Nitto terra grappler vs ridge grappler

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Terra Grappler G2

The Nitto Ridge Grappler and Terra Grappler G2 are two of Nitto’s finest on- and off-road performance tires. Both tires integrate Nitto’s latest technologies and are immensely popular and favorably reviewed by our dedicated 4x4 tire enthusiast customers.

So how are you supposed to choose between the two?

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You can’t go wrong with either, but here’s a side-by-side review to help you make an informed decision.

On-road performance

Unlike some of the more dedicated Nitto mud-terrain options, both the Terra Grappler G2 and Ridge Grappler are dual-purpose, on- and off-road tires. On-road experience is a major piece of the performance equation for both.

Considering the strong capabilities of these tires when pavement turns to natural terrain, Nitto has done a standout job developing on-road performance.

Both tires deliver reassuring all-around traction, positive handling traits, and good responsiveness thanks to strong sidewalls and tread block rigidity.

“These are so good, SO QUIET…Smoother turns, still very steady on the highway at high speeds, they haven’t slipped yet in a lot of rainy conditions, solid when crawling over curbs & ditches, they look great. For an off-road capable tire: these are amazing. I highly recommend if you want hybrid on-road, off-road…” – TireBuyer Nitto Ridge Grappler customer review

Along with deep channels and grooves that help to evacuate water, the Terra Grappler G2’s full-depth sipes create hundreds of additional water channels to disperse water out from under the tread (guarding against hydroplaning).

But according to Nitto’s internal performance ratings, it’s the Ridge Grappler that holds a slight advantage in both dry and wet on-road performance.

Quietness

Both the Terra Grappler G2 and Ridge Grappler are engineered as 4x4 “daily driver” tires, so quietness is key. Significant testing and R&D were invested in achieving unobtrusive sound characteristics.

Both tires utilize a Variable Pitch Tread Pattern that specifically counteracts the noise typically associated with more aggressive tread patterns, especially at highway speeds.

“Computer analyzed tread block arrangement reduces tire noise normally heard at highway driving speeds.” – NittoTire.com

Nitto suggests the two tires are equal in terms of quietness. According to TireBuyer enthusiasts, the Ridge Grappler just bests the Terra Grappler G2 with a 4.6/5 quietness rating vs. 4.2/5.

Off-road performance

True to their design, most Terra Grappler G2 and Ridge Grappler tires will see off-road use. Which is the tire to lean on with 4x4 activated?

Utilizing a “hybrid” design that blends all-terrain and mud-terrain characteristics, the Ridge Grappler edges the Terra Grappler G2 in off-road performance. With deep tread depths up to 18.3/32-inch, step block edges, staggered shoulder lugs, alternating shoulder grooves, and stone ejector technology, the Ridge Grappler really looks and (nearly) performs the part of a full-fledged mud-terrain tire.

“Featuring a revolutionary dynamic hybrid tread pattern, the Ridge Grappler provides a quiet and comfortable ride while the deep, aggressive sidewall lugs and tread pattern provide capable off-road performance.” – NittoTire.com

Ridge Grappler (left) and Terra Grappler side by side.

In all but the most extreme off-road conditions, the Terra Grappler G2 is also perfectly capable of getting you where you need to be, however it can’t quite match the next level “hybrid” performance of the Ridge Grappler.

Snow/winter performance

Unlike winter tires and all-terrain tires that are severe snow service rated, neither the Ridge Grappler nor the Terra Grappler G2 were tested to meet this snow traction standards. However, some select sizes of the Terra G2 are now available with a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating.

In the hands of hundreds of northern drivers, both Nitto tires have fared very well in snowy conditions. In fact, both tires have achieved 4.4/5 and 4.5/5 user ratings in Heavy Snow and Light Snow traction, respectively.

(For for all-around wintertime performance, including severe and variable conditions, there’s no substitute for true Winter Tires.)

Load range, towing/hauling capacity

With more “XL” and “LT” specification sizes, the Ridge Grappler is the heavier duty tire.

The same rugged design and reinforced construction characteristics that make the Ridge Grappler the superior off-road partner, also make it a proper towing and hauling tire.

However, both tires are likely to be a step up from your OE (factory) 4x4 tires in terms of capacity. Both styles are available in 4-12-ply ratings.

Affordability

The Terra Grappler G2 flips the script on the Ridge Grappler in terms of impact on the bank account. In most sizes and specifications, the Terra Grappler G2 is notably a more affordable tire.

For example, in size 265/65R18XL (equal specification), the Terra Grappler G2 is very nearly $200 less per set than the Ridge Grappler.

And while the Ridge Grappler’s treadlife hasn’t been a problem in the hands of users, the Terra Grappler G2 is arguably a better long-term value with 50,000-mile and 65,000-mile treadlife warranties (depending upon LT or Hard Metric sizes).

User reviews

TireBuyer

Terra Grappler G2 customer reviews

Ridge Grappler customer reviews

The overall user reviews between the two tires reflect the true quality of both options. With over 600 reviews registered, the Ridge Grappler scores a 4.6/5. The Terra Grappler G2 slots in just behind with a 4.4/5 overall rating with over 500 reviews registered.

One thing is for sure – our discerning 4x4 enthusiast customers strongly approve of both Nitto tires.

Summary

It’s a game of inches between these two top tier Nitto tires, both offering appealing advantages.

For that extra bit of overall performance and capability, the Ridge Grappler is the tire to have. The slight, but definitive advantages in off-road capability and durability, towing/hauling, and overall on-road performance make it the tire of choice for enthusiasts who want the very best, even if it comes at a price premium.

With its stronger sidewall profile and noticeable, mud-terrain-like tread characteristics, the Ridge Grappler also makes a case for itself in the style department.

But the Nitto Grappler G2 strikes back with its thunderbolt sidewall design and performance disadvantages that could be perceived in circumstances few and far between. That extra money in the bank could fund some additional adventures as well.

Nitto is at the top of their game when it comes to 4x4 tires, and the Terra Grappler G2 and Ridge Grappler are two of the finest tires in the segment. You can’t go wrong.

Still can’t decide and need us to help swing you one way or another? Our truck tire specialists have faced similar tire dilemmas and can counsel you through. Give us a call at 866-961-8668.

What is the difference between Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and Ridge Grappler?

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