When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why in this post, I’ll be comparing two popular tire brands: Bridgestone and Nexen.
We’ll dive deep into their histories, examine their performances on dry, wet, and snowy roads, explore their mileage warranties and average lifespans, analyze their prices, and weigh their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand ultimately reigns supreme.
So, let’s dig in and find out who wins the Bridgestone vs Nexen battle!
Bridgestone vs Nexen – Comparison Table
| Bridgestone | Nexen | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1931 | 1942 |
| Made In | United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentine, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, China, Australia, or Japan | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic |
| Parent | Ishibashi family (Japan) | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) |
About the Brands
1. Bridgestone
Bridgestone, a renowned tire brand, originated in Japan in 1931 and is currently owned by the Ishibashi family.
The company was founded by Shojiro Ishibashi, who aimed to produce high-quality tires for automobiles and other vehicles.
Over the years, Bridgestone has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, offering a wide range of innovative and durable products.
Bridgestone’s success can be attributed to its commitment to research and development, allowing the brand to continually introduce new technologies and advancements.
The company’s focus on quality and performance has made it a trusted choice for drivers worldwide.
Bridgestone tires are known for their superior grip, durability, and excellent handling in various road conditions.
With a strong presence in both the consumer and commercial markets, Bridgestone has expanded its operations globally.
The brand has manufacturing facilities in numerous countries, enabling it to meet the growing demand for its products.
Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its eco-friendly initiatives, including the development of fuel-efficient tires and recycling programs.
Through its long and successful history, Bridgestone has cemented its position as one of the most respected and reliable tire brands, offering drivers safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Buses
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Performance vehicles
- Sports cars
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles
- Commercial trucks
- Agricultural vehicles
- Construction equipment
- Mining equipment
- Motorcycles
- Aircraft
2. Nexen
Nexen Tire is a renowned tire brand founded in 1942 in South Korea.
It has a rich history spanning several decades.
Initially, the company operated as Heung-A Tire, manufacturing bicycle tires and tubes.
Over time, it expanded its product range to include passenger car tires, light truck tires, and more.
In 2000, the company changed its name to Nexen Tire Corporation.
Throughout its history, Nexen Tire has focused on innovation and technological advancements.
It has established itself as a global player in the tire industry, with a reputation for producing high-quality and performance-driven tires.
The brand has invested in research and development, resulting in cutting-edge tire designs and technologies.
Nexen Tire Corporation, the parent company, continues to prioritize customer satisfaction, safety, and environmental consciousness.
It operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and has a strong global presence, supplying tires to various markets worldwide.
With a commitment to excellence and a legacy of over seven decades, Nexen Tire remains a trusted choice for drivers seeking reliable and high-performing tires.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- High-performance cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Light trucks
- All-terrain vehicles
- Commercial vans
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R vs the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, I would give the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R a score of 4.8 out of 5.
Its outstanding dry traction, grip, cornering, and braking capabilities make it an excellent choice.
The tire’s aggressive nature and track performance further support its strong dry performance.
On the other hand, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 receives a rating of 4.2, indicating good dry performance, precise handling, and good grip levels.
However, some reviews mention understeering behavior and average mileage.
Therefore, the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R is the winner for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs the Nexen N’Priz AH8.
Based on my research and personal assessment as the one giving the wet performance rating, I rate the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ tire with a 4.6, indicating excellent wet performance.
It has wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches to evacuate water effectively, reducing hydroplaning risks.
On the other hand, the Nexen N’Priz AH8 tire receives a rating of 4.3, showcasing good grip, stability, and reliable performance in wet conditions.
With both tires offering commendable wet performance, I declare it as a tie.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 vs Nexen Winguard Ice Plus.
As the one giving the snow performance rating, I would rate the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 tire at 4.7 and the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tire at 4.4.
The Blizzak WS80 offers excellent snow performance with a focus on ice braking distance and traction, thanks to its Multicell compound.
It is better suited for traction and performance-focused drivers.
On the other hand, the Winguard Ice Plus provides reliable snow performance with its dual V-shaped tread design and effective water and slush evacuation.
Therefore, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 emerges as the winner in terms of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Bridgestone | Nexen | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Bridgestone tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 45,000 to 80,000 miles. | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, both Bridgestone and Nexen tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, which means they are expected to last a similar amount of time.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, Bridgestone tires tend to have a wider range from 45,000 to 80,000 miles.
On the other hand, Nexen tires have a slightly shorter average lifespan, typically lasting between 45,000 and 60,000 miles.
Overall, both brands provide reliable mileage warranties, but Bridgestone tires may offer a slightly longer average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Bridgestone vs Nexen.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Bridgestone | Nexen | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $113 to $674 /ea | $78 to $384 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Blizzak WS90 goes from $113 – $269 /ea | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Potenza Race goes from $436 – $674 /ea | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Bridgestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide array of choices | ❌ Confusing product lines |
| ✔ Specialized performance tires | |
| ✔ Some of the best warranty options in the tire industry |
Nexen
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good value for their price | ❌ Not as reputed as other premium tire brands |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and CUVs | |
| ✔ OEM supplier to big automakers such as Chrysler, Volkswagen, and Hyundai |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Bridgestone:
- Potenza RE-71R
- Turanza QuietTrack
- DriveGuard
Some of Nexen’s best tires are shown below:
- N’Fera RU5
- N’Priz AH8
- Roadian AT Pro RA8
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the various factors, it is clear that Bridgestone emerges as the better pick overall.
The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R demonstrates exceptional dry performance, outperforming the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
In terms of wet performance, both brands offer commendable options, making it a tie.
However, Bridgestone’s Blizzak WS80 takes the lead in snow performance.
Additionally, Bridgestone’s wider range of choices, specialized performance tires, and reliable warranty options make it a favorable choice.
Although Nexen offers good value for the price, Bridgestone proves to be the better option overall.
