Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Nokian Outpost AT tires

When you talk about solid traction on any terrain, all-terrain tires deliver exactly that, they are great for traction on all kinds of on and off-road driving surfaces because of their aggressive tread patterns and reinforced constructions. They are commonly used on light trucks, jeeps, and SUVs, all-terrain tires are designed to give drivers strong traction and performance on- and off-road. Keeping up with the deliverables of an all-terrain tire, Nitto and Nokian have been two of the most promising all-terrain tires manufacturers.

Both the above-mentioned brands make sure that their tires are manufactured with an aggressive tread pattern that allows them to conquer rocks, dirt, mud, and even snow, and reinforce sidewalls that are meant to withstand damage from off-road driving. Both of these tires feature solid sidewalls and deep tread patterns. Both of these tires are meant for use on light trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. While both tires offer great performance, one has to be better than the other, right? Let’s compare Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Nokian Outpost AT tires using SimpleScore to show where each tire excels and which one might be right for you.

Nitto Ridge Grappler tires

The Nitto Ridge Grappler stands out as a top-tier all-terrain tire, engineered for SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks, making it an excellent choice. Nitto's Ridge Grappler is designed to handle any terrain, thanks to its Variable Pitch Tread Pattern that provides a quiet and smooth ride on the highway. You also see alternating grooves and biting edges that offer drivers added traction. Made with stone ejectors, the tread protects the bottom of the groove from stone drilling, and the dual sidewall design that comes standard with the Grappler family allows drivers to choose between two bold looks for their tires.

Boasting an impressive SimpleScore average of 8.1, it earns a remarkable 8.5 for handling, a 7.6 for longevity, and an outstanding 8.4 for traction. The Nitto Ridge Grappler prioritizes responsive handling and braking efficiency, so no matter what you're looking for in a tire, whether it's traction, handling, longevity, warranty, or year-round use, this tire has it all.

Nokian Outpost AT tires

If you are looking for an alternate tire brand that is equally efficient in gripping the roads and delivering great performance all year round, look at the Nokian Outpost AT which is an all-terrain, all-weather tire that's designed for use on light trucks and SUVs and offers drivers excellent traction and performance in dry, wet, winter, and off-road conditions plus an up to 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. Unmatched technology is seen when you run on this tire featuring Summit Sidewalls that provide grip on soft terrains and Canyon Cuts that enhance grip on unpredictable surfaces like rocks, Gravel Guards promote self-cleaning for consistent traction. You also see an aggressive tread pattern for excellent performance on- and off-road. Another technology that makes a difference is the Aramid Tough Shield technology within the sidewalls that protects the tire from cuts, chips, abrasions, tears, and other damage.

Lastly, the Nokian's Driving Safety Indicator helps the drivers to see how much tread depth is left visually. A Triple Pitch design reduces road noises and vibrations to create a quiet, comfortable ride for drivers and passengers on paved roads, and the Outpost AT's high load capacity means the tire can help drivers confidently haul and tow without worrying about premature wear or decreased performance. Boasting an impressive SimpleScore average of 8.5, it earns a remarkable 8.6 for handling, an excellent 9.1 for longevity, and an outstanding 8.7 for traction.

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Nokian Outpost AT tires on traction

Traction is crucial in all-terrain tires because it directly affects the tire's ability to grip the road or terrain surface. Comparing the above two based on traction, you will see that the Nitto Ridge Grappler is designed with staggered shoulder lugs to give drivers traction in off-road environments, and the rugged sidewalls and enhanced tread depth bite into the road for extra grip year-round. This has helped this tire to reach an average traction SimpleScore of 8.4 which is a solid score when it comes to performance.

On the other hand, the Nokian Outpost AT has a score of 8.7 out of 10 in traction. This is thanks to an aggressive tread pattern, Summit Sidewalls that provide grip on soft terrains such as mud, Canyon Cuts within the tread that enhance grip on unpredictable surfaces like rocks, and Gravel Guards that promote self-cleaning for consistent traction.

Regarding traction, the Nokian Outpost AT is a little ahead of the Nitto Ridge Grappler.

ADVANTAGE: Nokian Outpost AT

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Nokian Outpost AT tires on handling

The handling of a tire is improved by different elements of the tire’s tread pattern and the tire’s overall design.

The Nitto Ridge Grappler sports a great 8.5 SimpleScore for handling, which is largely driven by the tire’s innovative core rib that runs continuously, allowing it to be more durable and improving its handling.

On the flip side, the Nokian Outpost AT is a step ahead of the Nitto Ridge Grappler for handling as the tire comes in with a SimpleScore of 8.6. A Triple Pitch design reduces road noises and vibrations to create a quiet, comfortable ride for drivers and passengers on paved roads, and the Outpost AT's high load capacity means the tire can help drivers confidently haul and tow without worrying about premature wear or decreased performance.

Here again, the Nokian Outpost AT scores higher regarding responsive vehicle handling.

ADVANTAGE: Nokian Outpost AT

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Nokian Outpost AT tires on longevity

Longevity is equally important to traction and handling when purchasing a tire. The longevity of a tire depends on several factors, including the quality of the tire, driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Based on SimpleScore, this was the biggest gap between the two tires.

Starting with the Nitto Ridge Grappler, the tire offers a good SimpleScore of 7.6 out of 10 on the longevity front. The tire's durable rubber compound and reinforced construction collaborate to enhance handling, leading to an extended tread life. Additionally, its optimized design and connected shoulders increase the rubber contact with the road, preventing uneven wear by evenly distributing road forces, while also improving handling.

Conversely, the Outpost AT’s SimpleScore in longevity is the major difference between both tires, as it delivers an exceedingly great SimpleScore of 9.1. This tire comes with 60,000 mile limited manufacture tread life warranty for non-fleet and non-commercial vehicles. Featuring an Aramid Tough Shield technology within the sidewalls of the Outpost AT protects the tire from cuts, chips, abrasions, tears, and other damage to help drivers get more miles out of their purchase, and the tire also features Nokian's Driving Safety Indicator so that drivers can visually see how much tread depth is left. The Nokian Outpost AT also features reinforced construction, and its innovative tread design gives drivers a quiet, comfortable ride, plus even wear to extend the tire's tread life.

Here again, you will notice an elevated steep of progress in terms of longevity; the Nokian Outpost AT is a winner by a great difference.

ADVANTAGE: Nokian Outpost AT

When to use each

All-terrain tires can perform well on various surfaces, such as paved roads, dirt trails, snow, and mud. They are a good choice for drivers who want a versatile tire that can handle different driving conditions.

Both the Nitto Ridge Grappler and Nokian Outpost AT perform well in both on-road and off-road driving. Although Nokian Outpost AT is a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake-certified tire designed for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions, it is not as good as winter tires that offer unmatched performance in snow and ice, making them suitable for regions with moderate winter conditions.

Finally, cautious driving habits and avoiding harsh conditions can help preserve the tread and overall integrity of the tires.

Which one should you choose?

So, which all-terrain tire is the right option for you? When looking at SimpleScore, the Nitto Ridge Grappler is slightly behind the Nokian Outpost AT with an overall score of 8.1 versus 8.5. As noted above, there are key differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), the pricing on these two tires is a bit different as Nitto Ridge Grappler tires cost at least $ 222.00 per tire while Nokian Outpost AT tires cost at least $143.96 per tire. That means a set of four Nitto Ridge Grappler all-terrain tires will cost you at least $888 for a set of four, while a set of four Nokian Outpost AT tires will cost you at least $ 572.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Nitto Ridge Grappler if you:

• Drive a light truck like the Ford F-150, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, or Chevrolet Colorado
• Want a tire that offers drivers a quiet ride and strong on- and off-road traction.
• Want the tire that’s made by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.

Conversely, you should choose the Nokian Outpost AT if you:

• Drive a Ford Ranger, Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500, or Toyota 4Runner
• Want the more affordable, better performing tire
• Need a tire that’s Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Nokian Outpost AT tires might not seem like a close comparison on the surface, but the above clearly shows that either is a great option. Remember, both of the tire brands are some of the best tire manufacturers on the market, and that tradition continues with the Nitto Ridge Grappler and Nokian Outpost AT. At the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, handling, longevity, and 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.