NT420V Real World, 1,000-Mile Review
An SUV and its tires have to be many things to their owners: reliable, practical and look good in conjunction with minor mods like a set of custom wheels. Modern SUVs are the workhorses of suburbia, but unlike most construction trucks, SUVs are also part of a “look,” too. It’s often unsaid, but all those soccer moms and dads are always judging, and if your child chariot looks put together, they might not notice that you just slapped on some clothes to drop the kids off at school.
Nitto’s beautiful new NT420V tire was recently released to the public, so we put it to the test under a large SUV that regularly experienced the rigors of suburban life. Enter Mr. Brandon Bianchi, husband and father to three kids. He needed a new set of tires for his 2017 GMC Yukon XL. “In a busy life of three kids in three different sports, my wife and I rarely have time to discuss anything, especially tires, but after reviewing tire brands, performance and prices, ‘we’ chose Nitto NT420Vs,” he said.
They picked up a set at their local tire store and had them installed on the family Yukon. “When my wife got home from the tire shop, I asked her ‘How’s it ride?’ She immediately replied, ‘My SUV grips the road now and doesn’t screech around turns anymore!’ Between you and me, my wife drives that rolling tank like she’s in a NASCAR race with plenty of heavy acceleration and hard stops,” Brandon said. “So, I know she pushed those tires to the limit.”
The true value of a great tire came to light for the family after daily driving to schools, sports practice and weekend excursions. “Our Yukon has aftermarket 22-inch wheels, so we have always had a fairly low-profile tire. After logging about 1000 miles, the ride is much quieter with the new NT420V tires. The vibration we used to feel in the steering wheel has gone away. Our previous tire set almost felt as if they were never balanced and the material was too hard, which seemed to amplify all of the flaws in the roads we drove every day,” Brandon said. “I never realized what a difference a good set of tires can make, plus they really grip the road when driving.”
After a few months of demanding driving, what’s the consensus of the Bianchi family regarding the new tires? “You can barely tell they’ve been used—they look almost brand new. My wife and I love the quieter ride (minus the screaming and yelling from inside the cabin from the kids). I love the clean sidewall look as I wash the car and dress the tire. The sidewall design is unique and complements my wheels, plus the tread pattern is sporty and sets the tire apart from the other brands,” Brandon said.
Brandon has a few other cars, including a classic hot rod, but the family car comes first. “I have always been a car enthusiast, but when it comes to the family hauler, I need a good value that doesn’t require extra money for maintenance. So, when I say these NT420Vs are worth every penny, I mean it.” Brandon continued, “All in all, I am a huge fan of the switch we made to Nitto’s NT420Vs, and I’ll certainly be looking at Nitto tires for our other vehicles.”
Click here to learn more about Nitto's new NT420V Truck/SUV tire.
