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Home » Comparisons & Reviews » Nitto Terra Grappler G2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3

Nitto Terra Grappler G2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3

January 31, 2023 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

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.

You can clearly see the severe off-road intent on the sidewalls of Toyo AT3

At a Glance

Nitto Terra Grappler G2Toyo Open Country AT3
Better forMostly highway driving,
comfort is your priority
Squishy and snowy regions,
camping and hunting,
working trucks
ProsQuiet ride,
long-lasting rubber,
satisfying wet and winter grip
Insane wet and snow traction,
long-lasting rubber,
decent off-road traction in any condition
ConsLimited off-road performanceA bit noisy,
slightly harsh ride if you’re not used to all-terrain tires
Available onDiscountTire:
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
  • How to Air Down Tires?
    https://www.discounttire.com/blog/airing-tires-down
  • What to Expect from 3PMSF Tires?
    https://www.discounttire.com/learn/mountain-snowflake-symbol

Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
NameBest forWorks Best onArticles3PMSFRoad NoiseMileageFuel EconomyRiding ComfortResponsivenessWet PerformanceMild WinterSevere WinterMild Off-RoadSevere Off-RoadCommercial Usage
Toyo Open Country AT3
(Test Report – Check Price)
Treadlife focused all-round performanceCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksReviewYesAverageElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantElegantDecentMedium-Duty

Falken Wildpeak AT3W
(Test Report – Check Price)

Winter driving and mild off-road performanceCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucksReviewYesAverageAveragePoorDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantDecentAverageLight-Duty
BF Goodrich KO2
(Test Report – Check Price)
Off-road adventureCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksReviewYesAverageAverageDecentDecentElegantAverageDecentDecentElegantElegantMedium-Duty
Nitto Ridge Grappler
(Check Price)
Off-road driven all-round performanceSUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantElegantElegant
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
(Test Report – Check Price)
Daily driving, moderate off-roadCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton pickupsvs Hercules AT2YesDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentDecentFairy WellMedium-Duty
Vredestein Pinza AT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Quiet & smooth highway driving and mild off-road performance3/4 ton or below Light Truck, SUV, Jeep, CUVReviewYesElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentElegantAverageLight-Duty
Falken Wildpeak AT Trail
(Test Report – Check Price)
CUV & SUV off-road loversCUV, SUVReviewYesDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantAverageLight-Duty
Sumitomo Encounter AT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Winter-driven all-round performance, medium-duty off-roadCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucksReviewYesDecentAverageAverageDecentDecentElegantElegantDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty
Firestone Destination AT2
(Test Report – Check Price)
Weekend overlandersCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton pickupsReviewYesDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentElegantAverageDecentDecentMedium-Duty
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Heavy duty work trucks3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton pickup trucks, body-on-frame SUVs, Jeepsvs Cooper Discoverer ATWNoDecentDecentFairy WellDecentElegantDecentAverageFairy WellElegantDecentHeavy-Duty
Firestone Destination XT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Fuel economy on 3/4 ton or above light trucks3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton pickup trucks, body-on-frame SUVs, JeepsReviewYesAverageDecentElegantDecentElegantDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentHeavy-Duty
General Grabber ATX
(Test Report – Check Price)
Handling focused all-round performanceCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksvs BFG KO2YesAverageDecentFairy WellDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty
General Grabber APT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Mild winter and mild off-road combinationSUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucksReviewYesDecentExcellentAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageMedium-Duty
Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
(Test Report – Check Price)
Well-balance on/off road tireCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksNoAverageDecentFairy WellDecentElegantElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty
Continental TerrainContact AT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Premium on-road manners, dry regionsCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucksNoElegantDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantAverageFairy WellDecentFairy WellLight-Duty

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

Toyo Open Country 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 AT2What changed?What changed?
Sliding and handling issues on wetThe tread design and compoundImproved wet performance and handling
Cut and chipping issuesThe tread design and compoundImproved cut and chipping resistance
Average off-road gripMore evenly distributed void areaImproved off-road grip
Limited length lateral groovesEnhance lateral groovesIncrease 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

Durability and dry ground traction isn't an issue for Terra Grappler G2. The issue is a wet grip.

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

Do you want a salesy look? Toyo AT3 is a bigger and wider tire

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

Nitto Terra Grappler G2

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.

Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/

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:

https://tireterrain.com/how-to-make-tires-last-longer/

Specs

Nitto Terra Grappler G2Toyo Open Country AT3
CategoryAll-Terrain TireAll-Terrain Tire
VehicleLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUV
Available Sizes (Rim)17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’, 24’’15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’
Weight30-81 lbs26-76 lbs
Made InWhite, GA, USAWhite, GA, USA
Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF)NoYes
Warranty (P-metric)65,000 Miles65,000 Miles
Warranty (LT Sizes)50,000 Miles50,000 Miles
PricesCheck price section to see best possible pricesCheck 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.

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 G2Toyo Open Country AT3
Better forMostly highway driving,
comfort is your priority
Squishy and snowy regions,
camping and hunting,
working trucks
ProsQuiet ride,
long-lasting rubber,
satisfying wet and winter grip
Insane wet and snow traction,
long-lasting rubber,
decent off-road traction in any condition
ConsLimited off-road performanceA bit noisy,
slightly harsh ride if you’re not used to all-terrain tires
Available onDiscountTire:
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:

Top-Notch All-Terrain Tires

  • Toyo Open Country AT3 Review
  • BF Goodrich KO2 Review
  • Falken Wildpeak AT3W Review
  • Firestone Destination XT Review
  • Firestone Destination AT2 Review

Real Bargain All-Terrain Tires

  • Kenda Klever AT2 Review
  • Patriot RT Tires Review
  • Kenda Klever R/T Review
  • Atturo Trail Blade ATS Review

High-End Tires by Category

  • Best All-Terrain Tires
  • Best Rugged-Terrain Tires
  • Best Mud-Terrain Tires
  • Best All-Season Tires for Snow
  • Best Tires for Snow Plowing
  • Best Semi-Truck Tires

Blue-Ribbon Tires by Vehicles

  • Best Tires for SUV
  • Best Tires for 3/4-ton Trucks
  • Best Tires for Range Rover Sport
  • Best Tires for Tesla Model 3
  • Best Tires for Chevy Suburban
  • Best Tires for Mercedes ML350

Be a Professional

  • Get the Longest Life from Your Tires
  • Can I Replace Just One Tire?
  • How to Read Tire Size?
  • How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
  • Tire Wear Patterns
  • How to Check Tire Tread Depth with Penny?

Filed Under: All Terrain Tires Tagged With: comparison, nitto terra grappler g2, Toyo Open Country at3

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