[madison38]

I will upgrade to Nitto grappler 265/50/20 soon.

My Ridge Grapplers have been the first Nittos I've ever owned and so far I've been very pleased. They are smooth running and were nearly as quiet as the factory tires for the first 2k miles. Since then I have noticed a slight increase in road noise, but not to the point where I consider it a problem. I only noticed because I had the radio off for a bit of highway driving the other day and noticed that they are singing a bit more than when they were brand new. With the radio going, you'll never know you have such an aggressive tire under you.

I've now driven on and off road, in rain, light snow, sand, and some mud and the Ridge Grapplers have been excellent in all scenarios, I can highly recommend them. I'm hopeful that they will be a good fit in the factory rims because the Passport really does deserve an aggressive tire.

 

[williamsmichael]

My Ridge Grapplers have been the first Nittos I've ever owned and so far I've been very pleased. They are smooth running and were nearly as quiet as the factory tires for the first 2k miles. Since then I have noticed a slight increase in road noise, but not to the point where I consider it a problem. I only noticed because I had the radio off for a bit of highway driving the other day and noticed that they are singing a bit more than when they were brand new. With the radio going, you'll never know you have such an aggressive tire under you.

I've now driven on and off road, in rain, light snow, sand, and some mud and the Ridge Grapplers have been excellent in all scenarios, I can highly recommend them. I'm hopeful that they will be a good fit in the factory rims because the Passport really does deserve an aggressive tire.

In my experience AT tires tend to be worse in the rain than something like the oem continentals. Also, coasting is NOT the way to avoid hydroplaning. Driving slower, certainly, but keeping steady throttle is the best approach in any bad conditions. Using the paddles or another means to downshift and using the engine/gears to slow down is even better. I wish these cars had an OD off button like ridgelines. Some way other than sport mode to get more engine braking.

 

[madison38]

You raise an important point @swenpaylay and I'm grateful for your reply. A tire choice is a balance of compromises between various capabilities and limitations and each driver needs to weigh the style of driving they encounter against the strengths and weaknesses of the tire they select.

Nitto does an admirable job of disclosing the strengths and weaknesses of their offerings. Here is the chart for the Ridge Grappler:

Terra Grappler G2:

and the NT421Q Premier All Season Crossover/SUV Tire:

Your experience is certainly consistent with their claims and is definitely something that must be taken into account when selecting a tire. For my usage (primarily Southern California highway driving with weekend soft-roading excursions), the slight decrease in on-road performance is worth the increase in off-road capability. Obviously these charts need to be taken with a grain of salt as they don't indicate any actual hard data and can't be used to compare to another manufacturer but for comparing the different Nitto tires relative to each other, I find them helpful in understanding what the trade offs will be.

 

[aarondixon]

Wow, thanks David, I had never seen the Nitto NT421Q tire before, the specs sound great for any Elite/Touring owners who want to retain the OEM Rims. And while it is NOT billed as an All Terrain tire, however there are probably a number of owners who have no intention of going off-road. There is a size: 275/45 R20 that is 29.76' tall and will fit on the Passport 8.5" rim.
https://www.nittotire.com/passenger-tires/nt421q-premier-all-season-crossover-suv-tire/

For me, I'm liking the Nitto Dura Grappler Highway Terrain, it's rated at 600-A-B with a 60,000 mile warranty, and is rated as being ABOVE average in Wet & Dry Performance, even higher in Comfort & Quietness, while being LOW in Off-Road performance, I'm sure it would be fine for the flat dirt roads I might take 3x a year...

But I would probably look to get the P245/65R17105S size, which is nearly identical to stock hieght at 29.45 and they find some 17" After Market Rims...
https://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-tires/dura-grappler-highway-terrain-light-truck-tire/

 

[davidwilliams]

Wow, thanks David, I had never seen the Nitto NT421Q tire before, the specs sound great for any Elite/Touring owners who want to retain the OEM Rims. And while it is NOT billed as an All Terrain tire, however there are probably a number of owners who have no intention of going off-road. There is a size: 275/45 R20 that is 29.76' tall and will fit on the Passport 8.5" rim.
https://www.nittotire.com/passenger-tires/nt421q-premier-all-season-crossover-suv-tire/

For me, I'm liking the Nitto Dura Grappler Highway Terrain, it's rated at 600-A-B with a 60,000 mile warranty, and is rated as being ABOVE average in Wet & Dry Performance, even higher in Comfort & Quietness, while being LOW in Off-Road performance, I'm sure it would be fine for the flat dirt roads I might take 3x a year...

But I would probably look to get the P245/65R17105S size, which is nearly identical to stock hieght at 29.45 and they find some 17" After Market Rims...
https://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-tires/dura-grappler-highway-terrain-light-truck-tire/

Question?
I went to above link and entered my passport information and no tires populated with regarding to fitting the Passport. Could you tell me how you concluded that these would fit the Elite?
Thanks

 

[aarondixon]

Question?
I went to above link and entered my passport information and no tires populated with regarding to fitting the Passport. Could you tell me how you concluded that these would fit the Elite?
Thanks

I don't claim to be a tire expert, so it is good to get a second opinion from your tire retailer, but here goes:

Elite Rim is 20' x 8.5": Under 20" Tire Sizes 275/45 R20 shows it will work with a 8.5" Rim.

The OEM Continental Tire is 29.5" tall, if I recall correctly and the Nitto is 29.06", meaning it is smaller and should clear fine (no rubbing).

What I do not know is the last numbers/letters & the Load: The Nitto is 105 W XL with a 2039 Load, I guess you would need to see if those numbers are compatible with the Passport (sorry for not doing this).

But I see the tire right under it, 255/50R20 109V XL is 30.06 in height (which still may fit fine) has a 75k mile warranty and a higher load rating 2271.

cheers...

 

[williamsmichael]

You raise an important point @swenpaylay and I'm grateful for your reply. A tire choice is a balance of compromises between various capabilities and limitations and each driver needs to weigh the style of driving they encounter against the strengths and weaknesses of the tire they select.

Nitto does an admirable job of disclosing the strengths and weaknesses of their offerings. Here is the chart for the Ridge Grappler:

View attachment 2703

Terra Grappler G2:

View attachment 2705

and the NT421Q Premier All Season Crossover/SUV Tire:

View attachment 2707


Your experience is certainly consistent with their claims and is definitely something that must be taken into account when selecting a tire. For my usage (primarily Southern California highway driving with weekend soft-roading excursions), the slight decrease in on-road performance is worth the increase in off-road capability. Obviously these charts need to be taken with a grain of salt as they don't indicate any actual hard data and can't be used to compare to another manufacturer but for comparing the different Nitto tires relative to each other, I find them helpful in understanding what the trade offs will be.

Nice post there. In my experience work commuting and camping/fishing on weekends in Montana, with all of our horrible winters, my favorite all around tire is...

Michelin Defender LTX. It’s more expensive than any of the nitto AT tires and is more of a truck highway tire than a real AT tire, but I’ll say it smokes the Yokohama Geolanders or Continental TerrainContact AT tires i’ve had on snow and rain. Just fine for offroad too, except my last set died a premature death due to a stick weding into the tread and tearing a hole into it...hence the switch to AT tires. However, all the other old guys in my family rock defenders on their pickups because they love their snow and highway performance. No punctures so far with hundreds of hunting trips so maybe mine were ready to go anyway.

No tire will be perfect at everything and theres no substitute for snow tires.

My ex had a brand new CRV EXL we took on an ambitious trip to the mountains in early spring a couple years ago. 2 foot deep ice ruts and a horribly muddy and scary road (60 miles or so) took us over a mountain pass. It came back without a scratch on the garbage oem continentals. Suffice to say most AT tire installs are for looks and male enhancement. A stock crv can handle a lot without any upgrades so theres no reason a passport cant.

Based on my tire knowledge the cooper AT tires look like they’ll be best in snow. Thus, my two choices are the Michelin Defender LTX or the Cooper Discover 4S. Costco has the michelins so it makes the cost difference a wash. Coopers do look cooler.

 

[debbiekeller]

Michelin Defender LTX is my favorite summer tire too. Have a second set on our LR4 and just put a set on the Passport on 18" Ridgeline wheels. Handle great so far and look forward to using them on the beach in sand soon.

 

[davidwilliams]

I don't claim to be a tire expert, so it is good to get a second opinion from your tire retailer, but here goes:

Elite Rim is 20' x 8.5": Under 20" Tire Sizes 275/45 R20 shows it will work with a 8.5" Rim.

The OEM Continental Tire is 29.5" tall, if I recall correctly and the Nitto is 29.06", meaning it is smaller and should clear fine (no rubbing).

What I do not know is the last numbers/letters & the Load: The Nitto is 105 W XL with a 2039 Load, I guess you would need to see if those numbers are compatible with the Passport (sorry for not doing this).

But I see the tire right under it, 255/50R20 109V XL is 30.06 in height (which still may fit fine) has a 75k mile warranty and a higher load rating 2271.

cheers...

Thanks for explaining your thought process. I probably will go with Michelin Latitude Tour HP when it is time.
https://www.americastire.com/buy-tires/michelin-latitude-tour-hp/p/25347
Overview
Designed specifically for your premium crossover, the Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire provides reliable traction in varied weather conditions, confident handling, and stable handling even at high speeds. This tires all-season tread pattern tightly grips dry and wet roads, and its 2D active sipes lock together for greater rigidity that improves traction and handing in the rain or snow. For responsive handling at highway speeds, it uses strategically placed polyester and nylon/aramid filaments to stabilize the underside of the tread. And to help keep money in your wallet, the tire improves gas mileage by reducing rolling resistance through its efficient shape and compound. Get these great benefits from the Michelin Latitude Tour HP crossover tire.

Doesn't rain much in Northern CA unless El nino season and only go skiing about 3 times per year. Also like have quiet ride rating.

 

[williamsmichael]

Michelin Defender LTX is my favorite summer tire too. Have a second set on our LR4 and just put a set on the Passport on 18" Ridgeline wheels. Handle great so far and look forward to using them on the beach in sand soon.

PICS NOW size too.

 

[williamsmichael]

Michelin Defender LTX is my favorite summer tire too. Have a second set on our LR4 and just put a set on the Passport on 18" Ridgeline wheels. Handle great so far and look forward to using them on the beach in sand soon.

Also so as not to confuse people..defenders are great in snow too. Better than most AT tires, in fact, at least at stopping on ice. Deep snow, less so.

 

[williamsmichael]

Thanks for explaining your thought process. I probably will go with Michelin Latitude Tour HP when it is time.
https://www.americastire.com/buy-tires/michelin-latitude-tour-hp/p/25347
Overview
Designed specifically for your premium crossover, the Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire provides reliable traction in varied weather conditions, confident handling, and stable handling even at high speeds. This tires all-season tread pattern tightly grips dry and wet roads, and its 2D active sipes lock together for greater rigidity that improves traction and handing in the rain or snow. For responsive handling at highway speeds, it uses strategically placed polyester and nylon/aramid filaments to stabilize the underside of the tread. And to help keep money in your wallet, the tire improves gas mileage by reducing rolling resistance through its efficient shape and compound. Get these great benefits from the Michelin Latitude Tour HP crossover tire.

Doesn't rain much in Northern CA unless El nino season and only go skiing about 3 times per year. Also like have quiet ride rating.

Talking about touring tires on an offroad tire thread...those will not be fun offroad or in snow. Doable for a rare ski trip but not something id want in the snow belt.

 

[debbiekeller]

Also so as not to confuse people..defenders are great in snow too. Better than most AT tires, in fact, at least at stopping on ice. Deep snow, less so.

^This. I usually run Nokian winter tires but heard that VT ski conditions were already good the last week in November. I didn't have time to put on the winter tires so I headed up with the Defender LTX tires still on. It snowed over a foot while there and the tires totally surprised me and did great. Then I had to come home and rake leaves, mow my lawn one last time and put on the Nokian winter tires.

 

[williamsmichael]

^This. I usually run Nokian winter tires but heard that VT ski conditions were already good the last week in November. I didn't have time to put on the winter tires so I headed up with the Defender LTX tires still on. It snowed over a foot while there and the tires totally surprised me and did great. Then I had to come home and rake leaves, mow my lawn one last time and put on the Nokian winter tires.

Indeed. I’ve rocked defenders year-round on two different CRVs. My parents in CO also rock them year round on their CRV and Navigator. People in MT and CO have a lot of winter driving experience so what is good to us may be less ideal for someone else. Snow tires will always be better but aren’t strictly necessary.

 

[debbiekeller]

PICS NOW size too.

Tire size is 245-60-18. This size tire + 18" wheel = same overall diameter as original tires + 20" wheels.

 

[williamsmichael]

View attachment 2715

Tire size is 245-60-18. This size tire + 18" wheel = same overall diameter as original tires + 20" wheels.

Nice man! Bet those werent cheap. Dont see them very often. You could have fit more rubber in there though!

 

[debbiekeller]

Nice man! Bet those werent cheap. Dont see them very often. You could have fit more rubber in there though!

$300/wheel didn't seem that bad. Or maybe it's because I've owned Audis and Land Rovers the last 20 years and their wheels cost at least double that. Also, these Ridgeline wheels are 8" wide, so a 245 width tire is pretty close to maximum width on that wheel size.

 

[williamsmichael]

$300/wheel didn't seem that bad. Or maybe it's because I've owned Audis and Land Rovers the last 20 years and their wheels cost at least double that. Also, these Ridgeline wheels are 8" wide, so a 245 width tire is pretty close to maximum width on that wheel size.

Your dealer is kinder than mine. I was quoted $150 more per wheel.

 

[debbiekeller]

Your dealer is kinder than mine. I was quoted $150 more per wheel.

My dealer was willing to match this price:

https://www.bernardiparts.com/Honda-18-Diamond-Cut-Alloy-Wheel-Ridgeline__08W18-T6Z-100.as

Or just buy the wheels from Bernardi.

 

[theresayoung]

Hey everyone , me an the wife just got back from a road trip Thur Wyoming , Utah , South Dakota . An we live in Modesto Ca .My Cooper AT3 4s series all terrian tires size 265/50/ 20 worked great in heavy rain,wind an sand on some of the roads . Very little noise . We didn’t hit any snow . Mine is a touring passport . FYI.