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Last updated 3/17/2025 - Originally published 3/17/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Founded in 1963, Mickey Thompson focuses on making off-road and performance-specific tires. It is among the most popular tire brands for 4x4s, SUVs, muscle cars, and light trucks. Motorsports is in the DNA of the tire manufacturer and it participates in and sponsors events like NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, NHRA, and NMRA National Series. It offers mud-terrain, all-terrain, track competition, UHP summer, all-season, and racing tires.
On the other hand, Nexen is a South Korean tire manufacturer that was incorporated in 1942 and makes quality tires for use on passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, CUVs, and EVs. Its portfolio includes all-season, winter, all-weather, all-terrain, UHP, highway, UHP all-season, mud-terrain, UHP summer, touring, and various other tire types.
In the mud-terrain tire category, both Mickey Thompson and Nexen have made admirable contributions. Their Baja Legend MTZ and Roadian MTX are the two respective tires we will be comparing here. To mention, both tires are built and designed for extreme off-road performance in challenging terrains. Being mud-terrain tires, the Baja Legend MTZ and Roadian MTX are engineered to perform in terrains like mud, dirt, gravel, sand, and rocks. They both sport aggressive tread design to withstand the most difficult terrains.
They both are suitable for use on SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps, however, choosing one of them could be a tough task. So, here in this Baja Legend MTZ vs Roadian MTX tires comparison, we will talk about their features and technologies, and check performance levels in the areas like traction, durability, and longevity based on our advanced tire rating system SimpleScore.
Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ tires
Starting with the overview of the Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ, the tire scores an overall SimpleScore rating of 8.3 and many good reasons contribute to this great score. Suitable for use on pickup trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, the Baja Legend MTZ offers strong off-road performance year-round. The tire transitions well from off-road to on-road and has quicker steering response, better stability and handling, puncture resistance, long-lasting tread life, and reduced noise levels. Additionally, the looks of the tire are aggressive to match with the bold styling of the vehicles used in rugged conditions.
Get Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Nexen Roadian MTX tires
The Nexen Roadian MTX is another strong contender with an impressive 8.2 SimpleScore rating overall. The tire, like its peer, fits most SUVs, Jeeps, and light trucks on the market and features an aggressive tread pattern for solid off-road performance and attractive appearance. It too transitions from off-road to on-road and sports the dual sidewall pattern to drive attention. It is strong and durable and is capable of heavy hauling. Nexen has also engineered the tire to control the noise levels on the highways and even the traction performance is great.
Get Nexen Roadian MTX tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ vs Nexen Roadian MTX tires on traction
Let’s first discuss the traction performance of these tires and find out which of the two is better when it comes to maintaining grip in conditions like mud, dirt, gravel, and loose surfaces. In the traction area, we observed that there was tough competition in both tires, and one of them excelled by a small margin.
Commencing with the Baja Legend MTZ, the mud-terrain tire earns an 8.2 SimpleScore in traction, assuring consistent surefootedness in rough conditions and extreme terrains. It features variable length and depth four-pitch sidebiters that offer enhanced off-road traction and grip. The T4 Silica-reinforced compound provides increased grip and traction in wet conditions, while the aggressive tread pattern with unique tread block arrangement ensures solid on- and off-road performance.
On the other hand, the Roadian MTX is rated at an 8.1 SimpleScore in traction and can give tough competition to its peers. The unique sidewall design sports elements that improve the tire’s gripping and traction ability in challenging off-road conditions like dirt and mud, while the sharper tread blocks increase the biting ability both on the roads and in the mud. The wider gaps between the blocks keep the footprint clean for consistent contact with the surface while off-roading.
In traction, it is the Baja Legend MTZ that marginally scores better than the Roadian MTX and wins the battle. However, it doesn’t mean the Roadian tires aren’t good, they perform reasonably well in off-road conditions.
ADVANTAGE: Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ
Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ vs Nexen Roadian MTX tires on durability
Durability is equally important as traction, especially in the case of mud-terrain tires as it depicts how well a tire can withstand off-road pressures and impacts and resist cuts, chips, and punctures, alongside boosting the hauling and towing abilities in extreme conditions.
In durability, the Baja Legend MTZ scores an 8.2 rating on a scale of 10. So, it can be considered that the tire is adequately strong to absorb and withstand those off-roading pressures. Thanks to PowerPly 3-ply construction, the Baja Legend MTZ provides optimum puncture resistance and better handling. For increased cut and chip resistance, it utilizes a T4 Silica-Reinforced compound. Even the inner construction of the tire is strong and likewise is the rubber compound making the tire strong and durable.
Contrarily, the Roadian MTX secures an equal 8.2 SimpleScore in durability, giving tough competition to the Mickey Thompson MT tires. The tire’s construction is engineered for maximum load and towing capabilities and the use of strong 3-ply sidewalls confirms its reinforced structure. There are dual sidewalls that add to the durability factor and the F-load range is something that makes the tire a reliable choice for those who want to haul things in the most extreme conditions.
Here, both Baja Legend MTZ share the same spot, concluding with a tie!
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ vs Nexen Roadian MTX tires on longevity
Now, let’s talk about the long-lasting ability of both tires. Just a highlight, there was another twist in the tale as both tires competed well, however, one of them marginally won. Here are the details:
Commencing with the Baja Legend MTZ, the tire scores an 8.6 SimpleScore rating assuring of a longer wear. It is the T4 silica-reinforced compound that provides the much-needed strength to the tire to control the wear rate. The wide and flat footprint of the tire allows a larger area to come in contact with the surface and promote even and lasting wear. Similarly, the tread blocks are also strong enough to resist unwanted impacts and pressures for a longer tread life.
On the contrary, the Roadian MTX is rated an 8.5 SimpleScore in longevity and assures of longer wear. The aggressive tread pattern is engineered for long-lasting wear and the rubber compound is also tuned to resist tread wear in off-road conditions. Similarly, the dual sidewalls of the tire also act as a shield and promote long-lasting service. Overall, on the toughest of terrains, this Nexen mud-terrain tire restricts unwanted wearing.
Despite tough competition in the longevity area, it is the Baja Legend MTZ that surpasses the score of the Roadian MTX and leads!
ADVANTAGE: Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ
When to use each
Both, the Baja Legend MTZ and Roadian MTX are mud-terrain tires and should be considered for driving in extreme off-road conditions like mud, gravel, dirt, sand, and rocks. They can be used year-round in dry, wet, and light snow conditions in off-road environments, however, they both are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and don’t qualify for use in severe winter conditions on icy surfaces when the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not go off-road very often, you may also consider a set of rugged-terrain or all-terrain tires.
Coming to the sizes, the Baja Legend MTX comes in 15- to 20-inch rims, while the Roadian MTX is available in 15- to 22-inch rim options.
Which one should you choose?
Looking at the overall SimpleScore, the Baja Legend MTZ is a better choice with an 8.3 rating, compared to the Roadian MTZ’s 8.2 rating. However, it is to be noted that they both have their own strengths and therefore, you must make the purchase decision based on your driving style and needs.
As far as the prices are concerned, the Baja Legend MTZ comes at a starting price of at least $238 per tire, while the Roadian MTX is available at an initial price of at least $227 per tire. This means, a set of four Baja Legend MTZ tires can be bought at a starting price of at least $952, while a set of four Roadian MTZ tires are available at a starting price of at least $908.
Based on SimpleScore, you should consider the Baja Legend MTZ if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Jeep Wrangler or the Ford F-150.
- Want a tire that’s better in traction (8.2 vs 8.1).
- Want a tire that’s better in longevity (8.6 vs 8.5).
- Want a tire that’s offered in the rim size range of 15- to 20-inch.
- Are comfortable paying more to buy overall better off-roading tires.
On the contrary, you must choose the Roadian MTX if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Toyota Tacoma or RAM 3500.
- Want a tire that’s equally good in durability.
- Want a tire that’s available in the rim size range of 15- to 22-inch.
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.