When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why I decided to delve into the Nexen vs Nitto debate, comparing these two popular tire brands from every angle.
In this post, we’ll explore their histories, performances on dry, wet, and snowy roads, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and the pros and cons of each.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme in the tire world.
Let’s dive in!
Nexen vs Nitto – Comparison Table
| Nexen | Nitto | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1942 | 1949 |
| Made In | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia |
| Parent | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. 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
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 Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 vs the Nitto NT555 G2.
In my assessment of the dry performance, I rate the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 tire at 4.2 out of 5.
It exhibits good grip, precise handling, and short braking distances on dry roads.
The optimized tread design and high-grip compound contribute to its overall score.
However, some reviews mention understeering behavior and average mileage, impacting its rating.
On the other hand, the Nitto NT555 G2 tire receives a 4.5 rating.
It excels in cornering grip, steering responsiveness, and acceleration in dry and hot conditions.
Considering their respective scores, the Nitto NT555 G2 emerges as the winner, offering slightly better dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Nexen N’Priz AH8 vs the Nitto Motivo.
Based on my research and personal wet performance rating, both the Nexen N’Priz AH8 and Nitto Motivo tires have a similar wet performance rating of 4.3 out of 5.
Both tires offer good wet traction, stability, and reliable performance on wet road surfaces.
The all-season design of both tires contributes to their ability to perform well in wet conditions.
While the Nitto Motivo tire includes an all-new silica rubber compound, making it a positive aspect, it is not significantly better than the Nexen N’Priz AH8.
Therefore, I declare a tie between the two tires 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 – Nexen Winguard Ice Plus vs Nitto SN2 Winter.
Based on my research and personal rating, both the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus and Nitto SN2 Winter tires exhibit a snow performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
This indicates that both tires offer reliable performance in snowy conditions.
The Winguard Ice Plus enhances grip and braking with its dual V-shaped tread design and effective water drainage.
On the other hand, the SN2 Winter boasts a silica-enhanced compound, symmetrical tread pattern, and lower freezing temperature technology.
Therefore, I declare a tie between the two tires in terms of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Nexen | Nitto | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Nexen tires come with a mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while the Nitto tires have a mileage warranty of up to 75,000 miles.
However, in terms of average lifespan, Nexen tires typically last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles, whereas Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
It seems that both brands offer similar durability, with Nexen tires having a slightly higher mileage warranty.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Nexen 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:
| Nexen | Nitto | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $78 to $384 /ea | $97 to $1,447 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
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 |
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 Nexen:
- N’Fera RU5
- N’Priz AH8
- Roadian AT Pro RA8
Some of Nitto’s best tires are shown below:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparison of dry performance, the Nitto NT555 G2 has a slightly better rating than the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
In terms of wet performance, both the Nexen N’Priz AH8 and Nitto Motivo receive the same rating.
Similarly, their snow performance is also tied, with the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus and Nitto SN2 Winter both receiving a rating of 4.4.
While Nexen offers a higher mileage warranty, both brands have similar average lifespans.
Considering all these factors, the Nitto brand emerges as the better pick overall.