A subsidiary of Toyo Tires, Nitto Tire stepped into North America in 1999 and has been involved in the production of unique tire sizes which were not offered by any tire maker at that point in time. ‘Fueled by enthusiasts’ as its tagline goes, Nitto has a long range of capable off-road tire lines that have time and again proved to be rugged, gripping, and long-lasting. The Trail Grappler SxS is an excellent all-terrain tire designed for ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-side (SxS).

An interesting fact about the Nitto Trail Grappler SxS is that it was developed for the King of the Hammers UTV class race. Tested in the harshest off-road racing circuits, the Trail Grappler SxS is an ideal fusion of the race-proven DNA of Nitto and the iconic tread design of its senior, 40-inch brother. The company engineers were able to replicate a similar tread design of the original Grappler for the SxS by utilizing 3D computer simulation. The aggressive tread pattern with an excellent groove-void ratio offers incredible traction and grip in mud and other off-road trails. Available in 4 tire sizes of 15 inches, the Trail Grappler SxS features robust construction and a sturdy carcass for longer service life.

So, is the small Grappler able to fill in the shoes of its big brother? Let’s find out in this Nitto Trail Grappler SxS tire review.

Features and Benefits

Mud-terrain tires are designed to offer incredible traction and grip on mud, dirt, rocks, and soft soil. The tread features large blocks and wide grooves for optimum performance on loose surfaces. The Trail Grappler SxS checks all the right boxes to qualify for a capable mud-terrain tire.

• Excellent traction and grip – The aggressive tread pattern with large blocks provide more contact area and better grip on soft surfaces. The balanced rubber-to-void ratio makes for an ideal contact patch for optimum performance in mud terrains. Tested in the gruesome King of the Hammer race, the optimized tread pattern ensures quick removal of dirt and mud to deliver consistent traction.
• Long-lasting tread – The sturdy build with self-cleaning tread resists stone drilling which ultimately helps in avoiding abrasions, tears, and cuts. The 3D computer-optimized tread design provides better grip, traction, and even wear. The reinforced sidewalls offer improved load-carrying capacity.
• Comfortable and smooth drive – Nitto’s advanced automated tire manufacturing process ensures every tire that rolls out has every aspect precisely aligned with other Grappler SxSs. The production of tires with uniform construction creates a comfortable and smooth ride quality on paved roads.

Pros and Cons

The Nitto Trail Grappler SxS has a lot of advantages to its name thanks to its superb features and sturdy construction. However, it does come with its share of cons as well. Let’s have a look at the good and the not-so-good aspects of the Grappler SxS before summing up this Nitto Trail Grappler SxS review.

Pros

• Sturdy carcass for bearing heavy loads and harsh conditions
• Balanced void ratio for consistent performance in challenging conditions
• 3D computer-optimized tread design for better grip and traction
• Solid shoulder pattern for enhanced stability and cornering abilities
• Uniform construction for optimized performance
• Racing-inspired tread for superb handling and control
• All-terrain rubber compound for longer service life

Cons

• It does not come with a warranty
• The tire is slightly noisy on paved roads
• Not intended for passenger vehicle use

SimpleTire’s view on Nitto Trail Grappler SxS tires

In a nutshell, the Trail Grappler SxS (starts around $239) offers the traits of its race-proven bigger cousin – the 40-inch the Trail Grappler M/T. It offers superior grip, traction, and performance in all terrains with a special focus on muddy ones. The sturdy construction, puncture-resistant compound, and reinforced sidewalls provide extra durability at a relatively cheaper price.

It competes with the likes of Toyo Open Country M/T (starts around $256), and Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 (starts around $196).

Vehicles the Nitto Trail Grappler SxS is a good replacement tire for

The Nitto Trail Grappler SxS isn’t an OE-fitted tire but it’s an excellent replacement option for ATVs, UTVs, and SxS such as Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 eS, Can-Am Maverick X3 X RC Turbo RR 72, ZForce 950 H.O. Sport, Polaris RZR XP 1000 Sport, Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R, and several others.