Firestone Destination A/T2 vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires

Since the 1930s, Firestone has been one of the key players in the tire industry, and this US-born tire maker now borrows the world-class innovation and technologies under the legacy of its parent unit, Bridgestone. In the US tire market, Firestone offers tires for passenger cars, pickup trucks, OTRs, commercial vehicles, and farm applications. The variety of tires offered by the manufacturer includes all-season, winter, all-weather, all-terrain, mud-terrain, rugged-terrain, UHP summer, UHP all-season, and commercial van tires.

Nitto, on the other hand, is a Japanese tire manufacturer that came into existence in 1949, and since then, it has continuously grown into a global tire giant by offering high-quality tires that excel in design aesthetics. Nitto offers tires for use on passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, ATVs/UTVs, and light trucks. The tire brand’s portfolio in the US region comprises all-season, all-terrain, mud-terrain, UHP summer, highway, track competition, and performance tires.

Coming from these manufacturers, the Firestone Destination A/T2 and the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 are the two dependable all-terrain tires that offer the advantage of driving on- and off-road in all weather conditions as they both are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified.

The above explanation is just a glimpse of both tires, and here in this Destination A/T2 vs Terra Grappler G2 comparison, we will compare the traction, handling, and longevity abilities of both tires using our proprietary tire rating system SimpleScore. In addition, we will also talk about other key details about these tires, like warranty, price, and more. So, read on!

Firestone Destination A/T2 tires

Launched in August 2019, the Firestone Destination A/T2 is designed for on-road dependability and off-road durability. This all-terrain tire is compatible with most SUVs, light trucks, Jeeps, and ATVs on the market. The tire is offered with advanced technologies and innovative features to deliver superior performance. It comes with a tread life warranty and is also specially optimized for sharper handling response, improved braking performance, solid off-road traction, long-lasting tread life, and all-weather grip. Thanks to these abilities, this tire earns an impressive overall SimpleScore of 8.3.

Get Firestone Destination A/T2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires

The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 was introduced in 2014 and comes as a dependable choice for drivers wanting to drive on paved roads as well as rough terrains. This tire is suitable for use on Jeeps, SUVs, and light trucks and features advanced pattern design, technologies, and features to offer strong off-road traction, pleasant on-road driving, strong all-weather grip, noise-free driving, and long-lasting performance. Exceptional warranty and strong construction further add to the positives of this tire. All of these great abilities allow the Terra Grappler G2 to achieve a higher 8.3 SimpleScore.

Get Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Firestone Destination A/T2 vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires on traction

Both the Destination A/T2 and the Terra Grappler G2 are made for on- and off-road driving, and that’s why their traction analysis becomes important. While comparing these tires, we found both tires to be very competitive, and here’s our take on their traction performances:

Starting with the Destination A/T2, the tire grabs an 8.6 SimpleScore, highlighting its immense ability to perform on- and off-road throughout the year. It features an aggressive shoulder tread design, which enhances its ability to provide traction and grip in conditions like mud, dirt, sand, gravel, and rocks. There are full-depth interlocking 3D sipes for enhanced surefootedness in wet and wintry weather, and in muddy and slippery terrains. For optimum water evacuation, the tire is offered with see-through voids and tread grooves, which also resist hydroplaning. Additionally, there are sipes across the footprint for increased grip in snow and rain.

Contrarily, the Terra Grappler G2 secures an equally great 8.6 SimpleScore for its great traction performance on- and off-road. The tread pattern is more aggressive; if we compare both tires, you are very likely to grab off-road surfaces better with a set of these tires installed. However, the rival tire is more capable of balancing the traction performance. The Terra Grappler G2, like its competition, is severe snow rated, and therefore, the grip and traction on snow and ice are also impressive. There are sipes on the tread that additionally improve the tire’s ability to maintain surefootedness in wet and slick conditions. Additionally, hydroplaning resistance is ensured by the wider gaps between the blocks that optimally channelize water for increased wet grip.

Here, in the traction area, both tires earn equal ratings, indicating similar traction abilities.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

Firestone Destination A/T2 vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires on handling

Now, let’s talk about handling and find out which of the two tires has the ability to maneuver better, both on- and off-road.

The Firestone Destination A/T2 scores a fantastic 8.2 SimpleScore on a scale of 10. The credit goes to its impressive features, which contribute to solid steering response. The aggressive shoulder tread design helps in better off-road handling, while the full-depth 3D interlocking sipes technology improves braking performance. The flat footprint allows the tire to consistently maintain stability, and the See-Through Void also optimizes braking performance and handling in wet, slick, and muddy conditions.

On the other hand, the Terra Grappler G2 grabs an 8.6 SimpleScore for its outstanding controllability on paved as well as rough surfaces. The sharper tread block edges, as well as the sipes, help in improved braking performance and control the vehicle better. Likewise, the wider footprint offers increased contact area for stable rides on- and off-road. The arrangement of blocks is such that it promotes better lane-changing ability on highways, along with smooth rolling and improved off-road acceleration.

In the handling area, it is the Terra Grappler G2 that excels with a higher score, beating the Destination A/T2 by a significant margin.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto Terra Grappler G2

Firestone Destination A/T2 vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires on longevity

All-terrain tires are used on and off-road, and therefore, they need to have the ability to withstand the fast driving pressures on paved roads as well as combat brutal trails for a longer service life. So, here in this section, let’s find out which of the two AT tires does better in longevity.

The Destination A/T2 scores an exceptional 8.9 SimpleScore in longevity, ensuring a long-lasting service. The 55,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty further denotes the tire’s ability to cover a good number of miles. There are full-depth interlocking 3D sipes to promote even wear. Likewise, the flat and wide contact patch also contributes to a long-lasting service by preventing irregular wear. The use of a robust rubber compound and reinforced inner construction also provides the tire with the strength to control wear rate.

Comparatively, the Terra Grappler G2 is rated an 8.8 SimpleScore, assuring a competitive performance on the longevity front. The tread life warranty offered on this tire is up to 65,000 miles, further underlining its long-lasting utility. The wider base and tread block arrangement of this tire is also optimized for longer and even wear. Furthermore, Nitto has also used a strong and durable compound to give tough competition to the Terra Grappler G2’s rivals.

While the Terra Grappler G2 has a decent rating in longevity, it is the Destination A/T2 that wins in this area by a small margin.

ADVANTAGE: Firestone Destination A/T2

When to use each

Both the Destination and Grappler tires come with great all-terrain driving abilities, allowing you to conquer paved roads as well as challenging terrains like mud, sand, dirt, gravel, and rocks. They are also both severe snow rated for use in moderate to severe winter conditions. If you need higher off-roading ability with a blend of on-road use, you can consider rugged-terrain tires as an alternate option.

Talking about the rim sizes, the Destination A/T2 is available in 15- to 22-inch rim sizes, while the Grapper G2 tires are offered in 16- to 24-inch rim options.

Which one should you choose?

Based on the overall SimpleScore, the Destination A/T2 is a better choice than the Terra Grappler G2 (8.5 vs 8.3). However, both tires are better in one or the other area, and therefore, your selection should be based on your driving preferences and needs.

When it comes to price, the Destination A/T2 is available at a starting price of at least $191 per tire, while the Grappler G2 is available at a starting price of at least $190 per tire. This means a set of four Destination A/T2 tires will cost you at least $764, while a set of four Terra Grappler tires will cost you at least $760. So clearly, pricing isn’t one of the biggest influencing factors for tire buyers here.

Looking at the SimpleScore, you should choose the Destination A/T2 if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Ford F-150 or GMC Sierra 1500.
• Want a tire that’s better in longevity.
• Want a tire that’s equally good in traction.
• Want a tire that’s optimized better for ride comfort and lower tread noise levels.

On the other hand, you should choose the Terra Grappler G2 if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Toyota 4Runner.
• Need a tire that’s backed by a higher mileage warranty.
• Need a tire that’s equally good in traction.
• Need a tire that’s better in on- and off-road handling.

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.