Nexen Tires: Global Innovation with Exceptional Value
Founded in 1942 as Heung-A Tire Company in South Korea, Nexen Tires has evolved into a global player known for delivering premium-level performance at midrange price points. After rebranding to Nexen in 2000 (derived from "next century"), the company has invested heavily in research and development, establishing advanced technical centers in South Korea, China, Germany, and the United States to develop tires that compete with industry leaders in performance while maintaining competitive pricing.
At Custom Wheels N Tires, we've found Nexen to be an excellent option for drivers seeking near-premium performance without premium pricing. Their impressive OE (Original Equipment) relationships with automakers like Porsche, Volkswagen, and Hyundai demonstrate their ability to meet stringent quality and performance standards, while their aftermarket lineup offers exceptional value across passenger, performance, SUV, and light truck applications.
Nexen's Premium Tire Collections
Nexen N'Fera Sport
The N'Fera Sport represents Nexen's flagship ultra-high performance tire designed for sports cars, performance sedans, and enthusiast drivers. These sophisticated tires feature an advanced asymmetric tread pattern engineered to deliver exceptional dry grip, precise handling, and responsive steering feedback. The specialized high-grip compound provides outstanding traction during spirited driving, while the optimized block arrangement offers enhanced cornering stability and steering precision. Four wide circumferential grooves efficiently evacuate water to maintain wet performance, while the computer-optimized pitch sequence minimizes road noise for everyday drivability. With Y and W speed ratings and sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches, the N'Fera Sport offers premium-level performance characteristics at a price point typically 20-30% below comparable tires from top-tier brands, making it an excellent choice for enthusiast drivers who want maximum performance without maximum expense.
Nexen N'Fera AU7
For drivers seeking a balance between performance capabilities and everyday usability, the N'Fera AU7 delivers high-performance all-season versatility at a competitive price point. These tires feature an optimized tread design that provides responsive handling and confident cornering while maintaining year-round traction, including light winter conditions. The all-season compound remains flexible across a wide temperature range, delivering reliable grip in various weather situations while offering better tread life than dedicated summer performance tires. With effective water evacuation channels and numerous siping for enhanced wet and winter traction, the N'Fera AU7 maintains confident control in diverse conditions without sacrificing the engaging handling characteristics that driving enthusiasts value. Available in popular sizes for performance sedans and coupes, these tires deliver an impressive combination of capability, versatility, and value that has made them increasingly popular with drivers who want enhanced performance without seasonal limitations.
Nexen Roadian ATX
For SUV and light truck owners seeking genuine all-terrain capability without premium pricing, the Roadian ATX delivers impressive performance both on and off-road. These rugged tires feature an aggressive, optimized tread pattern with staggered shoulder blocks for enhanced off-road traction while maintaining reasonable on-road comfort and noise levels. The durable compound and reinforced sidewall construction provide excellent resistance to cuts, chips, and impacts encountered in off-road environments. Earning the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, the Roadian ATX delivers reliable performance even in winter conditions, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers seeking value without sacrificing capability. Available in a wide range of popular light truck sizes with both P-metric and LT specifications, these tires have earned a strong reputation among outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate their balanced performance and competitive pricing compared to premium all-terrain options.
Nexen N'Priz S
Designed for everyday drivers seeking comfort, longevity, and value, the N'Priz S delivers reliable all-season touring performance for passenger cars, minivans, and crossovers. These versatile tires feature a symmetric tread pattern with optimized block arrangement for balanced handling and even wear characteristics. The specially formulated all-season compound maintains good flexibility across various temperatures, providing dependable traction in changing weather conditions while delivering the extended tread life that value-conscious consumers prioritize. Four wide circumferential grooves efficiently evacuate water to reduce hydroplaning risk, while the variable pitch sequencing minimizes road noise for a comfortable daily driving experience. With an impressive 70,000-mile treadwear warranty on many sizes and competitive pricing, the N'Priz S offers exceptional value for practical drivers seeking reliable performance without unnecessary expense.
Nexen Winguard Sport 2
For drivers in regions with severe winter conditions, the Winguard Sport 2 provides dedicated winter performance without the premium pricing of many European winter specialists. These specialized winter tires feature an advanced directional tread pattern with high-density siping that creates thousands of biting edges for superior grip on snow and ice. The specialized winter compound maintains flexibility even in extreme cold, while the optimized block arrangement delivers precise handling and shorter braking distances on winter roads. Available in sizes to fit a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to luxury performance sedans, the Winguard Sport 2 allows drivers to maintain confident control throughout the winter months at a price point that makes seasonal tire changes more accessible to budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on winter safety.
Nexen's Technological Advantages
What sets Nexen apart from many similarly priced competitors is their significant investment in tire technology and innovative features:
- EcoTread Technology: Advanced compounds and manufacturing processes that reduce rolling resistance without compromising grip, improving fuel efficiency while maintaining performance.
- 3D Sipe Technology: Sophisticated three-dimensional siping patterns that enhance wet and winter traction while maintaining tread block stability for improved handling and wear characteristics.
- TAQS (Tread Wear Optimization System): Computer-optimized tread designs that promote even pressure distribution across the contact patch, resulting in more uniform wear patterns and extended tire life.
- Noise Reduction System: Variable pitch sequencing and optimized tread block arrangements that minimize harmonic noise generation, delivering a quieter, more refined ride quality.
- Smart Manufacturing: Advanced production facilities with high levels of automation and precision quality control to ensure consistent performance across their product lines.
Why Choose Nexen Tires
As tire experts with extensive industry experience, we confidently recommend Nexen tires to our customers for several compelling reasons:
- OE Credibility: Nexen's selection as original equipment by demanding automakers like Porsche, Volkswagen, and Hyundai validates their quality and performance capabilities at a level many similarly priced competitors cannot match.
- Value-Oriented Premium Performance: Nexen consistently delivers near-premium performance characteristics at midrange price points, offering an excellent balance of capability and affordability.
- Comprehensive Warranty Protection: Most Nexen tires include impressive warranty coverage, including mileage warranties up to 70,000 miles and their industry-leading 36-month road hazard protection on many models.
- Technical Innovation: Substantial investment in R&D and global technical centers ensures Nexen products incorporate advanced features typically found in more expensive tires.
- Diverse Application Coverage: From high-performance sports cars to rugged off-road trucks, Nexen offers appropriate options for virtually every vehicle type and usage scenario, making them a versatile recommendation for diverse customer needs.
Key Takeaways About Nexen Tires
- Nexen Tires offers near-premium performance at midrange prices, typically 20-30% below top-tier brands while delivering impressive capabilities across diverse applications.
- As an OE supplier to prestigious automakers including Porsche, Nexen has demonstrated their ability to meet rigorous quality and performance standards that exceed their price positioning.
- Their comprehensive warranty protection, including the "Total Coverage Warranty" with 36-month road hazard protection on many models, adds significant value to their already competitive pricing.
- Substantial investment in global R&D facilities enables Nexen to incorporate advanced technologies typically found in more expensive tires across their product lineup.
- For drivers seeking an optimal balance of performance, quality, and value, Nexen represents one of the most compelling options in the current tire market's midrange segment.
Ready to experience premium-level performance without premium pricing? Nexen Tires are available now with professional mounting and balancing services to ensure optimal performance for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nexen Tires
Are Nexen tires good quality?
Nexen tires offer excellent quality that exceeds their price positioning, particularly evident in their selection as original equipment by demanding automakers like Porsche, Volkswagen, and Hyundai. Their substantial investment in advanced manufacturing facilities and global R&D centers has enabled them to develop tires that deliver performance characteristics approaching premium brands while maintaining more competitive pricing. Independent testing consistently shows Nexen products performing admirably in key performance categories including wet braking, handling precision, and noise levels. Their comprehensive warranty coverage, including impressive treadwear warranties and road hazard protection on many models, further demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in their product quality.
How long do Nexen tires typically last?
With proper maintenance and regular rotation, most Nexen passenger and touring tires deliver excellent longevity, with many models backed by 50,000-70,000 mile treadwear warranties depending on the specific tire. Their performance-oriented tires typically provide 40,000-50,000 miles of service, while their light truck and SUV options generally achieve 50,000-60,000 miles under normal conditions. These figures compare favorably with many premium brands, representing exceptional value considering the purchase price difference is often 20-30%. To maximize tire life, we recommend rotating Nexen tires every 5,000-7,000 miles and maintaining proper inflation pressures according to your vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
Where are Nexen tires manufactured?
Nexen operates state-of-the-art production facilities in South Korea, China, and Europe. Their flagship plant in Changnyeong, South Korea, features advanced automation and precision quality control systems that have earned it recognition as one of the most technologically sophisticated tire manufacturing facilities in the world. Additionally, their newer European plant in the Czech Republic supplies tires primarily to European markets, including OE tires for European automakers. Regardless of manufacturing location, all Nexen tires are produced to the same engineering specifications and quality standards established by their global technical centers. All Nexen tires sold in North America meet or exceed DOT (Department of Transportation) standards and other applicable safety certifications.
How do Nexen tires compare to other Korean brands?
Among Korean tire manufacturers, Nexen has established a distinctive position by combining competitive pricing with near-premium performance characteristics and impressive OE credentials. While Hankook and Kumho (other major Korean tire brands) also offer excellent products, Nexen's particular strengths include their comprehensive warranty coverage, consistent quality across price points, and exceptional value in performance categories. Their selection as original equipment for Porsche models particularly stands out as validation of their quality and performance capabilities. For many applications, Nexen offers an optimal balance of performance attributes that places them between value-focused brands and premium-priced options, making them an excellent choice for discerning drivers seeking maximum value without compromising on essential performance characteristics.
What warranty does Nexen offer?
Nexen provides one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in their price category, highlighted by their "Total Coverage Warranty" on many models. This includes a limited treadwear warranty ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 miles depending on the specific tire model, a standard materials and workmanship warranty, and their distinctive 36-month road hazard protection that covers damage from common road hazards like potholes and debris. Additionally, Nexen offers a 45-day satisfaction guarantee on many models, allowing customers to return tires within 45 days if not completely satisfied with their performance. This exceptional warranty coverage adds significant value to Nexen's already competitive pricing and demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in their product quality and durability.