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Last updated 7/16/2024 - Originally published 7/16/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Mud terrain tires frequently include aggressive tread designs that let them tackle any terrain. Many of them also feature reinforced sidewalls to decrease damages and special treads with self-cleaning properties for maximizing the joy of off-road driving. Although their primary purpose is to be used off-road, mud terrain tires can also occasionally be utilized on paved roads and highways. The most well-known brands of these tires include Kumho, Mickey Thompson, Nitto, Toyo, and Falken. This description is meant to discuss products from two of them — Kumho Road Venture MT71 and Nitto Trail Grappler M/T.
Both tires are available with black sidewalls and symmetrical tread patterns, although there is a minor difference in terms of tread depth. Let’s learn more about these tires in the course of this Road Venture MT71 vs. Trail Grappler M/T tires comparison.
Kumho Road Venture MT71 tires
Full-size SUVs like the GMC R2500 Suburban are perfectly suited for fitting the Kumho Road Venture MT71 as it is capable of handling the toughest terrain. The MT71 can be used to go to work sites near trails, visit offbeat locations, or participate in adventure sports. It features an average SimpleScore of 8.8 for its ability to take on tremendous abuse, thanks to stone ejector bars that remove debris and generate consistent grip. While these stone ejector bars also enable this tire to last long, a strong tread compound provides resistance against punctures, bruises, and cuts. Expect it to be suitable for medium-duty trucks as it gets a 6-ply rating.
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires
Nitto is known for producing all-terrain, mud-terrain, and other types of tires for enthusiasts in America and other parts of the world. One of the best ways to ensure that your Dodge RAM 2500 Power Wagon provides a high amount of traction in mud and other off-road terrains is to fit it with Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires. Much like Kumho Road Venture MT71, it is meant to help vehicle owners who visit difficult places like trails, dirt arenas, and others. Suitable features are available for extreme dirt driving and rock climbing, enabling the Trail Grappler M/T to earn an average SimpleScore of 8.6. This tire also receives a dual sidewall design for customers to choose how their tires appear, giving them the option for an attractive look. Additionally, advanced sound analysis equipment here decreases common off-road noises to help occupants travel in peace.
Kumho Road Venture MT71 vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on traction
The Kumho Road Venture MT71 features stone ejector bars in its tread for consistent traction while getting rid of rocks, stones, and other debris in its path. A zigzag and dual-pitch design with a high void pattern enables the tire to demonstrate high grip on difficult terrains, enabling us to award it an average traction SimpleScore of 8.5.
On the other hand, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T features a balanced void ratio that efficiently removes dirt and mud for continuous mud traction. Many customers purchase these tires due to their praiseworthy rock-climbing and great traction abilities. Incidentally, it is one of the best in the industry with respect to traction in deep mud. Based on the above results, we believe an average traction SimpleScore of 8.4 is suitable for the Trail Grappler M/T.
ADVANTAGE: Kumho Road Venture MT71
Kumho Road Venture MT71 vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on durability
Different features on the two tires help them provide resistance to punctures, cuts, and bruises. While the strong tread compound on the Road Venture MT71 performs the above function, a 3-ply sidewall and thick rubber construction do the same. Both tires can exhibit better off-road performance and durability due to the above. Additionally, high block stiffness provides good handling performance on the Q-rated Kumho MT71. High tread depth leads to high durability on both tires. Side lug blocks and leading edge tread blocks provide lateral stability on the Trail Grappler M/T. Expect the Road Venture MT71 to get an 8.8 and the Trail Grappler M/T to be worthy of an 8.5 as average durability SimpleScores.
ADVANTAGE: Kumho Road Venture MT71
Kumho Road Venture MT71 vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on longevity
Expect the Kumho Road Venture MT71 to take tremendous abuse over rough terrain, with stone ejector bars to remove stones, rocks, and other off-road impurities to protect its sidewalls. The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is known to be made using tough rubber, which enables it to be used in off-road events and on difficult trails. An aggressive tread design helps the Trail Grappler M/T last for a long time. The Road Venture MT71 receives an average longevity SimpleScore of 9.1 and the Trail Grappler M/T is suitable for an average longevity SimpleScore of 8.9.
ADVANTAGE: Kumho Road Venture MT71
When to use each
Both, the Road Venture and the Trail Grappler M/T are mud-terrain tires suitable for off-roading in conditions like mud, sand, gravel, dirt, and rocks. These tires sport sturdy construction to withstand off-road impacts and unlike the standard pavement-oriented tires, their utility is best when you drive on challenging terrains. However, these tires aren’t Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, and therefore, they should not be considered for driving in extreme wintry conditions on thick ice or snow. If you need tires that are best for use in on- and off-road conditions, then all-terrain tires could be a better choice over mud-terrain tires.
Which one should you choose?
The Kumho Road Venture MT71 is the cheaper of the two mud-terrain tires, starting at $222 per tire ($888 for 4). On the other hand, prices for the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T begin at $278 ($1112 for 4). If you would want to choose the Road Venture MT71, the reasons would have to be one or more of the following:
- You want better traction
- You want higher durability
- You want a long-lasting tire
- You want a more affordable tire
Compared to the above, you should select the Trail Grappler M/T if:
- You want a better-looking tire
- You intend to use the tire as an off-road enthusiast
- You want a great combination of aggressive tread and quietness
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.