Tire Upgrade ?

[Alpha Puppy]

For those of you considering the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 (SL) in 275/70/18. I have 500 miles on them mounted on the Tacoma TRD 18 inch wheels with +45 offset. Switched out of the OEM 20 inch wheels and Dunlop Grandtrek with 2500 miles. I was averaging 23.4 on the Dunlops mostly mixed driving. In 500 miles on the Nitto’s averaging 22.7 over the same commute. From a noise perspective the Nitto’s do have a very slight increase in tire noise vs the Dunlops. I don’t think most people will notice, but it is still there. I would say that Nitto did a good job in engineering the noise out of the tire given its profile. If you are sensitive to tire noise , I think these tires are great in that department. Regarding feel, Nitto’s are a little more damped with the extra sidewall coming from the 20’s to 18’s which I like since I felt the Dunlop 20’s were a little harsh over small bumps and broken pavement. The Nitto’s are slightly slower on turn in with the extra sidewall, but I feel it matches the stock suspension nicely and it feels just right. Handling is still really good. According to Nitto the G3 has a tougher sidewall than the previous model. My off-road consists of BLM roads, Onion Creek, Potash Rd etc. So going with the SL and retaining the MPG at the expense of a lighter tire off-road was a choice. Time will tell. I had the Cooper AT3 4S in SL on my 4Runner for years and never had a problem. Also, no rubbing, no lift, stock suspension. Sorry for the long review, but some members mentioned there wasn’t a lot of real world info on these tires.

I have about 3K on those same tires (Nitto Terra Grappler G3 SL in 275/70/18) mounted on FE stock rims and extremely happy with their on-road and off-road performance. I'm seeing roughly a 1 mpg decrease in fuel economy on the new tires.

 

[Markarian421]

For those of you considering the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 (SL) in 275/70/18. I have 500 miles on them mounted on the Tacoma TRD 18 inch wheels with +45 offset. Switched out of the OEM 20 inch wheels and Dunlop Grandtrek with 2500 miles. I was averaging 23.4 on the Dunlops mostly mixed driving. In 500 miles on the Nitto’s averaging 22.7 over the same commute. From a noise perspective the Nitto’s do have a very slight increase in tire noise vs the Dunlops. I don’t think most people will notice, but it is still there. I would say that Nitto did a good job in engineering the noise out of the tire given its profile. If you are sensitive to tire noise , I think these tires are great in that department. Regarding feel, Nitto’s are a little more damped with the extra sidewall coming from the 20’s to 18’s which I like since I felt the Dunlop 20’s were a little harsh over small bumps and broken pavement. The Nitto’s are slightly slower on turn in with the extra sidewall, but I feel it matches the stock suspension nicely and it feels just right. Handling is still really good. According to Nitto the G3 has a tougher sidewall than the previous model. My off-road consists of BLM roads, Onion Creek, Potash Rd etc. So going with the SL and retaining the MPG at the expense of a lighter tire off-road was a choice. Time will tell. I had the Cooper AT3 4S in SL on my 4Runner for years and never had a problem. Also, no rubbing, no lift, stock suspension. Sorry for the long review, but some members mentioned there wasn’t a lot of real world info on these tires.

Thanks for your review! A couple solo up questions: Can you take photo of the part of the tire with read and sidewall plies? And do the mud flaps reach out as far as the tires to keep them from spraying down the sides?

I have those same wheels coming and G3 has edged its way into my short list of contenders.

 

[maxzemo]

Tire reads 2 polyester plies. I knew this going in, but Nitto claims they strengthened the compound. Not sure that’s true. It’s not an E rated for sure. Mud flaps just cover the end of the tread. The sidewall comes out a little more. Maybe an inch or two past the flap.

 

[Skidaddl]

I’ve put 275/70/18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on mine. Doesn’t rub, kinda wish I’d gone one size up

Update on fuel economy?

 

[DeepDive]

Another Nitto Grappler G3 275/70-18 on factory rims. Now looks like a proper off-road capable LC vs those ridiculous street tires. Really like that they would fit in the spare tire carrier and were three peak winter rated. So far they ride great. Going on a trip this weekend so I’ll be able to assess miles per gallon difference but as long as it’s close, it’s pretty well worth the trade-off to me. Got them at Discount Tire.
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This is exact combo I'm going with. Was contemplating the Method 703's which do look great, but I like the stock wheels fine. How have you found fuel economy to be?

 

[DeepDive]

For those of you considering the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 (SL) in 275/70/18. I have 500 miles on them mounted on the Tacoma TRD 18 inch wheels with +45 offset. Switched out of the OEM 20 inch wheels and Dunlop Grandtrek with 2500 miles. I was averaging 23.4 on the Dunlops mostly mixed driving. In 500 miles on the Nitto’s averaging 22.7 over the same commute. From a noise perspective the Nitto’s do have a very slight increase in tire noise vs the Dunlops. I don’t think most people will notice, but it is still there. I would say that Nitto did a good job in engineering the noise out of the tire given its profile. If you are sensitive to tire noise , I think these tires are great in that department. Regarding feel, Nitto’s are a little more damped with the extra sidewall coming from the 20’s to 18’s which I like since I felt the Dunlop 20’s were a little harsh over small bumps and broken pavement. The Nitto’s are slightly slower on turn in with the extra sidewall, but I feel it matches the stock suspension nicely and it feels just right. Handling is still really good. According to Nitto the G3 has a tougher sidewall than the previous model. My off-road consists of BLM roads, Onion Creek, Potash Rd etc. So going with the SL and retaining the MPG at the expense of a lighter tire off-road was a choice. Time will tell. I had the Cooper AT3 4S in SL on my 4Runner for years and never had a problem. Also, no rubbing, no lift, stock suspension. Sorry for the long review, but some members mentioned there wasn’t a lot of real world info on these tires.

Very helpful commentary! About what I'd expect. Think this tire seems to be a great compromise for what I do. Still a capable off-roader while having decent manners on the highway.

 

[SKLC]

This is exact combo I'm going with. Was contemplating the Method 703's which do look great, but I like the stock wheels fine. How have you found fuel economy to be?

2-3 mpg decrease on average.