General Grabber Product Line Review: APT, A/TX & X3

General’s “Grabber” all-terrain and mud-terrain tires represent the pinnacle of modern 4x4 tire development. With their diverse lineup, drivers can select from a range of tires to find the ideal fit for their vehicle and circumstances, and no matter which Grabber of choice, affordably improve on factory tire performance.

To expand on the video, let’s analyze how these three excellent Grabber tires compare in performance, an area of interest to most all-terrain and mud-terrain tire shoppers.

Grabber APT vs. A/TX vs. X3 

Off-road performance

With an overriding focus on off-road traction and durability, the Grabber X3 takes the spotlight. As a dedicated mud-terrain tire, performance in tough off-road conditions is its first design priority. The purposeful tread blocks, high void-tread pattern, and 3-ply construction are dedicated to conquering mud, dirt, and rocky terrain.

The Grabber X3’s sidewall protection lugs and deflection ribs add extra traction and protect the sidewall from damage and punctures. Scan the Grabber X3’s design and the purpose become immediately clear – literally every inch of the X3 is designed with off-road domination in mind.

The Grabber A/TX is an aggressive all-terrain that slots in just behind the Grabber X3 in the off-road department, with enough grit for just about any off-road adventure short of the most extreme environments. Like the X3, the A/TX features an aggressive tread pattern for exceptional off-road traction, sidewall lugs, and General’s “Stabilitread” technology to guard against off-road damage like chips and cuts.

The Grabber APT is an all-purpose, milder all-terrain tire that does a fine job managing two tracks, gravel roads, and light off-road duties.

On-Road Performance

If you definitely prioritize on-road comfort and performance over slinging mud, the Grabber APT is the likeliest option in the Grabber range. The APT delivers excellent daily commuting qualities, and strong overall on-road performance. “Comfort Balanced Tread Cushioning” technology provides a smooth, quiet ride, while the “Duragen” construction ensures even wear and strong handling.

The Grabber A/TX swings the performance pendulum toward the aggressive end of the all-terrain tire spectrum and targets users who split drive time on- and off-road somewhere in the neighborhood of 50/50. The A/TX’s off-road traction and durability attributes unavoidably work against on-road manners, but for true 4x4 enthusiasts, the A/TX remains livable on a day-to-day basis. Like the ATP, the AT/X features General’s “Comfort Balance” technology for a comfortable, pleasant ride.

For those who require the A/TX’s extreme off-road advantages over the APT, the slight downgrade in on-road comfort is likely an acceptable exchange. And despite the step up in aggressiveness, A/TX comfort is still widely praised by users:

“I got these on my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and am very happy with them. They are quiet, ride smoothly, handle great in the rain and on the trail, and look great with the bold white letters. I’d definitely buy them again.” – Grabber A/TX user review, GeneralTire.com

Count on the Grabber X3 being consistently more audible on-road than its all-terrain APT and A/TX siblings. While tread features like a “Multi-Pitch Pattern Design” help reduce road noise, the X3’s true purpose can’t be entirely concealed during street driving. This is a tire for ardent off-road enthusiasts who are willing to accept on-road drawbacks in exchange for off-road superiority. That includes downgraded fuel economy, where the X3’s large, individual tread blocks create added rolling resistance.

Winter/Snow Performance

Most Grabber APT and all Grabber A/TX tires meet the objective traction criteria for “Severe Snow Service,” signified by the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake on the tire sidewall. This is the highest snow traction standard in North America and is a certain method for drivers to identify a winter performer. 

And as an added winter traction feature, the A/TX is studdable. (Check for the laws on studded tires in your state here.)

While the Grabber X3 will dispense with deep snow and heavy wintry precipitation much the same as it does loose dirt and mud, all-around winter traction and performance is about more than just chucking snow. The X3’s large tread blocks and lack of siping aren’t ideal for winter driving. A comparison of the X3’s tread design vs. a true winter tire reveals immediate and clear differences.

Across the range of on-road winter driving conditions, drivers may find the X3 lacking when compared to the APT or A/TX. (Note: all three options are lacking overall wintertime traction as compared to a true winter tire like the Grabber Arctic LT.)

Mileage and Warranty

The Grabber APT and A/TX are backed by all-terrain class-leading 60,000-mile treadwear warranties. (Exact mileage varies according to tire specification.)

As is commonly the case with mud-terrain tires, the X3 lacks a similar mileage warranty. However, all three Grabber tires are eligible for General’s 45-day Satisfaction Trial, which allows drivers to exchange their Grabbers for a different set if they’ve found them unsatisfactory for any reason. (Some restrictions apply, see General’s warranty booklet for full details.)

Towing/Hauling Performance

All three Grabbers can definitely get the job done when it comes to towing and hauling, but the A/TX and X3 are distinguished in this performance category.

• Despite being the most toned-down of the group, select sizes of the APT are LT-specification and achieve an E/10-ply rating. However, most APT sizes are Standard Load (SL).
• XL, LT, and E/10-ply ratings are more rule than the exception across the range of A/TX sizes. If you’re looking for a bona fide towing and hauling tire, the A/TX fits the bill.
• The story is much the same with the X3, with most available sizes achieving an E/10-ply rating, leaving no question as to its ability to persevere under heavy load.

Style/Looks

None of the Grabber tires got the proverbial “short end of the stick” in the style department. Which tire appeals to you comes down to personal design preferences.

Without a doubt, and true to its design purpose, the X3 is the burliest of the three options. The protruding sidewall tread profile, and red sidewall lettering on certain X3 sizes announce its presence and off-road domination intentions even more.

The Grabber A/TX is more understated, but still clearly communicates its robustness and strong off-road capabilities.

The Grabber ATP is characterized by understated aggression, with more style than almost all factory 4x4 tires, but nothing over the top in terms of attention-grabbing design features.

So, which one of these awesome General Grabber tires is right for you? Hopefully, our video and performance category comparisons will help. If we can help you narrow down the choice even more, don’t hesitate to give our tire experts a call at 866-961-8668.