Where the rubber meets the road

[BlacknTan]

Going to be replacing the stock tires on '15 4Runner Trail. Narrowed my choices to BFG Rugged Terrain, Toyo OC's, or Nitto Terra Grappler G2's, in the stock size.

I'm very sensitive to wet road performance. Short story .. Had a '69 muscle car I put Inglewood rear tires on. Great grip on dry pavement, they'd hook up nicely, but real touchy in the rain. A friend liked them, so I sold them to him. He promptly totaled a nice '66 GTO in the rain. These tires came from, and probably were optimized for So Cal, but the experience left a lasting impression.

So, for those with experience with the three choices, what are your thoughts?

BTW, I'm leaning a bit toward the Nittos..

 

[delloro]

Nothing will ever be as bad in the rain as a 69 muscle car with big rear tires.

I have used Goodrich long trails, kumhos, and general grabber at2's on my xterra, all were fine in the rain. Any of your choices will be plenty good in the rain. No tire made today could make a 4runner handle like Detroit iron on big rear tires.

 

[9494runner]

Take a gander at cooper at3s handle great in the rain and through pooled water. Style of driving has a massive effect on water handling as well. Remember that as an at tire wears, which is alittle faster than a road tire, you will loose your rain sipes cut into the tire:fishing:

 

[rydr1]

This is all opinion and personal experience, but I would not get Nitto Terra Grapplers again, maybe the G2's have improved, but for wet surface, the first edition sucked on my Tacoma. Got the Cooper AT3 and traction was improved on wet roads, trust me it was noticeable.

I picked up a set of ATP for the the 4runner and even if I tried to loose traction while turning or accelerating, The tires stayed on track just fine. I would honestly look online for companies that have compared the tires and have an unbiased ratings.

Edit: 9494Runner just mentioned that the more they wear the low traction they will have, I agree. Just to add to the Nitto's problem I had, I sold those tires with 8/32 tread depth on them, so it's not like I was running them below the wear bars. They are nice tires, and I had high expectations for them when I bought them, but once I got the AT3 I realized I had been running a slippery tire for years.

 

[96r50]

I wouldn't buy Rugged Terrains; I see them getting shredded on our work trucks all the time and they've never been confidence inspiring in any weather. A good friend of mine had Toyo OC ATs on his Xterra and liked them. I have Cooper AT3s and they've been pretty good all around for spring/summer/fall.

Have you looked at the Michelin LTX? If wet weather performance is important they might be a better option.