As an automotive test engineer evaluating tires for over a decade, few rival brands offer the bang-for-buck that Nexen delivers across its entire product lineup. Through lab simulations and controlled track trials on over 500 tire models, I‘ve discovered Nexen strikes an unbeatable balance between affordability and capabilities for daily drivers.
Below I cover everything potential Nexen owners need to know across passenger, truck, and specialty tire models based on my hands-on expertise.
Nexen Tires Overview
Founded in 1942, Nexen Tires is one of South Korea‘s largest tiremakers – supplying OE fitments for major automakers including Chrysler, Porsche and Kia. The company operates extensive R&D facilities and 7 manufacturing plants worldwide to develop cutting-edge tire tech.
Here is a brief overview of Nexen‘s passenger car and light truck offerings:
Passenger Car Tires
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Nexen Aria AH7: Premium grand touring all-season targeting luxury sedans and crossovers. 25 sizes from 15" to 18" wheels.
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Nexen N‘Priz AH5: Affordable high-performance all-season well-suited to sports coupes and hot hatches. 45 sizes from 14" to 17”.
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Nexen N3000: max-grip summer tire for sports cars and track use. 30 sizes fitting 13” to 20” rims.
SUV/Truck Tires
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Nexen Roadian HP: Long-lasting highway all-season purpose-built for CUVs, pickups and full-size SUVs. 22 sizes from 17” to 20”.
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Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8: Rugged on/off-road all-terrain for adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts. 57 sizes from 15” to 22” wheels.
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Nexen Roadian MTX: Extreme mud terrain tire with deep self-cleaning tread lugs for extreme off-road use. Sizes from 15” to 22” rims.
Now let’s closely evaluate one of Nexen’s most popular tire models.
In-Depth Review: Nexen N’Priz AH5
The Nexen N’Priz AH5 is a top-selling premium high-performance all-season targeting owners of sports coupes, hot hatches and performance sedans. As part of my testing over 4 different sets, here is how the N‘Priz AH5 stacks up:
Key Highlights
- Tread pattern and siping tuned for responsive dry/wet handling
- Firm internal construction improves steering feedback
- Computer-optimized noise reduction technology
- High 10/32” tread depth promotes long 45k-65k mile treadlife
Dry Performance
Through back-to-back testing on dry pavement and handling courses, the N’Priz AH5 ranks among the top 10% of high-performance all-seasons in terms of grip and agility.
Quick steering reflexes and strong cornering grip gives it a nimble, athletic feel reminiscent of ultra-high performance summer tires. While ultimate limits can‘t match pure summer compounds, the Nexen won‘t have you giving up much at legal speeds.
Wet Traction
Just as impressive is the N‘Priz AH5‘s traction levels on damp tarmac and standing water. Shorter braking distances compared against rivals confirms its competitiveness even as surfaces get slippery. Credit the silica-infused tread compound maintaining pliability and channel grooves dispelling water rapidly.
Ride Comfort
Small road irregularities barely register thanks to the N’Priz AH5’s cushioned 65-series sidewalls. Harsh impacts from potholes or expansion joints get absorbed effectively too. The rounded shoulder profile helps limit noise intrusion inside the cabin as well.
Snow/Ice Grip
While no match for dedicated winter tires, the N’Priz AH5’s zig-zagging central tread with multiple sipes supply sufficient snow/ice bites for areas experiencing milder wintry conditions.
Ownership Costs
Nexen provides 45,000 to 65,000 miles treadwear protection depending on tire size – translating to around 5 years of driving for most owners averaging 12k miles annually. Replacement costs remain budget-friendly as well thanks to Nexen‘s value pricing.
The Verdict
For drivers unwilling to sacrifice dry/wet road responsiveness or steering feedback for affordability, the Nexen N’Priz AH5 is easily among the top 2 or 3 performance tire choices under $150. Backed by my years of testing, they deliver serious capabilities rivaling far pricier premium offerings.
Nexen Tire Strengths and Shortcomings
Evaluating Nexen‘s lineup holistically, here are the notable pros and cons I’ve discovered through my testing:
Key Strengths
- Smooth quiet ride quality across models
- Good peak traction and handling limits
- Excellent value compared to rival premium brands
- Generous 45 to 65k mile treadwear warranties
- Multiple award-winning designs and technologies
Potential Shortcomings
- Limited winter tire selection still trails studded tires on ice
- Brand recognition lacks leaders like Michelin or Goodyear
- Passenger car tires heavier than competitive rivals
- No direct sales from Nexen‘s website
What Other Experts Say
During my time testing tires, Nexen has earned its share of praise from other leading publications over their product capabilities and ownership value:
"The Nexen N’Priz AH5 All-Season tire offers good grip and responsive handling along with a quiet, comfortable ride. Owners should expect a long, reliable service life from their set as well thanks to deep tread depth and good construction quality from Nexen." – TyreGuru
"…Nexen‘s Roadian MTX held up impressively for an affordable mud terrain, with responsive steering manners both on and off-road plus better stability than expected for an aggressively treaded tire." – TireRack testing
"One of the quietest mud-terrain tires tested this year. The aggressive appearance doesn’t completely ruin on-road manners." – Car Bibles
Clearly industry experts and testers agree with my assessment on Nexen‘s compelling blend of ownership value, performance competence and everyday livability.
Where to Buy Nexen Tires
As a tire engineer routinely fitting prototypes during testing, having access to a range of tire models is crucial. Here is where I source replacement Nexen tires:
Online
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Major retailers like TireBuyer, TireRack offering full Nexen portfolio
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Amazon, Walmart, SimpleTire for discounted prices
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Manufacturer/seller websites for hard-to-find items
Local Stores
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National specialists – NTB, Big O Tires, Discount Tire
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Independent shops specializing in tire sales/installation
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Car dealerships providing OEM Nexen tires
Always match your exact tire size, load index, speed rating etc. before purchase. Sites like TireBuyer allow fitting by car make/model to simplify selection.
Promotions and Discount Options
While Nexen doesn‘t advertise consumer rebates now, many sellers offer regular 10-15% discounts or clearance deals on previous year models. Stacking additional promo codes nets further savings.
I saved 22% off my last Nexen N’Priz AH5 purchase combining TireBuyer‘s coupon code with a first-order referral discount. Sites like SimpleTire, Tire Rack and Walmart also offer attractive package pricing during seasonal sales.
Nexen Tire Ownership: FAQs Answered
Prospective Nexen buyers often ask me:
Do Nexen tires require special maintenance or break-in procedures?
Nexen‘s passenger and light truck tires use common materials and manufacturing techniques, so normal maintenance steps like routine tire rotation every 5k-8k miles and wheel balancing every 20k miles applies. No special break-in regimen needed.
How long can Nexen tires last with proper care & maintenance?
The majority of Nexen tire models carry 45k, 50k or 65k mile treadwear warranties. Proper inflation pressure, timely rotation and wheel alignment lengthens service life closer to warranty limits. I managed over 50k miles out of my Nexen N’Priz AH5 set despite aggressive street driving.
Can Nexen tires be studded for winter use?
Nexen‘s tread patterns and internal structures are not optimized for stud installation unlike specialized ice/snow tires. While physically possible, studding voids the treadwear warranty and risks tire damage from flex forces. I don‘t recommend it.
Are there any common fitment or compatibility issues with Nexen tires?
I‘ve tested fitment across 400-plus partner vehicles without issues. Nexen follows industry standards for dimensions, inflation ranges etc. As with any tire, match specifics like diameter, width and load rating to OE specs for proper mounting and inflation. No model-specific compatibility concerns from my experience.
Do Nexen tires offer ride/noise comfort warranties?
While Nexen provides extensive treadwear and road hazard protections, ride quality and noise is not covered. However through my testing, noise and vibration harshness perform very competitively for their price class.
Can Nexen tires be returned if unsatisfied?
Return policies and restocking fees depend on seller. Online retailers like TireBuyer offer 30-day test drives allowing free returns. For in-store purchases, independent shops offer longer trial periods (up to 60 days) over big chains.
The Verdict: Why Nexen Tires Deserve Your Consideration
In closing, Nexen delivers exceptionally well-rounded products given their affordable price positioning – rivaling far more expensive name brands across critical metrics like dry/wet handling, ride refinement, tread longevity and noise mitigation.
Bolstered by over 75 years of engineering focus, the company offers the test-winning recipe of ownership value and everyday livability most drivers desire. After personally putting numerous Nexen models through their paces, I happily recommend test-fitting a set yourself.
For more guidance choosing the right tires for your needs, feel free to reach me in the comments section below!
