Nexen vs Sumitomo – two tire brands battling it out for supremacy on the roads.
In this post, I’ll take you on a thrilling journey through their histories, delve into their performances on dry, wet, and snowy terrains, explore their mileage warranties, average lifespans, and prices.
By the end, we’ll uncover the true champion, revealing which brand reigns supreme.
So buckle up, because this comparison is about to get intense!
Nexen vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| Nexen | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1942 | 1909 |
| Made In | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (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. Sumitomo
Sumitomo, a renowned tire brand, has a rich history that began in 1909 in Japan.
Founded by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the company has become a global leader in the tire industry.
With over a century of expertise, Sumitomo has established a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable tires for various vehicles.
Over the years, Sumitomo has continuously evolved its tire manufacturing techniques, incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative designs.
This commitment to innovation has allowed Sumitomo to offer a wide range of tire options suitable for diverse road conditions and vehicle types.
As a Japanese brand, Sumitomo has embraced the country’s ethos of precision engineering and meticulous attention to detail.
This commitment to excellence has earned the brand a loyal customer base worldwide.
Today, Sumitomo tires are known for their durability, performance, and excellent traction, providing drivers with a safe and comfortable driving experience.
With its longstanding history and affiliation with Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the Sumitomo brand remains a trusted choice for drivers seeking superior tires that combine Japanese craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- High-performance and racing vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Agricultural applications
- Commercial 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 Sumitomo HTR Z5.
As the one providing the dry performance ratings, I would rate the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 tire at 4.2 and the Sumitomo HTR Z5 at 4.4 out of 5.
Both tires exhibit strong dry performance, with the Nexen offering good grip, precise handling, and short braking distances.
The Sumitomo impresses with excellent dry handling, stability, and control.
While the Nexen receives some criticism for understeering and average mileage, the Sumitomo’s limitations prevent it from achieving a perfect score.
Therefore, I declare the Sumitomo HTR Z5 as the winner in terms of dry performance, albeit by a small margin.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Nexen N’Priz AH8 vs the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
Based on my research, as someone who gives wet performance ratings on a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate the Nexen N’Priz AH8 tire’s wet performance as 4.3, indicating good grip and stability on wet road surfaces.
The tire’s all-season design and siping pattern contribute to its wet performance.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire receives a slightly higher rating of 4.4, suggesting good wet traction due to its silica-enhanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern.
Although wet braking details are limited, it should still provide satisfactory performance.
Ultimately, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tire edges out slightly, making it the better choice 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 – Nexen Winguard Ice Plus vs Sumitomo Ice Edge.
In my evaluation, I rate the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tire’s snow performance as 4.4 out of 5.
Its dual V-shaped tread design enhances grip and braking, while specialized grooves aid in snow, slush, and water drainage.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire scores slightly higher at 4.5 out of 5.
It boasts advanced technology, excellent traction, and a studdable option.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance, but the Sumitomo Ice Edge takes a slight lead.
Thus, the Sumitomo Ice Edge is the better tire for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Nexen | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. | Overall, Sumitomo tires are known to have a relatively high lifespan, with most models lasting between 55,000 to 70,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Nexen and Sumitomo tires differ in their mileage warranty and average lifespan.
Nexen offers up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty, while Sumitomo provides up to 90,000 miles.
On average, Nexen tires last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires are known to last between 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
Therefore, Sumitomo tires generally have a longer lifespan compared to Nexen tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Nexen vs Sumitomo.
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 | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $78 to $384 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /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 |
Sumitomo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Generally considered to have good performance, including grip, handling, and braking | ❌ None |
| ✔ Sumitomo tires are known for their affordable prices | |
| ✔ Widely available |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Nexen:
- N’Fera RU5
- N’Priz AH8
- Roadian AT Pro RA8
Some of Sumitomo’s best tires are shown below:
- HTR A/S P02
- HTR Enhance L/X
- HTR Z5
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the key takeaways, it is evident that both Nexen and Sumitomo offer competitive tire options.
However, based on dry performance, the Sumitomo HTR Z5 takes a slight lead.
In terms of wet performance, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 performs slightly better.
For snow performance, the Sumitomo Ice Edge is the winner.
Additionally, Sumitomo tires generally have a longer lifespan.
Therefore, overall, I declare Sumitomo as the better pick between the two brands.