Nexen is a South Korean tire brand that has grown in popularity due to its affordable prices and wide range of products. Nexen produces tires for passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs, light trucks, and electric vehicles (EVs), and is the OE (original equipment) manufacturer for Kia, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Porsche.
We’ve analyzed their most popular models, test results, and driver feedback to see how well they balance quality, safety, and value. Below, you’ll find the pros, cons, and best Nexen tires for 2025 to help you choose the right fit for your driving needs.
How Good Are Nexen Tires?
Real-world drivers value Nexen tires for their affordability, well-suited everyday performance, and reliable tread life. Nexen prices are generally 20-40% less expensive (depending on model/size) compared to premium brands' prices. For example, an SUV all-season Nexen tire varies between $128 - $282 per tire compared to $185 to over $400 per tire for a Michelin SUV all-season tire. Nexen tire life varies between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, depending on model, size, and type.
Nexen Tires vs. Premium Brands
| Feature | Nexen | Premium Brands (e.g., Michelin) | Notes |
| Price | ~ 20-40% lower on average (versus premium brands for comparable specs) | Higher price tag | General market observation; may vary depending on brands, sizes, types|0 |
| Tread Life | 40,000 to 80,000 miles (model dependent) | 60,000 to 80,000+ miles or more, with stronger “wear/performance retention” over time | May vary depending on tire model and intent |
| Performance (Dry / Wet Traction). Examples: | Nexen N’Blue HD Plus: Dry = 4.0 / Wet = 4.0 (on 5.0 scale) | Premium brands often rated 4.5–5.0 / 4.5–5.0 (on the same scale) | Based on manufacturers' ratings |
| Comfort/noise | N’Blue HD Plus: ~ 3.5 / 5 (manufacturer rating) | 4.0–5.0 range on same scale | Dependent on road surface, vehicle, tire size |
| Off-Road | Moderate to limited. Most Nexen models are highway / all-season focused; off-road models like Roadian AT Pro may deliver moderate performance | Premium brands often have specialized off-road lines with much stronger performance in mud, rock, snow | Only certain Nexen models aim at AT / off-road segments |
| Value for Money | High (given lower cost and decent specs) | Medium to High (depending on brand and performance) | backed by “warranty vs cost” and user feedback |
Nexen Tire Reviews: 4 Best Models To Consider
According to real-world drivers, four of the most outstanding Nexen products are the Nexen Aria AH7 (Passenger cars), Nexen Roadian GTX (SUVs and CUVs), Nexen N5000 Platinum (for All-season grip), and Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8 (Light trucks). These models demonstrate reliability in the conditions for which they were designed and offer excellent value for their price.
Nexen Aria AH7: Touring All-Season Tire
This product fits passenger vehicles like sedans, coupes, or commuters. Aria AH7 is highly ranked for comfort, ride smoothness, and year-round dependability. This tire performs decently in wet and dry conditions, providing fair traction. It is an optimal product for longevity as its generous tread life warranty reaches up to 80,000 miles.
Nexen Roadian GTX: Highway & City Driving
The product exhibits dependable stability in urban and highway conditions while maintaining comfort and a touring feel. SUV and CUV owners report excellent cornering grip with this tire, making it a reliable option for dependable everyday performance. Longevity is a plus with Roadian GTX, with a generous tread life warranty of up to 70,000 miles.
Nexen N5000 Platinum: All-Season Grip
The N5000 Platinum grand-touring tire stands out for its balanced year-round performance blended with comfort. The product performs steadily in wet conditions, providing fair traction and dependable grip. The N5000 Platinum is appreciated for its responsive steering and overall competitive performance on dry and wet conditions for its price.
Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8: Light Trucks & Pickups
This all-terrain product delivers on both highways and off-road. It's not as capable of serious off-roading as the Nitto Ridge Grappler, but it certainly handles any light off-road use, including gravel and light mud. Comfortable on smooth surfaces and durable against damage, the Roadian AT Pro RA8 is optimal for those who spend time on mixed roads and diverse weather conditions. This tire is certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which meets the industry's severe snow service standards.
Nexen Tires: FAQs
Should You Buy Nexen Tires?
Nexen tires can comfort you if your priorities are a reasonable budget, all-season reliability in common driving conditions, decent comfort, and fair longevity.
Who Makes Nexen Tires?
Nexen comes from South Korea, where it is one of the leading tire manufacturers on the domestic market. The company began its activity in 1942 under the name Heung-A Tire Company. It changed its name to Nexen 2000 and, in 2005, expanded its activity in the U.S.
Today, Nexen exports tires to 120 countries, positioning itself as a mid-range, practical, and reliable brand offering excellent value. While not a premium manufacturer like Michelin, Nexen competes with Hankook and Kumho, which also originate from Korea.
Where are Nexen Tires Manufactured?
Nexen headquarters are located in Yangsan, South Korea, where the manufacturer owns multiple factories. Additional plants operate in China (2) and the Czech Republic, from where the manufacturer supplies to the European market. Nexen does not have manufacturing plants in the U.S., but it has a development and research facility in Ohio, supporting innovation adapted to the North American market.
Is Nexen a Chinese Tire Maker?
No, Nexen is a South Korean tire maker. It does have manufacturing plants in China for Asian network distribution.
Does Nexen Have Run-Flat Tires?
Yes, the Nexen catalog includes some run-flat models to support the vehicle even after a puncture. Nexen N'Fera RU1 is one of those and is compatible with SUVs and performance vehicles. We recommend checking tire specifications when buying a Nexen product, as not all tire models are available with run-flat technology.
What Is The Average Life Span Of Nexen Tires?
The average life span varies between 40,000 and 60,000 miles, with some models available with an 80,000-mile tread life warranty. To ensure maximum service life, Nexen tires should be maintained accordingly, with timely rotation, alignment, and pressure adjustments.
Nexen Disadvantages
Nexen tires are not favorites for high-performance or track driving purposes, giving way to competition. While comfort and road noise are decent, they are not class-leading. Also, Nexen tire performance in extreme off-road conditions is acceptable but not superior. You might want to consider dedicated tires from top-tier specialist brands like Mickey Thompson or BFGoodrich for serious off-road tasks.
Need Help in Finding the Right Nexen Tire?
NeoTires offers a vast catalog of Nexen products for various road and weather conditions. Reach us, and we will help you find the best fit for your budget and vehicle. Your matching tires are just one click away!
Why Trust Us?
With over 5 years of expertise, NeoTires can help you match your driving needs with the most suitable tires. Our philosophy revolves around affordable prices without compromising quality and safety. We gathered a team of tire industry specialists who test, compare, and review various models to provide objective and unbiased content. Count on us whenever you need great tire deals or specialized assistance with any tire-related question. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
