General vs Nexen – two tire brands that have captured the attention of car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
In this post, I will delve into the depths of their history, examining their dry, wet, and snow performances.
We’ll also explore their mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and uncover their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, fasten your seatbelts and let’s dive into this tire showdown!
General vs Nexen – Comparison Table
| General | Nexen | |
| Country of Origin | United States | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1915 | 1942 |
| Made In | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic |
| Parent | Continental AG (Germany) | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) |
About the Brands
1. General
General Tire, founded in 1915 in the United States, has a rich history as a tire manufacturer.
Originally established as the “The General Tire & Rubber Company,” it quickly gained prominence in the automotive industry.
Over the years, the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality led to its expansion and solid reputation.
General Tire became recognized for producing high-performance tires for all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
In 1987, the German company Continental AG acquired General Tire, further enhancing its global reach and technological advancements.
Today, General Tire continues to offer a wide range of reliable and durable tires, combining cutting-edge technology with a legacy of excellence.
With Continental AG as its parent company, General Tire remains a trusted and respected brand, providing drivers with safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Crossover vehicles
- Light trucks
- Commercial vans
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Performance 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 General G-MAX RS vs the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
In my evaluation, the General G-MAX RS stands out as the better tire for dry performance, earning a solid rating of 4.8 out of 5.
This tire excels in all crucial aspects, boasting crisp handling, strong braking, and exceptional grip with Smart Grip Technology.
Its ultra-high-performance design offers precise control, enhanced traction, and an exhilarating driving experience.
Although the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 performs well with a rating of 4.2, it falls slightly behind due to reports of understeering and average mileage.
Therefore, the General G-MAX RS emerges as the superior choice for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the General AltiMAX RT43 vs the Nexen N’Priz AH8.
Based on my research, as the one providing the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the General AltiMAX RT43 tire’s wet performance at 4.4.
This tire receives positive reviews for its consistent and reliable traction on wet roads, earning it a reputation for versatility across different weather conditions.
Similarly, the Nexen N’Priz AH8 tire achieves a wet performance rating of 4.3, with good grip and stability on wet surfaces.
Considering these ratings, both tires offer commendable wet performance, resulting in 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 – General AltiMAX Arctic vs Nexen Winguard Ice Plus.
Based on my research and snow performance ratings, I would rate the General AltiMAX Arctic tire at 4.6 out of 5, while the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tire receives a rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance with innovative technologies and tread designs to enhance traction and grip on snow and ice.
However, the General AltiMAX Arctic tire seems to have a slight advantage in terms of its rubber chemistry, contour, and positive customer reviews.
Therefore, the General AltiMAX Arctic tire is the better choice for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| General | Nexen | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the General tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 65,000 miles, while Nexen tires offer a warranty of up to 80,000 miles.
In terms of average lifespan, General tires can last between 30,000 to 75,000 miles, while Nexen tires typically have an average lifespan of 45,000 to 60,000 miles.
So, it seems that Nexen tires have a slightly longer mileage warranty and a similar average lifespan compared to General tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – General 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:
| General | Nexen | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $71 to $595 /ea | $78 to $384 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
General
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent price performance ratio, providing good value for their price | ❌ General tires are generally considered to be in the mid-range segment |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | |
| ✔ Availability |
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 General:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
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 provided information, the General tire brand emerges as the better pick overall.
It offers superior dry performance with its General G-MAX RS tire, scoring higher than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Both brands offer comparable wet performance, resulting in a tie.
However, the General AltiMAX Arctic tire outperforms the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus in snow performance.
While Nexen has a slightly longer mileage warranty, General tires have a similar average lifespan.
Considering these factors, General stands out as the better choice.