After putting more than 150,000 miles on my trucks while traveling to fishing destinations, towing trailers, exploring backroads, and driving across North America, I've learned that choosing the best all terrain setup isn't about buying the most aggressive-looking tire—it's about finding the tire that matches your lifestyle.
If you're shopping for new truck tires, you've probably asked yourself whether the Nitto Ridge Grappler or a modern all terrain tire like the Nokian Outpost nAT is the better choice. The answer depends on how you actually use your truck.
All Terrain Tire vs. RT Tire
Many truck owners compare an all terrain tire with a rugged terrain (RT) tire. While they may look similar, they serve different purposes.
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a rugged terrain (RT) tire that bridges the gap between a traditional mud-terrain and an all terrain tire. It features larger tread blocks, aggressive sidewalls, and excellent traction in mud, rocks, and rough trails. It's built for truck owners who spend a significant amount of time off the pavement and want a tire that looks as aggressive as it performs.
An all terrain tire, like the Nokian Outpost nAT, is designed for drivers who split their time between pavement and off-road adventures. With a tighter tread pattern, it delivers a quieter ride, improved road manners, and dependable traction on gravel roads, dirt, mud, and snow. Many all-terrain tires also carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, making them an excellent year-round option for changing weather conditions.
Why an All Terrain Tire Works Best for Daily Driving
If your truck serves as both a daily driver and an adventure vehicle, an all terrain tire is usually the best option.
I spend thousands of miles every year towing kayak trailers, hauling fishing gear, and traveling to remote destinations. Once I leave the pavement, I'm often driving gravel roads, muddy launch sites, and rough forest roads to reach places most anglers never see.
After switching from the Nitto Ridge Grappler to the Nokian Outpost nAT, I immediately noticed a quieter ride and slightly better fuel economy. More importantly, I haven't found a trail or backroad where I wished I had more traction. From the Georgia Traverse and the Florida Adventure Trail to Louisiana marshes and the Pacific Northwest, this all terrain tire has confidently handled every adventure.
Is the Nitto Ridge Grappler Still a Great Choice?
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is still an excellent tire—it simply targets a different type of driver.
If your truck spends most of its time on farms, construction sites, or technical off-road trails, its aggressive tread and sidewall design provide extra grip in challenging terrain. It also delivers the rugged appearance many truck owners are after.
The tradeoff is everyday comfort. Compared to an all terrain tire, the Nitto Ridge Grappler creates more road noise and doesn't include the Three-Peak Snowflake rating meaning it will not be as good in winter weather. As it wears, I also found it became noticeably louder on the highway.
Which Is the Best Option?
If your truck spends most of its life on the road but regularly ventures onto dirt roads, gravel, hunting land, or fishing access trails, an all terrain tire, like Nokian Outpost nAT, is the best all terrain option because it offers the ideal balance of comfort, traction, and year-round capability.
If maximum off-road performance is your priority, the Nitto Ridge Grappler remains a fantastic RT tire.
The best tire isn't the one with the most aggressive tread—it's the one that matches how you actually drive. Choose the tire that fits your lifestyle, and you'll enjoy better comfort, longer tread life, and more confidence wherever your next adventure takes you.
Curious how I built my overland setup? Check out my Georgia Traverse adventure and see how I rigged my GMC Sierra and Four Wheel Camper Project M.
