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Last updated 9/17/2024 - Originally published 9/17/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Nitto Tires and Continental Tires are two popular tire manufacturers in the world. These brands offer a range of passenger and commercial tires in different categories and are often used as Original Equipment for luxury and performance vehicles. While Nitto is popular for its versatility, Continental takes a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly approach to manufacturing tires. Both brands offer a range of all-terrain tires to choose from.
Nitto and Continental offer various high-quality tires and give drivers several options. Today, we will be comparing these two leading tires from the brands - Nitto Terra Grappler G3 and Continental TerrainContact A/T. Both tires are designed for use on CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks and are optimized to deliver superior performance when driving on challenging terrains. We will be discussing the similarities and differences between these two tires in this Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Continental Terrain Contact A/T tire comparison.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires
The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is an all-terrain tire designed for use on light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps to deliver excellent traction and performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. The tire features a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions and is backed by a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of up to 70,000 miles.
The tire features variable tread blocks, staggered and concave shoulder lugs, coupling joints, and various other tire features resulting in an average SimpleScore of 8.9 out of 10.
Continental TerrainContact A/T tires
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T is an all-terrain tire ideal for use on CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks that are often used on dirt, gravel, and paved surfaces. The tire is designed using Continental’s TractionPlus Technology and comes with a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty along with Continental’s Total Confidence Plan. Additionally, the tire is designed with a flat footprint, and robust shoulders, and is available in white letter and black sidewall.
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T boasts an excellent average SimpleScore of 8.7 out of 10.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Continental TerrainContact A/T tires on traction
Traction plays a vital role in the performance of a tire, influencing its ability to maintain grip on various roads. On wet roads where slipperiness can become an issue, having a dependable tire becomes vital to prevent hydroplaning incidents and ensure shorter braking distances. The level of traction a tire can deliver is influenced by its design, rubber composition, and tread pattern.
In traction, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 received an average SimpleScore of 9 thanks to the 5-block arrangement which improves snow and concave shoulder lugs paired with full-depth simple siping which further boosts traction on paved and unpaved roads. Additionally, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is 3PMSF certified, giving it an edge in snowy conditions.
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T boasts an excellent SimpleScore of 9.1 out of 10 in traction as its strongest avenue. This score is possible because of the TractionPlus Technology that gives off-road traction plus on-road performance with exceptional wet grip. Additionally, the tire utilizes full-depth siping and Traction Grooves to improve traction on dry, wet, and wintry roads.
While the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 scored lower in SimpleScore for traction, it is 3PMFS certified which is missing in Continental TerrainContact A/T. However, based on SimpleScore, there is a considerable difference in the performance of Nitto vs Continental tire, making the TerrainContact A/T a clear winner here.
ADVANTAGE: Continental TerrainContact A/T
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Continental TerrainContact A/T tires on handling
Although traction is a key consideration in selecting the appropriate tires for your vehicle, handling is equally important as it ensures smooth and confident lane changes. The handling characteristics of a tire are typically influenced by multiple factors which should be assessed before making a final choice.
In handling the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 received a score of 8.9 because of the large tread and shoulder blocks and optimized siping, which results in better handling and stability in wet or dry conditions. Additionally, the coupling joints increase the circumferential stiffness for rigidity and stone ejection capabilities.
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T scores an average SimpleScore of 9 in handling. This excellent score is possible due to the flat footprint of the tire which puts more rubber on the road to ensure confident maneuvering and lane switching. Additionally, the unique tread pattern of the tire helps in providing confident handling on loose and challenging terrains.
Again the Continental tires take the lead with a better SimpleScore in handling (9 v 8.9) making it the winner here. However, you cannot go wrong with any of these tires in terms of handling and durability.
ADVANTAGE: Continental TerrainContact A/T
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Continental TerrainContact A/T tires on longevity
Longevity is a significant aspect to consider when evaluating tires, as it directly impacts how long a tire can maintain its traction and handling capabilities over time. It's essential to examine the mileage warranty offered with tires, as this warranty is influenced by factors such as the type of rubber used, tread design, and tire construction.
The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 received a score of 8.9 in longevity which is impressive for a light truck all-terrain tire. Additionally, the tire is backed by an up to 70,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty, thanks to an aggressive tread pattern and irregular wear-resistant rubber compound.
In longevity, the Continental Terrain Contact A/T has a great SimpleScore of 8.3, as the wide footprint of the tire helps put more rubber on the road which reduces uneven tread wear for a longer tread life. Additionally, the tire is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
In longevity, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 takes the lead with a better SimpleScore and mileage warranty, making it the clear winner here.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler G3
When to use each
Both the Continental TerrainContact A/T and Nitto Terra Grappler G3 are all-terrain tires and are intended to be used on- and off-road. These tires will deliver smooth handling, confident traction, and a long tread life. Additionally, these tires can deliver great performance in winter weather conditions, with the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 having a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, making it more suitable for use on snowy roads.
Conclusively, both these tires are durable and offer consistent and strong traction and handling performance.
Which one should you choose?
So, which all-terrain tire might be the better choice for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference. As stated earlier, both Terra Grappler G3 and TerrainContact A/T offer exceptional performance on paved and unpaved roads. However, there are key differences that can help you make a decision. The Nitto tire comes with a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification and offers better performance in longevity with a higher mileage warranty. While the Continental tire offers better traction and handling. That being said, the General tire is overall higher rated with a SimpleScore of 8.8 v 8.7.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 if you:
- Driver a car like Jeep Wrangler or 2019 Ford Bronco.
- If you live in an area with heavy winter conditions and need Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.
- Want a tire with a better overall score (8.9 v 8.7) longevity (8.9 v 8.3) and mileage warranty (70,000 v 60,000)
- Want a tire from the Nitto brand that is popular with off-roading enthusiasts
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Continental TerrainContact A/T if you:
- Driver a truck like 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty or 2019 Nissan Titan.
- Want better overall scores in traction (9.1 v 9), and handling (9 v 8.9)
- Want a tire from a reputed and trusted brand - Continental
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.