When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options can be overwhelming.
In this post, I will be delving into the world of Dunlop vs Nexen, two renowned tire brands, to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll explore their rich histories, examine their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, consider their mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll unveil which brand reigns supreme.
Let’s dive in!
Dunlop vs Nexen – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | Nexen | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1942 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) |
About the Brands
1. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
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 Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 vs the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, I would rate the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 tire at 4.4 out of 5.
It has an excellent reputation for dry performance, offering impressive grip, handling, and short braking distances.
Its optimal handling on both wet and dry roads, as well as increased steering precision, further contribute to its strength.
On the other hand, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 tire scores 4.2 out of 5.
While it offers good dry performance, precise handling, and good grip levels, some reviews mention understeering behavior and average mileage.
Considering these factors, I declare the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the Nexen N’Priz AH8.
Based on my research and the wet performance ratings I have given, I would rate the Dunlop Signature HP as 4.4 and the Nexen N’Priz AH8 as 4.3.
Both tires exhibit commendable wet performance, with good traction, stability, and reliability on wet road surfaces.
The Dunlop Signature HP benefits from its asymmetric tread pattern and enhanced all-season tread compound, while the Nexen N’Priz AH8’s all-season design and siping pattern contribute to its wet performance.
Considering the minimal difference in their ratings, I declare this comparison a tie, suggesting that both tires offer similar levels of wet performance.
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 – Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 vs Nexen Winguard Ice Plus.
Based on my snow performance rating scale from 1 to 5, I would rate the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 tire at 4.6 and the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tire at 4.4.
Both tires demonstrate reliable snow performance, with the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 showcasing an effective rubber compound and asymmetric tread design.
Meanwhile, the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus features a dual V-shaped tread design and grooves for enhanced grip and water evacuation.
Overall, both tires offer impressive snow performance, making it a tie between the two.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | Nexen | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on the research I’ve gathered, the Nexen tires have a higher mileage warranty compared to the Dunlop tires.
The treadwear warranty for Nexen tires is up to 80,000 miles, while for Dunlop tires, it’s up to 60,000 miles.
Additionally, the average lifespan of Nexen tires ranges from 45,000 to 60,000 miles, whereas Dunlop tires typically last between 15,000 to 50,000 miles.
Therefore, if you’re looking for tires with a longer lifespan, Nexen tires might be a better choice.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop 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:
| Dunlop | Nexen | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $78 to $384 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
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 Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
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?
Based on the criteria mentioned, I would declare Dunlop as the better pick overall.
The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 offers excellent dry performance, with impressive grip and handling.
In terms of wet performance, both the Dunlop Signature HP and Nexen N’Priz AH8 are comparable.
However, Dunlop tires have some complaints about tread life, whereas Nexen tires have a higher mileage warranty and longer average lifespan.
Considering all factors, Dunlop emerges as the better choice.