Nitto Tires: Are They Worth It? (+13 Brands Compared)
Nitto (a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyo) is based in California and produces quality tires locally in North America.
How good are Nitto tires, and are they worth the money?
Why Buy Nitto Tires?
Excellent reasons to buy Nitto tires include the following:
- Local manufacture.
- Competitive pricing.
- Reasonable performance and durability.
Nitto tires are not suitable for winter use, but if your climate doesn’t include severe snowy weather, you can enjoy budget-friendly driving all year round.
Most places with extreme winter weather swap out summer and winter tires, so your tire is the best for current driving conditions.
Why Are Nitto Tires So Cheap?
Nitto tires may be less affordable than other tires in some cases, but generally, you can expect budget-friendly tires from Nitto.
You get affordable prices because:
Limited Range
Nitto does not produce winter tires or tires for every vehicle under the sun.
Nitto concentrates on creating a budget-friendly limited range of tires suitable for most everyday drivers in typical driving conditions.
As a result, you get a good quality tire at an affordable price.
Subsidiary Company
Nitto benefits from the research and development expertise of its parent company Toyo.
Research is expensive, so a shared cost means savings that pass on to customers with more affordable tires but with proven innovations like asymmetric tread patterns and tire wear indicators.
Shared Plant
Nitto manufactures tires in the US but shares the plant with Toyo.
Manufacturing plant and technical changes are expensive, and sharing the cost with the parent brand keeps the cost low.
Nitto tires are not dirt cheap but more affordable than other, more established brands.
Nitto benefits from being part of a larger group of companies with shared costs.
Nitto Warranty vs. Actual Mileage
The Nitto tire warranty is limited to passenger cars and light trucks – not for commercial use.
You may get a free replacement or a prorated credit and must comply with usage requirements. You must rotate and maintain appropriately, and the tires must wear evenly.
Typically, you get coverage for 60,000 miles or five years, but it varies depending on the tire.
Across the range of tires, Nitto consistently scores four or more stars.
The reviews tend to concentrate on performance rather than durability, and the numbers commenting are low – typically fewer than five people per tire.
The tires are available online through Amazon, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
Example reviews from wholesaletires.com include:
They’ve significantly improved my vehicle’s cornering, and they perform well on wet and icy roads – Mike G.
They are extremely comfortable with little to no shake – Brandon F.
Nitto Recommended Tires
Recommended tires for typical vehicles include:Car Type Examples Nitto Recommends A compact Sedan is a typical small family car with a petrol engine of more than 1.2L or a Diesel of 1.5L. Hyundai Electra; Honda Civic; Audi A3; Toyota Corolla; Mazda 3. Motivo; Neo-Gen; NT555G2; NT860. Midsize Sedan – a large family car with internal dimensions of 110-119 cuft, including passenger area and trunk. Chevrolet Malibu; Volkswagen Passat; Subaru Legacy; Nissan Altima; Toyota Camry. Motivo; Neo-Gen; NT555G2; NT860. Compact SUV or CUV Honda CRV; Nissan Rogue; Toyota RAV4. NT420V, NT421Q. A midsize SUV is typically smaller than a full SUV with two or three rows of seats. Jeep Grand Cherokee; Chevrolet Equinox; Ford Explorer; Toyota Highlander. NT420V, NT421Q. Full SUV – basic sports utility vehicle with seating for seven passengers. Jeep Wagoneer; Ford Expedition; Chevrolet Suburban; Toyota Sequoia. NT420V, NT421Q, Trail Grappler MT, Terra Grappler AT. Light Trucks – gross vehicle weight of 8,500lbs Ford F150; Toyota Tundra; Dodge RAM 1500; Nissan Titan. NT420V, NT421Q, Terra Grappler AT.
The performance details for some of the tire types: Motivo Neo Gen NT420V Terra Grappler G2 Driving conditions All seasons Allseason performance tire All Season All terrain Selling points. Tread optimized to reduce road noise. Alignment indicators. Asymmetrical tread pattern or enhanced grip. Reinforced inside shoulder for stability. Asymmetrical tread pattern or enhanced grip. Long tread life and even wear. Tread pattern suits on and off-road driving. Full depth sipes for enhanced durability. Price per tire $100 – $230 $80 – $300 $150 – $250 $140 – $475 Rim Sizes 17” – 20” 15” – 22” 20” – 24” 17” – 24” Warranty – treadwear. 60,000 miles No treadwear warranty. 6 month guarantee on uniformity. Limited wear out warranty. 65,000 miles Fuel efficiency (A-E) No EU Label. Motivo has a relatively high rolling resistance compared to other tires and is slightly less fuel efficient. No EU Label Temperature ranked A on UTQG. No EU Label. No EU Label Wet Grip braking (A-E) No EU Label. Tread designed to minimize slip. No EU label. Deep grooves to resist aquaplaning. Traction rank AA on UTQG No EU label. Tread reduces the risk of aquaplaning and provides traction in wet conditions. No EU label Rolling noise No EU label. Tread design optimizes a quieter drive. No EU label. Reviews indicate the tire becomes noisier as the tread wears. No EU Label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. No EU label Extreme snow. No – light snow only No. No 3PMSF winter rated Ice traction. No No No No
Comparisons with Other Brands
Tire comparisons use NT240V for a compact SUV like the Toyota RAV4 and the Terra Grappler G2 for a light truck like the Ford F150.
#1 Nitto vs. Michelin
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Michelin Cross Climate 2 for compact SUVs: The Nitto tire costs between $20 and $100 less than the Michelin, but the Michelin tire offers enhanced performance across the seasons, and the Nitto tire is only available in larger wheel sizes. Nitto NT420V Michelin Cross Climate 2 Price $150 – $250 $170 – $350 Rim Size 20” – 24” 15” – 20” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 60,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. B-C Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. B Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. 69 dB Suitability for Snow No 3PMSF rated.
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Michelin Defender LTX for pickup trucks: Both tires are all-terrain and cost the same. The Nitto tire has a 3PMSF rating, while the Michelin tire performs better in non-snowy conditions. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Michelin Defender LTX Price $140 – $475 $143 – $466 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15” – 22” Warranty 65,000 miles 50,000 – 70,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. Rolling Noise No EU label. No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated Not snowflake rated.
#2 Nitto vs. Goodyear
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Goodyear Assurance All Season for SUVs: The Goodyear tire costs less and has a similar performance to the Nitto rubber. Nitto NT420V Goodyear Assurance All Season Price $150 – $250 Under $100 to $200 Rim Size 20” – 24” 14” – 20” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 65,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No EU label, but has a low rolling resistance for good fuel efficiency. Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. UTQG rated A. Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. No EU label, but considered relatively quiet. Suitability for Snow No No.
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT for pickups: The prices are comparable for the Nitto and Goodyear all-terrain tires, although the latter enjoys a slight performance advantage. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT Price $140 – $475 $170 – $350 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15” – 20” Warranty 65,000 miles 60,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Exempt class; will vary with loading. Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Exempt class. Sawtooth design with sipes to increase traction. Rolling Noise No EU label. Exempt class. Computer-optimized tread pattern reduces noise. Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated 3PMSF winter rating.
#3 Nitto vs. Bridgestone
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Bridgestone WeatherPeak for SUVs: Prices are comparable, but the Bridgestone tire performs better, with excellent grip on wet and snowy pavements. Nitto NT420V Bridgestone WeatherPeak Price $150 – $250 $160 – $270 Rim Size 20” – 24” 15″ – 20″ Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 70,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. A Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. 70 dB Suitability for Snow No 3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow.
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Bridgestone Dueler A/T for trucks: Both all-terrain tires come with comparable price tags for similar wheel sizes, but the Nitto tire enjoys a longer warranty and fit a broader range of rim sizes. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Bridgestone Dueler A/T Price $140 – $475 $300- $350 Rim Size 17” – 24” 16″ – 20″ Warranty 65,000 miles 60,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. D Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C Rolling Noise No EU label. 72-73 dB Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated 3PMSF snowflake rated.
#4 Nitto vs. Cooper
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Cooper Endeavor Plus for SUVs: With similar prices and performance, your choice between Nitto and Cooper will come down to research in your local area for the best price. Nitto NT420V Cooper Endeavor Plus Price $150 – $250 $100 – $260 Rim Size 20” – 24” 16” – 22” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 65,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No EU label Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. No EU label Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. No EU label Suitability for Snow No No
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Cooper Discoverer AT3 for pickups: Both are all-terrain tires that cost roughly the same, so your choice will be which brand gives you the best price when you need the tire change. Nitto Grappler G2 Cooper Discoverer AT3 Price $140 – $475 $197 – $400 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15” – 22” Warranty 65,000 miles 65,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. D Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C Rolling Noise No EU label. 73-75 dB Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated 3PMSF snowflake rated
#5 Nitto vs. Continental
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Continental All Season for a compact SUV: The Nitto and Continental all-season tires competition sees the latter emerging the winner, with lower prices and a 3PMSF rating. Nitto NT420V Continental All Season Price $150 – $250 Starts under $100 to about $200 Rim Size 20” – 24” 13″ – 20″ Warranty Limited wear out warranty. No treadwear warranty. Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. B-C Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. B Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. 71-72 dB Suitability for Snow No 3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow.
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Viking Contact7 for pickups: The Continental tire performs better than the Nitto equivalent for considerably less. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Continental Viking Contact 7 Price $140 – $475 $110 – $160 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15″ – 22″ Warranty 65,000 miles Two years from date of purchase – not treadwear. Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C-D Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. D-E Rolling Noise No EU label. 71-72 dB Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated 3PMSF snowflake rated.
#6 Nitto vs. Yokohama
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 for crossover SUVs: The Yokohama tire costs less and performs better. However, the Yokohama is a summer tire, whereas the Nitto tire will take you through the year. Nitto NT420V Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 Price $150 – $250 Starts under $100 Rim Size 20” – 24” 15” – 20” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. Limited warranty Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C-D Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. A Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. A-B (quiet) Suitability for Snow No No
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Geolandar A/T G015 for pickup trucks: As both are good on and off road, the Yokohama rubber is a more affordable buy, while the Nitto costs more with potentially higher performance. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 Price $140 – $475 $100 – $250 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15” – 22” Warranty 65,000 miles 60,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. E Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C Rolling Noise No EU label. 71 dB Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated 3PMSF snowflake rated
#7 Nitto vs. Hankook
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Hankook Ventus S1 EVO3 for crossover SUVs: The Hankook tire costs the same as the Nitto option but performs better. Nitto NT420V Hankook Ventus S1 EVO3 Price $150 – $250 $150 – $250 Rim Size 20” – 24” 17” – 22” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 50,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. A Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. B Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. 69-70 dB Suitability for Snow No No
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Dynapro AT2 for trucks: These all-terrain tires come with comparable prices and performance, so you research will determine which gives you the best price. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Hankook Dynapro AT2 Price $140 – $475 $250 – $300 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15” – 20” Warranty 65,000 miles 60,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C-D Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. D Rolling Noise No EU label. 73 dB Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated 3PMSF rated.
#8 Nitto vs. Pirelli
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Pirelli Scorpion Verde for SUVs: The tires’ cost and performance are similar. The Pirelli tire offers run-on-flat technology and uses more sustainable materials. Nitto NT420V Pirelli Scorpion Verde Price $150 – $250 Under $100 to $240 Rim Size 20” – 24” 16” – 22” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. Manufacturer limited warranty. Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. B Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. 71 dB Suitability for Snow No No
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Pirelli Scorpion ATR for pickups: The prices and performance are comparable. The Nitto tire has a 3PMS rating, giving it an advantage over the Pirelli when it snows. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Pirelli Scorpion ATR Price $140 – $475 $150 – $250 Rim Size 17” – 24” 14” – 22” Warranty 65,000 miles 50,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. D-E Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C-E Rolling Noise No EU label. 71-74 dB Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated No
#9 Nitto vs. Dunlop
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Sport Maxx RT2 for an SUV: Their prices are broadly similar, but the Dunlop rubber is a higher performer than the Nitto equivalent. Nitto NT420V Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 Price $150 – $250 Under $100 to $300 Rim Size 20” – 24” 17” – 20” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 24 months or 24,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. B-D Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. A-B Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. Lower than 69 dB Suitability for Snow No No.
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Grandtrek AT20 for a pickup truck: With their competitive prices, the advantage tilts towards the Nitto Terra Grapler with its more generous warranty and 3PMSF rating. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 Price $140 – $475 Around $170 to $300 Rim Size 17” – 24” 16″ – 18″ Warranty 65,000 miles 24 months or 24,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C-D Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. B-D Rolling Noise No EU label. A-B (lower than 69 dB) Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated No
#10 Nitto vs. Kumho
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Kumho Crugen HP71 for a crossover SUV: The Kumho tire costs slightly less and provides a marginally better performance. Nitto NT420V Kumho Crugen HP71 Price $150 – $250 Starts at $142 Rim Size 20” – 24” 16” – 22” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 65,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No details Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. Kumho scores 9/10 wet, 8.5/10 dry. Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. Kumho scores 9.5/10 Suitability for Snow No Kumho scores 8/10
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Kumho Road Venture AT52 for trucks: Prices and performance are comparable. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Kumho Road Venture AT52 Price $140 – $475 Starts at $173 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15” – 20” Warranty 65,000 miles 50,000 – 55,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No details Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Kumho scores 7/10 for wet and dry. Rolling Noise No EU label. Kumho scores 6/10 Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated Kumho scores 8/10. Has 3PMSF rating.
#11 Nitto vs. General Tire
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the G-Max AS for SUVs: With comparable prices for similar rim sizes, the General Tire is the more appealing option with its warranty. Nitto NT420V General Tire G-Max AS Price $150 – $250 $116 – $281 Rim Size 20” – 24” 16” – 22” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 50,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No EU label. Reviews indicate improvements in fuel efficiency. Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent handling in the wet. Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. No EU label. Reviews indicate this it is relatively quiet. Suitability for Snow No No.
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the General Tire Grabber HTS for pickups: The prices and performance are comparable. The General Tire is a simmer tire, whereas the Nitto tire is all season and has a 3PMS rating. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 General Tire Grabber HTS Price $140 – $475 $150 – $380 Rim Size 17” – 24” 16” – 22” Warranty 65,000 miles 65,000 limited warranty Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. D Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. D Rolling Noise No EU label. 71-72 dB Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated No.
#12 Nitto vs. Toyo
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Celsius CUV for crossover SUVs: The prices and performance are comparable, but the Toyo Celsius CUV tire has a 3PMSF rating for greater adaptability in most conditions. Nitto NT420V Toyo Celsius CUV Price $150 – $250 $140 – $290 Rim Size 20” – 24” 16” – 22” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 60,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. C-E Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. C Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. 69-72 dB Suitability for Snow No 3PMSF
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Open Country AT III for trucks: The Toyo is more expensive than the Nitto equivalanet, but it potentially performs better. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Toyo Open Country AT III Price $140 – $475 $200 – $700 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15” – 22” Warranty 65,000 miles 65,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No EU label, but the AT Plus rates D. Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. No EU label, but the AT Plus rates D. Rolling Noise No EU label. No EU label, but the AT Plus rates 70-74 dB. Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated 3PMSF snowflake rating
#13 Nitto vs. Nexen
Comparing the Nitto NT420V with the Roadian GTX for SUVs: Similar cost, but Nexen performs better than Nitto across the various metrics. Nitto NT420V Nexen Roadian GTX Price $150 – $250 Starts at $150 Rim Size 20” – 24” 17” – 22” Warranty Limited wear out warranty. 70,000 miles Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Nexen rating 9/10 Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. UTQG AA (best rating). Nexen rating 8/10 Rolling Noise No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. Nexen rating 10/10 Suitability for Snow No Nexen rating 6/10
Comparing the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 with the Roadian MTX for pickup trucks: The Nitto tire enjoys a 3PMSF rating and a price advantage over the Nexen equivalent. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Nexen Roadian MTX Price $140 – $475 Starts at $257 Rim Size 17” – 24” 15” – 22” Warranty 65,000 miles No treadwear warranty Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Nexen rating 6/10 Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) No EU label. Nexen rating 8/10 Rolling Noise No EU label. Nexen rating 7/10 Suitability for Snow 3PMSF winter rated No.
Alternatives to Nitto Tires
Nitto tires are one of the most affordable, but you can buy cheaper budget brands like Douglas, Kelly, and Uniroyal.
If you want a comparable tire and price, you can opt for Nexen, Toyo, and General Tire.
If you want a tire with better than average fuel efficiency, try Nexen, Hankook, and Dunlop.
Some Nitto tires have top-grade wet braking, and other brands that match this are Bridgestone, Dunlop, and Yokohama.
Can You Buy Nitto Tires Cheaper?
You get the best prices for Nitto tires online, but you may find it more economical to buy your Nitto tires as a complete package of tires, fitting and balancing rather than taking your tires with you for a fitting.
Conclusion
You may not be familiar with Nitto Tires as a brand, but they are dependable, no-frills tires that keep you safe on and off the highway (depending on the tire).
The durability and performance match better known brands, and you save money per tire.
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