- 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!
Nitto and Toyo are both all-terrain tires that are built in the same factory. Though, they have totally different approaches to all-terrain tires. While Toyo AT3 is all-round tire and handles almost everything, Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is a bar of gold for those who take on-road manners as a priority. Let me explain it in detail.
At a Glance
| Nitto Terra Grappler G2 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Mostly highway driving, comfort is your priority | Squishy and snowy regions, camping and hunting, working trucks |
| Pros | Quiet ride, long-lasting rubber, satisfying wet and winter grip | Insane wet and snow traction, long-lasting rubber, decent off-road traction in any condition |
| Cons | Limited off-road performance | A bit noisy, slightly harsh ride if you’re not used to all-terrain tires |
| Available on | DiscountTire: 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, Toyo Open Country AT3 has better traction off the road. Moreover, it’s significantly better traction on wet grounds. Furthermore, It can handle winter conditions perfectly(3PMSF) with which Terra Grappler G2 has some issues. However, Nitto Terra Grappler G2 steps up with a quiet ride and long-lasting tread. The dude last like crazy and is a perfect tire for dry and warm regions.
All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
Finding the most suitable one for you among thousands of tires is very difficult.
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - Is it time to change your tires?
https://simpletire.com/learn/tire-news-information/tire-wear-bar - How do all-terrain tires do in the snow?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/all-terrain-mud-tires-in-snow - Tire rating charts & reviews
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/rating-chart&reviews - Tire test report
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests
Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.
If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best All-Round & Longevity
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Round & Squishy Regions
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best All-Round & Off-Road Adventure
- Falken Wildpeak AT Trail – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Severe Off-Road
- Nitto Recon Grappler – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- General Grabber ATX – Best All-Round for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best On/Off Road tire for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Cooper Discoverer 4S XLT – Best Commercial All-Terrain Tire & Hauling and Towing
If you’re looking for something at a bargain price;
- Vredestein Pinza AT – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- Kenda Klever A/T2 – Best All-Round for Medium & Light Duty Usage
- Kenda Klever R/T – Best All-Round for Heavy-Duty Usage
Depending on your needs, also the below articles might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-mud-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
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
Toyo Open Country AT2 vs AT3
Even though they look the same at first sight, we observed that Toyo made some critical changes between Toyo Open Country AT2 and Toyo Open Country AT3. We’ve prepared a table below to give you a piece of brief information about improvements.
| Toyo Open Country AT2 | What changed? | What changed? |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding and handling issues on wet | The tread design and compound | Improved wet performance and handling |
| Cut and chipping issues | The tread design and compound | Improved cut and chipping resistance |
| Average off-road grip | More evenly distributed void area | Improved off-road grip |
| Limited length lateral grooves | Enhance lateral grooves | Increase traction on all surfaces, especially on snow |
You can check this article out to see improvement from Toyo Open Country AT2 to Toyo Open Country AT3 –> https://tireterrain.com/toyo-open-country-at3-review/
We strongly believe that Toyo made the right improvements and Toyo Open Country AT3 takes its place among the best all-terrain tires ever.
Off-Road Performance
Even the worst all-terrain tires are performing average during off-road usage. Therefore, it’s hard to find the best all-terrain tire for off-road. We strongly believe that defining your application is vital in that case. We are going to give you operation-based information and help you to find which one is best for your application range.
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has significantly better mud performance than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has slightly better durability than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has significantly better snow performance than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
- Toyo Open Country AT3 and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 are equal during sand driving
Due to its high self-cleaning ability, Toyo Open Country AT3 is our pick for off-road usage. Yet, Nitto has other off-road tires that fit better for this section. Let’s dig into our labels!
- A side note here: If you’d like to see the best all-terrain tires by vehicle or usage, this article is GOOOOLD –> https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
Mud Driving
Mud performance(best ones) is the only label that manufacturers can make significant differences. It’s mostly related to the tire’s evacuation ability. This ability mostly comes from deep sipes and shattered shoulders.
Enhanced lateral grooves ensure the best evacuation and help it to stay stable on mud.
Compared with the Toyo Open Country AT2, a more evenly distributed void area provides better traction and handling.
Toyo Open Country AT3 shows itself with a specific design and takes a lead on this label.
Sand Driving
All-terrain tires have mostly the same performance on wet and sand. The biting capability will be our key feature on this label.
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 are performing very well due to the high intensity of sipes. These sipes cover whole surfaces of tires.
We must say ‘Draw’ in this section and give Nitto Terra Grappler G2 to do well by sand driving.
Rock Driving
Rock driving ability needs another kind of expertise while building a tire. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not pay too much attention to this label.
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 have average performance on rock, especially on hills and rock climbing operations.
Where Toyo Open Country AT3 takes a lead is gravel driving. Due to stone-ejection blocks, Toyo Open Country AT3 can throw the rocks out easily and preserve traction.
Highway Performance
Highway driving is not an issue for both tires. We analyze both of them deeply. There are some minor differences. We’ve separated this section into three labels. ‘Noise Comparison’, ‘Riding Comfort’ and ‘Wet Driving’.
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has significantly better noise reduction than Toyo Open Country AT3
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has slightly better riding comfort than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has significantly better wet driving than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
We can confidently say that Toyo Open Country AT3 is ripping Nitto Terra Grappler G2 apart in this label.
Noise Comparison
I will be honest with you guys. This section is the only one Toyo Open Country AT3 is losing the battle. But I have to admit that, it is the sacrificing point of Toyo. In fact, it is logical to sacrifice noise reduction to get more traction. At least, that was what we do when developing a tire.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is mute and if noise reduction is your priority, you can confidently go with Nitto Terra Grappler G2.
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
Riding Comfort
Unlike passenger tires, all-terrain tires consist of lugs instead of ribs. We can confidently say that the most successful all-terrain tires have average riding comfort. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and Toyo Open Country AT3 meet your expectations. Unless comfort is not a priority.
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and Toyo Open Country AT3 have equal performance on bumps etc.
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has slightly better handling than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has a slightly better steering response than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and Toyo Open Country AT3 both are trustable options on this label. Toyo Open Country AT3 is a bit ahead but the difference is not significant.
For all-terrain tire newbies: All-terrain tires wear well. We all know this. Yet, compared to the all-season tires these tires offer a rough ride. If your interest in all-terrain tires is fresh, I highly recommend reading the linked article before making any purchase.
Wet Performance
We’ve mentioned the poor wet performance of Toyo Open Country AT2 in our previous article. In that comparison, Nitto Terra Grappler G2 was significantly ahead. We consider it even dangerous on wet.
Well, the table turned. Toyo made great work on the new generation tire Toyo Open Country AT3. These are some of the most effective all-terrain tires on wet.
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has a significantly better grip and biting on wet
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has a significantly better cornering on wet
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has significantly better hydroplaning resistance
If you are living in a rainy environment, you better go with Toyo Open Country AT3.
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
Snow Performance
Snow performance is where Toyo Open Country AT3 becomes a legend. These tires have outstanding snow performance. No matter it’s ice, deep snow, or soft sliding snow, Toyo Open Country AT3 will perform perfectly.
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has significantly better snow performance. They might be the best on market
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has better ice performance than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
- Toyo Open Country AT3 is a legend in deep snow.
There is no competition in this section. Toyo Open Country AT3 is the winner. Yet, I recommend you to check this article out –> https://tireterrain.com/falken-wildpeak-at3w-review/
Durability and Wear Life
Durability and wear life are not an issue for both of them. Thick sidewalls prevent them from any side impact. Both tires will meet your expectation due to durability and wear life.
- Toyo Open Country AT3 has slightly better durability than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has a slightly better wear life than Toyo Open Country AT3
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:
Specs
| Nitto Terra Grappler G2 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All-Terrain Tire | All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV | Light Truck, SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’, 24’’ | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’ |
| Weight | 30-81 lbs | 26-76 lbs |
| Made In | White, GA, USA | White, GA, USA |
| Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | No | Yes |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 65,000 Miles | 65,000 Miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 50,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles |
| Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
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
Toyo Open Country AT3: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/toyo-tire-open-country-a-t-iii
Nitto Terra Grappler G2: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nitto-terra-grappler-g2
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
Toyo Open Country AT3: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/toyo-open-country-a-t-iii
Nitto Terra Grappler G2: Not available
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
Toyo Open Country AT3: https://simpletire.com/brands/toyo-tires/open-country-a-t-iii
Nitto Terra Grappler G2: https://simpletire.com/brands/nitto-tires/terra-grappler-g2
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.
What does Artificial Intelligence Say?
Most of the articles on the internet are written by artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is now an important part of our lives and we need to learn to live with it. That’s why I wrote a short article on the ‘ChatGPT’ bot to find out what artificial intelligence has to say about this topic. Here is the result,
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3: Which tire is better for your vehicle?
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and Toyo Open Country AT3 are two popular all-terrain tires that are widely used by off-road enthusiasts. Both tires are designed to provide excellent performance on different terrains, but they differ in their features and specifications. In this article, we will compare the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and the Toyo Open Country AT3 to help you decide which tire is better for your vehicle.
Pros and Cons of Nitto Terra Grappler G2
The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is an all-terrain tire that is designed for use on light trucks and SUVs. One of the main advantages of this tire is its aggressive tread design, which provides excellent off-road traction. The Terra Grappler G2 also features full-depth siping that enhances wet and winter weather performance.
However, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has a few drawbacks. One of them is its noise level, which can be quite high on the highway. Additionally, the tire’s tread life is not as long as some other all-terrain tires on the market.
Pros and Cons of Toyo Open Country AT3
The Toyo Open Country AT3 is another all-terrain tire that is designed for light trucks and SUVs. This tire has a more conservative tread design compared to the Nitto Terra Grappler G2, but it still provides excellent off-road performance. The Open Country AT3 also has a longer tread life than the Nitto Terra Grappler G2, making it a great value-for-money option.
However, the Toyo Open Country AT3 also has some drawbacks. Its wet traction performance is not as good as the Nitto Terra Grappler G2, and it can also be quite noisy on the highway.
Performance by vehicle category:
Based on user comments and reviews, both tires perform well on light trucks and SUVs. However, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is favored more for off-road use, while the Toyo Open Country AT3 is preferred for its longer tread life and value for money.
Conclusion:
In summary, both the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and the Toyo Open Country AT3 are excellent all-terrain tires that provide great performance on different terrains. The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is the better choice for off-road enthusiasts who need aggressive tread and superior off-road traction. Meanwhile, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is the better choice for those who prioritize tread life and value for money. Ultimately, the choice between these two tires comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your vehicle.
Conclusion
We’ve deeply analyzed both tires. Weak and strong points are determined. Though it’s worth keeping in your mind, these tires are all-around tires. Both will satisfy you more than many competitors.
Toyo Open Country AT3(product page) can handle severe off-road conditions. Toyo AT3’s more durable and better on wet and snow. On the other hand, Nitto Terra Grappler G2(product page) is a decent tire for mainly on-road users.
| Nitto Terra Grappler G2 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Mostly highway driving, comfort is your priority | Squishy and snowy regions, camping and hunting, working trucks |
| Pros | Quiet ride, long-lasting rubber, satisfying wet and winter grip | Insane wet and snow traction, long-lasting rubber, decent off-road traction in any condition |
| Cons | Limited off-road performance | A bit noisy, slightly harsh ride if you’re not used to all-terrain tires |
| Available on | DiscountTire: 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.
Hope you guys enjoy this article. If you have any further questions, please write them below. We will answer it ASAP!
Guide Me Bruh!
This section contains my research and top picks. Depending on your need, you may choose a category and easily find the best fit for yourself. Remember, nobody knows your driving conditions and requirements better than yourself. You’re in the charge out here.
Start Here:
Read with interest your comparison of the two tires and I can’t totally agree with your assessment of your conclusion regarding wet traction. I had a Toyota Tacoma with Toyo AT3’s. They consistently would lose traction when starting on wet pavement unless barely accelerating and ‘crawling’ to get started. Any quicker acceleration would cause tires to spin and lose traction. Hopefully, this hasn’t been a common occurence for other owners. Just my experience with the tires that I wanted to pass on.
Hello Chuck,
You’re right actually. When I was writing this article, Nitto was probably using a different compound. I’ll work on it in detail and I’m going to update the article. Thanks for the feedback.
I still think that for its aggressive appearance, Toyo AT3 is one of the best all-terrain tires on wet pavement. So, kinda surprised by your comment.
Yet, I made some quick research and see that some other Tacoma users having this issue also. Just a quick question, did you use LT or non-LT-rated tires?