When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for your vehicle, the options seem endless.
That’s why I decided to delve into the world of Kumho vs Nexen, two renowned tire brands that have been making waves in the industry.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through their histories, examine their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, explore their mileage warranties and lifespans, compare prices, and analyze their pros and cons.
By the end, you’ll have a clear winner in the battle of Kumho vs Nexen.
Let’s dive in!
Kumho vs Nexen – Comparison Table
| Kumho | Nexen | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1960 | 1942 |
| Made In | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic |
| Parent | Doublestar (China) | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) |
About the Brands
1. Kumho
Kumho Tire is a renowned tire brand founded in 1960 in South Korea. It is a subsidiary of the Chinese tire conglomerate Doublestar.
The company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the tire industry.
Over the years, Kumho has established itself as a global leader, providing high-quality tires for various vehicles.
Since its inception, Kumho has focused on research and development to create cutting-edge tire technologies.
They have continuously invested in improving performance, safety, and environmental sustainability.
The brand’s commitment to quality has earned them recognition and numerous awards.
Kumho’s tire range covers a wide spectrum of applications, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and racing vehicles.
They offer a diverse selection of tires known for their durability, traction, and excellent handling capabilities.
With a strong global presence, Kumho has built a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative tires that meet the needs of drivers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- High-performance cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Light trucks
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 Kumho Ecsta PS91 vs the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
In my evaluation, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 receives a dry performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It excels in grip, braking, handling, and high-speed durability, making it a track-inspired performer.
On the other hand, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 achieves a rating of 4.2, indicating good dry performance, handling, and grip.
While it has a high-grip tread compound and optimized design, some reviews mention understeering behavior and average mileage.
Considering these factors, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 emerges as the superior tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Kumho Solus TA71 vs the Nexen N’Priz AH8.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would consider the Nexen N’Priz AH8 tire to have slightly better wet performance with a rating of 4.3 out of 5.
This tire offers good grip, stability, and reliable performance on wet road surfaces.
Its all-season design and siping pattern contribute to its capability in wet conditions.
While the Kumho Solus TA71 tire also performs reasonably well with a rating of 4.1, the Nexen N’Priz AH8 edges slightly ahead.
Therefore, the Nexen N’Priz AH8 can be considered the better tire 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 – Kumho WinterCraft WP71 vs Nexen Winguard Ice Plus.
As someone who has personally rated the snow performance of both the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 and Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tires, I would give them both a score of 4.4 out of 5.
These ratings indicate that both tires offer reliable snow performance.
The Kumho WinterCraft WP71 features a uniform block design, directional tread pattern, and good handling, while the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus boasts a dual V-shaped tread design and effective water and slush evacuation.
Therefore, it is difficult to declare a clear winner; both tires provide similar levels of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Kumho | Nexen | |
| Treadwear Warranty | Replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Kumho tires are known for their long-lasting performance, with most of their tires lasting from 60,000 to 80,000 miles. | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, there is a notable difference between the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Kumho and Nexen tires.
Kumho offers a treadwear warranty that replaces tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining, while Nexen provides an impressive 80,000-mile tread life warranty.
On average, Kumho tires tend to last between 60,000 to 80,000 miles, showcasing their long-lasting performance.
In comparison, Nexen tires typically have a lifespan of around 45,000 to 60,000 miles.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Kumho 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:
| Kumho | Nexen | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $54 to $550 /ea | $78 to $384 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Kumho
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ They can last a long time aka their tread life is amazing | ❌ Limited market presence |
| ✔ Good value for money | |
| ✔ They offer good performance |
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 Kumho:
- Ecsta PS31
- Solus TA71
- Road Venture AT51
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 considering the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, it is evident that Kumho and Nexen offer competitive options.
However, in terms of overall performance, Kumho emerges as the better pick.
With excellent dry performance, good value for money, and long-lasting tread life, Kumho tires provide a compelling choice.
Although Nexen has its strengths, including good wet performance and a wide range of options, Kumho’s superior dry performance and longevity make it the winner in this comparison.
