Nexen is a top tire brand with $2 billion in annual sales. It’s well-known in the auto industry for supplying original equipment. The company was founded in 1942 as Heung-A Tire. In 2000, it changed its name to Nexen. It entered the U.S. market in 2005 and quickly became a major player.
Customers love Nexen for its quality and service. But, is it right for you? To help decide, we’ve prepared a detailed review of Nexen tires. Let’s start.
Nexen tires are known for their quality and technology, winning design awards. They perform well on dry roads. However, they struggle in wet and snowy conditions.
Nexen Tires Overview
Nexen tires may seem new. However, the company has made tires since 1942. It used to be called Heung-A Tire Company, but in 2000, it became Nexen Tire Co. It introduced radial tires in 1985. These tires are known for saving fuel and offering better grip.
In 2007, Nexen expanded to China. It then started making high-performance and SUV tires. The company owns research centers. For example, one is in Richfield, Ohio. It sells its products in over 120 countries. Its main factories are in China, Korea, and the Czech Republic.
Now, Nexen provides tires to many car brands, including Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Dodge, KIA, and Chrysler.
Key takeaways
If you’re looking for a quick overview of what makes Nexen tires an excellent budget-friendly option, here’s a list of key highlights:
1. Advanced Manufacturing Equipment – Nexen automates its tire production with top technologies. It made 500 million tires without any recalls. This feat shows its dedication to top-notch tire development.
2. Thorough Testing Before Sales – Nexen thoroughly tests all tires before they reach stores. First, the brand tests them on its Vehicle Dynamic Testing Grounds. These tests cover real-world driving, traction, and stability. This process ensures top quality before sale.
3. Extreme Durability – Nexen tires are durable and have top industry warranty deals. They use a high-silica compound and eco-friendly rubber, making them long-lasting. The tread life is guaranteed, but you probably won’t need to rely on this warranty.
Where are Nexen tires made?
Nexen makes tires in Korea, China, and the Czech Republic. It distributes them mainly from centers in Korea and the US. In the Americas, Nexen Tire America manages distribution, with support from a center in Ohio.
The company recently opened a modern facility in Zatec, Czech Republic. Yet, its main production hub is in Changnyeong, Korea. This facility is among the world’s most advanced for tire manufacturing.
Who makes Nexen tires?
Nexen Tire Co. makes Nexen tires, ensuring full control over the process. This control allows the brand to maintain quality through tough tests.
Most Nexen tires come from their China plant. There are also factories in Korea and the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Nexen is expanding its US distribution. It is also setting up a new production site in North America.
Top 3 Nexen Tires Review:
Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8
The Roadian AT Pro RA8 is a top choice as an original tire for RAM trucks. It shines in all terrains and easily handles heavy loads.
This tire is rated 4.8/5 by users, a favorite among all-terrain options. It’s designed for 2WD and 4WD pickups, trucks, and SUVs.
Dry Road Performance:
On dry roads, the Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8 offers solid grip. I’ve driven 50,000 miles on my 2016 Ram 1500 and am pleased. It has good traction and braking. The wide dual block design also protects well on uneven and gravelly surfaces.
However, at high speeds, the vehicle shakes and becomes noisy. The tire looks tough and is strong, but it’s not ideal for high speeds. On sandy roads, its traction and braking are below average.
Wet Road Performance:
Micro-grooves in the tire enhance wet road traction. The dual block design prevents water and debris buildup, keeping itself clean. Traction on wet roads is good, but braking on slippery roads takes longer. It might struggle on very wet roads.
Snow Performance:
The Roadian AT Pro RA8 handles light snow well. Its micro-grooves provide good traction. However, in heavy snow, grip decreases. The tire is certified for light snow, but for heavy snow, a dedicated winter tire is recommended.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces | Suffers from traction and grip at high speeds |
| Comfortable driving experience | Can be noisy at high speeds |
| Not-so-high noise levels at moderate speeds |
Verdict:
Overall, the Roadian AT Pro RA8 performs well. It keeps noise low, except at high highway speeds.
However, it loses some control at high speeds. Yet, it uses 2-ply polyester to boost off-road comfort. So, are you interested?
Nexen Roadian HP
Next, we review the Nexen Roadian HP tire. It’s for sports trucks/SUVs, coupes, and crossovers.
Dry Road Performance:
This all-season tire offers top-notch handling and grip. It uses a high-performance silica tread and a V-shaped pattern for more traction. Even at high speeds, it excels in grip and braking, without any delays.
Wet Road Performance:
The tire’s anti-hydroplaning tech quickly dries after heavy rain, improving braking and saving on fuel. Large shoulder blocks boost stability and water traction. Wide grooves reduce aquaplaning and enhance drainage. However, it might understeer slightly at high speeds on very wet roads.
Snow Performance:
The Roadian HP fares well on wet and dry roads but struggles in deep snow. It offers good grip and braking in light snow. Yet, in heavy snow, it lacks traction and braking. For safety in heavy snow, we suggest switching to dedicated winter tires.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent traction on wet and dry roads | Can be expensive for budget-conscious drivers ($238) |
| Satisfactory braking performance | Winter traction may be lacking in deep snow |
| Comfortable ride | |
| Outstanding tread life |
Verdict:
SUV and crossover owners love this tire for its top performance in all weather.
Its steering is quick, braking is decent, and it’s comfy. Special polyester rubber makes it quiet.
Nexen’s warranty offers a free replacement for damage within the first year.
In deep snow, this tire might struggle. But adding studs can help. Overall, its features make it a great choice.
Nexen N7000 Plus
Looking for a tire that combines sporty handling and quick response? Check out the N7000 Plus. It offers longer tread life than the Nexen N7000.
This new tire boasts a UTQG rating of 560 AA. It comes in V, W, and Y speed ratings, making it perfect for sporty coupes and luxury sedans.
Dry Road Performance:
The N7000 Plus shines on dry roads. Its special compound and pattern deliver great traction and grip. This keeps the car stable in sharp, fast turns. It’s ideal for high-speed driving.
Wet Road Performance:
While good in the rain at normal speeds, it’s not as good as top tires. It brakes well, but hard driving on wet roads can reduce grip and stability.
Snow Performance:
It’s okay in light snow. But in deep snow and freezing rain, its performance drops. For heavy snow, other tires are safer.
Overall, the N7000 Plus is a good choice for drivers who want sporty handling and longevity on dry roads. It also offers decent performance in the wet and light snow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional dry performance | Mediocre performance on wet roads |
| Excellent cornering capabilities | Mediocre performance on snowy roads |
| Silica-enhanced tread compound | |
| Increased stability | |
| Comfortable ride with low noise levels | |
| Long tread life (up to 50,000 miles) |
Verdict:
The N7000 Plus left me impressed, mainly for its top-notch performance. It slightly struggled in wet conditions, which is typical for high-speed tires. However, it runs quietly. I also value its 50,000-mile warranty for durability. Now, let’s look at our test results on Nexen Tires.
Why Should You Choose Nexen Tire?
Nexen tires are a smart choice for everyday driving. They blend affordability with reliability. Our research highlights their key features:
Better Control and Stability: Nexen ensures precise handling and stability. They use reinforced polyester for less road noise. Also, top tires have asymmetrical treads for excellent grip.
Strong Warranty: The “Total Coverage Warranty” offers good mileage warranties (45,000 to 80,000 miles). Plus, you get a free trial, 2-year road hazard coverage, and 36-month roadside assistance.
Innovations: Nexen leads in tread and compound technologies. They introduced the V-shaped tread for better rain traction. Also, their nano-tech boosts tread life. Moreover, Nexen promotes sustainable practices with the Green Hive concept for tire renewal.
In short, Nexen tires are a top choice for drivers who want reliability and performance at a fair price.
Is Nexen A Good Tire Brand?
Nexen is a top tire brand known for its technology and designs. It excels in dry conditions with great traction and braking.
However, Nexen tires struggle in wet and snowy weather, showing room for improvement.
Still, Nexen is a good choice. It offers quality and affordability above competitors. Many major car manufacturers, like Hyundai, Chrysler, and Kia, trust it for their cars.
In short, Nexen offers innovative design and good performance. It’s a top pick for those seeking reliable, affordable tires.
FAQs
Nexen tires typically last between 45,000 to 85,000 miles, as indicated by their warranty packages. For the longest tread life, consider their all-season grand touring tires.
Nexen sells tires from 14″ to 22″. Regular touring tires come in sizes up to 20″. Meanwhile, Roadian AT tires offer sizes up to 22″.
Tire brands such as Hankook, Toyo Tire, Cooper, and Yokohama are comparable to Nexen tires in terms of performance and offerings.
Nexen tires aren’t the best in the market. Yet, they offer a good mix of quality and affordability. This makes them a top choice for those wanting reliable performance without a high price.
Conclusion
The Nexen tire review shows their top quality, comfort, and great traction. After reading the guide, the choice is clear.
Many brands sell similar products. However, what sets them apart is their mission and quality. Nexen excels in both.
No matter your needs, Nexen tires are a must. They offer top performance and reliability.