Nitto Dura Grappler Review

The Nitto Dura Grappler gets its name from its intended purpose. Designed to endure, is this off-road-capable tire ready for regular street use?

PROS

Quiet, stable ride
Decent off-road grip
Impressive on-road manners

CONS

We’d expect a better milage warranty

In short, the answer is yes: but this tire is not without its drawbacks.

Fitting into a new segment of tires known as Highway Terrain tires and sometimes using the HT or H/T moniker, the Dura Grappler combines features of an all-terrain tire, with those of an all-season. As a result it comes with a more conventional tread pattern and isn’t as aggressively designed (read: cool looking) as an all-terrain tire. That, immediately, is a bit of a drawback.

The tread pattern includes 5 circumferential tread rows, as well as four circumferential grooves to help evacuate water and prevent hydroplaning – a common feature of all season tires. The grooves are mostly smooth (all-season tires feature completely smooth grooves) but upon closer inspection you can see bits of the tread blocks that poke out into the space – helping deliver more off-road capability than you might expect.

Of note, this applies to the standard Dura Grappler fitments, while a 4-tread block design is used for heavy duty applications. The larger tread blocks on those applications are designed to better withstand the added weight of larger trucks, as well as hold up under the heavy torque loads these engines put out.

Each of the tread blocks in every row is joined to help with on-road driving dynamics, both in terms of highway stability, and dry weather grip. This same design actually limits road noise as well, making this tire much quieter than a conventional all-terrain tire.

To help keep grip at a high level, each tread block contains numerous sipes – with the sipes working in the place of large sections of void, like you’d find on an all-terrain or mud-terrain tire.

As a brand Nitto ensures its tires stand out and they often come with extra styling features. The Dura Grappler is no different with dual sidewalls. On one side is a conventional (read no-style) design, while the other features unique styling traits that look like stamped pieces of metal. The tread pattern of this tire, combined with its compound and internal structure work together to make long lasting tire.

In fact, Nitto backs the Dura Grappler with a 60,000 mile limited treadwear warranty on P-Metric sizes, while the heavy duty versions get a 45,000 mile warranty. Here we’re a bit disappointed that the warranty isn’t higher (which isn’t to say you won’t see more miles on your tires than 60k) as the new Terra Grappler G2 (a dedicated all-terrain tire) comes with a 65,000 mile warranty. Many rivals offer a 70,000 mile guarantee.

Obviously that new tire gets the benefit of the latest Nitto technology, but we’d expect a highway terrain tire to deliver even more.

We do, however, really appreciate Nitto not only offering options for HD trucks, but backing them up with a 45,000 mile warranty as well.

One reason consumers love Nitto tires is the aggressive style they have. And these are not different. While the tread design isn’t overly exciting, they are available in a choice of two different sidewall designs, one being a classic look while the other has what looks like a metal sheet with rivets design.

Nitto Dura Grappler Price

The Nitto Dura Grappler retails for approximately $140 per tire and tops out at around $376 per tire. With sizes ranging from 16-inches to 22-inches, the Dura Grappler comes in at a moderate-to-premium price point.

Nitto Dura Grappler Warranty

The Nitto Dura Grappler comes with a 60,0000 mile limited treadwear warranty on P-metric sizes and a 45,000 mile warranty on LT versions.

In addition, both materials and workmanship are backed by a standard limited warranty that covers the tires for 5 years and down to 2/32 inch on a pro-rated basis. That same warranty covers free replacement within the first 2/32 inch treadwear.

Nitto Dura Grappler Sizes

16-inch sizes

LT235/85R-16/E1
LT245/75R-16/E1
LT265/75R16E1
LT285/75R-16/E1
LT305/70R-16/E2

17-inch sizes

LT235/80R17E1
P245/65R-17
LT245/70R17E1
LT245/75R17E1
265/65R-17
LT265/70R-17/E1
P265/70R-17
LT285/70R-17/E1
LT285/75R17E1

18-inch sizes

255/70R-18 XL
265/60R-18
LT275/70R18E1
LT305/70R18E2
LT325/60R18E2

20-inch sizes

275/55R-20
LT275/60R20E1
LT275/65R20E1
LT305/55R20E2

22-inch sizes

LT285/50R22E1

How Long do Nitto Dura Grappler Tires Last?

P-metric versions of the Dura Grappler should last 60,000 miles, while LT versions can last up to 45,000 miles. This assumes they aren’t abused. It also requires following the recommended tire rotation procedure, as well as proper tire inflation.

Is the Nitto Dura Grappler Good in Snow?

As a highway terrain tire, the Dura Grappler is M+S rated. That does not, however, mean it is certified for true winter use. Instead it has about average grip for an all-season tire – despite its heightened off-road capability. Heavy siping on the tread blocks gives it some capability to grip in snow, however, ultimately the tread will freeze up and loose traction in colder temperatures.

What Ply is the Nitto Dura Grappler?

Dura Grappler tires come with a 2-ply sidewall. In terms of the tire’s weight rating, most versions are 10-ply or E-rated for heavy duty use.