it’s not comfy as Ridge Grappler.
Ridge Grappler and Open Country RT hand to hand in this section. Yet, I recommend Nitto Ridge Grappler due to its smoother ride.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Durability
Durability is the main concern for rugged-terrain tires. No worries, these tires are secure picks unless you use them on the right vehicles and operations.
Open Country RT isn’t designed for towing, hauling, or heavy-duty applications. So, if you use these tires on 3/4 ton or 1-ton trucks, there is no way you can get decent tread life. It’s a good pick for 1/2 trucks, SUVs, Crossovers. On the other hand, its 3-ply construction increases cut & chipping resistance significantly and offer you protection against punctures and uneven wearing.
However, Ridge Grappler also has a similar application range. It’s not usable for heavy trucks. They became rattle bag products during the towing or hauling. Even though, it has a stronger sidewall, its cut & chipping resistance is limited compared to Open Country RT.
The difference is minor in this section. I recommend Open Country RT if you like to spend some time off the road. For mainly on-road users, both are trustworthy options.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,
If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Fuel Efficiency
Decreasing in fuel mileage is expected on rugged-terrain tires. Due to their higher rolling resistance, they lose fuel mileage.
Toyo Open Country RT is the heavier option. Therefore, it has higher rolling resistance. Higher rolling resistance means low fuel mileage. Nitto Ridge Grappler is the winner of this section.
Dry Traction
Dry traction is hard to compare for premium brand tires. Most of them have great traction ability due to their mud-terrain looks like patterns. Therefore, continuity of traction is the game-changer in that case.
Nitto Ridge Grappler has full-depth sipes that Open Country RT doesn’t have. For this reason, it can maintain its traction ability during its tread life.
Warranty
Toyo Open Country RT has 45,000 miles of tread wear warranty. You can click here to see its detailed warranty document.
Nitto Ridge Grappler doesn’t have any mileage warrany.
Wet Performance
Wet performance is hard to reach for rugged-terrain tires. Their footprint doesn’t step on surfaces completely and they lose grip from time to time.
Toyo Open Country RT has the above problem. It has a stiff compound. In addition, lack of siping causes grip loss. It has poor wet traction. I don’t recommend it unless you’re a calm driver and don’t go over 70 mph during heavy rain.
Nitto Ridge Grappler has a couple of advantages for wet ground. First of all, it has a soft compound. Nitto made a wise move and supported soft tread with well-siped rubber. It has decent wet performance.
Nitto Ridge Grappler is a significantly better tire on wet grounds.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Winter Performance
Before beginning, these tires aren’t rated for severe winter conditions(3PMSF).
3 different evaluation criteria constitute winter performance. Light snow, heavy snow, and ice.
Light snow is where Ridge Grappler is shining. Its grip and evacuation ability ensures that you don’t have any traction issues. Well, it’s not that successful in deep snow. Its shallow grooves and shorter tread depth put it behind in deep snow. Table turn again for icy conditions. Sipes get into the game and increase its ice traction significantly.
I recommend Nitto Ridge Grappler for winter conditions. Open Country RT is struggling a lot due to a lack of siping.
If you are looking for something solid for winter, I recommend you to check this article out!
Off-Road Performance
These tires aren’t designed to perform on severe off-roads. Rock crawling and deep mud aren’t their expertise.
You can also check this article out for a solid off-road solution!
Sand
Less aggressive design always works on sand better. Nitto Ridge Grappler is the winner of this section.
Mud
Mud driving depends on tire evacuation capability. In that case deep grooves, stone ejector blocks(for compact mud) and, staggered shoulder works best. Well, both tires have these features with a little difference. Wide-open shoulders.
Open Country RT step ahead with wide-open shoulders. It can evacuate the mud easily and keep the tread clean. Hence, traction remains at the top of the ladder most time.
Note: Nitto Ridge Grappler is a better choice for light mud. It can grip surfaces very well and avoid sliding.
Gravel and Dirt
Both tires are trustworthy options on gravel and dirt. You can go either way. Yet, I prefer Nitto Ridge Grappler due to its stone ejection capability.
Specs
| Toyo Open Country RT | Nitto Ridge Grappler | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Hybrid All-Terrain Tire | Hybrid All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV | Light Truck, SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 16”, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’, 24’’ | 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” |
| Weight | 49-100 lbs | 40 – 95 lbs |
| Made In | White, GA, USA | White, GA, USA |
| Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | No | No |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 45000 | N/A |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 45000 | N/A |
| Dual Sidewall Design | Yes (White, Black Lettering) | Yes (White, Black Lettering) |
| Price | Continue the below section | Continue the below section |
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Nitto Ridge Grappler: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nitto-ridge-grappler
Toyo Open Country R/T: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/toyo-tire-open-country-r-t
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Nitto Ridge Grappler: https://simpletire.com/brands/nitto-tires/ridge-grappler
Toyo Open Country R/T: https://simpletire.com/brands/toyo-tires/open-country-r-t
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
Nitto Ridge Grappler: Not available
Toyo Open Country R/T: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/toyo-open-country-r-t
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
These tires should be used on suitable vehicles. Otherwise, they can’t perform efficiently.
Nitto Ridge Grappler is a better all-round tire. It has superior wet performance. Moreover, it’s less vocal and offers smoother ride. I don’t recommend Open Country RT unless you don’t spend your time off-road driving.
| Nitto Ridge Grappler | Toyo Open Country RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Lifted vehicles and wider aftermarket wheels, appearance, highway-oriented driving, mid-size SUVs | Wet and winter traction, off-road lovers, longevity |
| Pros | Satisfying wet and dry traction, can handle mild and severe off-road, quiet for its design | Satisfying wet and dry traction, great winter performance, great off-road durability, long-lasting rubber, well-balanced air-down / highway tire |
| Cons | The ride is a bit stiff, P-Metric sizes are providing average tread life | A bit noisy (not as much as mud tires), |
| Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
I hope this article was helpful for anyone who is debating. If you have any further questions, please let me know!
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