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Last updated 2/11/2025 - Originally published 2/11/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Firestone and Nexen are two popular tire manufacturers known for their range of premium and performance-oriented tires. Firestone Tires is a part of the Bridgestone family and offers a range of high-performance and affordable tires in different categories for a range of fitments. On the other hand, Nexen Tires was founded in 1942 and is a South Korean tire manufacturer. It utilizes state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to deliver excellent tires. Both brands offer a range of tires in different categories such as all-season, all-terrain, ultra-high-performance, winter, summer, all-weather, and many more.
All-season tires are known for their versatility and longevity. These tires are designed to offer consistent traction, responsive handling, and longer tread life in dry, wet, and light winter weather conditions, making them a popular choice among daily drivers.
Today, we will look at two all-season tires from the discussed brands — Firestone Transforce CV2 and Nexen Roadian CT8 HL. We will discuss a few similarities and differences between these two great all-season tires designed for cargo vans in this Transforce CV2 vs Roadian CT8 HL tires comparison.
Firestone Transforce CV2 tires
The Firestone Transforce CV2 is an all-season highway terrain tire designed for use on cargo vans and offers great overall performance. Designed to be used on paved roads, the Transforce CV2 offers enhanced fuel efficiency with optimized construction to reduce operation costs. Additionally, the tire delivers reliable wet and winter traction, ensuring solid performance year-round.
Available in LT and Euro-C sizes, the Firestone Transforce CV2 received an average SimpleScore of 8.6 out of 10.
Get Firestone Transforce CV2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires
The Nexen Roadian CT8 HL is an all-season highway terrain tire designed for use on cargo vans and offers strong performance with longer tread life. Backed by Nexen's Total Coverage Warranty, which includes 36 Months of Roadside Assistance and a 45-day or 500-mile Free Trial, the Nexen Roadian CT8 HL delivers great performance on paved roads.
The Nexen Roadian CT8 HL is engineered for dependable performance and receives an average SimpleScore rating of 7.9 out of 10.
Get Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Firestone Transforce CV2 vs Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires on traction
Traction is crucial across all tire categories, determining how well a tire performs on both wet and dry surfaces. It plays a key role in maintaining vehicle control, particularly at high speeds or in slick conditions like water, slush, mud, snow, and ice. A tire's traction is shaped by its advanced rubber compound, tread design, and internal structure.
In traction, the Firestone Transforce CV2 received a solid 8.9 thanks to the full-depth 3D Sipes Technology that provides extra biting edges and improves grip in wet and snow. The circumferential grooves further improve wet grip by reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
The Nexen Roadian CT8 HL received a solid 8.0 in traction thanks to the traverse groove in the center blocks which helps boost traction in wet, dry, and light winter conditions.
The Transforce CV2 takes the lead in traction with a considerably better SimpleScore, featuring new technology.
ADVANTAGE: Firestone Transforce CV2
Firestone Transforce CV2 vs Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires on handling
When buying a tire, it's vital to consider its handling, as this directly affects your control over the vehicle, especially at higher speeds. Quality handling ensures smooth maneuvering, effortless turning, and easy lane changes, greatly improving your driving experience. The tread design, rubber composition, and advanced technological features of the tire are key factors that influence its handling performance.
The Firestone Transforce CV2 scored 8.1 in handling with a rugged construction optimized for toughness and steering response. The tire is also optimized to be used on paved roads and offers reduced rolling resistance with improved fuel economy.
In handling, the Nexen Roadian CT8 HL takes the lead with a great score of 8.4. As the tire features a symmetrical tread pattern with square-shaped dimples within the tread, it delivers solid cornering and handling performance.
The Roadian CT8 HL takes the win here making the score 1-1 with better handling scores.
ADVANTAGE: Nexen Roadian CT8 HL
Firestone Transforce CV2 vs Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires on longevity
When choosing tires, longevity is a key consideration for many drivers, as it dictates how long you can drive before requiring a replacement. As the tread wears over time, selecting tires with extended durability is essential for maintaining consistent handling and traction. Longevity is influenced by factors like tread pattern, rubber compound formulation, and the overall tire design.
In longevity, the Firestone Transforce CV2 shines with an 8.8 score, thanks to the wear-resistant rubber compound that is resistant to accidental damage. Additionally, the sidewall curb protectors further boost the durability of the tire, resulting in a longer tread life.
The Nexen Roadian CT8 HL delivers good longevity (scores a 7.5 rating) and features square-shaped dimples which help reduce stress on the tire for a longer tread life.
The Transforce CV2 comes out on the top with a much better SimpleScore in longevity.
ADVANTAGE: Firestone Transforce CV2
When to use each
Both Firestone Transforce CV2 and Nexen Roadian CT8 HL are high-quality all-season highway terrain tires designed for year-round use in dry, wet, or light winter weather conditions. These tires are built to deliver solid traction on wet and dry road surfaces and are most suited on paved roads. Additionally, as these tires are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, they should not be used in moderate to severe winter weather conditions, where winter or all-weather tires are more suited.
Which one should you choose?
So, which all-season tire might be the right fit for you? Well, the answer solely depends on your personal preference as both tires have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, the Firestone tire scores better in traction and longevity, and is a tire from one of the leading tire manufacturers in the world. This tire is sure to compliment your vehicle and ensure excellent all-round performance. The Nexen Roadian CT8 HL, on the other hand, scores better in handling and is optimized for a quiet, comfortable ride. Another important factor to consider before purchasing a tire is its price, where the Nexen tire justifies its performance.
The Firestone Transforce CV2 costs $149.99 per tire or $599.96 for a set. Conversely, the Nexen Roadian CT8 HL costs around $143.00 per tire or $572.00 for a set of the tire size 195/75R16C.
(Note - Prices may vary depending on the tire size.)
Based on SimpleScore, you should purchase the Firestone Transforce CV2 if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Nissan Frontier, Jeep Liberty, and Honda Passport.
- Want a tire with better traction (8.9 vs 8.0) and longevity (8.8 vs 7.5).
- Are willing to pay more for better performance.
On the other hand, you should choose the Nexen Roadian CT8 HL if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Chevrolet Express 2500 or Ford E-350 Club Wagon.
- Want a set of tires with better handling (8.4 vs 8.1).
- Want a more affordable set of tires that also offers great performance.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.