Pirelli Scorpion MTR vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires

Mud-terrain tires are built to excel in mud, dirt, sand, gravel, rock, and other off-road terrains. Additionally, these tires feature aggressive tread patterns that allow them to conquer challenging terrain plus reinforced sidewalls to prevent damage, which is critical for off-road driving.

They are commonly used on light trucks, Leeps, and SUVs and are designed to give drivers traction in even the most slippery conditions. Along with the unique tread pattern, mud-terrain tires are also built with extremely durable sidewalls to handle the abuse of harsh terrain better, even when aired down. Keeping up with the deliverables of a mud-terrain tire, Pirelli and Nitto have been the two of the most reliable mud-terrain tire manufacturers.

Built with aggressive tread patterns that deliver solid traction and superior vehicle durability both the tires help conquer rocks, dirt, mud, and even snow, and reinforce sidewalls that are meant to withstand damage from off-road driving. Also, these tires come with self-cleaning tread and are equipped to release compacted mud from the tread as you drive so that you never lose traction. Both of these tires are meant for use on light trucks and SUVs. While both tires offer great performance, one has to be better than the other, right? Let’s compare Pirelli Scorpion MTR vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires using SimpleScore to show where each tire excels and which one might be right for you.

Pirelli Scorpion MTR tires

The Pirelli Scorpion MTR is designed as a mud-terrain tire with an aggressive high-void tread that expels mud and debris also a robust casing, reinforced sidewalls, and rim protection helps deliver consistent traction on sand, mud, loose dirt, gravel, and snow.

Boasting an impressive SimpleScore average of 8.4, it earns an excellent 9.2 for durability, a 7.6 for longevity, and an outstanding 9.6 for traction. The Pirelli Scorpion MTR prioritizes responsive durability and braking efficiency, so no matter what you're looking for in a tire, whether it's traction, durability, longevity, warranty, or year-round use, this tire has it all.

Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires

The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T stands out as a top-tier mud-terrain tire, that is designed for use on light trucks and offers drivers strong off-road performance along with increased puncture resistance. Made with a balanced void ratio that efficiently removes mud and dirt for continued off-road traction. A 3-ply sidewall gives the Trail Grappler M/T added durability to resist punctures. Also, you see alternating grooves and biting edges that offer drivers added traction. Featuring stone ejectors, the tread protects the bottom of the groove from stone drilling, and the dual sidewall design that comes standard with the Grappler family allows drivers to choose between two bold looks for their tires.

Boasting an impressive SimpleScore average of 8.6, it earns a remarkable 8.5 for durability, an 8.9 for longevity, and an outstanding 8.4 for traction.

Pirelli Scorpion MTR vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on traction

Traction is crucial in all-terrain tires because it directly affects their ability to grip the road or terrain surface. Comparing the above two based on traction, you will see that the Pirelli Scorpion MTR is designed with staggered shoulder lugs to give drivers traction in off-road environments, and large transversal grooves for self-cleaning. This has helped this tire to reach an exceptional average traction SimpleScore of 9.6 which is an excellent score when it comes to performance.

On the other hand, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T has a score of 8.4 out of 10 in traction. This is thanks to an aggressive tread pattern, stone ejector bars within the tread that help to prevent damage by forcing out rocks, stones, and other debris promote self-cleaning for consistent traction.

Regarding traction, the Pirelli Scorpion MTR scores well above the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T.

ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Scorpion MTR

Pirelli Scorpion MTR vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on durability

The durability of a tire is improved by different elements of the tire’s tread pattern and the tire’s overall design.

The Pirelli Scorpion MTR sports a great 9.2 SimpleScore for durability, which is largely driven by the tire’s innovative core rib that runs continuously, allowing it to be more durable and improving its durability.

On the flip side, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is far behind the Pirelli Scorpion MTR for durability as the tire comes in with a SimpleScore of 8.5. The tire comes with advanced sound analysis equipment to reduce noises that are common during off-road driving while enhancing durability performance.

Here again, the Pirelli Scorpion MTR has a solid edge over the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T regarding responsive vehicle durability.

ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Scorpion MTR

Pirelli Scorpion MTR vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires on longevity

Longevity is equally important to traction and durability when purchasing a tire. The longevity of a tire depends on several factors, including the quality of the tire, driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Based on SimpleScore, this was the biggest gap between the two tires.

Starting with the Pirelli Scorpion MTR, the tire offers a good SimpleScore of 7.6 out of 10 on the longevity front. The tire's durable rubber compound and reinforced construction collaborate to enhance durability, leading to an extended tread life. Additionally, its optimized design and connected shoulders increase the rubber contact with the road, preventing uneven wear by evenly distributing road forces, while also improving durability.

Conversely, the Trail Grappler M/T’s SimpleScore in longevity is a solid difference between both the tres, as it delivers an exceedingly great SimpleScore of 8.9. The tire comes with an enhanced rubber compound to improve wear performance on the road while maintaining cut-and-chip resistance off the road. Additionally, mud and stone ejector bars between the shoulder lugs to prevent damage from stone drills and aid self-cleaning. The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T also features reinforced construction, and its innovative tread design gives drivers a quiet, comfortable ride, plus even wear to extend the tire's tread life.

Here you will notice an elevated steep of progress in terms of longevity, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is a winner by a great difference.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T

When to use each

Mud-terrain tires can perform well on various surfaces, such as paved roads, dirt trails, snow, and mud. They are a good choice for drivers who want a versatile tire that can handle different driving conditions. Both the Pirelli Scorpion MTR and Nitto Trail Grappler M/T perform well in both on-road and off-road driving. As mud-terrain tires, they can be used for moderate temperatures, but in case you stay in an area that witnesses heavy snow and extreme weather conditions, you will need a pair of winter tires, because they offer unmatched performance in snow and ice, making them suitable for regions with severe winter conditions.

Finally, cautious driving habits and avoiding harsh conditions can help preserve the tread and overall integrity of the tires.

Which one should you choose?

So, which mud-terrain tire is the right option for you? When looking at SimpleScore, the Pirelli Scorpion MTR is slightly ahead of the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T with an overall score of 8.8 versus 8.6. As noted above, there are key differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), pricing on these two tires is a bit different as Pirelli Scorpion MTR tires cost at least $240.96 per tire while Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires cost at least $278.00 per tire. That means a set of four Pirelli Scorpion MTR all-terrain tires will cost you at least $963.84 for a set of four, while a set of four Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires will cost you at least $1,112.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Pirelli Scorpion MTR if you:

• Drive a light truck like the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Jeep Wrangler, GMC Canyon, Mazda BT-50, Mercury Mountaineer, or the Chevrolet Tahoe
• You want unmatched traction (9.6 vs 8.4)
• A tire that delivers superior durability between the two tires (9.2 vs 8.8)
• Want a tire that offers drivers a quiet ride and strong on- and off-road traction

Conversely, you should choose the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T if you:

• Drive a Dodge RAM 2500, or Nissan Titan, or a RAM 3500
• Looking for excellent longevity 9.1
• Looking for a great tire that performs overall.

Pirelli Scorpion MTR vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires might not seem a close comparison on the surface, but the above clearly shows that either is a great option. Remember, both of the tire brands are some of the best tire manufacturers on the market, and that tradition continues with the Pirelli Scorpion MTR and Nitto Trail Grappler M/T. At the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, durability, longevity, and price.

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.