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The Nitto Dura Grappler all-season tire shines on dry highways for light trucks and SUVs, offering good comfort and longevity. But how does it handle wet roads and snow? We dive into braking distances, noise levels, treadwear projections, and real-world value to help you decide if it's your next tire upgrade.
Quick Pick
Nitto Dura Grappler - Top choice for dry-road highway driving and durability on a budget.
See it in our Best Tires Guide
The Nitto Dura Grappler is a highway all-season tire tailored for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. With its symmetric tread pattern, it's built for long hauls on mostly dry pavement, prioritizing tread life, ride comfort, and low noise. Priced around $162 per tire, it appeals to drivers who log serious highway miles without frequent harsh weather exposure. In our testing, it earned an overall score of 68/100, excelling in everyday comfort but showing limitations in rain and winter conditions.
We've evaluated it across key metrics like braking, traction, noise, and wear using standardized tests on controlled tracks and real roads. Whether you're towing light loads or commuting daily, this review breaks down if the Dura Grappler delivers value for your driving style.
On dry asphalt, the Nitto Dura Grappler performs reliably. In 60-0 mph braking tests, it stopped in about 142 feet—solid for its class, scoring 84/100 in our dry braking category (adjusted from raw data for comparability). Handling feels planted during lane changes, thanks to the stiff sidewall and wide contact patch. Highway stability is a highlight, with minimal wander at 70+ mph.
Pros for dry driving:
Cons: Slight understeer in aggressive cornering.
Wet performance is where it lags. Wet braking from 60 mph took around 152 feet (65/100 score), longer than premium competitors. Hydroplaning resistance scored 62/100 in straight-line water trough tests at 65 mph, making it less ideal for heavy rain. The tread channels water adequately for light showers but struggles in standing water.
Tip: Pair with cautious driving in wet climates—consider dedicated all-seasons for frequent rain.
Winter traction is a weak point: Snow traction rated 49/100, with noticeable slip on packed snow. Ice braking scored just 40/100, extending stops significantly. It's not a snow-rated tire (no 3PMSF symbol), so swap to winters in snowy regions. Check our Best Winter Tires of 2026 guide for alternatives.
Comfort shines at 71/100, absorbing bumps smoothly on highways. Cabin noise measures low at 74/100 (around 68 dB at 65 mph), thanks to the tread block design that minimizes growl. Ideal for long trips.
Treadwear projects to 45,000 miles (5/5 rating in accelerated testing), competitive for highway tires. Rolling resistance at 68/100 keeps fuel economy reasonable—expect 1-2% better than mud-terrain options. Symmetric pattern ensures rotations are simple.
| Metric | Nitto Dura Grappler | Average Highway Tire | Premium All-Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking (60-0 ft) | 142 | 145 | 135 | Strong but not class-leading |
| Wet Braking (60-0 ft) | 152 | 148 | 140 | Needs improvement |
| Hydroplaning (mph) | 62 | 65 | 72 | Adequate for light rain |
| Snow Traction (/100) | 49 | 55 | 65 | Not for winter use |
| Ride Comfort (/100) | 71 | 68 | 75 | Smooth highway cruiser |
| Noise (/100) | 74 | 70 | 78 | Quiet performer |
| Treadwear (miles) | 45,000 | 40,000 | 60,000 | Excellent value |
| Price per Tire | $162 | $150 | $220 | Budget-friendly |
| Rolling Resistance (/100) | 68 | 65 | 72 | Fuel-efficient |
Scores based on our lab and road tests; higher is better except distances.
Discover more in our Best Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2024.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for:
Skip if:
Actionable Advice: Rotate every 6,000 miles, maintain 32-35 PSI, and inspect for uneven wear. For all-around better wet/snow, explore our Best Tires 2024 guide.
Elevate your tire game with reliable tools:
Recommended Add-On: Keep tires properly inflated with the Airmoto Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor. Digital gauge, auto shut-off, and LED light—perfect for roadside checks.
Trailer Owners: Upgrade visibility with the Partsam 12V Submersible LED Trailer Light. DOT-compliant and waterproof.
Related Guides:
Around 45,000 miles under normal highway use, based on UTQG rating and our wear tests. Proper rotation and alignment extend this further.
No—snow traction scores low at 49/100. Use dedicated winter tires in snowy areas; see our Best Winter Tires of 2026.
Wet braking is average (152 ft from 60 mph), suitable for light rain but not heavy downpours. Hydroplaning resistance is 62/100.
Designed for light trucks, SUVs, and CUVs like Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tacoma. Available in 15-20 inch sizes.
Excellent at 74/100, around 68 dB at highway speeds—quieter than many budget tires.
Rolling resistance scores 68/100, offering decent MPG for an all-season truck tire.
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