Nitto Nomad Grappler vs Falken WildPeak A/T Trail: Dive into the world of robust versatility and exceptional performance with the Nitto Nomad Grappler and the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail, two formidable rivals in the realm of crossover-terrain tires. These juggernauts are all set to revolutionize your driving experience, particularly for those who own CUVs or SUVs.
The Nitto Nomad Grappler, Nitto’s latest marvel, excels with a unique dual sidewall design, off-road traction features, and a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty. Its design ensures quieter highway rides and excellent wet and dry traction, making it an exceptional all-weather companion. Nomad Grappler’s performance ratings underline its capabilities, scoring high on off-road and wet performance, while acing ride comfort.
However, don’t dismiss the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail just yet. Stay tuned as we unpack the unique features of this all-terrain beast, setting the stage for an exciting duel between these two tire titans. With these exceptional contenders, the choice isn’t about picking the best, but selecting the one that perfectly matches your driving preferences and lifestyle.
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Results: Nitto Nomad Grappler vs Falken WildPeak A/T Trail
Results below were taken from tire rack’s “Testing On-Road All-Terrain Tires 2023” test. A total of 3 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Nitto Nomad Grappler vs Falken WildPeak A/T Trail based on the relevant performance category. The Nomad Grappler was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, 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 255/65R18 which is a common tire size for GMC Savana 1500. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a SUV in the form of 2022 Ford Explorer ST.
Wet
When it comes to wet performance, both the Nitto Nomad Grappler and Falken WildPeak A/T Trail exhibit impressive capabilities, but with slight differences.
For wet braking, the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail has a slight edge, stopping at 109.30 feet, compared to the Nitto Nomad Grappler’s stopping distance of 110.90 feet. This shorter braking distance indicates that the WildPeak A/T Trail could offer a tad more assurance during wet conditions.
In subjective wet handling, the Nitto Nomad Grappler scores 7.06/10, while the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail just slightly surpasses it with a score of 7.13/10. This suggests that drivers may find the WildPeak A/T Trail marginally better in terms of feel and control during wet conditions. Lastly, when considering wet handling lap times, the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail completes the course in a swift 33.89 seconds, outpacing the Nitto Nomad Grappler, which finishes the lap in 34.20 seconds. The WildPeak A/T Trail’s quicker lap time signifies its slightly superior handling and speed during wet conditions.
Below are an in depth look on wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
Nomad Grappler:
The Nitto Nomad Grappler offered a distinct approach to wet cornering, contrasting sharply with the Falken. Instead of nuanced communication and coordinated utilization of all four tires, the Nitto’s handling was more about confronting the corner head-on with a forceful, rapid response. This approach made it feel significantly swifter and more responsive than the other tested tires. Despite lacking some of the Falken’s finesse and occasionally pushing beyond its grip limits, the Nitto Nomad Grappler was still gratifying to drive. It demonstrated its effectiveness as a unique strategy for quick circuit navigation.
Test driver feedback on Nomad Grappler
WildPeak A/T Trail:
The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail showed exceptional performance during our wet testing, navigating with remarkable control and accuracy. It secured excellent lateral traction, outperforming competitors by a significant margin, and matched them in terms of braking distances from fifty miles per hour. This tire demonstrated great capability and confidence from the start to the end of each corner. Its superb handling balance allowed our drivers to fully utilize all four tires, offering direct feedback and enabling a more confident engagement during turns, thus maintaining optimal grip levels with ease.
Test driver feedback on WildPeak A/T Trail
Overall, while the Nitto Nomad Grappler presents commendable wet performance capabilities, the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail appears to outperform it by a hair’s breadth in the examined categories. However, both tires offer strong performance, and the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
WildPeak A/T Trail :
- +1.5% in wet braking
- +0.4% in wet handling (subj)
- +0.9% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
Analyzing the dry performance of both the Nitto Nomad Grappler and the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail, there are some minor differences to note.
Regarding dry braking, the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail outperforms the Nitto Nomad Grappler with a shorter stopping distance of 85.90 feet, compared to the Nomad Grappler’s 88.90 feet. This suggests that the WildPeak A/T Trail may offer superior braking efficiency in dry conditions.
In subjective dry handling, the Nitto Nomad Grappler scores a 7.19/10, slightly edging out the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail, which scores a 7.03/10. These ratings indicate that drivers might experience a bit more control and comfort with the Nomad Grappler during dry conditions. Finally, in terms of dry handling lap times, the Nitto Nomad Grappler shows a quicker time, completing the lap in 31.79 seconds, as compared to the WildPeak A/T Trail’s 32.23 seconds. This quicker lap time points to the Nomad Grappler’s slightly superior agility and speed in dry conditions.
Below are an in depth look on dry handling evaluation by the test drivers:
Nomad Grappler:
Our team observed that the Nomad Grappler’s crisp and decisive steering felt precise and reactive, especially given the increased corner traction that bolstered its input.
Test driver feedback on Nomad Grappler
WildPeak A/T Trail:
The Nitto’s grip in objective terms was basically on a par with the Falken, despite the latter having a slight three-foot advantage in braking that went unnoticed on the course. The WildPeak A/T Trail reiterated its nicely harmonized handling, poised to please in a majority of scenarios.
Test driver feedback on WildPeak A/T Trail
In conclusion, while the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail excels in dry braking, the Nitto Nomad Grappler seems to offer a slightly better handling experience in dry conditions, both subjectively and in terms of lap times. The choice between these two high-performing tires would largely depend on your specific driving requirements and preferences.
WildPeak A/T Trail :
- +3.5% in dry braking
- -0.8% in dry handling (subj)
- -1.4% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
When evaluating the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performances of both the Nitto Nomad Grappler and the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail, there are noticeable distinctions to consider. In terms of ride quality, both tires deliver a solid performance, with the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail scoring slightly higher at 7.38 as compared to the Nomad Grappler’s 7. When it comes to noise, the WildPeak A/T Trail again edges out the Nomad Grappler, scoring 7.38 compared to the Nitto’s score of 6.75. This suggests that the Falken tire might offer a quieter ride.
In the steering and road handling category, both tires exhibit identical performance, with each scoring a 7.13. This implies a similar level of control and comfort in terms of steering and handling. Finally, when we consider the average score across noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail comes out ahead with a score of 7.29, while the Nitto Nomad Grappler trails slightly at 6.96.
In conclusion, while both tires deliver respectable NVH performances, the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail seems to have a slight edge, particularly in terms of ride quality and noise levels.
WildPeak A/T Trail:
- +1.7% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Ice & Snow
Both the Nitto Nomad Grappler and the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail showcase the prestigious 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, a representation of their advanced snow and ice performance capabilities. This certification signifies that both tires have been tested and meet the required performance criteria in snow traction, making them fully equipped for severe snow conditions.
While we can assure you of their certified snow and ice capabilities, the real-world performance between these two tires under winter conditions will be truly exciting to watch. A head-to-head comparison under icy and snowy conditions will definitely be a thrilling spectacle, and we predict a fiercely competitive showdown.
So, dear readers and tire enthusiasts, make sure to stay tuned! As the 2023 winter season is upon us, Tire Rack will be rigorously testing these two winter-capable titans and bringing you the latest, in-depth winter results. Who will emerge as the ultimate champion in snow and ice performance? The suspense is building, and we can’t wait to share the outcomes with you!
UTQG rating
In comparing the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) values between the Nitto Nomad Grappler and the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail, there are some noteworthy differences to highlight.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitto | Nomad Grappler | All | 540 | A | B |
| Falken | WildPeak A/T Trail | All | 640 | B | B |
For tread wear, which is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions, the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail scores higher with a UTQG tread wear value of 640, as opposed to the Nitto Nomad Grappler, which has a value of 540. A higher number indicates a longer expected tire life, so based on these scores, one might expect the Falken tire to wear slower and thus last longer.
In terms of traction, which measures the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement, the Nitto Nomad Grappler has a slight edge with a traction grade of “A,” while the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail has a traction grade of “B”. This contradicts what we saw in the wet braking test reported in the earlier section. Both tires share the same temperature grade of “B,” indicating good resistance to heat and the tire’s ability to dissipate heat.
When we consider mileage warranty, the Falken again seems to have a slight advantage, offering a warranty of 65,000 miles compared to Nitto’s 60,000 miles. This suggests that Falken has greater confidence in the longevity of their WildPeak A/T Trail. In conclusion, while both tires have commendable performances according to UTQG values, Falken appears to hold the upper hand in terms of tread wear and mileage warranty, potentially promising a longer tire life.
Price
In terms of price, there is a minor difference between the Nitto Nomad Grappler and the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail for the tire size 235/60R18. The Nomad Grappler is priced at $213, while the WildPeak A/T Trail is slightly cheaper at $209.
Tire size: 235/60R18
- Nomad Grappler: $213
- WildPeak A/T Trail : $209
Difference: +2% more expensive for WildPeak A/T Trail.
This means that the WildPeak A/T Trail is less expensive by about 2%. So, if you’re budget-conscious and looking for the most cost-effective option, Falken’s offering might be the more appealing choice. However, the small price difference means that other factors, like specific performance needs and brand preference, will likely play a bigger role in your decision.
Summary
In conclusion, both the Nitto Nomad Grappler and the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail are outstanding options for those seeking top-notch crossover-terrain tires. They both boast impressive performance in wet and dry conditions, and they offer competitive noise, comfort, and ride quality ratings.
However, when analyzing overall performance, tread wear, mileage warranty, and price, the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail seems to have a slight edge. It provides a longer tread wear rating and mileage warranty, indicating potentially longer tire life. Despite the WildPeak A/T Trail being slightly cheaper, the differences in price between the two are relatively minor.
Ultimately, both tires promise reliable and quality performance. Make sure to stay tuned for this 2023 winter season as we eagerly await the snow and ice performance of these two strong competitors sporting the 3PMSF symbol. Drive safely!