When it comes to tire brands, Cooper vs Nexen is an intriguing comparison that piques my curiosity.
In this post, I’ll delve into the depths of these two reputable brands, exploring their histories, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and more.
By analyzing their pros and cons, we’ll finally determine which brand takes the crown as the superior choice.
Let’s dive in!
Cooper vs Nexen – Comparison Table
| Cooper | Nexen | |
| Country of Origin | United States of America | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1914 | 1942 |
| Made In | Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas but could also be made in China | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) |
About the Brands
1. Cooper
Cooper Tire is an American brand that was founded in 1914 and is currently owned by the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company bought Cooper in 2021 for about $2.8 billion worth in cash and shares.
With its headquarters in the United States, Cooper has a rich history in the tire industry.
Over the years, it has become renowned for its quality and innovative tire designs.
From its humble beginnings, Cooper Tire has steadily grown, establishing itself as a leading player in the industry.
The brand has consistently focused on manufacturing tires that deliver exceptional performance, durability, and safety.
Cooper has also expanded its product range to cater to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorsports.
Through its commitment to excellence, Cooper Tire has built a strong reputation among drivers worldwide.
The brand’s dedication to research and development has allowed it to introduce cutting-edge technologies, enhancing traction, handling, and fuel efficiency.
Cooper’s tire offerings are widely recognized for their reliability, making them a popular choice among consumers.
With a century-long legacy, Cooper Tire continues to thrive, providing drivers with high-quality tires that deliver a smooth and comfortable ride while ensuring safety on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
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 Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 vs the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Based on my research, I have personally rated the dry performance of the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 tire as 4.3 out of 5.
It has been praised for its excellent grip, handling, and dry braking, while providing a comfortable ride with minimal noise.
Similarly, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 tire received an overall performance rating of 4.2 out of 5, indicating good dry performance, precise handling, and high grip levels.
However, some reviews mentioned understeering handling behavior and average mileage as drawbacks.
Considering these factors, I declare the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring vs the Nexen N’Priz AH8.
In my evaluation, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring received a wet performance rating of 4.8 out of 5, showcasing remarkable wet weather capabilities, excellent wet traction, and shorter stopping distances.
Its asymmetric tread pattern further enhances its wet performance.
On the other hand, the Nexen N’Priz AH8 earned a 4.3 out of 5 rating, demonstrating good grip, stability, and reliable performance on wet surfaces.
It is an all-season tire designed to handle various weather conditions, including wet conditions.
Based on these ratings, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring emerges as the winner with a slightly higher wet performance score.
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 – Cooper Discoverer True North vs Nexen Winguard Ice Plus.
In my opinion, as the one giving the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, the Cooper Discoverer True North tire receives a rating of 4.7, suggesting excellent snow performance.
Its studless design, premium features, and positive customer reviews all contribute to its high score.
On the other hand, the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tire receives a rating of 4.4, indicating reliable snow performance with its special tread design and effective drainage system.
While both tires perform well in the snow, the Cooper Discoverer True North tire edges slightly ahead, making it the better choice for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Cooper | Nexen | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Cooper tires are known for their durability and are typically guaranteed to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, both Cooper and Nexen tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, which indicates their potential longevity.
However, when considering the average lifespan, Cooper tires typically last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, while Nexen tires tend to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, Nexen tires have a slight advantage in terms of durability, as they have a higher average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Cooper 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:
| Cooper | Nexen | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $73 to $585 /ea | $78 to $384 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Evolution Winter Studded goes from $73 – $225 /ea | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Discoverer STT Pro goes from $220 – $585 /ea | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Cooper
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent performance and handling characteristics | ❌ Cooper tires may not be as widely available as other tire brands |
| ✔ Designed to be durable and long-lasting | |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options to suit different vehicles and driving needs |
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 Cooper:
- Discoverer STT Pro
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Evolution Tour
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 carefully considering the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, I declare Cooper as the better pick overall.
The Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 offers excellent grip and handling in dry conditions, while the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring excels in wet weather.
In terms of snow performance, the Cooper Discoverer True North stands out.
Although both brands offer similar mileage warranties, Cooper tires tend to last slightly longer.
With their wide range of options and strong performance, Cooper emerges as the winner.