General vs Nitto – two tire brands that have gained considerable popularity in the automotive industry.
In this post, I will delve into an in-depth comparison between these two brands, analyzing their rich history, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, pros, and cons.
By the end, we will determine which brand reigns supreme and is the better choice overall.
Buckle up as we embark on this captivating journey!
General vs Nitto – Comparison Table
| General | Nitto | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1915 | 1949 |
| Made In | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia |
| Parent | Continental AG (Germany) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. General
General Tire, founded in 1915 in the United States, has a rich history as a tire manufacturer.
Originally established as the “The General Tire & Rubber Company,” it quickly gained prominence in the automotive industry.
Over the years, the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality led to its expansion and solid reputation.
General Tire became recognized for producing high-performance tires for all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
In 1987, the German company Continental AG acquired General Tire, further enhancing its global reach and technological advancements.
Today, General Tire continues to offer a wide range of reliable and durable tires, combining cutting-edge technology with a legacy of excellence.
With Continental AG as its parent company, General Tire remains a trusted and respected brand, providing drivers with safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Crossover vehicles
- Light trucks
- Commercial vans
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Performance vehicles
2. Nitto
Nitto is a renowned tire brand with its roots in Japan.
Founded in 1949, it is now a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire Corporation since the acquisition in 1979.
Nitto has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality tires that deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition globally for its innovative tire technologies and cutting-edge designs.
Nitto offers a diverse range of tires, catering to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
With a commitment to excellence, Nitto consistently emphasizes research and development to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Today, Nitto tires are sought after by drivers who seek superior traction, handling, and durability.
With its Japanese heritage and affiliation with Toyo Tire Corporation, Nitto continues to be a trusted and respected name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Crossovers
- High-performance cars
- Off-road vehicles
- Side by side vehicles
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the General G-MAX RS vs the Nitto NT555 G2.
In my evaluation, I rate the General G-MAX RS with a dry performance score of 4.8 out of 5.
It excels in crisp handling, strong braking, and sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology, offering an exhilarating driving experience.
On the other hand, the Nitto NT555 G2 receives a score of 4.5, showcasing commendable cornering grip, responsive steering, and dependable handling.
While both tires exhibit impressive dry performance, the General G-MAX RS slightly edges out the Nitto NT555 G2.
Thus, the General G-MAX RS is the preferred choice for heightened dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the General AltiMAX RT43 vs the Nitto Motivo.
From my research, I would rate the General AltiMAX RT43’s wet performance at 4.4 out of 5.
It has received consistent praise for its traction and reliability on wet roads, making it a versatile choice for various weather conditions.
On the other hand, the Nitto Motivo scores a close 4.3 out of 5 for wet performance.
While it offers good wet traction and includes a silica rubber compound for improved performance, it may not be as competitive as newer options.
Considering these ratings, I declare the General AltiMAX RT43 as the better tire for wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – General AltiMAX Arctic vs Nitto SN2 Winter.
In my opinion, the General AltiMAX Arctic tire has a superior snow performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
This studdable winter tire showcases innovative compound and tread pattern technologies that enhance traction and grip on snow and ice.
Positive reviews highlight its excellent traction on various surfaces, including wet roads, loose snow, packed snow, and ice.
The incorporation of new rubber chemistry and a flatter contour improves grip and handling on wintry conditions.
While the Nitto SN2 Winter tire also offers reliable snow performance with a rating of 4.4, the General AltiMAX Arctic takes the lead by a small margin.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| General | Nitto | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on the gathered information, the Nitto tires offer a slightly higher mileage warranty compared to the General tires.
Nitto tires provide a treadwear warranty of up to 75,000 miles, while General offers up to 65,000 miles.
In terms of average lifespan, General tires can last from 30,000 to 75,000 miles, whereas Nitto tires typically endure between 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Overall, Nitto tires seem to have a slight advantage in terms of both warranty and average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – General vs Nitto.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| General | Nitto | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $71 to $595 /ea | $97 to $1,447 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
General
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent price performance ratio, providing good value for their price | ❌ General tires are generally considered to be in the mid-range segment |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | |
| ✔ Availability |
Nitto
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of good quality, offering durability and reliability | |
| ✔ Solid performance tires |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from General:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Some of Nitto’s best tires are shown below:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully considering the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, average lifespan, and the pros and cons of both General and Nitto tires, I declare General as the better pick overall.
The General G-MAX RS excels in dry performance, while the General AltiMAX RT43 performs better in wet conditions.
Additionally, the General AltiMAX Arctic showcases superior snow performance.
Although Nitto tires offer a slightly higher mileage warranty, General provides good value for their price and a wide range of tire options.
Therefore, General emerges as the preferred choice.
