The Ridge Grappler is Nitto's Rugged All-Terrain tire developed for drivers of SUVs, Jeeps, and pickup trucks seeking a stylish, capable, and durable off-road tire that can be reasonably driven in towns and highways in-between their adventures.
The Ridge Grappler's durable compound is molded into a symmetric tread pattern featuring robust reinforced tread blocks with tapered edges which optimize surface contact for competent dry grip. Variable pitch tread blocks of slightly different sizes reduce road noise for enhanced on-road comfort. Step block edges and staggered shoulder lugs combine for advantageous grip characteristics across many all-terrain environments. The Lateral zig-zag patterned Z grooves promote efficient water evacuation to the shoulder notches, while sipes in the tread blocks assist hydroplaning resistance and wet traction on paved surfaces. A high void ratio and multitudinous biting edges deliver confident traction in light snow.
Internal Construction of the Ridge Grappler includes a two-ply reinforced polyester casing for durability and ride comfort. Two high-tensile steel belts offer a sturdy foundation for even load distribution across the footprint. Two nylon reinforcement plies further stabilize the tread for high-speed handling and durability.
As with all Grappler tires, each Ridge Grappler tire features two unique sidewall designs. One side is more traditional while the other features a more aggressive block design.
El neumático Ridge Grappler de Nitto pertenece a la categoría: Todoterreno Resistente y fue desarrollado para conductores de vehículos utilitarios deportivos (SUV, por sus siglas en inglés), Jeeps y picops, que buscan un neumático versátil y estilizado, capaz y duradero, tanto para condiciones todoterreno, como cómodo en los autopistas.
El compuesto de caucho durable del Ridge Grappler es moldeado en una huella de patrón simétrico, que cuenta con bloques robustos, reforzados con bordes cónicos, estos, optimizan el contacto con la superficie, para obtener una tracción competente sobre superficies secas. Bloques en la huella con tonos de sonido variables con diferencias de tamaños leves, reducen el ruido de la carretera para aumentar el confort al conducir en estas. Bloques con bordes escalonados y tacos en los hombros se combinan, para proporcionar características ventajosas a través de muchos ambientes todoterreno. El patrón lateral con surcos en zigzag proporciona una evacuación de agua eficiente a los canales de los hombros, mientras que pequeñas ranuras en los bloques de la huella, ayudan a resistir el deslizamiento sobre agua (hydroplaning) y asistir con la tracción sobre superficies mojadas. Mayor espacio entre los bloques y gran cantidad de bordes adherentes proporcionan una tracción confiable sobre superficies con poca nieve.
La construcción interna del Ridge Grappler posee una estructura reforzada con dos capas de poliéster que aumentan la durabilidad y comodidad del andar. Dos correas de acero con resistencia a tensiones fuertes, ofrecen una fundación sólida, para distribuir el peso a través de toda la huella. Dos capas de refuerzo de nailon aumentan, aún más, la estabilidad de la huella para obtener mejor maniobrabilidad y durabilidad por su uso a velocidades rápidas.
Como todos los neumáticos Grappler, cada neumático Ridge Grappler ofrece dos diseños únicos del flanco, uno tradicional y otro más agresivo.
Specifications shown are as accurate as possible based on the information provided to us by the tire manufacturers. The dimensions reflect average values for tires measured on the specified measuring rim width. Individual tires may vary from data shown.
All tires are subject to continuous development. The tire manufacturers and Tire Rack reserve the right to change product specifications at any time without notice or obligation.
*Although regularly updated, the country of origin for tires may vary from what is shown. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for tires with a specific country of origin.
For assistance selecting products for your vehicle, please contact our sales specialists at 888-541-1777 or via email.
See official manufacturer's warranty brochure for specific details.
New vehicle Original Equipment tire warranties often differ from those covering replacement tires. Consult your vehicle documents to confirm Original Equipment tire warranty coverage.
Tire Rack Test Results Nitto Ridge Grappler
All-Terrain Tires Off-Road – 2025 Test 9(17:52)
In a Tire Rack first, we took popular On-Road, Off-Road, and Rugged All-Terrain, as well as Off-Road Max Traction tires, to an off-road driving park to see how these categories compare off the beaten path! As we continue to expand our testing program, we are working towards a full-scale off-road portion that aligns with the objective and subjective format of our road-focused testing. In the meantime, there’s no time like the present to kick up some dust and get a feel for these tires in an off-road environment. So, join us as TJ and Brent take a subjective ride in the sand, across river rock, and attempt a hill climb!
Drivers consistently rate the Michelin Defender T+H as an outstanding all-season touring tire, with exceptional scores (9-10) in treadwear, dry traction, and hydroplaning resistance. Comfort receives high praise for smooth ride quality and low noise, aligning with touring expectations. Winter traction is generally strong in snow and slush (7-10 range), though a few users report reduced confidence on ice. Wet performance shines with near-perfect ratings for grip and stability. Longevity stands out as a key strength, with many users noting the tread holds up well over extended mileage. While winter capabilities are solid for an all-season tire, occasional lower ice scores suggest cautious driving in severe conditions.
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Customers Like:
259 reviews mention "Wet Traction"
233 positive
26 negative
Most customers rate wet traction as excellent, with scores of 9s and 10s highlighting confident handling and reliable hydroplaning resistance in rainy conditions.
May 30, 2025
4 out of 5
...A little quieter, better wet traction, MUCH better fuel economy than the goodyear eagle sports...
I put 15 inch wheels on my 2024 Civic Sport to replace the overkill 18s that came from the factory. Got these 205/65r15s from Costco. These are an improvement in every way that matters to me. A little quieter, better wet traction, MUCH better fuel economy than the goodyear eagle sports. With 11k mostly highway miles they have worn down by about 1.5 32nds from 10.5 to 9. They are good tires and I'm happy with them but they are quite pricey and I will be experimenting with less expensive tires next time.
Vehicle: 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Miles Driven on Tires: 11,000 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: SEVERENCE, CO Driving Style: Easy Going
...Very good wet weather traction here on the Gulf Coast. As the tire wears down it even gets better.
These are my second set of this tire on this vehicle. First set got over 100,000 miles. Very good wet weather traction here on the Gulf Coast. As the tire wears down it even gets better.
Vehicle: 2013 Honda Civic Sedan EX Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: THEODORE, AL Driving Style: Average
Most customers rate winter traction highly, with snow and deep snow scores mostly 9s and 10s. Ice traction sees solid 7-8 ratings, indicating reliable all-season performance in typical winter conditions.
September 11, 2023
5 out of 5
...Excellent traction in dry, wet and snow, even deep snow in a rather low vehicle. I have only gotten stuck with these tires because the snow was too deep that is beached the vehicle, not a tire issue...
I bought these after getting multiple recommendations for Michelin Tires as long lasting tires. What I didn't expect is that the Defenders would serve as the best all around tire there is. Long life, these tires after 3 years and 25000 miles look the same as the day they were put on. Excellent traction in dry, wet and snow, even deep snow in a rather low vehicle. I have only gotten stuck with these tires because the snow was too deep that is beached the vehicle, not a tire issue. They are quiet and the car feels smooth going down the road. Only gripes are I think I lost 1 mpg and they are a bit pricey, but for how long they last, they do make up for it in not paying to new tire installation often. All around, I cannot recommend the Defender series tires enough for on-road use, off-road might be a different story, but no other tire does everything so well for a somewhat reasonable price.
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Impala LS Miles Driven on Tires: 25,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: PAINESVILLE, OH Driving Style: Average
Customers overwhelmingly rate dry traction as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s. The Defender T+H delivers responsive handling and reliable grip, excelling in its all-season touring role with consistent high-performance feedback.
March 19, 2023
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5
...The dry traction is nothing short of unbelievable. And when they finally do get pushed into sliding traction, they only lose a small amount of adhesion to the road, making vehicle control as easy as when they're in non-sliding mode...
In long sweeping decreasing radius curves I can get enough speed up to push the car into a four wheel slide, but these tires are stuck to the road so firmly that it takes this kind of 60 mph speed in a short radius curve to finally get them to slide. The dry traction is nothing short of unbelievable. And when they finally do get pushed into sliding traction, they only lose a small amount of adhesion to the road, making vehicle control as easy as when they're in non-sliding mode. I routinely push the car to autocrossing cornering loads, because it's just plain exhilarating to whip the car around like driving on a autocrossing course. The tires rarely get pushed hard enough to slide, and it's easy to maintain control. The traction of these tires make me a far better driver than I actually am. Wet traction is just as impressive, they grip to a point that I've never experience before with any other tire I've driven on in 50 years of driving. Nothing but the highest praise for these tires. I wonder if so called performance tires could do any better. My thanks to Michelin for their excellence in tire design, construction, and accurate manufacturing. Well worth the price, I'm putting them on all my vehicles as they need tire replacements.
Vehicle: 2006 Toyota Prius Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000 Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross Location: AURORA, IN Driving Style: Spirited
Most customers rate ride comfort and noise levels highly, with scores predominantly 9s and 10s. The Defender T+H delivers a smooth, quiet driving experience expected from a premium all-season touring tire.
August 21, 2022
(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5
Great comfortablequiet easy driving tire...
Great comfortable quiet easy driving tire. Had them for 6 and a half years and we got 77,000 miles out of them. There are a lot of nice tires out there and this is one of the best. They are very worn down and have some dry rot but they survived Florida for over 6 years and 77000 miles. Thank you Michelin !
Vehicle: 2014 Mazda Mazda6 Sport Miles Driven on Tires: 77,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: BRADENTON, FL Driving Style: Average
...They are very comfortable and quiet on the highway, they get great gas milage...
These came on my car from the dealer. At first I was like nice Michelins. I have now driven the car for a year with these tires and boy are they bad in the wet and snow traction is worse then the UHP summer tires on my BMW e30. They are very comfortable and quiet on the highway, they get great gas milage. They are vague at best on the limit. Driving backroads, which i do often, these tires do little to communicate what is going on. Having grown up in western NY I'm accustom to driving in the snow and ice, the little we get in Eastern Maryland these tires could not cope with. They were down right dangerous with any amount of wet, add cold to that and I'm shocked they can label these tires all season. now having to replace one as it is dry rot and chunking off the side wall. Thankfully it is on the dealers dime because they are far to expensive for what they deliver. In the future I will not be going with these tires in fact these have soured me on Michelins altogether.
These tires are quiet and handle great... It pays to spend the little extra for the comfort, safety and longevity.
These tires are quiet and handle great. I've had many sets of Michelins and they never disappoint. I've tried some other brands to save a few bucks, and I've always been disappointed. It pays to spend the little extra for the comfort, safety and longevity.
Vehicle: 2018 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD w/ Push Button Ignition Miles Driven on Tires: 4,000 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: STONE LAKE, WI Driving Style: Spirited
Most customers rate treadwear highly with scores of 9-10, praising exceptional longevity for all-season touring. While a few lower scores exist, the majority highlight reliable durability in standard driving conditions.
September 11, 2023
5 out of 5
...Long life, these tires after 3 years and 25000 miles look the same as the day they were put on...
I bought these after getting multiple recommendations for Michelin Tires as long lasting tires. What I didn't expect is that the Defenders would serve as the best all around tire there is. Long life, these tires after 3 years and 25000 miles look the same as the day they were put on. Excellent traction in dry, wet and snow, even deep snow in a rather low vehicle. I have only gotten stuck with these tires because the snow was too deep that is beached the vehicle, not a tire issue. They are quiet and the car feels smooth going down the road. Only gripes are I think I lost 1 mpg and they are a bit pricey, but for how long they last, they do make up for it in not paying to new tire installation often. All around, I cannot recommend the Defender series tires enough for on-road use, off-road might be a different story, but no other tire does everything so well for a somewhat reasonable price.
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Impala LS Miles Driven on Tires: 25,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: PAINESVILLE, OH Driving Style: Average
...The treadwear, warranty and reliability are superb...
These are my go-to tires. This is the 4th set I have owned. The treadwear, warranty and reliability are superb. This set of Defenders replaced OEM Bridgestone Ecopias, that were worse than terrible. The Michelins provided a much better ride, along with big improvement on wet, snow and ice.
I will buy Defenders again and highly recommend them.
Vehicle: 2016 Lexus ES 350 Miles Driven on Tires: 12,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: SHREWSBURY, MA Driving Style: Average
In a Tire Rack first, we took popular On-Road, Off-Road, and Rugged All-Terrain, as well as Off-Road Max Traction tires, to an off-road driving park to see how these categories compare off the beaten path! As we continue to expand our testing program, we are working towards a full-scale off-road portion that aligns with the objective and subjective format of our road-focused testing. In the meantime, there’s no time like the present to kick up some dust and get a feel for these tires in an off-road environment. So, join us as TJ and Brent take a subjective ride in the sand, across river rock, and attempt a hill climb!
The Ridge Grappler is Nitto’s Rugged All-Terrain tire that is perfectly at home on SUVs, Jeeps, and pickup trucks. Tires in this category need to be capable and durable off-road as well as maintaining some manners on-road.
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