Yokohama Geolandar X-AT vs Nitto Ridge Grappler: The Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler represent a thrilling clash of titans in the all-terrain tire segment, each boasting their unique performance strengths. The Yokohama Geolandar X-AT stands out for its exceptional off-road capabilities, designed to conquer rugged terrains with ease. Its innovative tread design ensures superior traction and stability, making it a top choice for adventurers seeking to tackle challenging environments.
Meanwhile, the Nitto Ridge Grappler excels with its impressive on-road comfort and noise reduction. This tire combines the ruggedness required for off-road adventures with the smoothness needed for daily driving, offering a versatile solution for all-terrain enthusiasts. The battle between these two giants is not just a comparison of technical specifications, but a showcase of how advancements in tire technology can transform the driving experience. Whether it’s the wild trails or the urban jungle, this matchup between the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler is a testament to the evolving landscape of all-terrain performance.
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Results: Yokohama Geolandar X-AT 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 Yokohama Geolandar X-AT vs Nitto Ridge Grappler based on the relevant performance category. The Geolandar X-AT 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
When comparing the wet performance of the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler, there are notable differences. In wet braking, the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT has a distinct advantage, stopping from 50 mph to 0 in 128.70 feet, which is nearly 9 feet shorter than the Nitto Ridge Grappler’s 137.60 feet. This indicates a better grip and stopping power for the Yokohama in wet conditions.
In terms of wet handling, the Yokohama also leads with a faster lap time of 35.75 seconds compared to the Nitto’s 37.16 seconds, suggesting it handles more responsively and effectively in wet conditions. Subjectively, the Nitto Ridge Grappler scores a 5.69 out of 10, which is lower than the Yokohama’s 6.81, indicating drivers may feel more confident and in control with the Yokohama during wet handling.
Below are an in depth look on wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
Geolandar X-AT:
Test driver feedback on Geolandar X-AT
The Geolandar X-AT showcased the quickest average lap times in its category. While speed isn’t the primary highlight in this segment, the tire impressively displayed a range of versatile and useful features on the track. Its performance was particularly notable for its responsive steering, which was evident on regular roads and maintained its efficiency in wet conditions. When pushed to its limits, the tire demonstrated a harmonious balance between steering, traction, and braking, allowing for smooth navigation and precise stopping.
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
Overall, the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT shows superior performance in wet conditions, both in objective measurements and driver confidence.
Ridge Grappler :
- -6% in wet braking
- -6% in wet handling (subj)
- -4% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler exhibit closely matched performances, with only subtle differences. For dry braking, both tires perform almost identically, with the Yokohama stopping from 50 mph to 0 in 87.80 feet and the Nitto just a hair longer at 87.90 feet. This minimal difference of 0.1 feet suggests that both tires offer reliable and nearly equal stopping power in dry conditions.
When it comes to subjective dry handling, the Yokohama scores a 6.81 out of 10, slightly higher than the Nitto’s 6.56. This indicates that drivers might feel a tad more confident and in control with the Yokohama in dry handling scenarios. However, in terms of lap times, which is an objective measure of handling, the Nitto Ridge Grappler edges out the Yokohama with a lap time of 32.18 seconds compared to the Yokohama’s 32.32 seconds. This suggests that the Nitto might actually navigate dry courses slightly faster, despite the lower subjective score.
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
Geolandar X-AT:
In dry conditions, the Geolandar X-AT continued to exhibit these strong traits. The tire’s all-round performance was evident, offering just the right amount of rotation when needed. The standout feature remained its steering, complemented by its superior traction and overall balance. This combination resulted in a driving experience that was both engaging and responsive, making the Geolandar X-AT a robust choice in both wet and dry settings.
Test driver feedback on Geolandar X-AT
Overall, the differences in dry performance between the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler are minimal, with each tire showcasing strengths in different aspects of dry handling.
Ridge Grappler :
- ~0% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (subj)
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
When comparing the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance of the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler, the Yokohama generally outperforms the Nitto. In terms of ride quality, the Yokohama scores 7.25 out of 10, which is noticeably higher than the Nitto’s score of 6.75. This indicates that the Yokohama provides a smoother and more comfortable ride.
In the aspect of noise, the Yokohama again has the upper hand with a score of 6.5, compared to the Nitto’s lower score of 5.25. This suggests that the Yokohama is quieter, contributing to a more pleasant driving experience.
For steering and road handling, the Yokohama continues its lead with a score of 7, while the Nitto scores slightly lower at 6.5. This implies that the Yokohama offers better control and a more responsive feel in steering and handling on the road.
When these factors are averaged to evaluate overall noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Yokohama achieves an average score of 7.00, surpassing the Nitto’s average of 6.17. This overall comparison clearly shows that the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT offers a more comfortable, quieter, and smoother driving experience than the Nitto Ridge Grappler.
Ridge Grappler :
- -4% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Ice & Snow
Both the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler do not possess the 3-peak mountain snowflake logo, indicating that neither is specifically designed for extreme winter conditions. This fact sets the stage for an intriguing snow test. The results of this test, scheduled for winter 2023, will be eagerly anticipated to see how these tires perform in snowy conditions. Stay tuned to this space for the latest and most up-to-date results from the upcoming winter test.
UTQG rating
The Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler share identical Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) ratings, both rated at 500 for treadwear, and achieving an ‘A’ in traction and a ‘B’ in temperature resistance. This uniformity in UTQG ratings implies that both tires are expected to offer similar levels of durability, grip, and performance in varying temperatures.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama | Geolandar X-AT | All | 500 | A | B |
| Nitto | Ridge Grappler | All | 500 | A | B |
However, a significant difference arises when considering the mileage warranty. The Yokohama Geolandar X-AT comes with a 50,000-mile warranty, offering a level of assurance regarding its longevity and durability. On the other hand, the Nitto Ridge Grappler does not provide any mileage warranty. This lack of a warranty might affect a buyer’s confidence in the expected lifespan and performance consistency of the Nitto tire over time.
In summary, while both tires exhibit similar performance characteristics as per their UTQG ratings, the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT stands out with its additional mileage warranty, offering a more guaranteed and potentially longer-lasting tire investment.
Price
The prices for the 265/60R18 tire size of the Geolandar X-AT and the Ridge Grappler are almost identical, with only a minimal difference. The Geolandar X-AT is priced at $278, while the Ridge Grappler is slightly lower at $277. This marginal price difference of about $1 means that, cost-wise, both tires are essentially the same, making price a less significant factor in choosing between these two models.
Tire size: 265/60R18
- Geolandar X-AT : $278
- Ridge Grappler : $277
Difference: ~ roughly the same
Summary
As a tire expert, after examining the summer performances of both the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler, it’s clear that the Yokohama takes the lead in several key areas. The Yokohama shows superior performance in wet conditions and excels in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) aspects, offering a more comfortable and quieter ride with better handling. These factors are crucial for drivers looking for reliable all-terrain tires during the summer months.
Dr Edwin Pang
However, it’s important to note that this is only round two of our comparison. Both tires lack the 3-peak mountain snowflake symbol, indicating they are on a level playing field when it comes to winter capabilities. This opens up an intriguing scenario for the upcoming winter tests. The absence of this symbol suggests that neither tire is specifically optimized for severe snow conditions, making the winter performance test a critical and potentially unpredictable stage in our comparison.
So, stay tuned! The winter test could be a game-changer, potentially altering the current standings between these two tires. The true versatility and resilience of the Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the Nitto Ridge Grappler will be put to the test under winter conditions, and it promises to be an exciting and informative round for tire enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.