Toyo Open Country AT3 and Nitto Ridge Grappler are both high-quality off-road tires that are built with different intents. While Ridge Grappler is a rugged-terrain tire, Open Country AT3 is an off-road all-terrain tire. Since both tires belong to the same company, they target different audiences. So, which tire do you belong to? Let’s see!
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Nitto Ridge Grappler | |
---|---|---|
Better for | Wet and snowy regions, On-road manners | Appearance, Stability, Heavy-duty usage |
Pros | Insane wet and snow traction, long-lasting rubber, mild & severe off-road traction | Responsiveness, Comfort, Severe off-road capability |
Cons | I’m not a fan of SL sizes | Wet and winter performance isn’t as satisfying as Toyo AT3, P-metric sizes doesn’t last long as you think |
Drawing from my experience as a former Bridgestone engineer, I can offer some insights into these tires. The Toyo Open Country AT3 is an excellent choice if you’re seeking an all-round tire that performs well in various conditions. On the other hand, the Nitto Ridge Grappler shines when it comes to appearance, although it may sacrifice some wet and winter traction in the process. The choice between these tires largely depends on the specific off-road traction you require. For example, if mud traction is a top priority for you, the Nitto Ridge Grappler is the better option. However, if longevity is a concern, Toyo tends to excel in p-metric sizes. Additionally, LT Nitto Ridge Grapplers are a great choice for heavy-duty usage scenarios.
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.
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.
Name | Category | Articles | 3PMSF | Road Noise | Mileage | Fuel Economy | Riding Comfort | Responsiveness | Wet Performance | Mild Winter | Severe Winter | Mild Off-Road | Severe Off-Road | Best Fit by Pickup Truck Classification | Warranty (SL or XL) | Warranty (LT) | Product Page |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Decent | Poor | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Elegant | Decent | Average | Light-Duty | 55,000 Miles | 55,000 Miles | Wildpeak AT3W | |
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Average | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Medium-Duty | 65,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles | Toyo Open Country AT3 |
General Grabber ATX | Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Average | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Elegant | Heavy-Duty | 60,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles | General Grabber ATX |
BF Goodrich KO2 | Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Elegant | Heavy-Duty | N/A | 50,000 Miles | BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
Sumitomo Encounter AT | Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Average | Decent | Average | Light-Duty | 60,000 Miles | 60,000 Miles | Sumitomo Encounter AT |
Firestone Destination XT | Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Average | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Decent | Heavy-Duty | N/A | 50,000 Miles | Firestone Destination X/T |
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | No | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Average | Elegant | Average | Heavy-Duty | N/A | 60,000 Miles | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT |
Falken Wildpeak AT Trail | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Average | Light-Duty | 65,000 Miles | N/A | Falken Wildpeak AT Trail |
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Elegant | Decent | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Fairy Well | Light-Duty | 65,000 Miles | N/A | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S |
Firestone Destination AT2 | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Decent | Elegant | Average | Decent | Average | Light-Duty | 55,000 Miles | N/A | Firestone Destination AT2 |
On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Elegant | Elegant | Decent | Elegant | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Average | Light-Duty | 60,000 | N/A | BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A | |
Toyo Open Country R/T Trail | Rugged Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Heavy-Duty | 45,000 Miles | 45,000 Miles | Toyo Open Country R/T Trail |
Falken Wildpeak R/T | Rugged Terrain Tire | Review | No | Decent | Decent | Average | Average | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Heavy-Duty | 50,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles | Falken Wildpeak R/T |
Pathfinder AT Tire | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Average | Average | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Average | Light-Duty | 55,000 | 50,000 | Discount Tire Exclusive Product |
Nitto Ridge Grappler | Rugged Terrain Tire | Review | No | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Heavy-Duty | N/A | N/A | Nitto Ridge Grappler |
General Grabber APT | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Fairy Well | Medium-Duty | 60,000 Miles | 60,000 Miles | General Grabber APT |
Vredestein Pinza AT | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Average | Medium-Duty | 70,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles | Vredestein Pinza AT |
Nitto Recon Grappler | Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | No | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Average | Elegant | Decent | Medium-Duty | 65,000 Miles | 55,000 Miles | Nitto Recon Grappler |
Michelin Defender LTX M/S | Highway Tire | Review | No | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Fairy Well | Decent | Fairy Well | Heavy-Duty | 55,000 – 70,000 Miles | 55,000 – 70,000 Miles | Michelin Defender LTX M/S |
Kenda Klever R/T | Rugged Terrain Tire | Review | No | Average | Decent | Average | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Fairy Well | Decent | Decent | Heavy-Duty | N/A | N/A | Kenda Klever R/T |
Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | No | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Average | Elegant | Decent | Medium-Duty | N/A | N/A | Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT |
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT | Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Fairy Well | Medium-Duty | N/A | N/A | Discount Tire Exclusive Product |
Continental Terrain Contact H/T | Highway Tire | Review | No | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Elegant | Decent | Average | Poor | Decent | Poor | Heavy-Duty | 70,000 Miles | 60,000 Miles | Continental TerrainContact H/T |
Patriot R/T | Rugged Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Average | Average | Average | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Medium-Duty | N/A | N/A | Patriot R/T+ |
Kenda Klever AT2 | Off Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Decent | Average | Average | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Average | Medium-Duty | 60,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles | Kenda Klever AT2 |
Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | On Road All Terrain Tire | Review | Yes | Elegant | Decent | Average | Elegant | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Average | Average | Poor | Light-Duty | 60,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles | Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 |
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT | Rugged Terrain Tire | Review | Yes (315 or narrower width) | Decent | Decent | Average | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Decent | Decent | Elegant | Decent | Medium-Duty | 50,000 Miles | 60,000 Miles | Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT |
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
Tread Appearance
Center section spacing can give you clues about tire type(All-terrain, mud-terrain, etc.). Wider spacing means better off-road performance and mostly it means you are looking for a mud-terrain tire. Well, in this case, things are a bit more complicated.
Even though Nitto Ridge Grappler (Nitto’s Grappler Line-Up) was announced as a rugged-terrain tire, it’s clear that Nitto’s main goal for this tire on-road manners and smoking hot appearance.
Ridge Grappler with the narrower margin promises a lot for on-road. Moreover, it has a dynamic tread design. Different shaped and sized sipes on the center block are increasing biting capability. That means better traction ability. Yet, a narrowed void area generally doesn’t work very well on the loose grounds. If they want solid off-road traction with this pattern, they should use a fluffy compound. Well, they did.
On the other hand, Toyo Open Country AT3 has a more compact tread design. It has wider lugs which provide tons of traction. Besides that, its siping density is superior. Hence, it promises better wet and winter performance.
I’m personally in love with how Nitto Ridge Grappler looks. Yet, Open Country AT3’s jack-of-all-trade design promises better performance.
Nitto released this tire with the claim of good on-road manners and satisfying off-road performance. Well, that’s true. But the problem is this compound can not handle aggressive off-road driving. It has some chunking and cracking issues. In further time, these chunks will turn into uneven wear, hence, balancing issues.
On the other hand, Open Country AT3’s compound is stiff enough to handle off-road conditions. Since its internal structure is not as heavy as Ridge Grappler, its wearing rate is better than Nitto Ridge Grappler.
Regarding sidewall durability, things are a bit more complicated. Most problems that Ridge Grappler has are caused by heavy weight. Well, some of this weight is produced by thick sidewalls. In fact, the diversity in customer opinions stems from this.
LT sizes of Ridge Grappler are extremely heavy. They can handle the toughest off-road conditions. Well, with the trade of tread life. However, SL and XL sizes of Ridge Grappler can last almost as long as Toyo Open Country AT3. Yet, they can only handle mild off-road due to their relatively weaker sidewalls.
On the other hand, things are the total opposite for Open Country AT3. While its LT sizes have stiff and durable sidewalls, especially its SL sizes have weak sidewalls. Sidewall damage is always on the table. So, if you don’t need an LT size, I recommend XL sizes.
In a nutshell,
- SL and XL sizes of Nitto Ridge Grappler are solid
- SL sizes of Toyo AT3 have weak sidewalls
- If you’ll buy Toyo AT3 and want better on-road manners, I recommend XL sizes instead of SL sizes
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:
Nitto Ridge Grappler indeed receives praise for its noise performance, and there are two key reasons behind this.
Firstly, the tire’s substantial lugs are designed to be more rigid and incorporate a step-down feature that significantly reduces vibrations. As a result, it is quieter when compared to other rugged terrain tires.
However, when it comes to noise comparison between the Toyo Open Country AT3 and Nitto Ridge Grappler, there’s a slight difference. Ridge Grappler is engineered for superior traction, featuring more aggressive shoulder blocks and a robust center section.
Overall, the Nitto Ridge Grappler stands out as one of the quieter rugged terrain tires, making it an excellent choice. However, the Toyo Open Country AT3 still claims the quieter side in this comparison.
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
Riding comfort is mostly related to the internal structure. Well, the tread design has a slight effect on it, yet, too small to be considered for this time.
Since Nitto aims to build a mud-terrain tire with good on-road manners, they use extremely heavy and durable structures. This comfort level overperforms mud-terrain tires. Yet, compared to all-terrain tires, this heavy and stiff structure causes some bumping issues.
On the other hand, Toyo Open Country AT3 has a basic all-terrain tire internal structure. They use a two-ply polyester casing as a foundation for the twin steel belts. As a result of this, they can reach a balance of durability and comfort.
Toyo Open Country AT3 has better riding quality.
Here is a perfect article what to expect from all-terrain tires for daily driving –> https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
Dry Performance
The dry performance of off-road tires can be evaluated under three different layers.
While one of them is dry traction and it’s easy to achieve, the other two cornering stability and steering response can cause some issues due to the lug-type patterns of off-road tires.
Let’s evaluate them one by one.
Steering Response
Regarding steering response, the weight of the tire and the continuity of the tread is highly important.
Toyo Open Country AT3’s center section is consist of S shape lugs that are interlocked. However, the center line of the tire has some gaps that negatively affect to steering response. So, you might experience a minor delay.
On the other hand, Ridge Grappler is a better design in that case. Due to its triangle-shaped lugs, the center line of the tire has minor gaps. Hence, it communicates quicker. Though, its heavy weight creates minor delay.
Nitto Ridge Grappler and Toyo Open Country AT3 have decent steering responses.
Cornering Stability
So, the cornering stability is important if you’re an aggressive driver. In this case, off-road tires generally don’t have any issues due to their strong sidewalls.
In our comparison, both tires have strong sidewalls. So, the tires can keep their shape while cornering at high velocity.
In this section, there is no need for the grouping I did in the durability section.
No matter what size they are, both tires have reliable cornering stability.
Wet Performance
Due to their relatively stiff compounds, off-road tires sometimes struggle to produce solid traction on wet pavement. However, they are mostly one of the most successful segments if we’re talking about the high-speed wet performance (Are all-terrain tires good in rain?).
I made the above explanation in order to explain more easily that wet ground performance should be evaluated in two different ways.
So, while wet traction is the indicator of starting, accelerating, and stopping, hydroplaning resistance is the indicator of high-velocity wet performance.
Let me explain them one by one.
Wet Traction
Wet traction is related to compound stiffness and siping density (biting edges).
Let’s start with the compound stiffness. Compound stiffness is measured with UTQG ratings. Even though this isn’t the only factor that affects wet performance, the tires below 700 UTQG ratings perform better on wet pavement.
Since Toyo Open Country AT3 has 600 and Ridge Grappler has 500 UTQG, both tires pass the test.
Regarding the second variable siping density, Toyo Open Country AT3 has a huge advantage. Yet, this difference is the same difference between the mud-terrain and all-terrain tires. Mud-terrain tires don’t have too many sipes, yet, they can grip wet surfaces due to their soft compounds.
Due to its more compact tread and soft compound, Nitto Ridge Grappler provides reliable wet traction. On the other hand, Toyo Open Country AT3 is a beast in this case. I don’t think that any tire in the market can beat it.
Hydroplaning Resistance
Hydroplaning resistance is the water evacuation capability of the tire. Tires can keep the water inside the tread at high speed. Well, if the tread doesn’t throw the water out of it, it might lose contact with the surface in case of any braking. That’s called hydroplaning.
So, solid hydroplaning resistance is provided by circumferential grooves and open shoulder blocks.
Both tires have suitable tread designs for the above entailments. I can’t separate them. Both are trustworthy. Yet, Ridge Grappler can be found on higher speed ratings. Hydroplaning resistance might be more useful for Ridge Grappler users.
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
Winter performance is another black point for Ridge Grappler. These tires are not built to perform in severe winter conditions. Well, they do not have 3-peak mountain snowflake marking.
On the other hand, Open Country AT3 is great in severe winter conditions. They can handle every kind of snow very well. Moreover, their traction capability is superior. They only struggle a bit on the ice. Yet, you can handle it with a piece of driving skill. It is also rated with a 3-peak mountain snowflake marking.
Open Country AT3 is the true winner of this section. No doubt.
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.
Off-Road Performance
In terms of off-road performance, Nitto Ridge Grappler holds a slight advantage, thanks to its more cavitied pattern. This design enhances its capability, especially on muddy surfaces, where the ability to evacuate mud is crucial.
The effectiveness of the scope-like shoulders on the Ridge Grappler becomes evident in these conditions, allowing it to excel in off-road scenarios, particularly in mud.
Your choice between these tires should primarily be based on your typical riding conditions. For example, if you mainly drive on gravel and dirt roads without venturing into severe off-roading, you may not require the Nitto Ridge Grappler. However, if your driving conditions frequently involve mud or slick terrains, the Ridge Grappler could be the superior choice.
Overall, if you demand more than medium-duty off-road traction, I recommend opting for the Nitto Ridge Grappler. For all other scenarios, the difference in performance is not substantial.
- 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/
Warranty
Nitto does not offer a tread warranty for Ridge Grappler.
Toyo offers a 65000 miles tread warranty for 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
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Nitto Ridge Grappler | |
---|---|---|
Category | All – Terrain Tire | Hybrid All-Terrain Tire |
Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV | Light Truck, SUV |
Available Sizes (Rim) | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’ | 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” |
Weight | 26-76 lbs | 40 – 95 lbs |
Made In | White, GA, USA | White, GA, USA |
Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | Yes | No |
Warranty (P-metric) | 65,000 Miles | N/A |
Warranty (LT Sizes) | 50,000 Miles | N/A |
Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
Size Selection
Before we dive into selecting the right tire size, it’s essential to understand the tire standards that manufacturers follow.
Technical Standards & Regulations
In Europe, the tire standardizing organization is called ETRTO. In the United States, it’s The Tire and Rim Association (TRA), while in Japan, it’s the Japanese Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association (JATMA). Although there may be other organizations, they generally align with one of these three.
When it comes to passenger car tires, TRA designates them by placing the letter “P” in front of the size to indicate conformity to the TRA standard. On the other hand, ETRTO and JATMA do not use any letters, which can sometimes be confusing when determining which standard is being used.
For light truck tires, TRA uses the letters “LT” in front of the tire size, while JATMA places the letters “LT” after the size. ETRTO, however, uses the letter “C” after the size to indicate tires of this type.
In the realm of medium truck tires, ETRTO uses the letter “C” after the size to designate tires designed according to their standard. In contrast, TRA and JATMA do not use any letters in this context.
Now, here’s what’s essential: Tires with the same dimensions (size) may have different maximum load capacities depending on the standard being followed. So, it’s crucial to consider the relevant standard when choosing tires.
When it comes to load capacity designations, “SL” (Standard Load) and “XL” (Extra Load) are used for all passenger car tires, regardless of which standard is being followed. In the ETRTO standard, “Reinforced” is also used as an alternative to “XL.”
Load Range, on the other hand, is specific to TRA. ETRTO and JATMA use the term “Load Index.” While TRA references Load Indexes, it’s important to note that the values provided are approximate.
To sum it up, understanding the tire standards and designations is vital as they play a significant role in determining the right tire size and load capacity. By considering the appropriate standards, you can make an informed decision when selecting tires that meet your vehicle’s requirements.
Here are two great articles if you wanna dive deeper:
Load Range vs Load Index: https://www.discounttire.com/learn/load-range-load-index
Tire Sizing System: https://www.discounttire.com/learn/euro-vs-pmetric-tires
How to Select the Right Tire Size Based on Your Requirements?
When it comes to selecting tire sizes for your vehicle, it’s important to keep in mind that most vehicles offer more than one original equipment size. Let’s take the 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab 4WD as an example. You have three different tire size options: 275/55R20 SL, 275/65R18 Load Range C, or 275/65R18 SL.
Note: I use Toyo Open Country AT3 for an example tire. You can use this link to see tire options for your vehicle and then make a comparison between the sizes:
https://www.discounttire.com/fitment/vehicle
If you don’t know your tire size: https://tireterrain.com/find-tires-by-vin-number/
Let’s focus on comparing the 275/65R18 SL and 275/65R18 Load Range C options for a more detailed comparison. Your decision should be based on your priorities. If you prioritize a smooth ride and better handling, the SL option is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value hauling or towing performance and tire longevity, the Load Range C option would be a better fit.
As a tire engineer, my perspective often revolves around load-carrying capacity. Generally, tires with higher load capabilities tend to provide a stiffer ride. However, there’s a bit of an illusion to consider. When you compare the two tires in the same size, the SL-rated tire may initially appear to have a higher load capability. But here’s the catch: P metric tires, like the SL option, need to be derated by a factor of 1.1 when used on a truck. Crunching the numbers reveals that the SL option actually has a lower maximum load capability. Additionally, it boasts a lower tread depth, which translates to better responsiveness.
The same principles I mentioned earlier also apply when comparing XL and E Load range tires. In summary, if your vehicle allows for Passenger Car or LT (Light Truck) tires, going with a passenger option will provide you with better on-road manners. However, if you find yourself venturing off-road frequently, own a working truck, or regularly engage in towing and hauling heavy loads, then LT tires are generally the better choice for your needs.
Couple of tips for towing;
- Even though the load index of passenger car tires fits, when it comes to towing, sidewall stability is the issue. Hence, LT tires with Load Range C, D, or E provide better stability.
- Generally, a load index higher than 119 is recommended for towing
- Proper loading is important for even wearing. 60/40 rule should be followed. 60% of the weight should be on the front axle and 40%of weight should be applied rear axle of the trailer. Besides that, try to center load. Start with heavier ones if you gonna stack them up.
To wrap it up, selecting the right tires comes down to choosing the ones that align with your driving preferences and specific requirements.
Specification Comparison for Popular Sizes
Before we delve into a detailed comparison of the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the Nitto Ridge Grappler, it’s essential to note that their performance can vary depending on the tire size you choose. Let’s start by highlighting some key considerations:
- Wheel Sizes: Both the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the Nitto Ridge Grappler are available in a wide range of wheel sizes, including 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, and 22”. The Nitto Ridge Grappler even offers a 24” option.
- Load Ranges: These tires cater to different load ranges. For LT sizes, you can find them in C, E, and F load ranges, while p-metric sizes come in SL and XL load ranges.
- Weight: In general, the Nitto Ridge Grappler tends to be slightly heavier than the Toyo Open Country AT3W for most sizes, although the difference is relatively small.
- Height and Tread Depth: The Nitto Ridge Grappler typically has a slightly higher tread depth, with the difference becoming more noticeable as you go up in size. Conversely, the Toyo Open Country AT3 tends to be a wider tire.
These variations in wheel sizes, load ranges, weight, and height should be carefully considered when selecting the right tire to suit your specific requirements. Now, let’s proceed with a detailed comparison of popular sizes of these tires.
35×12.5R20
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Nitto Ridge Grappler |
---|---|---|
Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire |
E | F | F |
67 lbs | 67 lbs | 68 lbs |
16.9/32″ | 16.9/32″ | 18.3/32″ |
10.9″ | 10.3″ | 10.2″ |
United States | United States | United States |
It’s worth noting that Nitto and Toyo, being sibling brands, often target slightly different market segments. For instance, in the case of this size, the F-rated Nitto Ridge Grappler shines when it comes to enhancing the overall appearance of your vehicle. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this tire is likely to generate more noise compared to the F-rated Toyo Open Country AT3. This increased noise can be attributed to the Nitto’s deeper tread and more aggressive pattern, which also contributes to its superior performance on loose ground. Therefore, if you prioritize off-road adventures, the F-rated Nitto Ridge Grappler is the tire for you. On the other hand, for those who lean more towards on-road driving, the E-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 may be the better overall choice.
285/70R17
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire |
E | SL | C | SL | C | E |
55 lbs | 47 lbs | 54 lbs | 48 lbs | 55 lbs | 55 lbs |
16.5/32″ | 13.6/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 13.5/32″ | 16.4/32″ | 16.4/32″ |
9″ | 9″ | 9″ | 8.9″ | 8.9″ | 8.9″ |
United States | Japan | United States | United States | United States | United States |
In the case of this size, both tires boast remarkably similar specifications. Their tread depth, width, and weight align closely. Consequently, the same comparison applies here: Opt for the Nitto Ridge Grappler if you prioritize off-road performance over on-road comfort and handling. However, it’s important to note that the SL-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 is not manufactured in the United States for this particular size.
275/60R20
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler |
---|---|---|---|
Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire |
E | SL | E | XL |
55 | 42 lbs | 58 lbs | 45 lbs |
16.4 | 13.5/32″ | 16.4/32″ | 13.5/32″ |
9.4″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ | 8.9″ |
United States | United States | United States | United States |
In this size, the XL-rated Nitto Ridge Grappler stands out as a significant choice. It caters to individuals seeking a balance between an aggressive appearance, on-road comfort, and off-road traction. This tire is particularly well-suited for trucks with a 3/4 ton or higher capacity, making it a strong recommendation for such vehicles. Conversely, if a smooth ride is your top priority, the SL-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 emerges as the superior option. When it comes to E-rated sizes, the Nitto Ridge Grappler excels in dry conditions, while the Toyo Open Country AT3 takes the lead in wet regions.
265/70R17
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler |
---|---|---|---|
Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire |
E | SL | SL | E |
48 lbs | 42 lbs | 42 lbs | 51 lbs |
16.3/32″ | 13.4/32″ | 13.5/32″ | 16.4/32″ |
8.4″ | 8.4″ | 8.4″ | 8.4″ |
United States | Japan | United States | United States |
In essence, the key considerations remain consistent. The Nitto Ridge Grappler demonstrates greater durability against external factors, while the Toyo Open Country AT3 excels in on-road traction and noise reduction. The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities. If you value performance on loose ground, the Nitto tire shines, boasting more rigid sidewalls. However, for medium-duty usage, I lean towards the E-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 as the superior choice.
Conclusion
In summary, both tires can be used in different conditions. However, the below table will give you the best usage condition for each tire.
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Nitto Ridge Grappler | |
---|---|---|
Better for | Wet and snowy regions, On-road manners | Appearance, Stability, Heavy-duty usage |
Pros | Insane wet and snow traction, long-lasting rubber, mild & severe off-road traction | Responsiveness, Comfort, Severe off-road capability |
Cons | I’m not a fan of SL sizes | Wet and winter performance isn’t as satisfying as Toyo AT3, P-metric sizes doesn’t last long as you think |
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
You can keep the below points in your mind for better selection,
- Ridge Grappler has good on-road manners
- Open Country AT3 is a trustworthy selection
Hope this comparison is helpful. If you have any further questions, please leave them below!
For those who prefer to see whole market analyze:
- 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-35x12-50r20-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/
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