Nexen Tires Review: Are Nexen Tires Good?

Tire Reviews

When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options can seem endless. Among the sea of tire brands, Nexen has been steadily gaining recognition as a reliable and cost-effective choice. But are Nexen tires really good? Let’s dive into the world of Nexen Tires and explore what makes this South Korean manufacturer stand out in the competitive tire market.

Founded in 1942 as Heung-A Tire Company, Nexen has grown from its humble beginnings to become a global player in the tire industry. With a strong presence in both original equipment (OE) and replacement markets, Nexen has carved out a niche for itself by offering high-quality tires at competitive prices.

Known particularly for their ultra-high-performance (UHP) and all-terrain tire lines, Nexen caters to a wide range of drivers seeking exceptional grip, handling, and durability. But what really sets Nexen apart? Is it their commitment to innovation, their global manufacturing presence, or their attractive value proposition?

Over the years, Nexen has invested heavily in research and development, resulting in innovative technologies and advanced tire compounds. The company’s manufacturing facilities are spread across multiple countries, including South Korea, China, and the Czech Republic, ensuring a global reach and production capabilities.

While Nexen may not be as well-known as some of the major tire brands, the company has built a reputation for offering high-quality tires at competitive prices. This value proposition has helped Nexen gain a significant market share, particularly in North America and Europe, where consumers are seeking affordable alternatives without compromising on performance and safety.

In this comprehensive Nexen tires review, we’ll explore Nexen’s tire quality, performance in various conditions, ride comfort, popular models, and more. Whether you’re a budget-conscious consumer or a performance enthusiast, join us as we unpack the pros and cons of Nexen tires and help you decide if they’re the right choice for your vehicle.

Table Of Contents

Nexen Tire Quality and Durability

Nexen Tires are known for their high-quality construction and durable materials, ensuring a long-lasting performance on the road. The company utilizes advanced tire-manufacturing techniques and carefully selects premium compounds to create tires that can withstand the rigors of daily driving.

One of the key factors contributing to Nexen Tires’ durability is their robust tire casing. The tire casing is the foundation of the tire, made up of multiple layers of high-strength steel belts and polyester cord plies. This sturdy construction provides excellent resistance against punctures, impacts, and other types of damage, ensuring that the tire maintains its structural integrity even under challenging conditions.

In addition to the robust casing, Nexen Tires feature advanced tread compounds that are formulated to deliver exceptional tread life. The company employs silica-based compounds that offer a perfect balance between grip and wear resistance. These compounds are designed to minimize tread wear, ensuring that the tires maintain their traction and performance characteristics for longer periods.

Nexen Tires also offer comprehensive warranty coverage, which is a testament to their confidence in the quality and durability of their products. Many Nexen tire models come with treadwear warranties that cover up to 60,000 miles or more, depending on the specific tire model and application. This warranty coverage provides peace of mind for consumers, knowing that their investment in Nexen Tires is protected.

In real-world driving conditions, Nexen Tires have proven their longevity and durability. Many consumers report achieving impressive mileage from their Nexen Tires, often exceeding the stated treadwear warranty. This is a clear indication of the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality, long-lasting tires that can withstand the demands of daily driving, whether it’s commuting, long-distance travel, or even performance driving.

Check Out Our Reviews on Other Tire Brands

Performance in Different Conditions

Nexen tires have earned a reputation for delivering reliable performance across a variety of driving conditions. Based on extensive testing and reviews, here’s how Nexen tires fare in different environments:

Dry Conditions: Nexen’s tire compounds and tread designs provide excellent dry grip and cornering stability on paved roads. Their tires exhibit minimal tread squirm and offer responsive handling, making them a solid choice for dry performance driving.

Wet Conditions: Many Nexen tire models feature advanced siping and circumferential grooves that effectively evacuate water from the contact patch. This results in confident wet traction and shorter braking distances on slick surfaces compared to some competing budget-friendly tires.

Snow and Ice: While not as specialized as dedicated winter tires, Nexen’s all-season and all-terrain offerings with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol have proven capable in light snow and on icy roads. Their winter-rated compounds and tread patterns provide decent traction, though performance drops off in deep snow or extreme winter conditions.

Off-Road: Nexen’s all-terrain and mud-terrain tires, like the Roadian AT Pro RA8 and MT lines, deliver impressive off-road capabilities for their price point. With aggressive tread designs, reinforced sidewalls, and cut/chip-resistant compounds, these tires can handle dirt, gravel, mud, and light-duty off-road trails with ease while retaining on-road manners.

Overall, Nexen tires consistently punch above their weight class in terms of all-condition performance. While they may not match the absolute pinnacle of dry or wet grip, they offer a compelling balance of capabilities across diverse driving scenarios, especially when factoring in their affordability.

Ride Comfort and Noise Levels

When it comes to ride comfort and noise levels, Nexen tires generally receive positive reviews from owners. Many report that their Nexen tires provide a smooth and comfortable ride, with minimal road noise and vibration even at higher speeds.

One of the key factors contributing to the comfortable ride is Nexen’s use of advanced tread designs and rubber compounds. The tread patterns are optimized to reduce road noise and vibrations, while the rubber compounds are formulated to provide a supple and compliant ride. This helps absorb minor road imperfections and irregularities, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.

Additionally, Nexen’s tire construction techniques, such as the use of reinforced belts and optimized carcass designs, help enhance ride quality by reducing tire deformation and improving stability. This translates to a more controlled and responsive ride, with less wandering or tramlining on the road.

Many Nexen tire owners report being pleasantly surprised by the low noise levels, particularly compared to some of the more budget-friendly tire options on the market. While Nexen tires may not be the quietest premium tires available, they generally offer a significant improvement over entry-level or economy tires in terms of noise suppression.

It’s worth noting that ride comfort and noise levels can vary depending on the specific Nexen tire model, as well as the vehicle it’s installed on and the driving conditions. However, overall, Nexen tires tend to strike a good balance between ride quality, noise levels, and affordability, making them a compelling choice for drivers seeking a comfortable and quiet ride without breaking the bank.

Value for Money

One of the primary advantages of Nexen tires is their affordability compared to premium tire brands. Nexen’s positioning as a value-oriented brand allows them to offer competitive pricing while still delivering respectable performance and quality. Their tires often cost 20-30% less than equivalent models from major brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, or Goodyear.

When considering the cost per mile, Nexen tires can be an economical choice, especially for budget-conscious drivers or those who rack up high mileage. While they may not match the absolute longevity of the most expensive tires, Nexen’s lower upfront cost can offset the need for more frequent replacements, making them a cost-effective option over the life of the tire.

It’s important to note that tire pricing can vary significantly based on factors such as size, speed rating, and specific model. However, Nexen consistently positions itself as a more affordable alternative to premium brands across most tire categories, from passenger car tires to SUV and light truck tires.

Nexen has several popular and well-regarded tire lines that cater to different vehicle types and driving conditions. Here are some of their best-selling and most highly-rated tire models:

Nexen N’Fera AU7: This is Nexen’s flagship ultra-high performance summer tire designed for sports cars, coupes, and high-powered sedans. The N’Fera AU7 delivers excellent dry and wet grip, precise handling, and impressive steering responsiveness, making it a favorite among enthusiast drivers.

Nexen Roadian HTX RH5: The Roadian HTX RH5 is Nexen’s premium all-terrain tire built for pickups, SUVs, and off-road vehicles. It features an aggressive tread pattern for exceptional traction on various surfaces, including mud, gravel, and light snow. This tire also provides a comfortable on-road ride and long tread life.

Nexen N’Priz AH8: The N’Priz AH8 is Nexen’s top-of-the-line grand touring all-season tire designed for sedans, minivans, and crossovers. It offers a smooth and quiet ride, impressive traction in wet and light snow conditions, and long tread wear for extended service life.

Nexen Winguard Sport 2: For drivers seeking a high-performance winter tire, the Winguard Sport 2 is Nexen’s flagship studless ice and snow tire. It features a directional tread pattern with deep grooves and biting edges for excellent traction on ice and packed snow, while also providing confident handling on dry and wet roads.

Nexen CP672: The CP672 is Nexen’s premium commercial truck tire designed for long-haul and regional applications. It offers excellent tread life, even wear, and cut and chip resistance, making it a popular choice among fleet operators and owner-operators alike.

These are just a few examples of Nexen’s diverse tire lineup, which also includes options for passenger cars, light trucks, and various other vehicle types and driving conditions.

Nexen OEM Partnerships

Nexen has established partnerships with several major automakers, supplying original equipment (OE) tires for various vehicle models. This is a testament to the quality and performance standards met by Nexen tires, as automakers rigorously test and evaluate tires before approving them for OE fitment.

Some of the notable automakers that use Nexen tires as original equipment include:

  • Hyundai: Nexen has a long-standing partnership with the South Korean automaker, providing OE tires for various Hyundai models across different segments.
  • Kia: As a sister company of Hyundai, Kia also relies on Nexen tires for many of its vehicles, particularly those sold in the North American market.
  • Volkswagen: Certain Volkswagen models, especially those manufactured in Mexico, come equipped with Nexen tires straight from the factory.
  • Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA): Nexen has supplied OE tires for various FCA brands, including Dodge, Jeep, and Ram trucks.
  • Renault-Nissan Alliance: Several models from Renault and Nissan, particularly those sold in emerging markets, feature Nexen tires as original equipment.

By securing OEM partnerships with reputable automakers, Nexen demonstrates its ability to meet stringent performance, safety, and quality standards required for new vehicles. This not only enhances Nexen’s credibility but also provides consumers with the assurance that their tires have been thoroughly tested and approved by major automotive manufacturers.

Where to Buy Nexen Tires

Nexen tires are available through various retail and online sellers across the United States. Major tire retailers like Discount Tire, Tire Rack, and SimpleTire carry a wide selection of Nexen models and sizes. You can easily find and purchase Nexen tires through their websites or by visiting a local retail store.

Many automotive service centers and independent tire shops also offer Nexen tires. It’s a good idea to call ahead to check availability and pricing at your preferred local retailer. Some retailers may offer installation packages or bundle deals when purchasing a new set of Nexen tires.

In addition to traditional retail channels, Nexen tires can be purchased directly from online tire sellers like Tire Buyer and Priority Tire. These online retailers often have competitive pricing and may offer additional services like mobile installation or shipping directly to a local installer.

Advantages of Nexen Tires

Nexen tires offer several advantages that make them an attractive choice for many drivers. One of the primary benefits is their excellent value proposition. Nexen tires are generally more affordable than premium tire brands, yet they deliver reliable performance and quality. This makes them an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers who want a good balance between cost and performance.

Another advantage of Nexen tires is their comprehensive warranty coverage. Many Nexen tire models come with generous treadwear warranties, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment. Additionally, Nexen offers road hazard warranties on select tire lines, which can save you money in the event of unexpected damage.

When it comes to performance, Nexen tires excel in certain areas. Their all-season tires are known for their impressive grip and traction in wet conditions, ensuring reliable handling and shorter braking distances on slippery roads. Nexen’s winter tires also receive praise for their ability to handle snow and ice, providing enhanced safety and control during harsh winter months.

Furthermore, Nexen tires are designed with advanced technology and features that contribute to their overall performance. For instance, some models incorporate silica-based compounds for improved traction and fuel efficiency, while others utilize computer-optimized tread designs for enhanced handling and even wear.

Disadvantages and Criticisms

While Nexen tires offer good value for money and decent overall performance, they are not without their drawbacks and criticisms. One common complaint is that Nexen tires may not have the same level of tread life and durability as some of the more premium tire brands. Some users have reported that their Nexen tires wear down faster than expected, especially in more demanding driving conditions.

Another criticism of Nexen tires is their performance in extreme weather conditions. While they generally perform well in normal conditions, some drivers have reported that Nexen tires may struggle with traction and handling in heavy snow or on icy roads compared to dedicated winter tires from other brands.

Furthermore, Nexen tires are not always known for their responsiveness and handling precision, especially when compared to high-performance tires from more established brands. While they offer decent handling for most drivers, enthusiasts or those seeking a more engaging driving experience may find Nexen tires lacking in this regard.

Additionally, some critics argue that Nexen’s product lineup may not be as diverse or specialized as other tire manufacturers. While they offer a range of tire models for different vehicle types and driving conditions, some niche or high-performance applications may not be well-served by Nexen’s current offerings.

Finally, while Nexen has made strides in improving their brand recognition and reputation, some consumers may still perceive them as a budget or lower-tier brand compared to more established and premium tire manufacturers.

Buying Tips for Nexen Tires

When it comes to buying Nexen tires, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get the right tires for your needs at the best possible price.

Finding the Best Prices

Nexen tires are generally more affordable than premium tire brands, but prices can still vary significantly between retailers. Shop around online and at local tire shops to compare prices and look for sales or discounts. Many retailers offer rebates or package deals when you purchase a full set of tires.

Proper Tire Sizing

Ensuring you get the correct tire size for your vehicle is crucial for safety and performance. Check your owner’s manual or the placard on the driver’s side door jamb for the recommended tire size. Don’t blindly replace your tires with the same size if they were improperly sized before.

Choosing the Right Nexen Model

Nexen offers a wide range of tire models designed for different driving conditions and vehicle types. Consider your typical driving conditions, whether you need all-season, winter, or performance tires, and the type of vehicle you have (sedan, SUV, truck, etc.). Some popular Nexen models include the N’Priz AH8 for all-season performance, the Roadian AT Pro RA8 for trucks and SUVs, and the Winguard Sport 2 for winter driving.

Consulting Experts

Don’t hesitate to consult with tire professionals to ensure you get the right Nexen tires for your needs. They can help you navigate the various options, consider your driving habits, and make an informed decision based on their expertise.

By following these tips, you can find the perfect Nexen tires for your vehicle while getting the best value for your money.

Nexen vs Major Competitors

When it comes to comparing Nexen tires to major competitors like Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone, there are some key differences to consider. While Nexen may not have the same level of brand recognition as these industry giants, their tires often offer comparable performance at a more affordable price point.

In terms of overall quality and durability, Nexen tires generally fall short of the top-tier offerings from Michelin and Goodyear. However, the gap has narrowed in recent years, with Nexen’s latest models featuring improved tread compounds and construction methods that enhance their longevity and treadwear resistance.

Where Nexen tires truly shine is in their value proposition. For budget-conscious drivers seeking a balance of performance and affordability, Nexen’s tires can be an attractive option. Models like the Roadian HTX RH5 (for trucks and SUVs) and the N’FERA RU7 (for performance vehicles) offer respectable capabilities at a significantly lower cost than comparable tires from premium brands.

In dry and wet grip performance, Nexen tires often lag slightly behind the top contenders from Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone. However, the differences may not be significant enough to matter for most everyday driving scenarios. Where Nexen tires tend to struggle more noticeably is in extreme conditions, such as deep snow or high-performance situations, where the premium tires maintain a clear advantage.

Ultimately, while Nexen may not match the absolute pinnacle of tire performance and quality, they offer a compelling value proposition for drivers seeking a cost-effective alternative to premium brands. For those prioritizing budget over outright performance, Nexen tires can be a viable choice, particularly for everyday driving conditions.

Nexen Tire Warranties

Nexen Tires offers various warranty coverages to provide assurance and protection for their products. Their warranties typically include treadwear, workmanship, and road hazard warranties, among others.

Treadwear Warranty: Nexen Tires provides a treadwear warranty for many of their tire models. This warranty covers the tread life of the tire and promises a specific mileage before the tread wears down to the treadwear indicators. If the tire fails to deliver the promised mileage, Nexen will replace it on a pro-rated basis, depending on the remaining tread depth.

Workmanship and Materials Warranty: This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship during the manufacturing process. If a tire becomes unserviceable due to such defects, Nexen will replace it free of charge, including mounting and balancing charges, during the first 2/32″ of the original tread depth or within the first year of purchase, whichever comes first.

Road Hazard Warranty: Nexen Tires offers a road hazard warranty that protects against non-repairable punctures, cuts, bruises, or other damage caused by road hazards like nails, glass, or potholes. If a tire suffers irreparable damage from a road hazard, Nexen will replace it on a pro-rated basis, based on the remaining tread depth.

Replacement Conditions: To qualify for warranty coverage, Nexen Tires requires that the tires be used on the appropriate vehicle, with proper inflation, and within the specified load and speed ratings. Additionally, the tires must be rotated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

It’s important to note that warranty coverage and specific terms may vary depending on the tire model and the region where the tires were purchased. Consumers should review the warranty documentation provided with their Nexen Tires or consult with a authorized Nexen dealer for complete details and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

Conclusion: Are Nexen Tires Good?

Based on extensive research, testing, and analysis, Nexen tires can be considered a good overall choice for most drivers. While they may not match the absolute highest tier of premium tire brands, Nexen offers a compelling combination of quality, performance, and value that makes them a solid option.

In terms of quality and durability, Nexen tires generally perform well, with many models exhibiting impressive treadwear ratings and resistance to factors like hydroplaning and irregular wear. Their performance in different conditions is respectable, with specialized tires like the N’Fera SUR4G excelling in severe winter conditions.

Where Nexen truly shines is in the value proposition they offer. Their tires are often priced considerably lower than comparable models from major premium brands, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a quality product.

However, it’s important to note that some criticisms and trade-offs exist. Nexen tires may not quite match the absolute pinnacle of performance, comfort, or road noise reduction offered by the very top-tier brands. Additionally, their product lineup may not be as extensive or specialized as some competitors.

Overall, for the average driver seeking a good balance of quality, performance, and affordability, Nexen tires are a solid 4 out of 5-star choice. They may not be the absolute best, but they offer excellent value and should meet the needs of most drivers quite well.

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