Nexen Tires Review: Great Option for Drivers on a Tight Budget
What do Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and Porsche Panamera have in common? All three vehicles come fitted with Nexen tires. The same could be said about VW Jetta, SKODA Octavia, and Hyundai Tucson, all of which also feature Nexen OE tires.
To long-term Nexen customers, the above provides enough reason to argue that Nexen tires do more than what their budget asking prices allow. After all, not every mid-range tire brand can boast of supplying radials for automobile brands as famous as Audi.
However, despite providing tires for world-renowned cars, Nexen could do better in some areas. For example, many users complain that Nexen tires aren’t the most durable. We have also heard rumors about these models being noisy at the speed limit.
Nexen Tires Review
Here are the best Nexen tires currently on the market:
#1. Nexen N Priz AH5 – Best All-Season Touring Tire
Price Check
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The N Priz AH5 fulfills the basic requirements of an all-season touring tire.
This model offers reliable performance in dry and wet conditions. It features enough circumferential grooves to make hydroplaning a distant nightmare. Plus, as long as you aren’t driving on bumpy roads, this model will offer a cushioned and (relatively) quiet ride.
That is where the good news ends. Unlike competitors from premium brands, this model’s treadwear warranty (50,000 miles) fails to inspire confidence about its tread life. That said, this model’s budget asking price balances things out.
Pros
- Comes at a pocket-friendly price
- Dry and wet performance is very good
- Refinement levels are above-average
Cons
- Below-average treadwear warranty
- Unimpressive handling
#2. Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8 – Best All-Terrain Tire
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The Radian AT Pro RA8 is a tire designed to perform on the road and off it.
On the highway, its specialized tread compound and unique tread pattern help it deliver the right amount of traction and grip. Even in deep puddles of water, this model doesn’t take long to come to a halt, inspiring confidence about its safety.
Off the road, the AT Pro RA8 encounters no problem on gravel. You can push this model to the limits on pebble-strewn surfaces without getting any nasty surprises. Mud performance is decent, too, especially for an all-terrain tire that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Pros
- Very good in off-road situations
- Decent road performance
- Superb aquaplaning resistance
Cons
- Will struggle in the sand
#3. Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
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The WinGuard Sport 2 combines superb winter driving with long mileage performance.
Part of the credit for this goes to its V-shaped tread pattern that aids with water evacuation on slippery surfaces and improves handling on dry roads. The zigzag grooves also deserve some praise, as they have provided this tire with more than enough biting edges for adequate snow traction.
Another feature that helps with snow performance is the 3D sipes, which improve snow traction while stiffening up the blocks for excellent driving dynamics.
Pros
- Excellent snow handling
- Quiet for a winter tire
- Short dry braking distances
Cons
- Wet handling could be improved
#4. Nexen WinGuard Winspike – Best Winter Tire
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The WinGuard Winspike proves that not all reliable winter tires cost an arm and a leg.
Unlike the WinGuard Sport 2, this model is studdable. So you can count on it to perform in the harshest weather conditions. However, it can tackle snow and ice even without the studs, thanks to the biting edges that cannot be more visible on its tread area.
The Winspike won’t struggle in wet conditions as expected from a quality winter tire. Its V-shaped tread pattern should be able to do what it needs to minimize slip in heavy rain.
Pros
- Backed by a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Relatively affordable for a snow tire
- Deals with bumps well
Cons
- Average dry performance
#5. Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 – Best Light Truck Tire
Price Check
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The Roadian HX5 RH5 isn’t your average highway all-season tire.
Unlike many tires in this category, the HTX RH5 combines the off-roading capabilities of an all-terrain tire with the touring characteristics of an all-season one. The result? A comfortable and long-lasting tire that can be used for occasional off-roading.
The tread pattern with zigzag design not just shortens braking distances in wet conditions. It also enables the HTX RH5 to dig in the snow, making this tire a reliable all-season performer. Additionally, a 40,000- or 60,000-mile treadwear warranty serves as icing on the cake.
Pros
- Comes with an excellent treadwear warranty
- Offers plenty of grip on dry and wet roads
- Provides a comfortable drive with low road noise
Cons
- Limited off-roading capabilities
#6. Nexen Aria AH7 – Best Budget Touring All-Season
Price Check
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The Aria AH7 deserves your attention if you’re looking for a pocket-friendly all-season tire.
As you may expect from an all-season tire, the Aria AH7 prioritizes driving comfort over performance. This tire won’t make much noise as long as the road isn’t overly bad. You can thus expect a quiet ride with windows rolled all the way down.
One of the things I like the most about this tire is that it comes with an 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, one of the longest of any tire in this category. Such an extended warranty means you can easily get 7 to 8 years out of this model or even more.
Pros
- Class-leading 80,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Offers a stable and quiet ride on the highway
- Four-groove design aids with wet traction
Cons
- Won’t win over speed enthusiasts
#7. Nexen Roadian CT8 HL – Best Tire for Commercial Trucks
Price Check
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The Roadian CT8 HL can handle everything commercial trucks can throw at it.
A sturdy internal construction featuring two steel belts and one nylon reinforcement enables this model to support the weight of your truck. It also makes sure that exposure to high temperatures, rough roads, and heavy braking doesn’t damage this model’s integrity.
All-season traction is another box this model ticks. Whether you’re driving on dry or wet roads, the Roadian CT8 HL won’t let its road contact break. However, the absence of a treadwear warranty may prove to be a deal-breaker.
Pros
- Amazing dry grip and road feedback
- Surprisingly comfortable for a commercial truck-rated tire
- Top marks for fuel consumption
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
Nexen Tires Buying Guide
What is there to like about Nexen tires? What is it that distinguishes these tires from the chasing pack? Are there areas where Nexen tires could or should have done better? Any shortcomings that could potentially be deal-breakers? This section has all the answers.
Why Should You Buy Nexen Tires?
Here’s why Nexen tires should be on your short list of tire brands to buy next:
1) Pocket-friendly Prices
At a time when tire prices are touching all-time highs, Nexen continues to offer quality tires on a budget. However, unlike many other brands targeting the budget-conscious user, the South Korean tire manufacturer hasn’t cut corners to keep the asking prices low.
2) Wide Range of Winter Tires
Whether you’re in the market for a dedicated snow tire or a performance winter model, Nexen has you covered.
The WinGuard Sport 2 is an excellent bet if you don’t want to watch your speed in inclement weather. Conversely, if you’re seeking a tire that can withstand harsh weather, opt for the WinGuard Winspike
3) Decent Treadwear Warranty for the Price
Despite being a mid-range brand, Nexen doesn’t shy from supplementing its tires with market-leading treadwear warranties. The Aria AH7 is an excellent example of this. Even though it costs less than contemporaries from premium brands, this model comes with an 80,000-mile treadwear warranty – the same as the Michelin Defender T+H.
Why Should You Not Buy Nexen Tires?
Here’s why Nexen tires may not be the right pick for you:
1) Fewer Tire Options
Compared with premium tire brands and even some mid-range tire manufacturers, Nexen offers fewer tire options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Nexen tires?
Nexen Tire Corporation manufactures Nexen tires.
Where are Nexen tires made?
Nexen tires are made in several manufacturing plants in South Korea, China, and the Czech Republic.
How long do Nexen tires last?
Depending on the tire type and your driving style, Nexen tires can last upwards of 50,000 miles. The Aria AH7 is expected to reach 80,000 miles on the highway, while the N5000 Plus can go up to 65,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is Nexen a good brand?
Nexen is a good mid-range brand that attracts potential customers with the pocket-friendly prices of its tires. While its models may not stand up to rivals from Michelin or Bridgestone, for the price, they are pretty hard to beat.
Are Nexen tires noisy?
Although there have been a few reports of Nexen tires getting noisy as their tread wears down, on the whole, they tend to be quiet on the highway.
Are Nexen tires good for snow?
The Nexen WinGuard Winspike and WinGuard Sport 2 are excellent for snow. Both have what it takes to safely carry you from point A to point B in harsh wintry conditions.
Conclusion
In addition to supplying OEM tires for more than 20 global car makers, Nexen produces more than 42 million tires for different vehicles each year. These statistics serve as a testament to the quality, durability, and performance of Nexen tires.
