Toyo Open Country A/T III vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires

For drivers of light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, the search for an all-terrain tire often leads to a showdown between two industry giants: Toyo and Nitto. Both manufacturers have built a reputation for creating rugged, reliable rubber that can transition from the weekday commute to the weekend trail without missing a beat. In this comparison, we are reviewing the Toyo Open Country A/T III vs. the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires to see which reigns supreme using SimpleScore data.

Whether you are looking for maximum grip on a muddy trail or a quiet ride on the highway, understanding the differences between these two tires is essential. Let’s break down the performance, traction, and handling of these off-road heavyweights.

Toyo Open Country A/T III tires

The Toyo Open Country A/T III is an all-terrain tire designed to provide a blend of off-road traction and on-road manners. Toyo focused heavily on performance and durability when engineering this tire, resulting in an aggressive tread design that features high-void areas to eject stones and mud easily.

One of the standout features of the Open Country A/T III tires is its specialized rubber compound that resists chips and tears. In addition, it is Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified, ensuring that it maintains performance even in severe snow conditions. With an incredible overall SimpleScore of 9.3, the Toyo Open Country A/T III sets a high bar for the competition.

Get Toyo Open Country A/T III tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires

The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is the new age Terra Grappler, and it was built to improve upon an already winning formula. Nitto’s goal was to create a tire that could handle the dirt while offering the longevity expected of a premium highway tire. The Terra Grappler G2 tires feature reinforced coupling joints that connect the outer tread blocks to the center blocks, increasing tread block rigidity and promoting even wear.

One specialized aspect of Nitto tires is their dual-sidewall design; one side features a raised thunderbolt pattern while the other has a more traditional staggered lug look. With an overall SimpleScore of 8.3, the Nitto remains a formidable and popular choice for those who value versatility and style.

Get Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Toyo Open Country A/T III vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires on traction

Traction is the most essential characteristic of an all-terrain tire. When comparing the Toyo Open Country A/T III vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tire on traction, the technical details show a significant gap. The Toyo Open Country A/T III utilizes 3D multi-wave sipes and a higher lateral groove density to bite into slick surfaces. This technology earns it a nearly perfect traction score of 9.8. And, because it carries the 3PMSF symbol, it is a true year-round performer.

The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is certainly capable with its full-depth siping that helps maintain grip. However, it earns a traction score of 8.6. While it performs well in rain and dirt, it lacks the severe snow rating found on the Toyo, which limits its capability in extreme winter climates.

ADVANTAGE: Toyo Open Country A/T III

Toyo Open Country A/T III vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires on handling

Handling on an all-terrain tire is measured by how well it responds to steering inputs and maintains stability during cornering, especially on pavement. The Toyo Open Country A/T III features a more rigid block design that prevents tread squirm, leading to a crisp, responsive feel. This earns it a handling score of 9.3.

The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is built with a reinforced tread block to improve on-road stability. It earns a handling score of 8.6. While it offers a comfortable and stable ride, it doesn't quite match the precision of the Toyo when navigating winding roads or making quick lane changes.

ADVANTAGE: Toyo Open Country A/T III

Toyo Open Country A/T III vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires on longevity

Longevity is often the deciding factor for truck owners who don't want to replace their tires every two years. Both of these tires perform well in this category. The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 was specifically engineered with a new compound to improve wear life, resulting in a longevity score of 8.8. Also, Nitto offers a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for hard metric sizes and a 50,000 mile warranty for LT-metric and flotation sizes.

The Toyo Open Country A/T III is not far ahead, but its chip-resistant compound and optimized contact patch give it the edge with a longevity score of 8.9. Toyo also backs this up with a 65,000 mile warranty for P-metric sizes and a 50,000 mile warranty for LT sizes, but with a slightly more consistent wear in real-world testing.

ADVANTAGE: Toyo Open Country A/T III

When to use each

Determining when to use each tire depends largely on your geography and driving habits. If you live in an area that experiences significant snowfall or find yourself on technical trails where maximum traction is required, we would recommend the Toyo Open Country A/T III. Its 3PMSF certification makes it the superior choice for "one-and-done" year-round driving in cold climates.

However, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 would be a better option if you are looking for a reliable, stylish, and durable tire for a vehicle that spends the majority of its time on the highway with occasional light off-roading. It is an excellent choice for drivers in warmer climates who want a tire that offers great road manners and a customizable look for their tires.

Which one should you choose?

When looking at the final numbers, the Toyo Open Country A/T III is the clear winner across all SimpleScore categories. Its superior traction and handling make it a highly-rated all-terrain tire on the market. However, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 remains a staple in the truck community for a reason; it is a proven performer with excellent longevity and a price point that often makes it popular.

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.