Compare
Free shipping
Best price guarantee
Special pricing
Financing with Resolve
Easy returns
Last updated 4/16/2025 - Originally published 4/16/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
When hitting the trails or powering through muddy backroads, having the right mud-terrain tires can make all the difference. Two standout options in this category are the Nexen Roadian MTX and the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 from trusted brands that build tough, reliable tires.
Nexen brings value and versatility to the table, offering a tire that's not only built for performance but also has added perks like roadside assistance and a free trial. Yokohama, on the other hand, leans into durability and advanced engineering with its GEO-SHIELD construction designed for serious off-road adventures.
Mud-terrain tires like the Roadian MTX and Geolandar M/T G003 are perfect for drivers who demand traction, toughness, and confidence in off-road conditions. Whether you're crawling over rocks, trekking through the snow, or want a tire that looks as rugged as your vehicle feels, these two options are built to perform.
In this comparison, we'll break down each tire's key features, differences, and strengths to help you find the right fit for your ride and lifestyle.
Nexen Roadian MTX tires
The Nexen Roadian MTX is designed for adventure. Whether you're exploring off-road trails or hauling gear, this tire offers aggressive traction and a sturdy 3-ply construction that holds up under pressure. It's built for mud, dirt, and rocky terrain but can be quiet on the highway thanks to its smart tread block design. Plus, with a dual sidewall design, you can pick the look that best suits your vehicle. In addition, it comes with Nexen's Total Coverage Warranty.
Get Nexen Roadian MTX tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires
The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 is built for drivers who don't back down from a challenge. Designed with GEO-SHIELD construction and a high-density compound, this tire takes on the roughest trails while resisting cuts, chips, and premature wear. Thanks to its advanced tread pattern, it grips confidently in the mud yet still keeps things relatively quiet and comfortable. Whether rock-crawling or wanting something to handle your weekend adventures, the Geolandar M/T G003 brings serious off-road capability without sacrificing ride quality.
Shop Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires at the best prices here
Nexen Roadian MTX vs Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires on traction
Traction is everything when you're heading off the beaten path or just navigating through tough conditions like mud, sand, or loose gravel. It keeps your tires firmly planted so you can accelerate, corner, and brake confidently. Whether you're rock-crawling, trail riding, or need a tire that won't slip when things get messy, traction plays a huge role in keeping you safe and in control.
The Nexen Roadian MTX was built with off-road adventuring in mind. It features an aggressive tread pattern and a sturdy 3-ply design to dig into mud and uneven terrain. Nexen also designed this tire with a patented tread block layout that helps keep road noise down. With a traction SimpleScore of 8.1, it's a solid all-around option for weekend warriors and daily drivers who want a capable mud-terrain tire that doesn't compromise comfort.
If you want to push your vehicle to the limit, the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 is ready for just about anything. It's built with GEO-SHIELD construction for serious toughness and a high-density triple-polymer compound that gives it a grip that won't quit. The tread design is aggressive and built to handle the most brutal trails, yet it is refined enough to keep things surprisingly quiet on the road. With a traction SimpleScore of 9.6, it stands out as one of the best options for drivers who need top-tier traction in extreme conditions.
ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Nexen Roadian MTX vs Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires on handling
Handling is everything when you're off-roading or even just navigating unpredictable terrain. It's what gives you that sense of control behind the wheel, helping your vehicle respond quickly and stay steady through turns, climbs, and uneven ground. Good handling doesn't just make your ride better; it also makes it a lot more enjoyable.
The Nexen Roadian MTX is a solid performer when it comes to handling. Thanks to its 3-ply construction, it's tough enough to handle hauling and rough roads while still giving you a smooth, stable ride. The patented tread block design helps reduce noise and keeps the tire gripping well when you're on muddy or rocky terrain. With a SimpleScore of 8.2 in handling, it's a great choice if you want dependable control for weekend adventures or daily driving with a rugged edge.
If you're planning to hit more extreme trails, the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 is built for it. Its GEO-SHIELD construction and high-density triple-polymer compound work together to give you serious durability and responsiveness, even on the roughest terrain. It's designed to flex just enough for excellent grip without sacrificing strength. With a SimpleScore of 9.4 in handling, this tire delivers impressive control when it matters most.
ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Nexen Roadian MTX vs Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires on longevity
When you're investing in a new set of tires, especially for off-roading, you want something that will last. Longevity means fewer replacements, more miles for your money, and confidence that your tires can handle whatever you throw at them, from muddy trails to highway miles.
The Nexen Roadian MTX is built tough, with a 3-ply construction that holds up well under pressure. Its aggressive tread pattern is designed for traction and to help the tire wear more evenly over time. Nexen adds extra peace of mind with its Total Coverage Warranty, which includes 36 months of roadside assistance and a 45-day or 500-mile trial. With a SimpleScore of 8.5 in longevity, this tire is a reliable option ready for the long haul.
Looking for something that can handle serious off-road abuse? The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 is up for the challenge. Built with GEO-SHIELD construction and a high-density triple-polymer compound, this tire is made to resist cuts, chips, and wear. And despite its ruggedness, it still delivers a quiet, comfortable ride. With a longevity SimpleScore of 8.6, it slightly edges out the Nexen for drivers who need maximum durability over the long run.
ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
When to use each
Both the Nexen Roadian MTX and the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 are mud-terrain tires built for drivers who love to take the road less traveled. Designed for year-round use, these tires are right at home in mud, dirt, gravel, and rocky terrain, and they’re a great match for SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps built for adventure.
Whether you’re hauling gear, heading to a remote trail, or just want something that holds up in rough conditions, both tires are designed to handle the extremes. They also hold their own across a range of temperatures, delivering solid performance whether it’s hot, cold, wet, or dry. On top of that, both options offer long-lasting tread life, reliable traction, and rugged durability so you can focus on the journey without worrying about your tires.
That said, while neither is officially Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, they do offer enough grip to manage light to moderate winter weather. But if you regularly drive through deep snow or on icy roads, you might want to consider a set of dedicated winter tires to keep things safe and steady.
Which one should you choose?
Both the Nexen Roadian MTX and Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 are solid choices if you're looking for a tough, dependable mud-terrain tire that can handle rough trails and off-road adventures. Which one’s right for you comes down to what you need most out of your tires.
Go with the Nexen Roadian MTX if you:
- Want a tire that balances off-road grip with a quieter, more comfortable ride on the pavement
- Like the extra peace of mind from Nexen’s Total Coverage Warranty, which includes roadside assistance and a 45-day trial
- Love the idea of customizing your tire’s sidewall look to match your ride’s vibe
- Overall SimpleScore: 8.2
Choose the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 if you:
- Tackling tough terrain and want a tire that’s built to handle the most brutal conditions
- Need a tire with serious durability, thanks to its GEO-SHIELD construction and triple-polymer compound
- Want long-lasting performance and maximum protection from cuts, chips, and rough trails
- Overall SimpleScore: 9.2
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.