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Last updated 7/11/2024 - Originally published 7/11/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Nitto Tires and Yokohama Tires are two popular tire manufacturers offering a range of affordable, great quality, and long lasting tires. Nitto was founded in 1949 and is an enthusiast tire brand that offers a range of tires for light trucks, CUVs, SUVs, passenger, competition, and side-by-side fitments. Yokohama Tires was founded in 1917 and is regarded as a world leader in tire design and technology. The tires from Yokohama are built to offer drivers great control while reducing their carbon footprint. Both brands offer tires in various categories such as all-season, all-terrain, mud-terrain, winter, ultra-high-performance, and many more.
Mud-terrain Tires are designed to be commonly used on Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs and offer excellent performance in mud, dirt, sand, gravel, rock, and other off-road terrains. These tires generally feature aggressive tread patterns to allow them to conquer any terrain. Today, we will look at two top mud-terrain tires from the brands - Nitto Terra Grappler M/T and Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003. We will discuss a few similarities and differences between these two tires in this Nitto Terra Grappler M/T vs Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tire comparison.
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires
The Nitto Terra Grappler M/T is designed for use on light trucks and offers drivers strong off-road performance with increased puncture resistance. Featuring advanced sound analysis equipment, the tire offers a quiet, comfortable ride on unpaved roads and comes with enhanced durability with its dual sidewall design.
The Nitto Terra Grappler M/T scored an average SimpleScore of 8.6 out of 10.
Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires
The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 is a mud-terrain tire designed for use on SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps and offer drivers enhanced traction, improved strength, and better performance when driving on off-road terrains. The tire is designed with GEO-SHIELD construction for enhanced strength and a high-density triple-polymer compound for enhanced longevity. Additionally, the tire features an innovative tread pattern, ensuring a well well-rounded performance for drivers.
Due to these features, the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 scored an excellent overall SimpleScore of 9.1.
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T vs Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires on traction
Traction is absolutely essential, particularly for mud-terrain tires as they are accustomed to navigating rough landscapes. These tires heavily depend on consistent traction to securely grip demanding surfaces. Elements like tread design, tire build, and the composition of rubber compounds usually dictate a tire's ability to maintain traction.
In traction, the Nitto Terra Grappler M/T scored a great score of 8.4 thanks to the aggressive tread pattern and a balanced void rotation that effectively removes mud and dirt from the tire’s tread for continuous traction. The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 scored an excellent score of 9.7 in traction, thanks to the aggressive tread pattern with rounded shoulders that improve traction on challenging terrains.
Both Terra Grapller M/T and Geolandar M/T G003 offer great traction. However, based on SimpleScore the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 scores considerably better, and will offer much better traction in dry, wet, light winter, paved, and unpaved roads.
ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T vs Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires on durability
When selecting mud-terrain tires, durability becomes a key factor, given their frequent exposure to challenging terrains. Durability is crucial for ensuring the tire's lasting performance amidst tough driving conditions. Evaluating a tire's durability entails assessing its ability to withstand punctures and cuts from rocky and gravelly surfaces. Important factors influencing durability include sidewall design, tire compound, and other pertinent characteristics.
In durability, the Nitto Terra Grappler M/T scored a great score of 8.5 thanks to the 3-ply sidewall that gives Trail Grappler M/T added durability to resist punctures. The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 scored an excellent score of 9.4 in durability, thanks to the GEO-SHIELD technology that protects the tire from accidental cuts and chips for excellent overall performance.
In durability, both tires offer great performance and are designed to conquer challenging terrains with ease. However, based on SimpleScore the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 ranks much higher in durability than the Trail Grapller M/T making it the clear winner.
ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T vs Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires on longevity
When purchasing tires, it's essential to consider longevity, as it directly impacts how well the treads hold up against normal usage. Longevity is closely tied to traction, as uneven tread wear can decrease a tire's performance on the road. Factors like rubber compound, tread pattern, and tire design all contribute to determining a tire's lifespan.
The Nitto Terra Grappler M/T truly shines in longevity with a great score of 8.9 thanks to the unique rubber compound that resists uneven tread wear for a longer tread life. Additionally, the tire comes with advanced sound analysis equipment which reduces road noises for a quiet ride.
In longevity, the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 scores a great score of 8.4 thanks to the high-density triple-polymer rubber compound that promotes even tread wear for a longer tread life.
Both tires are designed to offer great performance and will ensure good mileage out of the tires. However, based on SimpleScore, the Nitto Terra Grappler M/T scores better than the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003, making it the clear winner.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler M/T
When to use each
Both Nitto Trail Grappler M/T and Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 are mud-terrain tires that are designed for use on SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps and will offer excellent performance on challenging terrains. These tires are not suited for paved roads and should not be used in moderate to extreme winter weather conditions as they are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified. Finally, both tires are designed to be durable and will offer longer tread life.
Which one should you choose?
So which mud-terrain tire might be the right fit for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference as both tires offer great performance on challenging terrains and are durable. However, there are a few key differences that can help you make a decision. For instance, the Nitto Trail Grappler offers better longevity, whereas the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 offers better traction and durability.
Additionally, another important factor to consider is price. The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T costs around $278.00 per tire or $1,112 for a set and the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 costs around $212.99 per tire or $851.96 for a set.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Nitto Trail Grappler M/T if you:
- Drive a truck like the 2021 Jeep Wrangler or something like the 2020 Toyota 4Runner
- Want a tire with better longevity (8.9 v 8.4)
- Are willing to pay more for a better longevity
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 if you:
- Drive a pickup truck like the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, or a 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT
- Want a tire that offers better overall performance (9.1 v 8.5), traction (9.7 v 8.4), and durability (9.4 v 8.5)
- Want better performance at a slightly more affordable 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.