Nitto and Toyo, although produced in the same factory, follow distinct philosophies when it comes to all-terrain tires. The Toyo AT3 is engineered for exceptional performance across a variety of terrains, positioning itself as a versatile and well-rounded tire. It confidently tackles a wide spectrum of conditions. In contrast, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 truly excels in on-road performance, prioritizing the delivery of a smooth and comfortable ride on paved surfaces. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who highly value refined on-road manners. Both tires exhibit unique strengths and cater to specific preferences and requirements. Let’s delve into the details.
| 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 |
In my view as a former Bridgestone engineer, if you’re focused on off-road adventures and heavy-duty tasks, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is the top choice. However, for a smoother and quieter daily drive with occasional off-road excursions, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is the perfect fit. Both tires handle wet and snowy conditions decently, but the Toyo is better for larger vehicles. Your choice should align with your specific driving needs, be it tackling rugged terrain or enjoying a comfortable commute.
All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
Finding the ideal all-terrain tire among the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, my team and I have taken on this challenge head-on. Besides our hands-on experiences with these tires, we also analyze thousands of customer reviews and test reports.
We also analyzed ‘What customer complains more about all-terrain tires?’. Even though some of these complains are coming from the nature of all-terrain tires, there is still way to prevent yourself from these issues. Below, you can see articles about, hydroplaning, tire noise
- How to reduce tire noise?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - Tire Vibration
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-vibration - Tire Air Pressure – How to Decide?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-air-pressure-info
Please note that: Light-Duty is 1500 series, Medium-Duty is 2500 series and Heavy-Duty is 3500 series. If you do towing or hauling, I recommend considering at least Medium-Duty tires.
Mobile users can scroll the table to the left to see the whole data.
For those who prefer a more textual representation and dislike sifting through tables of data:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires-for-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-1-2-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
A couple of popular size analyses:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-35×12-50r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-55r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-65r18-all-terrain-tires/
Want to learn more about all-terrain tires:
- https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
- https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/tire-load-index-and-load-range/
- https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-loud/
- https://tireterrain.com/how-long-do-all-terrain-tires-last/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/
- https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-pressure-load-range-for-every-rig/
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
Dry Performance
When it comes to all-terrain tires, they typically offer excellent traction on dry surfaces thanks to their aggressive tread patterns. However, it’s worth noting that while traction is essential, it’s not the sole determining factor for dry performance.
In truth, virtually all all-terrain tires available on the market already deliver impressive traction on dry roads. The critical aspects to consider here are steering response and cornering stability.
With this in mind, let’s delve into the heart of the matter by comparing the dry performance of the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and the Toyo Open Country AT3, both of which offer excellent dry traction.
Cornering Stability
When it comes to cornering stability in the world of all-terrain tires, I find it essential to consider the toughness of the shoulder blocks and sidewalls.
In this context, the Toyo Open Country AT3 holds an advantage, especially when we’re discussing 3/4 ton or larger vehicles. This tire boasts a thicker and stiffer sidewall, designed to handle more demanding off-road adventures. On the other hand, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is a solid choice for SUVs, CUVs, or 1/2-ton trucks.
Due to its beefier shoulder blocks and thicker sidewalls, I’ve noticed that the Toyo Open Country AT3 provides superior cornering stability. However, this advantage does come at a slight cost to ride comfort. That said, I still consider the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 a reliable option, especially for those who don’t engage in heavy hauling or towing activities.
Steering Response
Steering response is also closely linked to cornering stability, as a stable tread often leads to quicker steering response. In this regard, both tires have proven to be highly reliable. Let me explain why.
Toyo Open Country AT3 gains an edge thanks to its robust construction and interlocked center blocks. On the other hand, Nitto Terra Grappler G2’s tread pattern, reminiscent of highway terrain tires, offers a substantial advantage.
Overall, while the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 holds a slight lead in terms of responsiveness, Toyo Open Country AT3 could be the preferred choice for owners of larger vehicles.
Wet Performance
Toyo Open Country AT3 and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 deliver similar wet performance owing to their comparable tread features, including width and tread depth. In this context, wet traction and hydroplaning resistance take center stage (Are all-terrain tires good in rain?).
Let’s start with wet traction, where compound stiffness plays a crucial role. Determining compound stiffness isn’t always straightforward, but the UTQG rating provides a helpful clue, albeit limited to p-metric sizes. Both Toyo Open Country AT3 and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 boast a 600 A B UTQG rating, indicating A-rated wet performance. The 600 figure often hints at compound stiffness rather than treadwear. Additionally, both tires feature well-siped tread patterns, ensuring reliable wet traction in p-metric sizes.
However, the landscape changes when considering LT (light truck) sizes. LT tires generally employ stiffer compounds, designed to resist cuts and chips while supporting heavier vehicles. To discern the difference, I compared the tread width and depth of both tires in their LT sizes. It appears that Nitto Terra Grappler G2 utilizes a softer compound, as its tread depth increases with size. This suggests superior wet performance, particularly in LT sizes.
Now, let’s delve into hydroplaning resistance, closely tied to a tire’s water evacuation capabilities. Circumferential grooves and open shoulder blocks are key in this regard. While Nitto Terra Grappler G2 holds a slight edge thanks to its 4-rib pattern, Toyo Open Country AT3’s 3D Full-Depth multi-siping effectively channels water toward its open shoulder blocks.
As a result, both tires excel in hydroplaning resistance, with the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 having a slight advantage in wet traction overall.
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
Noise Comparison
Generating noise is an inherent drawback of all-terrain tires. I’ve observed that their aggressive and voided tread patterns often contribute to increased road noise (Are all-terrain tires loud?).
The primary sources of road noise, from my perspective, are the tire’s shoulder section and the air trapped within the tread. To mitigate this noise, I’ve noticed that tire designs with less aggressive shoulder blocks and reduced void area in the center section tend to perform best.
In the comparison between Toyo Open Country AT3 and Nitto Terra Grappler G2, I’d say the nod goes to the latter, Nitto Terra Grappler G2. It achieves this by featuring smaller and less aggressive lugs in its shoulder design and a rib-type center section with minimized void area. Meanwhile, Toyo Open Country AT3 excels with its interlocked center section and symmetrical tread pattern, providing excellent performance given its aggressiveness.
Overall, Nitto Terra Grappler G2 emerges as the quieter option, although it’s worth noting that Toyo Open Country AT3 still ranks among the best in its category in terms of noise control.
Riding Comfort
In previous sections, I’ve already delved into the topic of riding comfort. When it comes to comfort, it’s essential to note that personal preferences play a significant role. However, based on my observations, Nitto Terra Grappler G2 takes a slight lead in this department. This advantage can be attributed to its less aggressive tread pattern and a more flexible internal structure, which make it a comfortable choice, especially for on-road use .
Now, turning our attention to the Toyo Open Country AT3, it does a commendable job in delivering a decent level of riding comfort despite its rugged appearance. I wouldn’t describe it as the smoothest tire out there, but it certainly keeps its compound in contact with the ground consistently. This attribute allows it to handle bumps and imperfections in the road with relative ease.
To sum it up, my recommendation leans towards Nitto Terra Grappler G2 for SUVs, CUVs, and 1/2 ton light truck owners who prioritize a comfortable on-road experience. On the other hand, Toyo Open Country AT3 emerges as a strong option for those with 3/4 ton or above trucks or individuals who are willing to tolerate a slightly stiffer ride in exchange for enhanced off-road performance.
Here is a perfect article on what to expect from all-terrain tires for daily driving –> https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
Off-Road Performance
When it comes to off-road adventures, these two tires certainly chart different paths.
Toyo Open Country AT3, designed as an off-road all-terrain tire, excels in the realm of off-road performance. It boasts a robust overall off-road capability, making it a reliable choice for various challenging terrains. With its reinforced sidewalls, stone ejectors, and durable compound, it shines on rocky surfaces and confidently handles gravel and rock driving. This tire truly comes into its element when the path gets rough, making it ideal for those who embrace off-road challenges.
On the other hand, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2, tailored as an on-road all-terrain tire, offers a different off-road experience. While it may not match the Toyo Open Country AT3’s rugged prowess, it still manages to provide a decent level of mild off-road traction. Thanks to its multitude of biting edges and an optimized void area, it offers respectable traction on gravel terrains. However, when it comes to rocky surfaces, its sidewalls may not be as reliable.
Turning our attention to mud, the Toyo Open Country AT3 takes the lead with its substantial void area, delivering a commendable performance. In contrast, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2, with its well-siped and softer compound, excels in dirt traction. However, its tread isn’t aggressive enough to offer substantial mud performance.
In conclusion, if your heart lies in weekend adventures or you frequently find yourself navigating off-road challenges, my recommendation leans heavily towards the Toyo Open Country AT3. It’s a tire built for the rugged outdoors. Conversely, if daily driving is your priority, and you’re content with a mild off-road experience, then the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is the tire for you.
Snow/Winter Performance
When it comes to winter driving, both the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 are commendable choices, each excelling in specific winter conditions.
Starting with light snow, both tires bear the 3PMSF marking, signifying their competence in winter conditions. Their well-siped tread patterns and aggressive lugs provide plenty of biting edges for light snow traction. However, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 gains a slight edge here, thanks to its more compact pattern. It’s worth noting that some Nitto Terra Grappler G2 sizes do not feature the 3PMSF marking, primarily those designed for 3/4 ton or larger trucks. Nitto recommends turning to Toyo for these specific sizes.
Moving on to deep snow, the Toyo Open Country AT3 takes the lead with its more aggressive tread pattern, delivering excellent deep snow traction. The Nitto Terra Grappler G2, while not the best in this category, still manages to perform decently and can handle unexpected deep snow situations.
Finally, on icy roads, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 shines, thanks to its compact and heavily siped pattern. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and not rely solely on all-terrain tires for icy conditions.
In summary, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 proves to be an excellent choice for milder winter conditions and smaller vehicles. On the other hand, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is the better option for severe winter use and larger vehicles.
A side note here: Understanding the snow performance of all-terrain tires can be quite challenging. For those who find it perplexing, I’d like to direct your attention to a helpful resource: “6 Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow by AT Tire Category“ This article is specifically designed to assist you in making informed decisions regarding all-terrain tires in snowy conditions.
Treadlife
Tire longevity can indeed be a bit tricky to gauge, and it often varies depending on several factors, including the type of tire, your vehicle, and your driving conditions. In our case, we’re dealing with two distinct types of tires: the Nitto Terra Grappler G2, designed for on-road use with a softer compound, and the Toyo Open Country AT3, featuring a cut and chip-resistant, stiffer compound.
If you primarily drive on the road, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is likely to offer better tread life. However, it’s essential to note that it might wear more quickly if subjected to off-road conditions. On the other hand, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better choice if you frequently venture off-road. Keep in mind that due to its stiffer construction, it may also compete closely with the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 for on-road usage.
The key takeaway here is that the longevity of these tires can vary significantly depending on your specific usage patterns and the type of driving you do.
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.
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. You can use below table for a quick comparison.
| 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 |
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 index & 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
Hope you guys enjoy this article. If you have any further questions, please write them below. We will answer it ASAP!
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?