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Last updated 9/17/2024 - Originally published 9/17/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Introduced in 1949, Nitto Tire is a Japanese tire manufacturer and is now a part of Toyo Tire Corporation. Nitto has established itself as an enthusiast-centric brand and offers tires and sizes that are unique in their own ways. Whether you need tires for light trucks, SUVs, CUVs, or passenger cars, or you want tires for race competitions or SXS racing, Nitto’s portfolio is diversified enough to offer something that’s good in performance.
Yokohama is another popular tire manufacturer that also has its origins in Japan and has been operating since 1917. Its tires are known for their technologies and design, and the manufacturer makes tires for passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, light trucks, and commercial vehicles. A widespread sales and dealership network has enabled Yokohama to establish itself as one of the key players in the US tire industry.
The Terra Grappler and Geolandar all-terrain tires are the popular tire families introduced by Nitto and Yokohama respectively. These all-terrain tires are built and designed to provide on- and off-road performance. In these two product families, the Terra Grappler G3 and the Geolandar A/T4 G018 are two tires that we will compare. While the Terra Grappler G3 is a very new tire, the Geolandar A/T4 G018 isn’t old either. Both tires are built and designed for use on Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs, and come with many great abilities and features.
But, out of the two tires, which one is the most suitable choice for you? Let’s find out in this Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018 vs Continental TerrainContact A/T tires comparison. In the comparison, we use our advanced tire rating system SimpleScore to rate the tire’s different attributes on a scale of 10.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires
The all-new Nitto Terra Grappler G3 debuted in September 2024 and features a sporty look. The tire is engineered using an advanced rubber compound and is optimized to perform in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. It earns a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, which means it is good for use in moderate to severe snow conditions. Attractive tread life warranties and availability in multiple rim sizes make the Terra Grappler G3 a sensational debut in the all-terrain tire segment. Noise reduction on highways, increased traction, longer tread life, optimum self-cleaning, and better handling, award the Grappler G3 with an 8.9 SimpleScore rating.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018 tires
Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018 also made its debut recently in July 2024. Offering the best of both worlds, the Geolandar A/T4 G018 fulfills the needs of drivers who want to enjoy smooth and quiet rides, and also expect true off-road durability to enjoy adventures on different terrains. Higher durability standards, solid on- and off-road traction, reliable year-round performance, and enhanced on-road comfort award the tire with an overall SimpleScore rating of 9.5. Like the Terra Grappler G3, the Geolandar A/T4 is also a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake-certified tire and therefore, you can expect the tire to be good enough for use in moderate to severe winter conditions.
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018 tires on traction
All-terrain tires are primarily known for their outstanding road gripping and terrain-biting ability, which is largely contributed by the features pertaining to traction and grip. That’s why it is essential to compare the Terra Grappler G3 and the Geolandar A/T G018 in the traction area. Both tires were excellent on the traction performance front, however, there was one that was a clear winner!
The Terra Grappler G3 being a very new entrant in the market is loaded with exciting features that contribute to improving traction performance. The tire earns a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified rating, which makes it capable of biting snow and ice in moderate to severe winter conditions in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The center two blocks known as connect blocks ensure increased wet and snow traction, while the full-depth dimple sipes not only ensure solid surefootedness but also help the tire maintain consistent traction until it is completely worn out. The combination of two and three blocks (center 5 blocks) in the center area also improves wet and snow traction. Additionally, the staggered and conclave shoulder lugs allow the Terra Grappler G3 to achieve better traction in off-road environments by increasing the count of biting edges. All these features allow the Terra Grappler G3 to score an excellent 9.0/10 SimpleScore rating in traction.
If you like the traction score of the Nitto tire, you will be more surprised with the Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018’s score – it’s an exceptional 9.9/10! Some many outstanding features and technologies allow it to earn this high SimpleScore rating. The tire sports an aggressive symmetrical tread pattern that features sharper center blocks for increased off-road traction on any given trail. Like its competitor, the Geolandar tire is also Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, which ensures confident traction in moderate to severe winter. The arrangement of triple 3D sipes enhances its biting ability for increased all-weather performance, while the zigzag grooves disperse water from the footprint for superior wet grip and optimum hydroplaning resistance. Another great highlight of the Yokohama all-terrain tire is the EdgeTec Grooves that further increase the biting edges for enhanced driving performance in deep snow and rough trails. Additionally, the tire also features mud and stone ejectors for solid grip and traction.
While both all-terrain tires are loaded with a ton of features, it is the Geolandar A/T4 G018 that takes the lead, leaving the newer Terra Grappler G3 behind in the race.
ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018 tires on handling
Whether you drive on-road or off-the-road, handling in the case of all-terrain tires also plays a crucial role. After all, you need tires that are as responsive on trails as they are on the highways, and therefore, we compared the Terra Grappler tires and the Geolandar tires on the handling front and found that while one tire was great, another was excellent. Check out the details below!
Starting with the Terra Grappler G3, the tire scores an 8.9/10 SimpleScore rating in handling, which means the tire has features to offer great steering response. The optimized siping and large tread and shoulder blocks of the Terra Grappler G3 improve handling performance and provide more stable rides in dry and wet conditions. The five-block arrangement in the center area not only reduces noise levels but also helps in sharper steering response and quicker lane changes on highways. Additionally, the variable pitch tread blocks reduce tread noise, contributing to enhanced driving control. For quicker braking in wet and snow conditions, the Terra Grappler G3 features full-depth dimple siping. The solid shoulders offer confident cornering, while the winter-optimized compound ensures that the tire remains in contact with the surface while driving on snow- or ice-covered roads.
On the contrary, the Geolandar A/T4 G018 shines with an excellent 9.8/10 SimpleScore rating. The credit for this high handling rating goes to its triple 3D sipes that provide a good number of biting edges for extra surefootedness on wet and slick roads, alongside improving braking. Since the Geolandar A/T4 G018 is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, its compound adjusts to varying temperatures to provide the needed grip and control in moderate to severe winter. The compound of the tire allows the tire to run in consistent contact with the road, thus improving ride control and steering command. The wide and flat footprint also boosts stability and the single-pitch shoulder blocks reduce noise levels for enhanced driving comfort. Additionally, these shoulder blocks also improve cornering performance and provide extra traction.
The Terra Grappler G3 is definitely a great tire when it comes to handling, but the Geolandar A/T4 G018 is way more brilliant and secures a higher score in the handling area as well.
ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 vs Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018 tires on longevity
Long-lasting is another area that’s one of the key deciding factors while buying tires. You might not want to buy a tire that doesn’t top the chart in the race of Terra Grappler G3 and Geolandar A/T4 G018 tires. So, let’s check out which is better and for what reasons!
The Terra Grappler G3 boasts an impressive 8.9 SimpleScore rating in longevity and comes backed by a 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for hard metric sizes and 55,000 mile tread life warranty for LT and flotation sizes. These warranties signify that the tire is constructed for an extended service. The tire features a reinforced block foundation that adds rigidity to the tread blocks, while its coupling joints increase circumferential stiffness for increased strength and stone ejection capabilities, which results in damage resistance and longer service. The footprint and the tread block arrangement of the Terra Grappler G3 are also optimized to reduce the chances of irregular wear, allowing the drivers to enjoy a good number of miles.
Conversely, the Geolandar A/T4 G018 was slightly behind in the longevity race, scoring an 8.8 SimpleScore rating. It is built sturdy to withstand on- and off-road driving pressures and features patented Geo-Shield Technology that uses a full nylon cap, multiple sidewall plies, and high turn-up carcass for solid strength to combat off-road ruggedness and on-road road driving pressures. The Enduro Compound is another proprietary of the manufacturer that allows the tire to resist cuts, chips, and wear for an extended service. The sidewalls feature dual protectors that additionally protect the tire from side impacts. Additionally, the Yokohama all-terrain tire also doesn’t disappoint with the warranty and is covered by a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for Euro-metric sizes and a 55,000 mile tread life warranty on LT-metric sizes.
While the Geolandar tires are great, the Terra Grappler tires scored higher and assured an extended use.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler G3
When to use each
Both, the Terra Grappler and Geolandar tires are all-terrain type of tires are can be used if you are looking for tires that can perform on- and off-road. These tires are also suitable for use in moderate to severe winter conditions as they are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified. If you want to add a little more comfort to your highway drives, the Yokohama tires might offer a better driving pleasure and the Nitto Grappler tires could be great if you have comparatively larger wheels than what the Geolandars cater to.
The Terra Grappler G3 tires are offered in bigger 16- to 22-inch rim sizes, while the Geolandar A/T4 tires are available in 15- to 20-inch rim sizes.
Which one should you choose?
When we compared the overall SimpleScores of both tires, we found that the Geolandar A/T4 G018 scored higher than the Terra Grappler G3 (9.5 vs 8.9). But, it is to be noted that both tires have their own unique features and strengths, which should be taken into consideration before purchase.
Looking at SimpleScore, you should consider the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 if you:
- Drive a high horsepower pickup like the Nissan Titan or a heavy-duty pickup truck like the Ford F-250.
- Need tires that are long-lasting (8.9 vs 8.8 in longevity).
- Need tires for bigger wheels falling in the rim size range of 16- to 22-inch.
- If you seek a slightly better styling to enhance the cosmetic appeal.
On the contrary, you should consider the Geolandar A/T4 G018 if you:
- Drive a mid-size truck like the Toyota Tacoma or full-size light truck like the RAM 1500.
- Need tires that offer better handling performance (9.8 vs 8.9 in handling).
- Need tires that offer better traction performance (9.9 vs 9.0 in traction).
- Need tires that are quieter on highways and offer enhanced driving pleasure.
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.