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Last updated 4/04/2025 - Originally published 4/04/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Nexen and Nitto are the two value-offering tire manufacturers that utilize advanced technologies and features and make high-quality tires.
Nexen was founded in 1942 in South Korea and manufactures tires for use on passenger cars, light trucks, CUVs, SUVs, and EVs. Its portfolio includes all-season, all-terrain, all-weather, winter, UHP summer, UHP all-season, mud-terrain, sport, and touring tires.
On the other hand, Nitto was founded in 1949 and is an enthusiast-centric tire brand. It is a part of Toyo Tire Corporation and is headquartered in Cypress, CA. The manufacturer offers tires for use on light trucks, passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, and ATVs/UTVs, and its available tire types include all-terrain, all-season, mud-terrain, UHP summer, UHP all-season, racing, performance, track competition, and highway tires.
The Nexen Roadian MTX and the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T are the two popular mud-terrain tires that we will compare here. These tires represent their respective brand’s strength and ability to offer solid off-roading performance in mud, gravel, sand, dirt, and rocks. Both tires are suitable for use on SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps, and sport aggressive tread patterns to enhance the off-roading experience. They are built tough and strong to withstand off-roading impacts and are engineered to perform better in rugged environments.
But, which of these mud-terrain tires is better? Let’s find it out in this Roadian MTX vs Trail Grappler M/T tires comparison, using our advanced tire rating system SimpleScore.
Nexen Roadian MTX tires
Let’s start with learning about the Nexen Roadian MTX that made its debut in 2017. This mud-terrain tire can be used on pickups, SUVs, and Jeeps and features an aggressive symmetrical tread design for great off-road performance in conditions like mud, dirt, rocks, and other challenging terrains. The tire is also optimized for a better driving experience on the highways and has features that control tread noise levels. In areas like durability and longevity, too, the Roadian MTX is considerably good and has various damage-resisting features.
Overall, the Roadian MTX is rated an 8.2 SimpleScore on a scale of 10 because of its long-lasting tread life, solid durability, and strong traction performance.
Get Nexen Roadian MTX tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires
Next, we have the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T launched in July 2009. The tire has proven its off-roading abilities consistently since its launch and comes as a reliable choice for use on pickup trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. It features an aggressive tread design and can also perform on the roads like its peers. This tire is also optimized for quieter rides and features robust construction with increased damage resistance, better stability, enhanced forward traction, on-road comfort, improved handling, hydroplaning resistance, and self-cleaning.
Overall, the Trail Grappler M/T is rated an 8.6 SimpleScore rating, thanks to its long-lasting tread life, robust durability and strength, and impressive off-road traction.
Get Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Nexen Roadian MTX vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on traction
Now, let’s talk about the traction performance of both the Roadian MTX and the Trail Grappler M/T and find out which of the two tires is better at crushing terrains and maintaining surefootedness in challenging environments.
The Nexen Roadian MTX scores an 8.1 SimpleScore in traction and gets an aggressive tread pattern for improved off-road traction. The contact patch of this tire is also optimized to offer traction on paved highways, and the use of bigger, sharper blocks increases its surface-biting ability in conditions like mud, dirt, sand, gravel, or rocks. There are wider grooves that maintain self-cleaning for enhanced traction, and the oversized tread blocks, along with deep lugs and a high void ratio, enhance performance in deep mud. Additionally, the dual sidewall design also boosts the traction and forward-moving ability of the vehicle in extreme off-road conditions.
On the contrary, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is rated an 8.3 SimpleScore in traction, and its aggressive tread design has advanced features to promote forward traction in challenging off-road conditions. The leading edge tread and the side lug blocks improve the Trail Grappler M/T’s surface gripping ability, while the solid shoulder grooves provide additional holding ability to the tire for a better off-roading experience and all-season performance. There are deep center sipes on the tread that increase traction in wet and light snow conditions and help resist the chances of hydroplaning. Likewise, the balanced void ratio ensures continuous traction and mud evacuation.
It is the Trail Grappler M/T that excels in the traction area, and the Roadian MTX loses by a very small margin, indicating that it won’t disappoint with its performance in challenging terrains either.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
Nexen Roadian MTX vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on durability
Durability also plays a key role in the performance of mud-terrain tires as it relates to the tire’s ability to withstand off-roading pressures and impacts. Let’s take a look at the durability scores and features of both tires and find out who leads in this area.
Commencing with the Roadian MTX, the tire scores an 8.2 SimpleScore in durability, which means it can resist impacts and pressures while off-roading. Thanks to the reinforced multi-ply construction, the Roadian MTX ensures consistent off-road adventures. The inner and outer construction of the tire is reinforced to resist the off-roading forces, and the sturdy, big-sized tread blocks along with solid rubber compounds prevent the tire from cuts and chips. Additionally, the sidewalls are also made tough to provide additional protection to the tires.
The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is stronger with an 8.5 SimpleScore rating in durability and confirms the tire’s better ability to resist impact and withstand off-roading pressures. The use of a tough 3-ply sidewall construction and a sturdy rubber compound provides increased puncture resistance. The sidewalls are also optimized for solid durability and prevent unwanted damage. The shoulder grooves of the Trail Grappler M/T are reinforced for enhanced durability, and likewise, the tread blocks can also resist off-roading impacts.
While the Roadian MTX doesn’t disappoint with the score or strength-related features, the Trail Grappler M/T wins in the durability analysis.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
Nexen Roadian MTX vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on longevity
Now, let’s find out which of the two tires lasts longer and can cover more miles. To mention, one of the tires scored marginally higher, and the other wasn’t a winner but yet managed to score well enough to offer lasting service. Here are the details:
The Roadian MTX secures an 8.5 SimpleScore rating in longevity and assures a lasting service. With a sturdy rubber compound, the tire features a reinforced inner construction that keeps it in shape for even, longer wear. The sidewalls are also optimized to prevent cuts and chips for longer use, and the robust tread blocks, along with optimized tread design, distribute the driving pressures across the profile for uniform wear. Additionally, the wide and flat footprint also contributes to long-lasting performance and prevents premature wear.
On the contrary, the Trail Grappler M/T is rated at 8.9 for its great long-lasting service. Nitto has engineered the tire to cover a decent number of miles and has done high-quality reinforcement on the inside. The tread blocks of the tire are strong and can resist wear. The rubber compound of the Trail Grappler M/T is also sturdy keeping the tire in shape for better off-road performance, and protects it from uneven wear. This tire also features a wide and flat footprint for equal pressure distribution while off-roading, thus assuring a lasting service.
The Trail Grappler M/T again surpasses the Roadian MTX and wins the comparative analysis by 3-0.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
When to use each
Both the Roadian MTX and the Trail Grappler M/T can be used for off-roading purposes, however, their respective manufacturers have made them good enough for driving on the highways as well. If you are someone who drives more on paved roads and less in extreme off-road conditions, then all-terrain tires could be a good alternative for your drive. Similarly, if you wish to enjoy off-road performance without compromising effortless drives on the highways, then rugged-terrain tires should be your best option for your vehicle.
Mud-terrain tires like the Roadian MTX and the Trail Grappler M/T are engineered for an enhanced off-roading experience, where you have to drive in deep mud, climb rocks, or crush gravel and dirt. Both mud-terrain tires feature an all-season rubber compound, so you can enjoy off-roading in dry, wet, and light winter conditions.
As far as the rim sizes are concerned, the Roadian MTX is available in 15- to 22-inch rim choices, while the Trail Grappler M/T is available in 15- to 26-inch rim sizes, giving you some additional compatibility with the SUVs, Jeeps, and pickup trucks on the market.
Which one should you choose?
Looking at SimpleScore, the Trail Grappler M/T is slightly better than the Roadian MTX and scores an overall SimpleScore rating of 8.6 compared to the latter’s 8.2 score. However, both tires have their unique attributes, and you must choose them based on your driving preferences and budget.
When it comes to prices, the Roadian MTX is available at a starting price of at least $227 per tire, whereas the Trail Grappler M/T is offered at a starting price of at least $278. This means a set of four Roadian MTX tires will cost you at least $908, while a set of four Trail Grappler M/T tires will cost at least $1112.
Based on SimpleScore, you should prefer the Roadian MTX if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Tahoe, or Ford F-250.
- Need a tire that’s more affordable.
- Need a tire that’s available in 15- to 22-inch rim sizes.
On the other hand, you should consider the Trail Grappler M/T if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Ford F-350, Jeep Wrangler, or Toyota Tundra.
- Need a tire that’s better in traction (8.3 vs 8.1) and durability (8.5 vs 8.2).
- Prefer a tire that’s better in longevity (8.9 vs 8.5).
- Are comfortable paying more to buy an overall better mud-terrain tire.
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.