Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Nitto Ridge Grappler: Mickey Thompson and Nitto are both renowned names in the off-road tire industry, each with its own legacy and expertise. The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T, launched in 2021, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and performance in off-road conditions. This tire is particularly noted for its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, indicating superior performance in severe snow conditions. This feature underscores the tire’s versatility and reliability in various terrains and weather conditions.
On the other hand, the Nitto Ridge Grappler, introduced in 2016, has been a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts for its balanced performance on and off the road. Although it does not boast the 3PMSF certification like the Baja Boss A/T, the Ridge Grappler has earned a reputation for its durability, traction, and comfort, making it a formidable competitor in the off-road tire market.
Both brands have significantly contributed to the evolution of off-road tires, with each model reflecting the unique strengths and heritage of its manufacturer. The Baja Boss A/T and the Ridge Grappler represent the ongoing innovation and specialization in the off-road tire segment, catering to the diverse needs of off-road drivers and adventurers.
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Results: Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Nitto Ridge Grappler
Results below were taken from tire rack’s “Testing Rugged All-Terrain Tires 2023” test. A total of 3 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Nitto Ridge Grappler based on the relevant performance category. The Baja Boss A/T was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all terrain tires with snow capabilities, Tire Rack has planned the snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling will be available only at the end of the 2023 winter season. The tire size of interest is a 265/60R18 which is a common tire size for Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a SUV in the form of 2022 Ford Explorer ST.
Wet
In terms of wet performance, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T demonstrates a notable advantage over the Nitto Ridge Grappler. When it comes to wet braking, the Baja Boss A/T stops in a distance of 126.60 feet from 50 mph, which is significantly shorter than the Ridge Grappler’s 137.60 feet. This 11-foot difference indicates a superior stopping power for the Baja Boss A/T in wet conditions.
Regarding wet handling, the Baja Boss A/T also outperforms the Ridge Grappler. It scores 6.38 out of 10 in subjective wet handling, compared to the Ridge Grappler’s 5.69, suggesting a better overall feel and control. Furthermore, in wet handling lap time, the Baja Boss A/T completes a lap in 36.07 seconds, faster than the Ridge Grappler’s 37.16 seconds. This quicker lap time further illustrates the Baja Boss A/T’s enhanced grip and responsiveness in wet conditions compared to the Nitto Ridge Grappler.
Below are an in depth look on wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
Baja Boss A/T:
The Baja Boss A/T tire exhibited a strong focus on responsive steering, which sometimes led to understeer when its lateral traction couldn’t keep up at high speeds. Despite this, it performed exceptionally well in wet braking tests. The tire’s effective front-end control enabled quick cornering, and our drivers discovered that straightforward, controlled driving resulted in faster laps than more aggressive techniques.
Test driver feedback on Baja Boss A/T
Ridge Grappler:
In contrast, the Ridge Grappler faced significant challenges on wet tracks. It showed lower traction overall, leading to the weakest braking performance and slowest lap times among the tires tested. The tire tended to understeer until gaining traction, then quickly shifted to oversteer due to weight transfer. Our team found that the most effective way to handle these conditions was to drive more cautiously, adhering to basic safety principles for wet driving.
Test driver feedback on Ridge Grappler
Ridge Grappler :
- -8% in wet braking
- -3.5% in wet handling (subj)
- -2.9% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the performance comparison between the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T and the Nitto Ridge Grappler shows some differences. For dry braking from 50 mph, the Nitto Ridge Grappler stops in a shorter distance of 87.90 feet, compared to the Baja Boss A/T’s 90.40 feet. This indicates that the Ridge Grappler has a slight edge in braking efficiency in dry conditions, stopping 2.5 feet shorter.
When considering dry handling, the Nitto Ridge Grappler scores slightly higher, with a subjective handling score of 6.56 out of 10, compared to the Baja Boss A/T’s score of 6.31. This suggests that drivers might feel a bit more control and responsiveness with the Ridge Grappler in dry conditions.
In terms of lap time performance in dry conditions, the Ridge Grappler again shows a slight advantage. It completes a lap in 32.18 seconds, which is marginally faster than the Baja Boss A/T’s time of 32.50 seconds. This difference in lap times reflects the Ridge Grappler’s slightly better grip and handling in dry environments.
Below are an in depth look on dry handling evaluation by the test drivers:
Ridge Grappler:
On a dry track, the Ridge Grappler behaved quite differently, showcasing precise and dominant steering at the front end that effectively guided the rear. It didn’t benefit from aggressive driving or sharp maneuvers, but its strong lateral traction allowed for a smooth and controlled drive, especially through corners.
Test driver feedback on Ridge Grappler
Baja Boss A/T:
In contrast, the Baja Boss A/T required a cautious and steady driving approach, staying within its traction limits. Its responsive steering, which was effective in other situations, tended to overpromise on grip levels. This often led to challenges like missing the ideal line in a corner or losing grip mid-turn and drifting outward. The tire maintained control when driven more cautiously, but it required extra care and slower handling on dry surfaces.
Test driver feedback on Baja Boss A/T
Ridge Grappler :
- +2.8% in dry braking
- +1.3% in dry handling (subj)
- +1.0% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performance, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T and the Nitto Ridge Grappler show some differences. Both tires are rated equally for ride quality with a score of 6.75 out of 10, indicating a similar level of comfort during driving.
However, when it comes to noise levels, the Baja Boss A/T scores slightly higher at 5.75 out of 10, compared to the Ridge Grappler’s 5.25. This suggests that the Baja Boss A/T is a bit quieter than the Ridge Grappler.
For steering and road handling, the Baja Boss A/T again outperforms the Ridge Grappler with a score of 7 out of 10, compared to the Ridge Grappler’s 6.5. This indicates better overall handling and steering response from the Baja Boss A/T.
Overall, when averaging out the scores for noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Baja Boss A/T comes out slightly ahead with an average score of 6.50, while the Ridge Grappler averages 6.17. This overall comparison suggests that the Baja Boss A/T offers a marginally better NVH performance compared to the Nitto Ridge Grappler.
Ridge Grappler :
- -1.7% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Ice & Snow
We’re excited to announce that snow testing for these tires will be conducted in the 2023 winter season, so stay tuned for the results! Given its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, there’s a lot of anticipation around how the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T will perform, especially in comparison to the Nitto Ridge Grappler. This certification suggests that the Baja Boss A/T might have an edge in snowy conditions, but we’ll have to wait and see the actual results. It’s shaping up to be an interesting showdown, so don’t miss out on the upcoming updates!
UTQG rating
The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings for the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T and the Nitto Ridge Grappler reveal some notable differences, especially when considering their warranties. The Baja Boss A/T comes with a treadwear rating of 600, which is higher than the Ridge Grappler’s rating of 500. This suggests that the Baja Boss A/T is expected to have a longer lifespan under normal driving conditions. Both tires have the same traction and temperature ratings of ‘A’ and ‘B’, respectively, indicating similar performance in these areas.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mickey Thompson | Baja Boss A/T | All | 600 | A | B |
| Nitto | Ridge Grappler | All | 500 | A | B |
Interestingly, while Mickey Thompson offers a 60,000-mile mileage warranty on the Baja Boss A/T, Nitto does not provide any mileage warranty for the Ridge Grappler. The higher treadwear rating and the inclusion of a mileage warranty for the Baja Boss A/T suggest a higher confidence from the manufacturer in its longevity and durability. This difference could be a significant factor for consumers looking for a tire with a guaranteed level of performance over time.
Price
In terms of pricing for the tire size 265/60R18, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is priced at $291, while the Nitto Ridge Grappler is slightly more affordable at $277. This makes the Ridge Grappler about 5% cheaper than the Baja Boss A/T. This price difference could be a factor for those considering cost efficiency along with the performance and features of these tires.
Tire size: 265/60R18
- Baja Boss A/T: $291
- Ridge Grappler : $277
Difference: -5% cheaper for Ridge Grappler
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely examined the performances of the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T and the Nitto Ridge Grappler. Based on my analysis, it’s clear that the Baja Boss A/T has a significant edge in wet conditions. Its superior wet braking and handling capabilities demonstrate its robustness and reliability when the roads are slick and challenging. This advantage is particularly noteworthy for drivers who frequently encounter rainy or wet driving conditions.
Dr Edwin Pang
On the other hand, the Nitto Ridge Grappler slightly edges out in dry performances. With its marginally better dry braking and handling, it offers a bit more confidence and control on dry surfaces. This could be a deciding factor for those who primarily drive in dry conditions.
However, the real test is yet to come with the upcoming snow performance comparison. The Baja Boss A/T, with its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, is expected to excel in snowy conditions. The upcoming “round 2” in this snow battle will be fascinating, and I am eagerly anticipating the results. Stay tuned for this exciting comparison to see how these tires perform in winter conditions!