The Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT vs Nitto Recon Grappler A/T battle pits Pirelli’s highly anticipated new all-terrain tire against one of the segment’s established names. With the Scorpion XTM AT promising a strong mix of off-road capability and everyday usability, can it live up to the hype, or does the proven Recon Grappler A/T still have the edge? Let’s find out.
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Results: Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT vs Nitto Recon Grappler A/T
Results below were taken from the Tyre Review’s “All Terrain Tyres for 2026” Test. A total of 7 tires were tested this time. The graph below shows the comparison betweenPirelli Scorpion XTM AT vs Nitto Recon Grappler A/T based on the relevant performance category. The Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
The tire size of interest is 265/70R17 which is a common tire size for Toyota Tacoma & Ford Ranger. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Ford Ranger Raptor.
Wet
In the wet, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT clearly outperforms the Nitto Recon Grappler A/T. In wet braking, the Pirelli stops at 117.4 ft compared with 149.1 ft, a massive 31.7 ft shorter stopping distance, with the Nitto 21% behind. In wet handling, the Pirelli completes the lap in 119.98 seconds versus 133.82 seconds, making it 13.84 seconds faster, with the Nitto 10% behind.
Subjectively, the Pirelli scores 8.9 compared with 6.6, a 2.3-point advantage, with the Nitto 11.5% behind. It also resists straight-line aquaplaning up to 63.1 mph versus 60.3 mph, a 2.8 mph advantage, with the Nitto 4% behind. Overall, the Scorpion XTM AT has a commanding wet-performance advantage, especially in braking and handling.
Recon Grappler A/T :
- -21% in Wet braking
- -10% in Wet handling (lap time)
- -11.5% in Wet handling (subj)
- -4% in Aquaplaning
Snow
In snow, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT holds the advantage across every test. In snow braking, it stops in 44.0 ft compared with 45.5 ft, a 1.5 ft advantage, with the Nitto 3% behind. In snow traction, the Pirelli accelerates in 5.26 seconds versus 6.23 seconds, making it 0.97 seconds quicker, with the Nitto 16% behind.
In snow handling, it completes the lap in 81.91 seconds compared with 84.03 seconds, a 2.12-second advantage, with the Nitto 3% behind. Subjectively, the Pirelli scores 8.7 versus 8.3, a 0.4-point advantage, with the Nitto 2% behind. Overall, both tires perform well in snow, but the Scorpion XTM AT has the clear edge, especially in snow traction.
Recon Grappler A/T :
- -3% in Snow braking
- -16% in Snow traction
- -3% in Snow handling (lap time)
- -2% in Snow handling (subj)
Dry
In the dry, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT again has the advantage. In dry braking, it stops in 134.5 ft compared with 148.4 ft, a 13.9 ft shorter stopping distance, with the Nitto 9% behind. For subjective dry handling, the Pirelli scores 9.75 versus 9.0, a 0.75-point advantage, with the Nitto 4% behind. Overall, the Scorpion XTM AT delivers the stronger dry performance, with the biggest difference coming from braking.
Scorpion XTM AT :
- -9% in Dry braking
- -4% in Dry handling (subj)
Dirt
In dirt performance, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT holds a small but consistent advantage. In dirt handling, it completes the lap in 74.05 seconds compared with 75.59 seconds, making it 1.54 seconds faster, with the Nitto 2% behind. Subjectively, the Pirelli scores 8.6 versus 8.1, a 0.5-point advantage, with the Nitto 2.5% behind. Overall, both tires are closely matched off-road, but the Scorpion XTM AT has the slight edge in dirt handling.
Recon Grappler A/T :
- -2% in Dirt Handling
- -2.5% in Dirt Handling (subj)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
For comfort and noise, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT has a clear advantage overall. In subjective comfort, it scores 9.5 versus 8.0, a 1.5-point advantage, with the Nitto 7.5% behind. For subjective noise, the Pirelli scores 9.0 compared with 7.0, a 2.0-point advantage, with the Nitto 10% behind. In measured cabin noise, the Pirelli records 54.95 dB versus 55.75 dB, making it 0.8 dB quieter, with the Nitto 1% behind. Overall, the Scorpion XTM AT is the more refined tire, especially in perceived comfort and noise.
Recon Grappler A/T :
- -7.5% in Comfort (subj)
- -10% in Noise (subj)
- +5% in Exterior noise
Mileage & UTQG ratings
For mileage warranty, both the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT and Nitto Recon Grappler A/T are rated at 55,000 miles, so there is no difference between them. On paper, both tires offer the same level of tread-life protection, making mileage warranty a tie.
Price
For price in LT265/70R17, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT costs $310, while the Nitto Recon Grappler A/T costs $299. That makes the Nitto $11 cheaper, or about 4% less expensive. With both tires carrying the same 55,000-mile warranty, the Recon Grappler A/T offers the lower upfront cost, while the Scorpion XTM AT asks a small premium for its stronger overall performance.
Tire size: LT 265/70R17
- Scorpion XTM AT : $ 310
- Recon Grappler A/T : $ 299
Difference: -4% more cheaper for Recon Grappler A/T
Summary
From a tire expert’s perspective, I would choose the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT for drivers who want the stronger all-round package, especially in wet braking, snow traction, dry braking, comfort, and refinement. The Nitto Recon Grappler A/T still makes a strong case with its slightly lower price, the same 55,000-mile warranty, and solid all-terrain capability. In short, the Pirelli is the better performance choice, while the Nitto is the better value choice.
Dr Edwin Pang