Nexen vs Nokian, two prominent tire brands that have caught my attention.
In this post, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of their histories, performances on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll be able to determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, buckle up and join me on this captivating journey to find the ultimate tire champion.
Nexen vs Nokian – Comparison Table
| Nexen | Nokian | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Finland |
| Year Founded | 1942 | 1988 |
| Made In | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic | Finland and Russia |
| Parent | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) | Nokian Tyres plc (Finland) |
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. Nokian
Nokian Tyres, a renowned tire brand, was founded in Finland in 1988 and is currently a subsidiary of Nokian Tyres plc.
With a rich history spanning over three decades, Nokian has established itself as a leading global tire manufacturer.
The brand’s commitment to innovation and high-quality products has earned it a strong reputation in the industry.
Nokian is particularly known for its expertise in winter tires, thanks to its Finnish roots and the country’s demanding weather conditions.
The brand’s tires are designed to provide exceptional grip, safety, and durability in harsh winter conditions, making them popular worldwide.
Nokian’s continuous research and development efforts have resulted in numerous breakthroughs, including the introduction of unique technologies and eco-friendly materials in their tire manufacturing processes.
Today, Nokian Tyres continues to deliver cutting-edge tire solutions, catering to diverse customer needs across different regions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Heavy machinery
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 Nokian zLine.
In my assessment, I rate both the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 and Nokian zLine tires with a solid 4.2 for dry performance.
The Nexen tire demonstrates good grip, precise handling, and short braking distances on dry roads.
Although some reviews mention understeering and average mileage, it still delivers commendable overall performance.
Similarly, the Nokian zLine offers precise handling, good traction, and a sporty driving experience on dry surfaces.
As both tires showcase similar dry performance characteristics, I declare a tie between the two.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Nexen N’Priz AH8 vs the Nokian WR G4.
In my opinion, as someone who rates wet performance on a scale of 1 to 5, the Nokian WR G4 tire has a slightly better wet performance with a rating of 4.6 compared to the Nexen N’Priz AH8 tire with a rating of 4.3.
Both tires offer good wet grip, stability, and reliable performance on wet surfaces.
However, the Nokian WR G4 tire’s excellent wet grip, good wet cornering performance, and asymmetric tread design give it a slight edge.
Therefore, the Nokian WR G4 tire wins 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 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
In my opinion, as the one giving the snow performance rating, I would rate the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire slightly higher with a score of 4.8 out of 5, compared to the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tire’s score of 4.4 out of 5.
The Nokian tire’s Double Block Grip design and focus on eco-friendliness give it an edge in terms of grip, traction, and environmental consciousness.
However, both tires offer reliable snow performance, so it’s a close call.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Nexen | Nokian | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. | The lifespan of Nokian tires can vary but on average they can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles. |
After conducting research, I found that both Nexen and Nokian tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles.
However, in terms of average lifespan, Nexen tires tend to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles, while Nokian tires can range between 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
This suggests that Nokian tires have a slightly wider range of durability.
It’s important to note that individual driving habits and road conditions can affect tire lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Nexen vs Nokian.
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 | Nokian | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $78 to $384 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea | Nordman 7 goes from $73 – $177 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea | Hakkapeliitta 10SUV goes from $173 – $696 /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 |
Nokian
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Your go-to brand for winter tires and only tire manufacturer in the world with its own permanent winter tire testing facility | ❌ Limited market presence |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and heavy-duty equipment | |
| ✔ Innovative technology, such as the Hakkapeliitta R3’s “Aramid Sidewall Technology,” which uses the same material used in bulletproof vests |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Nexen:
- N’Fera RU5
- N’Priz AH8
- Roadian AT Pro RA8
Some of Nokian’s best tires are shown below:
- Hakkapeliitta R3
- WR G4
- Rotiiva AT Plus
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparison between Nexen and Nokian tires, I declare Nokian as the better pick overall.
While both brands have similar dry performance, Nokian excels in wet conditions with its superior wet grip and cornering.
Additionally, Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta R5 tire outperforms Nexen in snow, offering better grip and traction.
Nokian also has a wider range of durability with their tires lasting between 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
Although Nexen offers good value for the price, Nokian’s innovative technology and focus on winter tires make it the winner in this comparison.
