When it comes to outfitting your truck with the right tires, the choices can be overwhelming. As a truck owner myself, navigating the world of all-terrain tires is something I’ve experienced firsthand. For my 2015 1500, I opted for Toyo AT2 tires, and recently, my 2018 2500 was equipped with Nitto tires. Both are well-regarded brands, but my real-world experience has highlighted some key differences, especially for drivers in regions with moderate winter conditions. If you’re considering Toyo tires, particularly for all-terrain performance, here’s a breakdown based on my time behind the wheel with both Toyo and Nitto.
My initial experience was with the Toyo Open Country AT2 tires on my 1500 truck. For general all-around performance, the Toyo AT2s were perfectly adequate. They handled everyday driving without issue and showed impressive tread life. After 40,000 miles, the Toyo tires still showed a significant amount of tread remaining, a testament to their durability. While they weren’t specifically designed as winter tires, the Toyo AT2s managed adequately in snowy conditions. As long as I adjusted my driving to the conditions, slowing down and driving cautiously, the truck navigated through various snow situations without getting stuck. Toyo themselves rates the AT3 as slightly improved for winter conditions compared to the AT2, giving them a 4 out of 5 rating versus the 3.5 for the AT2 in winter performance. This suggests a step up in winter capability in their newer models, but my experience is primarily with the AT2.
Moving to my 2018 2500, which came with Nitto tires, provided a direct comparison. One immediately noticeable difference was road noise. The Nitto tires exhibited less road noise compared to the Toyo tires on my 1500. Handling on paved roads was comparable between the two in most normal driving situations. However, when it came to snow and wet conditions, the Nitto tires demonstrated a clear advantage. In snowy conditions, the Nitto tires felt more planted and secure. This could be partly attributed to the heavier weight of the 2500 truck compared to the 1500, providing more downforce. However, other drivers have reported similar findings, suggesting inherent differences in the tire designs.
The most significant difference I observed was in wet road performance. The Toyo AT2 tires were prone to slipping on wet surfaces, requiring extra caution, especially during acceleration or cornering in the rain. In contrast, the Nitto tires offered significantly better grip and confidence on wet roads. This improvement in wet traction was a notable upgrade in daily driving, especially in unpredictable weather. Beyond performance, the Nitto tires also have a more aggressive and visually appealing sidewall design compared to the Toyo AT2s, and even the newer Toyo AT3 models in my opinion. While aesthetics are subjective, the Nittos simply look more robust and enhance the overall appearance of the truck.
Living in northern and central Illinois, we experience our share of winter weather. While snow is common, significant snowfall that accumulates on roads for extended periods is less frequent. Typically, even after a snowstorm, main roads are cleared relatively quickly, often within a day. While snow may be present on the ground for much of the winter, actual driving on snow-covered roads might only account for 10 to 20 days per year, perhaps more in particularly harsh winters. For these moderate snow conditions, good all-season or all-terrain tires like both the Toyo AT2 and Nitto options can be sufficient. I’ve personally driven through up to 4 inches of fresh snow with both Toyo and Nitto tires without encountering major issues. The key is to adjust driving speed appropriately and utilize 4-wheel drive when necessary.
Ultimately, while my experience with Toyo AT2 tires was satisfactory for general use and tread life, the Nitto tires on my 2500 have proven to be a step up, particularly in wet and snowy conditions, and offer a more visually appealing look. For drivers in climates with frequent heavy snow or ice, dedicated winter tires are always recommended. However, for areas with moderate winter conditions like Illinois, both Toyo and Nitto all-terrain tires can be viable options, with Nitto offering enhanced performance in key areas. Choosing between Toyo tires and Nitto tires, or other brands, depends on individual driving needs, priorities, and typical weather conditions encountered.
