When it comes to tires, finding the perfect balance between performance and reliability is crucial.
In this post, I’ll be delving into the world of Hankook vs Nitto, two renowned tire brands that have captivated drivers worldwide.
From their intriguing histories to their exceptional dry, wet, and snow performances, I’ll explore every aspect, including mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, pros, and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover which brand reigns supreme in the tire realm.
Hankook vs Nitto – Comparison Table
| Hankook | Nitto | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1941 | 1949 |
| Made In | Clarksville, TN or Akron, OH, in addition to South Korea, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Germany, and Japan | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia |
| Parent | Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (South Korea) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Hankook
Hankook Tire is a renowned tire brand that originated in South Korea in 1941.
It is a subsidiary of Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., the parent company responsible for its success.
Over the years, Hankook has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, catering to diverse vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses.
The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has propelled its growth, allowing it to become one of the largest tire manufacturers worldwide.
With cutting-edge research and development capabilities, Hankook consistently introduces advanced tire technologies, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and durability.
Today, Hankook tires are trusted by millions of drivers around the globe, offering a wide range of products that deliver excellent traction, handling, and comfort across various road conditions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks (including light trucks and medium-duty trucks)
- Buses
- Race cars
- Golf carts
- All-terrain vehicles
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 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 vs the Nitto NT555 G2.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, I would rate the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 with a 4.6 out of 5 and the Nitto NT555 G2 with a 4.5 out of 5.
Both tires exhibit impressive dry performance attributes, including excellent handling, cornering grip, and quick acceleration.
While the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2’s high-grip silica tread compound and aero-dynamic design contribute to its appeal, the Nitto NT555 G2’s tapered tread blocks enhance traction and stability.
Ultimately, the difference between their ratings is minimal, making it a tie between these two exceptional tires for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Hankook Kinergy GT vs the Nitto Motivo.
In my evaluation, as the one providing the wet performance ratings on a scale of 1 to 5, the Hankook Kinergy GT tire receives a rating of 4.4.
It demonstrates solid grip, traction, and effective stopping distance on wet surfaces.
On the other hand, the Nitto Motivo tire garners a rating of 4.3.
It offers good wet traction and handling, thanks to its all-season design and improved silica rubber compound.
While the Nitto Motivo falls slightly short compared to newer options, both tires perform similarly in wet conditions.
Hence, it is a tie in terms 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 – Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 vs Nitto SN2 Winter.
As the one providing the snow performance rating, I would rate both the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 and the Nitto SN2 Winter tires equally at 4.4 out of 5.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance, featuring silica-enhanced tread compounds for improved grip, optimized pattern designs for traction, and technologies to enhance performance in freezing temperatures.
Therefore, I declare this comparison a tie, as both tires are suitable options for driving in snowy and icy conditions.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Hankook | Nitto | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 100,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Hankook tires have an average tread life of around 40,000 to 60,000 miles. | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
After conducting my research, I found that the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Hankook and Nitto tires are quite similar.
Hankook offers a treadwear warranty of up to 100,000 miles, while Nitto provides a warranty of up to 75,000 miles.
However, the average lifespan for both brands falls within the range of 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, both Hankook and Nitto tires offer similar levels of durability and longevity.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Hankook 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:
| Hankook | Nitto | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $87 to $600 /ea | $97 to $1,447 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Kinergy ST H735 goes from $80 – $152 /ea | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Dynapro MT2 RT05 goes from $191 – $600 /ea | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Hankook
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Hankook tires are known for their affordable prices | ❌ Limited weather categorization |
| ✔ Good durability and longevity | |
| ✔ Generous mileage warranties of up to 100,000 miles |
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 Hankook:
- Ventus S1 Noble2
- Kinergy PT
- Dynapro AT2
Some of Nitto’s best tires are shown below:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparisons of dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, it’s evident that both Hankook and Nitto offer excellent tires.
The Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 and the Nitto NT555 G2 perform similarly in dry conditions, while the Hankook Kinergy GT and the Nitto Motivo are on par in wet conditions.
Both the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 and the Nitto SN2 Winter are reliable in the snow.
In terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, both brands are comparable.
Therefore, considering all factors, it’s a tie between Hankook and Nitto as the better pick overall.