Lifted Trucks Blog

When it comes to lifted trucks, few decisions matter more than tire choice. Tires define how your truck performs, feels, and looks — they’re the point where all your power, suspension, and engineering meet the real world. Among off-road enthusiasts, three names dominate the conversation: Nitto Trail Grappler, Toyo Open Country, and BF Goodrich KO2. Each is iconic, trusted, and battle-tested across mud, rock, sand, and pavement. But which one is right for your build?

At Lifted Trucks, we’ve fitted and tested thousands of vehicles with all three, so we know firsthand how each performs in the real world. Here’s a deep dive into the pros, cons, and performance traits that separate these industry leaders — and how to choose the perfect set for your lifted truck or SUV.

Nitto Trail Grappler: The Aggressive Performer

If you’re chasing bold styling and serious off-road grip, the Nitto Trail Grappler is your tire. Built with deep tread blocks, reinforced sidewalls, and aggressive lugs, it strikes a near-perfect balance between a mud-terrain and an all-terrain.

Pros:

• Outstanding traction in mud, rock, and sand

• Quiet for its class thanks to Nitto’s advanced tread block design

• Reinforced sidewalls for superior puncture resistance

• Distinct aesthetic — the deep, blocky tread looks incredible on lifted trucks

• Dual sidewall design: choose between a more aggressive or clean look

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than most all-terrains, which can affect fuel economy

• Shorter tread life than a KO2 or Open Country when used primarily on pavement

Best For: Drivers who spend serious time off-road and want a rugged, aggressive look without sacrificing too much on-road comfort.

Toyo Open Country A/T III: The All-Around Champion

The Toyo Open Country A/T III is a favorite among those who want versatility above all. Known for its road manners, quiet ride, and dependable traction, it’s a refined all-terrain tire that blends capability with comfort.

Pros:

• Exceptional wet and dry traction with Toyo’s updated tread compound

• Long tread life — one of the best in its class for mileage

• Stable, quiet ride even at highway speeds

• Strong snow and rain performance (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated)

• Excellent balance of off-road durability and daily drivability

Cons:

• Not as aggressive visually as the Nitto or KO2

• Slightly less bite in deep mud or loose sand compared to dedicated mud-terrains

Best For: Enthusiasts who daily drive their lifted trucks but still need real off-road performance on weekends. It’s ideal for those seeking the perfect middle ground between style, longevity, and comfort.

BFGoodrich KO2: The Legendary Workhorse

Few tires have the reputation or longevity of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. It’s a benchmark tire trusted by off-roaders, overlanders, and weekend warriors alike. Its blend of durability, traction, and balance has made it one of the most proven all-terrain options ever built.

Pros:

• Proven durability — reinforced sidewalls and long tread life

• Excellent all-weather performance (also Three-Peak Snowflake rated)

• Even wear and strong road manners for daily driving

• Strong resale value — buyers recognize and trust the KO2 name

• Quiet performance considering its tread depth and aggression

Cons:

• Not as aggressive-looking as the Nitto Trail Grappler

• Can pack with mud faster in deep, sticky terrain

• Slightly firmer ride than Toyo due to stiffer sidewalls

Best For: Drivers who want a “set it and forget it” tire — a dependable performer on every surface that lasts for years and demands little compromise.

Comparison Breakdown

The Role of Tire Size and Setup

Choosing the right tire isn’t just about brand — it’s also about fitment, gearing, and purpose. Larger tires require appropriate suspension geometry, wheel offset, and often a re-gear to maintain power and efficiency. A 35-inch Nitto might look mean, but if it’s on factory gears, you’ll feel it in acceleration and towing.

At Lifted Trucks, we don’t just bolt on tires — we engineer the entire system around them. Every lifted truck we build is tuned for correct alignment, clearance, and torque delivery, ensuring the tires you choose perform their best from day one.

Real-World Impressions from Enthusiasts

• Trail Grappler: “Unreal traction — they claw through everything. Slightly louder, but worth it for the grip.”

• Open Country: “Perfect daily tire. It’s quiet, tough, and still fun off-road.”

• KO2: “Tough as nails. Great road manners and just as solid on the trail.”

These aren’t just opinions — they reflect how each tire aligns with specific driver priorities: off-road aggression, balance and refinement, or long-term durability.

Which Tire Is Right for You?

The answer depends on how — and where — you drive.

• Choose Nitto Trail Grappler if your build is off-road focused, with rugged looks and terrain-ready grip.

• Choose Toyo Open Country A/T III if you want a tire that’s quiet, reliable, and perfect for everyday use with weekend off-road capability.

• Choose BFGoodrich KO2 if you want proven performance and long-term dependability in every condition.

No matter which direction you go, the key is choosing a tire that matches your lifestyle, your build, and your goals.

Ready to Find the Perfect Tire Setup for Your Lifted Truck?

Your lifted truck deserves tires that can keep up with your adventures. At Lifted Trucks, every vehicle we sell is equipped, aligned, and tuned for performance — because capability isn’t optional, it’s engineered.

If you’re ready to upgrade your truck with a tire and wheel setup built for your life — whether that’s conquering trails, hauling gear, or turning heads — visit one of our stores or browse our inventory online today. Our experts will help you find the perfect tire, the perfect stance, and the perfect fit.

Don’t just drive — command every road, every trail, every mile.