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Last updated 10/22/2024 - Originally published 10/22/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Goodyear Tires and Nitto Tires are two popular tire manufacturers known for their range of tires for different fitments. Goodyear Tires was founded in 1898 in Akron, Ohio, and has become one of the most known tire manufacturers in the industry. Known for designing and innovative manufacturing processes, Goodyear tires is one of the top tire manufacturers. Nitto Tires, on the other hand, was founded in 1949 and is an enthusiast tire manufacturer known for its light truck tires.
Both manufacturers offer different tires in various categories. Today, we will be comparing two leading highway tires designed for use on light trucks - Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT and Nitto Dura Grappler. Both tires are designed for use on light trucks, crossovers, and SUVs. We will compare these two tires on the basis of SimpleScore, longevity, traction, and handling, in this Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT vs Nitto Dura Grappler tire comparison.
Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT tires
The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT is a highway-terrain tire with all-season tread built for use on light trucks, CUVs, and SUVs, and offer drivers enhanced strength and durability with a quiet comfortable ride and year-round traction. The tire is backed by a 70,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty and is built with Durable DuPont Kevlar.
Thanks to all these features, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT received an average SimpleScore of 9.1 out of 10.
Nitto Dura Grappler tires
The Nitto Dura Grappler is also a highway-terrain tire designed for light trucks, crossovers, and SUVs that features durable construction, an all-season tread pattern, a quiet and refined ride, and a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer's tread life warranty. The features a multi-rib tread pattern with linked tread blocks, optimized tread pitched, and black sidewall with a “lizard skin” texture on one side of the tire, giving it an appealing look.
Thanks to these features, the Nitto Dura Grappler received an average SimpleScore of 8.0.
Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT vs Nitto Dura Grappler tires on traction
Traction is a critical aspect of tire performance, particularly for highway terrain all-season tires. These tires are specially designed to provide grip in various weather conditions, they aim to strike a balance between performance on dry roads, wet surfaces, and even light snowy terrain.
In traction, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT received an excellent score of 9 thanks to the optimized tread pattern with widened tread grooves, and an aggressive tread pattern that can deliver great traction in dry, wet, or light winter weather conditions.
The Nitto Dura Grappler, on the other hand, has a score of 8.1 out of 10 in traction thanks to a special symmetrical tread design and a set of circumferential, and angled grooves that efficiently evacuate water from the tire's contact patch to resist hydroplaning. Additionally, an advanced network of sipes to boost wet or wintry traction.
While both tires offer great and reliable traction, the Goodyear tire scores better in SimpleScore, making it the clear winner here.
ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT
Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT vs Nitto Dura Grappler tires on handling
When selecting tires, prioritizing handling is crucial as it significantly affects vehicle control, especially at higher speeds. Superior handling ensures smooth maneuvering and effortless lane changes, enhancing your overall driving experience. This vital aspect is influenced by several factors, including tread design, rubber composition, and the use of advanced tire manufacturing technologies.
In handling, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT scored a great score of 8.8 in handling thanks to the Durable DuPont Kevlar construction. This technology ensures that the tire maintains its ideal shape even when carrying heavy loads.
On the flip side, the Nitto Dura Grappler comes with a SimpleScore of 8.5. Featuring an innovative design and a multi-rib tread pattern with linked tread blocks for extra rigidity, and durability that allows for even wear to extend the tire's tread life.
In handling, again the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT takes the lead with a better score. However, both tires are more than capable of delivering responsive handling.
ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT
Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT vs Nitto Dura Grappler tires on longevity
For drivers, tire longevity is a top priority as it determines the number of miles you can drive on a single set. As the tread wears down over time, the value of durable tires becomes evident, providing consistent handling and traction. Key factors influencing a tire's lifespan include tread design, rubber composition, and tire construction.
In longevity, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT received an impressive score of 9.8 thanks to the optimized tread pattern that reduces uneven tread wear for a longer tread life. Additionally, the tire is backed by a 70,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Conversely, the Dura Grappler’s 7.6 SimpleScore in longevity shows that it lags way behind. The Nitto Dura Grappler also features a reinforced construction, and its innovative tread design gives drivers a quiet, comfortable ride, plus even wear to extend the tire's tread life paired with a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
In longevity, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT is a clear winner thanks to the difference in SimpleScore and mileage warranty.
ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT
When to use each
As both Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT and Nitto Dura Grappler are highway-terrain tires, they are designed for use on CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks and are more suited for drivers who stay on the road longer. These tires can withstand heavy loads and can drive under pressure while ensuring optimal tire shape, consistent traction, and reliable handling. As these tires have an all-season tread pattern, they should not be used in moderate to extreme winter weather conditions where winter tires are recommended.
Which one should you choose?
So which highway-terrain tire might be the right fit for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference as both these tires offer a similar performance. As stated above, the Goodyear Tire is more suited for people looking to get better performance in traction, handling, and longevity. While the Nitto tire offers a more unique look with great overall performance. Both tires are designed to deliver reliable performance on paved roads and will ensure consistent grip in light winter, dry, and wet weather conditions. Another important factor to consider when comparing two tires is the price.
The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT costs around $250.99 per tire or $1,003.96 for a complete set depending on the tire size. Whereas, the Nitto Dura Grappler costs $210.99 per tire or $84.96 for a set of four for the same tire size. (Note - The price may vary depending on the tire size.)
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT if you:
- Drive a car like the Ford F-150, or a Nissan CX-9
- Want a tire with a better overall SimpleScore (9.1 v 8), traction (9 v 8.1), handling (8.8 v 8.5) and longevity (9.8 v 7.6)
- Want a tire with better mileage (70,000 v 60,000)
- Are willing to pay more for better performance
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Nitto Dura Grappler if you:
- Drive a car like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or something like the Toyota Tacoma
- Want a set of more affordable tires that offer great performance
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.