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Last updated 10/04/2024 - Originally published 10/04/2024
Written by SimpleTire
All-terrain tires are specifically designed to deliver optimal performance in challenging off-road environments. These tires shine in various conditions, including mud, dirt, sand, gravel, and rocky terrains. Their aggressive tread patterns offer exceptional traction, enabling them to tackle any surface effectively. Moreover, reinforced sidewalls enhance durability and help prevent damage, which is vital for safe off-road driving.
Typically used on light trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs, all-terrain tires provide drivers with the necessary grip to navigate slippery conditions. In addition to their unique tread designs, these tires are built with extremely durable sidewalls that can withstand the rigors of harsh terrain, even when deflated for better traction.
Brands like Nitto and Nexen are well-regarded for their innovative approaches that not only fulfill but also surpass customer expectations. By customizing their products and services to meet the specific demands of their clients, they achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Both the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 and Nexen Roadian ATX are engineered with aggressive tread patterns that ensure solid traction and superior vehicle handling, allowing drivers to conquer rocks, dirt, mud, and even snow. These tires feature self-cleaning capabilities, designed to release compacted mud from the tread as you drive, ensuring you maintain optimal traction.
While both tire options provide excellent performance for light trucks and SUVs, it’s essential to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. Let’s compare the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 and Nexen Roadian ATX tires using SimpleScore to identify where each tire excels and which one may be the ideal choice for your off-road adventures.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires
The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is specifically engineered as an all-terrain tire designed to be used on light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, offering impressive off-road performance while maintaining composed behavior on paved roads. Additionally, it boasts a substantial limited manufacturer's tread life warranty of up to 70,000 miles, and it has a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions providing added peace of mind for its durability and reliability showcasing a great average SimpleScore of 8.9.
Nexen Roadian ATX tires
The Nexen Roadian ATX is an all-terrain tire that's designed for use on SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps, and offers drivers outstanding handling performance on- and off-road, great durability, and is paired with a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of up to 65,000 miles showcasing a great average SimpleScore of 8.8. This tire is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified (on non-OEM and flotation sizes) for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Nexen Roadian ATX tires on traction
Traction is crucial in all-terrain tires because it directly affects their ability to grip the road or terrain surface. Comparing the above two based on traction, you will see that the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 has earned an impressive SimpleScore of 9, because of its innovative 5-block design that enhances snow performance and concave shoulder lugs combined with full-depth siping, which increases traction on both paved and off-road surfaces. Additionally, its 3PMSF certification gives it an advantage in snowy conditions.
On the other hand, the Nexen Roadian ATX has a great score of 8.6 out of 10 in traction. This is thanks to the new rubber compound that adds strength in off-road driving, features like an all-terrain tread design prevent damage by forcing out rocks, stones, and other debris promoting self-cleaning for consistent traction. You also get 3D spies within the tread that bite into the ground for consistent traction. Additionally, it is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified which makes it ideal to be used in moderate to severe winter weather.
Regarding traction, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 scores above the Nexen Roadian ATX and you see the greatest difference between the average SimpleScore here.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler G3
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Nexen Roadian ATX tires on handling
The handling of a tire is improved by different elements of the tire’s tread pattern and the tire’s overall design. The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 received a handling score of 8.9, thanks to its large tread and shoulder blocks, as well as optimized siping, which enhances handling and stability in both wet and dry conditions. The inclusion of coupling joints also improves circumferential stiffness, contributing to increased rigidity and effective stone ejection. On the flip side, the Nexen Roadian ATX is a step behind the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 for handling as the tire comes in with a SimpleScore of 8.6. The tire comes with sidewall lugs and deep grooves that enhance handling performance.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler G3
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Nexen Roadian ATX tires on longevity
Longevity is equally important to traction and handling when purchasing a tire. The longevity of a tire depends on several factors, including the quality of the tire, driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Based on SimpleScore, this was the biggest gap between the two tires.
Starting with the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 has earned an impressive longevity score of 8.8, especially for a light truck all-terrain tire. Its durability is further supported by a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of up to 70,000 miles, thanks to its aggressive tread pattern and irregular wear-resistant rubber compound.
Conversely, the Roadian ATX’s SimpleScore in longevity delivers another excellent SimpleScore of 9.1. The tire comes with an enhanced tread compound to improve wear performance on the road while maintaining cut-and-chip resistance off the road. Additionally, it delivers enhanced load-carrying capacity, longer tread life, puncture resistance, and better towing performance. The Nexen Roadian ATX also features a reinforced 3-ply construction that helps to improve the strength, durability, and rigidity of the tire. Additionally, it comes with a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for P-metric sizes, and 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for LT sizes
Here you will notice a considerate progress in terms of longevity for the Nexen Roadian ATX.
ADVANTAGE: Nexen Roadian ATX
When to use each
All-terrain tires can perform well on various surfaces, such as paved roads, dirt trails, snow, and mud. They are a good choice for drivers who want a versatile tire that can handle different driving conditions.
Both the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 and the Nexen Roadian ATX excel in both on-road and off-road driving. Classified as all-terrain tires, they are suitable for moderate temperatures. However, if you reside in an area that experiences heavy snow and extreme weather conditions, it’s advisable to invest in a set of winter tires. These specialized tires deliver unparalleled performance in snow and icy conditions, making them ideal for regions with severe winters.
Finally, cautious driving habits and avoiding harsh conditions can help preserve the tread and overall integrity of the tires.
Which one should you choose?
So, which all-terrain tire is the right option for you? When looking at SimpleScore, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is slightly behind the Nexen Roadian ATX with an overall score of 8.9 versus 8.8. As noted above, key differences between the two tires need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. As noted above, there are key differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), pricing on these two tires is a bit different as Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires cost at least $263 per tire while Nexen Roadian ATX tires cost at least $138 per tire. That means a set of four Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires will cost you at least $1,052 for a set of four, while a set of four Nexen Roadian ATX tires will cost you at least $552.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 if you:
- Drive a light truck like the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Jeep Wrangler, GMC Canyon, Mazda BT-50, Mercury Mountaineer, or the Chevrolet Tahoe
- You want better traction (9 v 8.6) and handling (8.9 v 8.6)
Conversely, you should choose the Nexen Roadian ATX if you:
- Drive an Audi Q2, Buick Encore, Dodge Caravan, Honda Accord, Jeep Compass, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima.
- Looking for extended longevity of (9.1 v 8.8)
- Looking for a great tire that performs overall
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Nexen Roadian ATX tires might not seem a close comparison on the surface, but the above clearly shows that either is a great option. Remember, both of the tire brands are some of the best tire manufacturers on the market, and that tradition continues with the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 and Nexen Roadian ATX. At the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, handling, longevity, and price.
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.