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Last updated 9/16/2024 - Originally published 9/16/2024
Written by SimpleTire
All-terrain tires are among the most sought-after by American SUV and light truck owners looking for a balanced on-road off-road performance from their brawny vehicles. Globally recognized brands like Bridgestone and Nitto are surely among the brands these buyers check out while shopping for great AT tires. While Bridgestone is among the world’s largest tire brands, Nitto is a sub-brand of Toyo Tire and is fairly new compared to its Japanese counterpart. We are comparing the recently launched AT tires of both brands- Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent and Nitto Terra Grappler G3.
Designed for 4x4s, Jeeps, SUVs, and pickup trucks, the Dueler A/T Ascent and Terra Grappler G3 offer high durability, resistance to cuts and chips, increased load-bearing capacity, great grip and traction, and superior longevity. Staggered tread blocks, sturdy construction, and power-packed performance make the two tires deliver great performance. Both all-terrain tires offer limited manufacturer tread life warranties. So, which one is the tire to go for? To know the answer, let us compare Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent vs. Nitto Terra Grappler G3 based on our proprietary SimpleScore system.
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent tires
Designed for SUVs and light trucks, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent returns enhanced on- and-off-road performance thanks to the precision sawtooth edges that allow strong grip and traction. While the optimized tread pattern resists soundwaves from entering the cabin for a quiet and comfortable ride, the Enliten technology helps combine its off-road reliability with on-road comfort. With stone ejectors within the tread, it limits stone drilling by clearing debris, stones, and rocks for consistent traction, handling, and wearability. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification ensures the Bridgestone tire returns excellent performance in moderate to severe winter conditions. It is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Sporting an overall 8.6 SimpleScore out of 10, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent looks to be a jack-of-all-trades product with fantastic durability, traction, control, and longevity.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires
The Terra Grappler series from Nitto has been popular among SUV and light truck enthusiasts looking for a reliable on-road off-road performer. With a completely redesigned tread pattern, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is designed to take on a variety of different terrains. While its newer rubber compound allows better resistance to cuts and chips, the deep sidewall lugs and staggered and concaved shoulder blocks of the Terra Grappler G3 boost its performance off the beaten path. Thanks to the large tread blocks with reinforced elements, the Nitto AT tire returns stable on-road control and handling. While the full-depth sipes help in improving wet performance, the dual sidewall designs give you the option to choose the perfect design that goes in sync with your vehicle. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tire is backed by an up to 70,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty for hard metric sizes and up to 55,000 miles for LT-metric sizes.
With impeccable on-and-off-road performance, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 scores a laudable 8.8.
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent vs Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires on traction
Whether it's a dry, wet, or freezing condition, it’s the tire traction that helps you stay grounded and not skid. Both all-terrain tires offer reliable traction and grip on paved and unpaved roads.
Thanks to its squarish outer tread profile with alternating staggers and full-depth interlocking 3D sipes, the Dueler A/T Ascent offers solid traction on dry, wet, and snow and scores an 8.7. It also features stone rejectors and wide tread blocks for enhanced traction and grip on different terrains.
Sporting an excellent 9 traction score, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 features staggered and concaved shoulder blocks coupled with deep sidewall lugs that boost its performance on rocky, muddy, and other rough terrains. Thanks to its full-depth sipes and innovative rubber compound, the Nitto tire offers great wet performance.
With a better traction score, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 proves to be too grippy for the Dueler A/T Ascent.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler G3
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent vs Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires on handling
Handling defines the control you have over your vehicle. The Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent and Terra Grappler G3 offer reliable steering response and increased performance.
With an 8.9 handling score, the Dueler A/T Ascent features an optimized void ratio and strong shoulder design for improved handling and stability. The Bridgestone tire’s broad contact patch allows increased contact with the surface, leading to improved control on paved roads.
Boasting a superb 9.0 in handling, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 features large tread blocks with enhanced rigidity for stable on-road handling. The solid shoulder pattern with large tread blocks aids in improving steering response on rough and smooth roads.
With a better handling performance, the Nitto continues to stay ahead in the race in the handling department, too.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler G3
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent vs Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires on longevity
Longevity is defined by the number of miles/years a tire can survive. Both the all-terrain tires assure a longer tread life and come with limited manufacturer warranties.
Scoring an 8.3 in longevity, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent sports a durable rubber compound and reinforced carcass that improves wearability and resistance to cuts, chips, and punctures. Backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer warranty, it features Enliten Technology that limits uneven wear and promotes uniform wear.
The Nitto Terra Grappler G3, on the other hand, is slightly ahead with an 8.4 longevity score. Thanks to the new rubber compound and innovative tread design, the tire lasts long and promotes even wear. It is covered by 70,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty for hard metric sizes and 55,000 miles for LT-metric sizes.
Once again, the Nitto AT tire remains ahead of the Bridgestone AT tire.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler G3
When to use each
All-terrain tires are designed for light trucks and SUVs that usually travel on paved roads but, at times, go off the road as well. They feature durable compounds, excellent traction, and long-lasting tread life.
While highway tires are great for someone spending 90% of their time on paved roads, mud-terrain tires are excellent for people encountering excessive mud, sand, rocks, and dirt.
Which one should you choose?
In a nutshell, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is a better performer with clear wins in traction and handling while giving a tough fight in the durability section. On the other hand, the Dueler A/T Ascent is a long-lasting tire with better on-road manners. It also has more warranty (60,000 vs 55,000 miles for LT-sizes) than the Nitto tire.
Based on SimpleScore, you should consider the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent if you:
- Drive vehicles like the BMW X7, Toyota Tundra, and Ford Ranger.
- Want a long-lasting tire (60,000 miles vs 55,000 miles for LT-metric sizes)
- Want Bridgestone’s premium brand name
The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is a good option if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and Toyota Tacoma.
- Are looking for better traction (9 vs 8.7)
- Prefer excellent handling on paved and unpaved roads (9.0 vs. 8.9)
- Want a higher mileage on non-LT sizes (70,000 vs. 60,000 miles)
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.