The Nitto Trail Grappler MT is an all-terrain tire designed for truck, SUV, and Jeep owners who want a tire that performs well both on-road and off-road.
Nitto is known for making tires with excellent traction and durability for off-road use, and the Trail Grappler MT lives up to this reputation.
Some of the key features of this tire include:
- Aggressive tread pattern provides excellent traction in mud, snow, and on rocky terrain
- Reinforced sidewalls resist punctures and damage from off-road obstacles
- Stable tread blocks and rigid shoulder design for responsive handling on pavement
- Quiet highway driving with minimal road noise
- Available in a wide range of popular sizes to fit most trucks, SUVs and Jeeps
With its blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability, the Nitto Trail Grappler MT is a great choice for those who use their vehicle both for work and play.
This tire provides the traction and durability needed for off-road adventures, while still maintaining composed on-road manners.
Nitto Trail Grappler MT Review
- All-Terrain Tire for trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, offering balanced on-road and off-road performance
- Features aggressive tread for superior traction in mud, snow, and on rocks, with reinforced sidewalls for puncture resistance
- Provides stable handling with minimal noise on highways, suitable for both daily use and off-road adventures
- Designed with large tread blocks and deep voids for excellent off-road grip, including stone ejectors and siping for better traction
- Offers decent on-road performance with good wet traction and comfort, though slightly noisier than highway tires
List of Other Nitto Tire Reviews
If you’re interested in exploring other Nitto tire options, check out our comprehensive reviews of their various offerings.
Nitto’s commitment to quality and performance shines through in their diverse range of tires.
- Nitto Crosstek 2 Review
- Nitto Ridge Grappler Review
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Review
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Review
- Nitto Recon Grappler A/T Review
- Nitto NT420V Review
- Nitto Mud Grappler Review
Tread Design
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT features an aggressive mud-terrain tread design optimized for off-road traction.
The tread pattern consists of large, staggered blocks with deep voids between them to provide plenty of biting edges and self-cleaning abilities.
The tread blocks have multiple stepped levels, which help grip surfaces and displace mud, dirt, sand, and rocks.
The blocks also have stone ejectors molded into them, which force rocks and debris out as the tire rotates to avoid getting lodged in the tread.
For additional traction, the tires utilize full-depth siping across the tread blocks. These thin slices help the rubber conform and grip uneven terrain.
The siping also provides extra biting edges for increased grip on wet, icy, or muddy surfaces.
Overall, the aggressive tread design with deep voids, stone ejectors, and siping make the Nitto Trail Grappler MT an excellent choice for off-road activities like rock crawling, mudding, and overlanding where maximum traction is needed.
The tread allows the tire to power through a variety of terrains.
On-Road Performance
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT tires perform surprisingly well on the road for an aggressive mud-terrain tire.
The tread design provides decent dry traction for hard acceleration and cornering, although performance tires will grip better.
The large tread blocks and stiff sidewalls do produce some road noise, especially at highway speeds, but it’s comparable to other mud-terrain tires.
Ride comfort is quite good, absorbing small bumps and road irregularities without too much harshness.
The stiff sidewalls prevent excessive flex over large bumps. Wet traction is also respectable, with the aggressive tread pattern channeling water effectively to maintain grip in heavy rain.
Overall, the Trail Grappler MT offers a reasonable on-road driving experience for a mud tire, although drivers looking for comfort and quietness may prefer a highway tire.
Off-Road Traction
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT excels when taken off-road, with aggressive tread blocks that provide excellent traction in mud, snow, rocks, and sand.
The mud terrain compound is soft and pliable, allowing the large tread lugs to conform to uneven terrain and maintain constant contact with the surface.
The self-cleaning tread pattern sheds mud effectively to maintain traction through sloppy conditions.
The aggressive shoulder lugs and sidewall protectors add lateral traction for hard cornering on loose surfaces.
In snow, the aggressive open tread design provides plenty of biting edges to penetrate through powder and ice.
The tire treads have numerous sipes to supply additional gripping edges on packed snow. The tread pattern is designed to eject snow out the sides to prevent buildup within the lugs.
On rocky trails, the chiseled tread blocks supply strong traction thanks to their stiff rubber compounds.
The stone ejectors help prevent rocks from wedging into the tread. The tire construction absorbs impacts from rocks without puncturing.
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT also supplies ample traction in sandy conditions. The aggressive tread pattern penetrates through loose sand, while the wide tread blocks provide a large footprint for flotation.
The scalloped shoulder lugs enhance lateral traction during cornering on sand.
Overall, the Nitto Trail Grappler MT provides hardcore off-road traction for conquering mud, snow, rocks, and sand.
The specialized tread design and durable construction supply grip and control in extreme terrain.
Durability
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT tire has excellent durability thanks to its sturdy construction and tread design.
Treadwear
The tire is designed to provide long tread life, even when used in rugged off-road conditions.
The tread pattern incorporates siping as well as staggered shoulder blocks to maintain traction as the tread wears down.
Owners report getting between 40,000 to 60,000 miles out of a set before needing to replace them. This makes them an excellent value for a mud-terrain tire.
Puncture Resistance
To protect against punctures when off-roading, the Trail Grappler MT uses a three-ply sidewall construction.
The sidewalls are reinforced to prevent damage from rocks, sticks, and other debris when aired down.
Many reviewers have commented on the tire’s impressive puncture resistance abilities.
Sidewall Strength
The rigid three-ply sidewall design also provides excellent sidewall strength and stiffness.
This prevents damage from impacts as well as bruising and distortion when running low tire pressures off-road.
The sidewalls hold up well to impacts without cracking or deforming.
Sizes Available
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT comes in a wide range of sizes to fit most trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.
Here are some of the key size options:
Diameter: The Trail Grappler MT is available in diameters ranging from 15 inches all the way up to 22 inches. Some of the most common diameters are 17 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches.
Width: Widths range from 6.5 inches for smaller vehicles up to 12.5 inches for larger trucks and SUVs. Popular widths include 275, 285, 305, and 325 millimeters.
Aspect Ratio: Aspect ratios offered include 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 series tires. Lower aspect ratios like 55 tend to be found on larger diameter wheels, while higher aspect ratios like 75 are usually on smaller diameter wheels.
Wheel Size Compatibility: The Trail Grappler MT is designed to fit wheels from 15 inches to 22 inches in diameter. Some of the common wheel sizes it fits include 17×8, 18×9, 20×9, and 22×10.
So whether you drive a Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota 4Runner, or other popular truck or SUV, Nitto offers Trail Grappler MT sizes to properly fit your wheels and provide great traction and performance.
Consult your owner’s manual or tire retailer to determine the ideal size based on your vehicle.
Warranty
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT tires come with a manufacturer’s limited warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials.
This includes conditions like tread wear, ride vibration, or tire failure.
The mileage warranty covers up to 50,000 miles of use. This means if the tire wears down evenly before reaching 50,000 miles, it would be covered for a pro-rated replacement or refund based on the remaining tread depth.
The warranty is valid for 5 years from the production date regardless of mileage.
For the first 2/32nds of tread wear, the tire is covered 100%. After that, the coverage percentage decreases the more the tread wears down.
Once past the Tread Wear Indicators at 2/32nds depth, the coverage goes to zero.
The warranty has some limitations and exclusions. Damage from road hazards like punctures, cuts, or impacts is not covered.
The warranty is also void if the tires are improperly repaired, modified, improperly inflated, overloaded, or used in racing or off-road driving.
Overall, the 50,000 mile treadwear warranty provides assurance that the Nitto Trail Grappler MT tires will deliver durable performance and longevity for on and off-road use.
Just be aware of the warranty limitations for road hazards and improper use.
Pricing
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT tire has a moderate price point compared to other mud-terrain tires. Here’s a look at how it stacks up:
- The Nitto Trail Grappler MT starts at around $190 per tire for common sizes like LT265/70R17. This makes it slightly more affordable than top mud tires like the BFGoodrich KM3 which starts around $220.
- It’s priced very similarly to other popular mud tires like the Toyo Open Country M/T at around $180-200 per tire and the General Grabber X3 at $185-195 per tire.
- More budget-oriented mud tires like the Atturo Trail Blade M/T are cheaper at around $140-160 per tire, so the Nitto costs about 20% more.
- Higher-end specialized mud tires like the Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ tend to run $250-300+ per tire, putting the Nitto at a 30-40% discount.
- Compared to all-terrain tires that can also handle moderate off-roading, the Nitto carries about a 20-30% premium over tires like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 and Toyo Open Country A/T III.
Overall, the Nitto Trail Grappler MT is priced right in the heart of the mud-terrain segment, making it a good value compared to the competition.
It’s not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive. For buyers prioritizing performance over price, it hits a nice sweet spot.
Recommendations
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT is best suited for midsize and full-size trucks and SUVs that see a mix of on-road and off-road driving.
With its aggressive tread pattern and reinforced sidewalls, it’s an ideal choice for vehicles that need to traverse rough terrain like rocks, mud, and sand.
Best Vehicle Fit
The Trail Grappler MT works well on pickup trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Titan.
For SUVs, it’s a good fit for the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Land Rover Defender.
The tire is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different vehicles.
Ideal Use Cases
This tire shines for overlanding adventures, rock crawling, and traversing muddy or sandy terrain.
The deep tread lugs provide excellent traction in loose dirt, while the stone ejectors help shed rocks and debris.
Drivers who tackle tough trails and need maximum traction will appreciate the Trail Grappler MT’s performance.
The tire can handle occasional snow driving thanks to its open shoulder slots that allow snow to clear quickly.
It’s a good choice for areas that see a mix of snow and moderate off-roading.
While capable off-road, the Trail Grappler MT also rides smoothly on the highway.
It works well for daily driving and weekend getaways as long as speeds are kept reasonable.
The tire is not ideal for towing heavy loads long distances due to heat buildup at high speeds.
Overall, the Trail Grappler MT excels for truck and SUV owners who don’t stick to just pavement and need a tire that can handle both on-road commutes and off-road adventures.
What Vehicles Will The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Fit?
(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Ram, Dakota
- Ford F-150, F-250, F-350
- GMC Sierra
- Hummer H3
- Jeep Wrangler
- Nissan Armada, Titan
- Toyota Tacoma
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Tire Sizes
15″
33X12.50R15C2 108Q B
16″
LT265/75R16 E 123P B
LT285/70R16 E 125/122P B
LT285/75R16 E 126/123Q B
LT315/75R16 E 127/124Q B
17″
LT255/75R17 C 111/108Q B
LT265/70R17 E 121Q B
LT285/70R17 C 116/113Q B
LT285/70R17 E 121/118Q B
LT285/75R17 E 121/118Q B
LT295/70R17 E 121/118P B
LT315/70R17 D 121/118Q B
35×12.50R17LT E 121Q B
37×12.50R17LT D 124Q B
40×13.50R17LT C 121P B
18″
LT275/70R18 E 125/122Q B
LT285/65R18 E 125/122Q B
LT285/75R18 E 129Q B
LT295/70R18 E 129/126Q B
35×12.50R18LT E 123Q B
37×12.50R18LT E 128Q B
20″
LT275/65R20 E 126Q B
LT285/55R20 E 122Q B
LT295/55R20 E 123/120Q B
LT295/60R20 E 126/123Q B
LT295/65R20 E 129/126Q B
LT305/55R20 E 121/118Q B
35×11.50R20LT E 124Q B
35×12.50R20LT E 121Q B
37×12.50R20LT E 126Q B
37×13.50R20LT E 127Q B
38×13.50R20LT E 128Q B
38×15.50R20LT D 125Q B
40×15.50R20LT D 128Q B
22″
LT285/55R22 E 124Q B
LT325/50R22 E 122Q B
LT355/40R22 F 122Q B
37×13.50R22LT E 123Q B
LT375/45R22 F 128Q B
40×15.50R22LT E 128Q B
24″
LT375/40R24 F 126Q B
38×13.50R24LT E 123Q B
40×15.50R24LT E 128P B
Conclusion
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT is an excellent mud-terrain tire that provides exceptional off-road traction and performance.
Its aggressive tread pattern and durable construction allow it to tackle a variety of terrains, making it a versatile choice for off-road enthusiasts.
Some key pros of this tire include:
- Excellent grip and traction in mud, dirt, gravel, and rocks
- Self-cleaning tread helps prevent buildup in muddy conditions
- Reinforced sidewalls resist punctures on rough terrain
- Available in a wide range of sizes to fit different vehicles
- 50,000 mile treadwear warranty
Potential downsides to consider:
- Can be noisy on pavement due to aggressive tread pattern
- Doesn’t provide the smoothest on-road ride
- Higher rolling resistance decreases fuel efficiency compared to all-terrain tires
Overall, the Nitto Trail Grappler MT is one of the top mud-terrain tires on the market.
For those who do serious off-roading and need maximum traction in muddy and soft terrain, the Trail Grappler MT is an excellent choice.
Drivers should just be aware of the on-road tradeoffs that come with its specialized off-road design.
FAQ
What type of vehicles are suitable for the Nitto Trail Grappler MT?
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT is suitable for trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. It is designed to handle both on-road and off-road conditions.
Does the Nitto Trail Grappler MT perform well on the highway?
Yes, despite being a mud-terrain tire, it provides stable handling and minimal noise on highways. However, it may be a bit noisier than highway-specific tires.
How well does the Nitto Trail Grappler MT perform off-road?
The tire performs exceptionally well off-road. It has an aggressive tread pattern, deep voids, stone ejectors, and full-depth siping, which collectively enhance off-road traction and grip.
How durable is the Nitto Trail Grappler MT?
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT is known for its excellent durability. Owners have reported getting between 40,000 to 60,000 miles of tread life.
Is there a warranty on the Nitto Trail Grappler MT?
Yes, the Nitto Trail Grappler MT comes with a manufacturer’s limited warranty covering up to 50,000 miles of use.
How is the on-road comfort of the Nitto Trail Grappler MT?
The tire offers reasonable on-road comfort, effectively absorbing small bumps and road irregularities. However, being a mud-terrain tire, it might not deliver the smoothest ride compared to highway tires.
Does the Nitto Trail Grappler MT have good traction in wet conditions?
Yes, the aggressive tread pattern effectively channels water, maintaining grip in heavy rain, making it a good performer in wet conditions.
Is the Nitto Trail Grappler MT available in different sizes?
Yes, the Nitto Trail Grappler MT comes in a wide range of sizes to fit most trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. The available sizes cover various diameters, widths, and aspect ratios.
How does the Nitto Trail Grappler MT compare to other mud-terrain tires in terms of price?
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT is priced competitively within the mud-terrain segment, offering a good balance between performance and cost.