As a car enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the ongoing debate of Falken vs Nitto tires.
Today, we dive into the depths of this comparison, exploring their rich histories, examining their performance on dry, wet, and snowy terrains, delving into their mileage warranties, average lifespans, and of course, scrutinizing their prices.
By the end, we will uncover which brand reigns supreme.
Let’s embark on this thrilling journey together.
Falken vs Nitto – Comparison Table
| Falken | Nitto | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1949 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
2. Nitto
Nitto is a renowned tire brand with its roots in Japan.
Founded in 1949, it is now a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire Corporation since the acquisition in 1979.
Nitto has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality tires that deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition globally for its innovative tire technologies and cutting-edge designs.
Nitto offers a diverse range of tires, catering to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
With a commitment to excellence, Nitto consistently emphasizes research and development to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Today, Nitto tires are sought after by drivers who seek superior traction, handling, and durability.
With its Japanese heritage and affiliation with Toyo Tire Corporation, Nitto continues to be a trusted and respected name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Crossovers
- High-performance cars
- Off-road vehicles
- Side by side vehicles
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 Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Nitto NT555 G2.
Based on my extensive research and personal experience, I would rate the Falken Azenis FK510’s dry performance as a 4.6 out of 5.
This tire excels in areas such as braking distances, handling speed, grip, and traction.
Its consistent performance at high speeds and exceptional dry dynamics make it a top contender.
In comparison, the Nitto NT555 G2 offers a commendable dry performance rating of 4.5 out of 5.
It showcases excellent cornering grip, responsive steering, and dependable handling.
With tapered tread blocks enhancing traction and stability, it proves to be a reliable choice for dry and hot conditions.
While both tires exhibit impressive dry performance, the Falken Azenis FK510 edges slightly ahead with its outstanding sporty handling.
Therefore, I would declare it the winner in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Nitto Motivo.
In my assessment of wet performance, I rate the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S at 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has garnered positive feedback for its excellent wet traction, all-season capabilities, resistance to hydroplaning, and adept handling in wet conditions.
Comparatively, the Nitto Motivo tire achieves a wet performance rating of 4.3 out of 5.
While it offers commendable wet traction and handling, the Nitto Motivo may not be as competitive as newer options.
Therefore, I declare the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S the superior choice for 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 – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Nitto SN2 Winter.
In my assessment, as the one giving the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, the Falken Espia EPZ II tire holds a higher snow performance score of 4.7.
Its incorporation of advanced technology in tread design, compound, and construction provides strong traction in various winter conditions.
Positive reviews and an asymmetrical tread pattern designed for enhanced handling in snowy conditions further support its capabilities.
While the Nitto SN2 Winter tire also offers reliable snow performance with a rating of 4.4, the Falken Espia EPZ II emerges as the better choice based on its superior snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Nitto | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Falken and Nitto tires offer similar mileage warranties.
Falken tires provide up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty, while Nitto tires offer up to 75,000 miles warranty.
However, when considering the average lifespan, Falken tires can last between 20,000 to 80,000 miles, while Nitto tires typically range from 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, Falken tires seem to have a wider range of potential mileage, while Nitto tires offer a more consistent lifespan within a narrower range.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken vs Nitto.
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:
| Falken | Nitto | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $97 to $1,447 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
Nitto
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of good quality, offering durability and reliability | |
| ✔ Solid performance tires |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Some of Nitto’s best tires are shown below:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After careful consideration of the facts provided, I declare Falken as the better pick overall.
With its outstanding dry performance, excellent wet capabilities, and superior snow performance, Falken tires showcase impressive all-around abilities.
Additionally, Falken offers a wider range of potential mileage, making them a more versatile option.
While Nitto has its strengths, including a wide range of tire options, Falken’s overall performance, stability, and affordability make it the winner in this comparison.