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Nitto Ridge Grappler
  • Nitto Ridge Grappler
  • Nitto Ridge Grappler
Tire Rack Test

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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.

Tire Rack Test Results Nitto Ridge Grappler

Testing Rugged All-Terrain Tires: Nitto Ridge Grappler (2:31)

The Nitto Ridge Grappler blends function and aesthetics. In a category where looks carry this much weight, just how well will it function?

Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Nitto Ridge Grappler

Tire Category: Rugged All-Terrain

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Nitto Ridge Grappler
Good
95%
3.3M
8.4 - Good
8.9 - Excellent
9.2 Dirt Traction
8.8 Sand Traction
8.5 Mud Traction
9.0 Rock Traction
8.2 - Good
8.3 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.1 Wet Traction
9.0 - Excellent
9.0 Corner Stability
9.3 Dry Traction
8.9 Steering Response
7.6 - Good
8.0 Light Snow Traction
7.9 Deep Snow Traction
6.8 Ice Traction
8.4 - Good
8.5 Ride Quality
8.3 Noise
8.5 - Good

Customers Say

Ratings data demonstrates the Nitto Ridge Grappler excels in dry traction (scores 9-10) and wet traction (8-10), with customers highlighting confident off-road grip and hydroplaning resistance. Winter traction shows strong snow performance (8-10) but mixed ice results (scores 3-7), aligning with its rugged all-terrain focus. Treadwear receives outstanding praise (9-10), with many noting long-lasting tread in demanding conditions. Comfort earns positive feedback (7-10) for a smooth ride despite aggressive tread, though some mention moderate noise. Overall, it delivers robust performance in its intended rugged terrain use cases.

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Customers Like:

154 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 124 positive
  • 30 negative

Most customers rate Wet Traction highly with scores of 9-10, highlighting reliable grip in wet conditions. A few lower scores suggest occasional variability, but overall performance excels for rugged all-terrain use.

January 25, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.2 out of 5 Star Rating
4.2 out of 5

Love this tire, immediately felt the driving difference in... stopping distance, and in raining condition vs the factory installed set of tires.

Love this tire, immediately felt the driving difference in reduced road sound, cornering, stopping distance, and in raining condition vs the factory installed set of tires.

Vehicle: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC SUV Base Model
Miles Driven on Tires: 600
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: GLEN ROCK, NJ
Driving Style: Average
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January 20, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...In light rain and standing water, you can hear the deep-siped tires pushing out water from the contact patch...

Rubber compound is soft and grabby on pavement. Tires are very quiet and the ride is supple at 32psi. In light rain and standing water, you can hear the deep-siped tires pushing out water from the contact patch. I drive for economy and consistency, and these tires provide a low-noise, high-comfort, well-controlled ride. I felt far more confidence and control when encountering patches of black ice at highway speed. Only 1k miles on these tires, so I cannot yet comment on treadwear. A huge step up in quality and control from my two year old Kelly Edge tires on my Civic. Overall, the Encompass is impressive for the price.

Vehicle: 2010 Honda Civic Sedan DX
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CLEVELAND, OH
Driving Style: Easy Going
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94 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 73 positive
  • 21 negative

The Nitto Ridge Grappler earns strong winter traction scores in rugged conditions, with many customers rating snow and deep snow performance 9-10. Ice traction shows more variability (scores 5-10), but the tire delivers reliable capability in harsh winter environments typical for all-terrain use.

June 24, 2022

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...The winter traction is equal to a dedicated winter tire---at least the first winter, while the dry and wet traction are more than acceptable...

I bought a set of these tires from DTD in May 2021. Overall they do as advertised. The winter traction is equal to a dedicated winter tire---at least the first winter, while the dry and wet traction are more than acceptable. Ride comfort and noise are much better than a typical winter tire, but not quite as good as a touring all-season. Treadwear so far is pretty good; started at 11.5/32" and now, with one rotation and the second rotation coming soon, the tires range from a hair less than 8/32" to 9/32". I expect to get 40K, but 60K does not seem likely. I had a set of directional Nokian WRG3 a few years ago. These tires are similar but the ride is a hair firmer and the wet traction is a hair better. Recommended for drivers who need good winter traction, do not need the absolute best cornering/handling and who do not want to deal with changing tires twice per year.

Vehicle: 2005 Toyota Corolla LE
Miles Driven on Tires: 12,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WILKES BARRE, PA
Driving Style: Easy Going
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December 17, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

N/A out of 5 Star Rating
Not Yet Rated

...Finally got a healthy snowfall first one since i had them installed and i am really impressed. They cut through the snow with relative ease had to sudden stop and never once did i feel vehicle start to slide was in control the entire time...

So after looking for new tires for a while to replace my Bridgestone Ecopias. i decided to pull the trigger on a set of Nokians. Ive heard of the name but thats about it. I wanted a tire that could handle snow well because being in West Michigan you can get some wicked winter weather. Finally got a healthy snowfall first one since i had them installed and i am really impressed. They cut through the snow with relative ease had to sudden stop and never once did i feel vehicle start to slide was in control the entire time. They arent the quietest tire ive noticed a little more road noise at highway and have noticed a slight hit in fuel economy maybe about 1mpg but im willing to make that sacrifice in economy and comfort. I will definetly consider a set of Nokians when it comes time again.

Vehicle: 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 4MOTION
Miles Driven on Tires: 300
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WYOMING, MI
Driving Style: Average
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February 11, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

I live in an area where we get a lot of snow and lately a lot of ice. These tires have been amazing on both surfaces. I feel safe and don't have to worry about sliding around...

I have really enjoyed my tires so far. I live in an area where we get a lot of snow and lately a lot of ice. These tires have been nothing but amazing on both surfaces. I feel safe and don't have to worry about sliding around. Highly recommend!

Vehicle: 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 5 Door With OE Rubber Valve Stems
Miles Driven on Tires: 200
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: BAILEY, CO
Driving Style: Average
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166 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 161 positive
  • 5 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate the Nitto Ridge Grappler's dry traction as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s. High marks highlight confident grip and responsive handling in rugged conditions, aligning perfectly with its all-terrain design. A few 7s suggest minor variability, but overall performance excels for intended use.

January 02, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Great steering response. Dry braking is very good...

Have only had tires on the car since 12/05/22, but I definitely like them. Absorbs road surfaces better than the old tires I had. Great steering response. Dry braking is very good. Have not experienced heavy rains, ice, or snow as of yet, so that can not be evaluated. If these tires

are available in the size I need for the Prius, I would choose them when I need tires for that vehicle.

Vehicle: 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited
Miles Driven on Tires: 200
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MOORE, OK
Driving Style: Easy Going
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November 28, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...Ok treadwear, ok traction on snow, good dry traction...

Very Loud at speeds of 30 & 60 MPH (and 90) so seems to be a resonance issue. Ok treadwear, ok traction on snow, good dry traction. Reasonably priced. Won't buy again to due to the road noise issue.

Vehicle: 2015 Honda CR-V EX AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 30,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: CONCORD, NH
Driving Style: Average
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March 31, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...The outer edge was tighter and had continuous ribs in the center for a quite rid and also high grip levels in the hot dry summers, especially during cornering. In all situations the grip level was very predictive and progressive...

I would definitely purchase these again, but they are being discontinued by the manufacturer. I drove these in lots of snow in the lake effect region of Lake Erie. It had big enough lugs to really grip in all levels of snow and dirt/gravel. It also had the sipes and jagged edges to grip the ice. I drove them around the country in the summer in some very high temps as well, and they always performed well. I greatly appreciated the Asymmetric tread pattern. The outer edge was tighter and had continuous ribs in the center for a quite rid and also high grip levels in the hot dry summers, especially during cornering. In all situations the grip level was very predictive and progressive. Best aspects were the tire wear, grip, and year-round performance. I wish tire mfrs would keep successful tires around for more than a few years. It requires substantial work to compare specs and find the right tire, it would be nice to just purchase tires that I already like. The tread wear indications in the center rib of tread is a novel idea which is pretty handy when monitoring tire wear.

Vehicle: 2014 Chrysler Town and Country Touring
Miles Driven on Tires: 58,300
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: Ashtabula, OH
Driving Style: Spirited
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167 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 149 positive
  • 18 negative

Most customers rate comfort highly with 9s and 10s, noting smooth ride and low noise for a rugged all-terrain tire. Some scores dip to 5-7, but overall satisfaction is strong in varied conditions.

October 26, 2022

N/A out of 5 Star Rating
Not Yet Rated

My goal since I drive a large luxury sedan was comfortable (bump absorbtion), quiet tread with desirable winter characteristics... I have to say that the tires are quiet and definitely absorb the road bumps...

My goal since I drive a large luxury sedan was comfortable (bump absorbtion), quiet tread with desirable winter characteristics. The mileage warranty of 60k was OK with me. I have to say that the tires are quiet and definitely absorb the road bumps. I am confident that they will deliver winter performance but have not experienced a winter with them yet. They are wearing a little faster. My measurements indicate 15% faster.
In warm weather the soft rubber construction will affect emergency hard braking situations a little. I still like them because they delivered the best day to day charcteristics which complement my car type and driving style. A spirited driver should consider carfully if your goal of a long wearing tire is the most important.

Vehicle: 2012 Lexus ES 350
Miles Driven on Tires: 7,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: COLUMBUS, OH
Driving Style: Easy Going
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April 03, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...Ride much more comfortable entire vehicle feels better...

So far the responsiveness has been sharp. Ride much more comfortable entire vehicle feels better will check in at end of summer when there’s many more mile but am optimistic these Nokians will be great.

Vehicle: 2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD w/Keyed Ignition
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: AIRMONT, NY
Driving Style: Spirited
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February 04, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...Ride quality is nice and overall a great tire...

We 1st had these tires on a Honda Oddessy minivan and we were blown away. Now the Sonata has turned into a beast in the snow. Ride quality is nice and overall a great tire. We will rebuy again when the time comes. Highly recommend these tires!! Perfect for the Northeast climates!!

Vehicle: 2019 Hyundai Sonata SEL
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,400
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CHICOPEE, MA
Driving Style: Average
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120 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 105 positive
  • 15 negative

Most customers rate treadwear highly, with scores of 9s and 10s highlighting excellent durability in rugged conditions. While a few lower ratings exist, the Ridge Grappler's long-lasting performance impresses in all-terrain use.

March 09, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

I find it remarkable that Nokian & Michelin are able to offer treadwear warranties on such tires...

I Based on a long history of using Nokian WR G# tires, I expected and have received good value for cost. I find it remarkable that Nokian & Michelin are able to offer treadwear warranties on such tires. I will take these tires to a Tire Rack Street School in the snow in 2 days, as an instructor vehicle.

Vehicle: 2003 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Driving Style: Spirited
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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Experience the Nitto Ridge Grappler (01:00)

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. 

Testing Rugged All-Terrain Tires: Nitto Ridge Grappler (2:31)

The Nitto Ridge Grappler blends function and aesthetics. In a category where looks carry this much weight, just how well will it function?

Read the Full Test Report

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