Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires

All-terrain tires are the ideal fitment on a light truck or SUV meant to be regularly driven over difficult terrain. The Nitto Ridge Grappler is one tire that is quiet and comfortable while offering a fairly high tread depth for great handling and traction. A dual sidewall design here allows customers to choose the look they want. While the Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD has GEOSHIELD technology to protect against cuts and chips, the Ridge Grappler features stone ejectors to protect its bottom from stone drilling. Both tires receive an advanced tread design for quietness.

Nitto Ridge Grappler tires

It is the goal of Nitto Ridge Grappler tires to provide strong on- and off-road traction, with it getting extra biting edges and alternate grooves for extra grip. Nitto has always been known for making good-looking off-road tires for enthusiasts, and the Ridge Grappler is no exception. Apart from the firm grip on undulating terrain, it also enables vehicle occupants to enjoy a smooth and quiet ride on the highway. As an all-around all-terrain tire, it provides tremendous confidence in snow or rainy driving conditions. You’ll be surprised to find the characteristics of both all-terrain and mud-terrain tires on these. For the features it provides, this tire receives 8.1 as its average SimpleScore.

Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires

Japanese manufacturer Yokohama has made its presence felt in the US by being available in several categories. Immense off-road durability and tremendous cut and chip resistance are the cornerstones of this tire’s success. One of the major areas of difference when compared to the Ridge Grappler is its suitability for commercial-grade use. As a commercial-grade tire, it can be used on commercial vans and full-size pickup trucks. A 10-ply rating and a tread depth significantly higher than that of the Ridge Grappler give the Geolandar A/T XD an average SimpleScore of 8.4.

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires on traction

For suitable off-road traction, the Nitto Ridge Grappler features not just staggered shoulder lugs, but also biting edges and alternating grooves. Stone ejectors present in this tire’s tread protect the grooves at the bottom from stone drilling. Both are symmetrical tires, and the Ridge Grappler was found appropriate for an average traction SimpleScore of 8.4. As a commercial-grade tire with a 10-ply rating and a higher tread depth, you can expect the Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD to provide tremendous traction on and off the road. It uses a combination of a massive network of sipes with an optimized void-to-lug ratio to generate all-weather traction. As per the above, we found the Geolandar A/T XD to be suitable for an average traction SimpleScore of 8.2.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto Ridge Grappler

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires on handling

Though both tires feature a symmetrical tread pattern, the Geolandar A/T XD has a slight edge over the Nitto Ridge Grappler due to the significantly higher tread depth. Drivers using the Yokohama tires can have fun while attempting to negotiate rugged terrain. For the Ridge Grappler, the steering feels light and quick, though it seems as though it would require corrections on highways. It seems to perform much better during dry braking as compared to wet braking tests. The Grappler ensures smooth and comfortable performance on highways. The Nitto tires will be faster than the Geolandar A/T XD, sporting a T-speed rating in place of a Q for the latter. Overall, both tires have received the same average handling SimpleScore of 8.5.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD tires on longevity

Stone ejectors protect from stone drilling at the bottom of the tire's grooves. Though the tread depth is fairly high, it is not quite as much as the Yokoma, enabling the latter to last longer. On the other hand, GEOSHIELD technology on the Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD includes a full nylon cap, a high turn-up carcass, and a 3-ply sidewall. In other words, you can be sure of reliable protection from this tire at all times. A strong sidewall ensures that the tire remains protected against punctures and impacts, thereby leading to long life. The other features clearly show why the Geolandar A/T XD gets an 8.7 as its average handling SimpleScore as compared to 7.6 for the Ridge Grappler.

ADVANTAGE: Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD

When to use each

As visible above, both tires get the better of each other in one parameter and are tied on the third. Both tires have an attractive appearance that is naturally pleasing for most light truck and SUV owners. However, if you plan to embark on off-road trails during the cold, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD would be a better bet since it comes with Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification that enables it to handle severe snow. TSMI #15 studs can be added to the Geolandar A/T XD for traction in extremely cold conditions. Here’s what a look at the prices of the two tires reveals. Starting at $179.98/tire ($719.92 for 4), the Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD is the cheaper option. In contrast, the Nitto Ridge Grappler starts at $222/tire ($888 for 4), making it the more expensive option.

You should plan to purchase the Nitto Ridge Grappler if you:

• Drive an SUV like a Jeep Wrangler or a pickup truck like the Ford F-150
• You want a hybrid tread pattern with significant off-road traction
• You want better dry handling and traction

On the other hand, it would be a great decision to purchase the Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD if you:

• Drive a pickup truck like the RAM 1500 or a larger work truck like the Chevrolet Silverado 3500
• Plan on using the tire for work, hauling, and/or towing
• Want a tire that offers better winter performance
• Want the longer lasting tire
• Want the more affordable tire

Which one should you choose?

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.