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Last updated 9/16/2024 - Originally published 9/16/2024
Written by SimpleTire
The all-terrain tire segment is filled with many interesting products from different manufacturers. While Falken Wildpeak A/T4W has been consistently doing well as a worthy successor of the A/T3W, it remains to be seen if Nitto Terra Grappler G3 (successor to the Terra Grappler G2) will be able to perform at the same level. Both are Japanese brands, with Nitto being owned by Toyo Tires and Falken under Sumitomo Rubber Industries.
Nitto has always been known for rolling out good-looking tires, and the same can be seen here. Looks can be subjective though, and there can be some of you who prefer the Falken’s appearance too. As a tire brand, Nitto has a far longer history than the Falken, being founded in 1949. Both brands have UHP, all-season, all-terrain, highway, and racing tires in their armory. Nitto is being manufactured in at least six plants around the globe. Our aim is to compare the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 with the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W to tell you which is the better all-terrain tire. We shall begin by telling you more about each of the tires and will then compare them across different parameters.
Both tires have been rated as per our SimpleScore system that takes into account longevity, traction, handling, and overall performance.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires
With large tread blocks and deep grooves for enhanced traction, grip, and control in difficult terrain, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is an all-terrain tire designed for light trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. The Terra Grappler G3 boasts excellent performance in damp and moderate to severe winter weather conditions of ice and snow in accordance with its Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. With its distinct sidewall design and numerous sipes, it provides superior off-road performance by increasing grip and traction. For peace of mind, it comes with a limited manufacturer treadwear warranty, details of which will be given ahead. The G3 lives up to Terra Grappler’s extraordinary legacy and receives an average SimpleScore of 8.9.
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W tires
The Falken Wildpeak A/T4W can be used on wide roads, backcountry trails, and many other terrains. With its unique 3-ply DURASPEC Sidewall Technology and staggered shoulder blocks, this tire offers robust durability and all-terrain confidence in certain sizes. The Heavy Duty (HD) sizes, increased tread rigidity, and updated Heat Diffuser technology guarantee better towing capacity than its predecessor. Much like the Nitto Terra Grappler G3, it also features Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. While full-depth sipes extend the tire's traction lifespan, a variable limited tread life warranty is on offer here, along with Road Hazard Protection and 30-day ride guarantees. The Wildpeak A/T4W generates a high amount of control over every route and adventure. As a result of the above, we’ve given it a phenomenal average SimpleScore of 9.5.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Falken Wildpeak A/T4W tires on traction
The entire purpose of traction on an all-terrain tire is to generate consistent contact with the surface, regardless of tar, dirt, sand, or mud, thereby preventing the vehicle from skidding.
A brand new compound, newly developed tread design, and wide grooves that allow quick channeling of water and mud for safety on wet roads enable the Terra Grappler G3 to deliver high wet traction and receive a tremendous average traction SimpleScore of 9.0. Additionally, the new tread design also allows the tire to excel in overall on-and-off-road traction, featuring more biting edges than before. There are full-depth sipes for enhancing grip and retaining the tire’s appearance throughout its lifecycle. There’s a reinforced Block Foundation for added rigidity, resulting in additional traction.
One of the major advantages of the Wildpeak A/T4W is that it scores very high on traction, featuring a zigzag tread pattern and an aggressive tread pattern with staggered shoulder blocks for grip in dry as well as icy and snowy conditions. In combination with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, the unique rubber compound here remains flexible in subfreezing conditions. Additionally, tread rigidity also contributes to improved traction and results in a mind-boggling average traction SimpleScore of 9.8.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Falken Wildpeak A/T4W tires on handling
Like the Emperor’s new clothes, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 features a brand new, innovative tread pattern with large tread elements and balanced void ratios for great performance on sandy, muddy, wet, and rocky terrain. The tire has been designed to present a perfect mix of off-road and on-road performance. As compared to the G2, the Terra Grappler G3 looks more aggressive in appearance. Being Nitto’s most advanced all-terrain tire to date, it features a fresh tread design and a new rubber compound that help it negate chips, cuts, snags, tears, and punctures for high durability, resulting in effective performance and a score of 8.9.
Continuing its impressive run, the Wildpeak A/T4W displays exceptional steering response that delivers superior on-and-off-road performance, thanks to the solid shoulder pattern. There are strong central blocks to improve stability on different surfaces. The 3-ply DURASPEC Sidewall technology is available on select sizes of the Wildpeak A/T4W for better durability. Apart from the above, Heat Diffuser technology prevents heat buildup in tires, resulting in better performance. Once again, the Falken walks away as the clear winner with an outstanding score of 9.5.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Falken Wildpeak A/T4W tires on longevity
Full-depth sipes reduce wear on tires and can be found on both the Nitto and the Falken. HD (Heavy Duty Sizes) have immense strength on the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W, providing higher towing capability than the A/T3W. As the Nitto tire features a more advanced tread compound, it may exhibit longer tread life than the Falken. Both showcase high tread depth and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake ratings. Both have aggressive sidewalls, although Falken’s 3-ply DURASPEC sidewall has already proven its effectiveness over time. The Nitto has a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 70,000 miles for hard-metric sizes and 55,000 miles for LT-metric sizes. In comparison, the Falken features a limited manufacturer treadwear warranty of 65,000 miles for hard-metric sizes and 60,000 miles for LT-metric sizes.
It is here that the battle between the two tires is relatively close. While the Terra Grappler G3 earns a score of 8.9, the Falken registers a win yet again, but only just (9.2).
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
When to use each
If you aim to drive over plenty of wet surfaces, it would be a better idea to select the Nitto Terra Grappler G3. However, the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W would be a better choice in terms of overall traction. Full-depth dimple siping on the Terra Grappler G3 helps retain its performance over its lifecycle. On the other hand, Heat Diffuser technology enables the Falken tires to last longer. Since the Falken scores better on all fronts, our first preference would be for the Wildpeak A/T4W.
Which one should you choose?
There is no doubt that the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W is the far superior tire across all parameters, beating the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 comprehensively most of the time. However, the G3 is a vastly improved tire from its previous iteration, the G2, featuring a new tread design and compound.
Here are the reasons to select the Nitto Terra Grappler G3:
- You’ve always been a fan of Nitto products and want the latest tire
- You want a higher warranty for hard-metric sizes
- You want better wet traction
On the other hand, the reasons to buy the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W are as follows:
- Better traction
- Better handling/durability
- Longer tread life
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.