Firestone vs Nexen: Which tire brand reigns supreme? In this post, I’ll be diving deep into the world of tires, comparing these two popular brands in terms of history, performance on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and more.
By the end, we’ll have a clear winner, helping you make an informed decision for your next tire purchase.
So, let’s get rolling!
Firestone vs Nexen – Comparison Table
| Firestone | Nexen | |
| Country of Origin | United States | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1900 | 1942 |
| Made In | United States, Vietnam, Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic |
| Parent | Bridgestone Corporation (Japan) | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) |
About the Brands
1. Firestone
Firestone is an iconic American tire brand that traces its roots back to 1900 when it was founded in the United States.
The company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality tires, becoming a leading player in the industry.
Throughout its history, Firestone has been committed to innovation and performance.
In 1988, Firestone became a subsidiary of the Bridgestone Corporation, a Japanese multinational company.
This acquisition allowed Firestone to benefit from Bridgestone’s global reach and technological advancements.
Over the years, Firestone has continued to thrive under Bridgestone’s ownership, leveraging its expertise and resources to maintain its position as a trusted tire brand.
Today, Firestone offers a wide range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
With a rich heritage and a legacy of excellence, Firestone remains a prominent name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- Buses
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 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 vs the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
As the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tire at 4.5 and the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 tire at 4.2.
The Firehawk Indy 500 receives highly positive ratings for its handling, cornering, grip, and stability, along with a comfortable and quiet ride.
The N Fera Sport SU2 also offers good dry performance, precise handling, and good grip levels.
However, the mention of understeering and average mileage in some reviews slightly affects its overall performance score.
Therefore, I would declare the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Firestone WeatherGrip vs the Nexen N’Priz AH8.
As the one giving the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate both the Firestone WeatherGrip and Nexen N’Priz AH8 tires equally, with a score of 4.3 out of 5.
Both tires exhibit impressive wet performance characteristics, such as shorter braking distances, resistance to hydroplaning, and reliable traction on wet roads.
The all-season designs of both tires further enhance their wet performance capabilities.
Therefore, it is difficult to declare a clear winner, as both the Firestone WeatherGrip and Nexen N’Priz AH8 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 – Firestone Winterforce 2 vs Nexen Winguard Ice Plus.
In my evaluation, I would rate the snow performance of the Firestone Winterforce 2 tire slightly higher at 4.5 out of 5, while the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tire receives a close rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance with features like improved grip, traction, and effective snow and slush evacuation.
However, based on the slightly higher rating, the Firestone Winterforce 2 tire edges out as the better choice for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Firestone | Nexen | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 55,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Firestone tires are expected to last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles on average. | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the treadwear warranty for Firestone tires is up to 55,000 miles, while Nexen tires offer a warranty of up to 80,000 miles.
On average, Firestone tires can last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles, while Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles.
This means that Nexen tires generally have a higher mileage warranty and similar average lifespan compared to Firestone tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Firestone 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:
| Firestone | Nexen | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $82 to $603 /ea | $78 to $384 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | FT140 goes from $82 – $170 /ea | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Destination M/T 2 goes from $229 – $603 /ea | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Firestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Firestone tires have good performance | ❌ Their shop is very expensive and they might try and sell you unnecessary services/things |
| ✔ Wide availability | |
| ✔ Good option for those who live in areas with harsh winter conditions |
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 Firestone:
- Destination LE3
- Firehawk Indy 500
- WeatherGrip
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 analyzing the dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as the mileage warranty and average lifespan, I have determined that Firestone is the better pick overall.
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tire excels in dry performance, while the Firestone Winterforce 2 offers slightly better snow performance.
Although both brands perform well in wet conditions, Firestone has a wider availability and is a good option for harsh winters.
While Nexen offers good value, Firestone’s overall performance and reputation make it the winner in this comparison.