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Last updated 11/18/2024 - Originally published 11/18/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Nexen Tires, the first tire producer in South Korea, was established more than eight decades ago. With cutting-edge manufacturing tools, Nexen is leading the way in the production of quality tires today. On the other hand, Nokian Tyres, founded in 1898 and headquartered in Nokia, Finland, has been a pioneer in cutting-edge winter tire technology. It is the only tire firm in the world with its own dedicated winter tire testing center.
Currently, Nexen provides tires such as the N'Fera and N'Priz families for passenger cars, the Winguard series for winter driving, and the Roadian series for light trucks and SUVs. An all-weather highway tire, the Nexen Roadian HTX2, is designed for use on light trucks and SUVs and offers drivers all-weather driving performance plus a 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Nokian manufactures passenger, SUV, light truck, and van tires under the Hakkapeliitta, Nordman, One, Outpost, and Remedy brands, focusing on environmental sustainability. Designed for use on coupes and sedans, the Nokian WR G4 is a great all-weather tire that offers excellent handling along with 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Performance-wise, the Nexen Roadian HTX2 and the Nokian WR G4 are comparable. But how do these tires differ from one another? Here is a comparison of the handling, traction, and longevity of the Nexen Roadian HTX2 and the Nokian WR G4 using SimpleScore (SimpleTire's proprietary tire rating system).
Nexen Roadian HTX2 tires
The new Nexen Roadian HTX2 was developed to provide solid all-weather driving performance while providing high mileage for SUVs and light trucks. Compromise is no longer an option when purchasing tires thanks to the Roadian HTX2's unique design, engineering, and construction. Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, the Roadian HTX2 features wide grooves and an open shoulder design that forces water out of the tread to reduce the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads, boosting wet traction. Backed by a 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for P-metric sizes, and a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for LT sizes, the Roadian HTX2 offers improved fuel efficiency and a quiet drive.
On average, the Nexen Roadian HTX2 sports great SimpleScore (8.7) thanks to its excellent longevity, crisp handling, and dependable traction.
Nokian WR G4 tires
The fourth-generation all-weather tire from Nokian Tires builds on the unwavering performance of its predecessors with innovations that guarantee performance in any weather condition, including snowstorms, intense rain, and sun-scorched asphalt. With its exceptional performance, all-season handling, and reliable winter traction, the adaptable Nokian WR G4 is a true all-weather tire. It maintains a predictable grip all year round, both on wet and snowy conditions, and steers as precisely on dry or wet highways, and rural or urban roadways. Additionally, the unique all-weather dual-performance compound provides outstanding wear resistance and fuel savings. Backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, the WR G4 offers drivers strong performance.
As a result, the Nokian WRG4 gets an overall SimpleScore of 8.8 thanks to its outstanding handling, exceptional traction, and impressive longevity.
Nexen Roadian HTX2 vs Nokian WR G4 tires on traction
Traction is important for tires because the capacity of a vehicle to efficiently accelerate, brake, and corner are linked to traction—the grip between the tire and the road surface. Let's see how the Nexen Roadian HTX2 and the Nokian WR G4 compare in terms of traction.
The Nexen Roadian HTX2 sports a great traction score of 8.4 thanks to the large, angled tread blocks and dense siping which increase grip by biting into the road. In addition, its four wide grooves and open shoulders boost wet traction.
On the flip side, the Nokian WR G4 obtains an exceptional traction score of 9.6 thanks to the inner shoulder's fan-like rib structure, along with tread blocks and blade grooves, effectively fend off rain, snow, and slush away from the contact surface, improving wet traction. The sipes provide excellent longitudinal and acceleration grip on snow, while the large longitudinal grooves provide lateral grip.
In terms of traction, the Nokian WR G4 outperforms the Nexen Roadian HTX2.
ADVANTAGE: Nokian WR G4.
Nexen Roadian HTX2 vs Nokian WR G4 tires on handling
Tire handling is important since it determines how a vehicle responds to steering, braking, and acceleration. It plays a vital role in both a car's performance and enjoyment of driving. Let’s take a look at the Roadian HTX2 and WR G4’s handling scores.
The Roadian HTX2 is built for great handling performance in dry, wet, and winter weather thanks to its symmetrical tread pattern. As a result, the Roadian HTX2 obtains a reliable handling score of 8.3.
On the other hand, the Nokian WR G4 boasts an exceptional handling score of 9.4 thanks to its jagged 3D sipes on the center rib which create additional biting edges and allow for stable handling.
When it comes to handling, the Nokian WR G4 outperforms the Nexen Roadian HTX2 (9.4 vs 8.3).
ADVANTAGE: Nokian WR G4.
Nexen Roadian HTX2 vs Nokian WR G4 tires on longevity
Longevity is an important factor in determining tire quality because worn tires can be dangerous and hinder your vehicle's performance. So, how do the Nexen Roadian HTX2 and Nokian WR G4 stack up in terms of longevity?
The Nexen Roadian HTX2 has an excellent longevity score of 9.3 because of its all-weather tread compound and comes with up to a 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Conversely, the Nokian WR G4 gets a longevity score of 8.2 thanks to its All Weather Dual Performance compound and carries a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Here, the scores are reversed, and Nexen Roadian HTX2 gets a superior score than the Nokian WR G4 when it comes to longevity.
ADVANTAGE: Nexen Roadian HTX2
When to use each
All-weather tires are designed to provide adequate traction on dry roads, light snow, and a variety of weather conditions. Combining the advantages of all-season and winter tires, the Nexen Roadian HTX2 and the Nokian WR G4 offer year-round coverage. However, in harsh winter weather conditions, you should use dedicated winter tires.
Which one should you choose?
The Nexen Roadian HTX2 scores an impressive SimpleScore of 8.7, while the Nokian WR G4 tops it with an 8.8, putting them in close comparison. However, each tire is superior in a different way. So, what is your choice? Which all-weather tire will you go for? Let’s see the prices to help you make a better decision.
As far as prices are concerned, the Nexen Roadian HTX2 is offered at a starting price of at least $137 per tire, while the Nokian WR G4 is available at a starting price of at least $109 per tire. This means a set of four Nexen Roadian HTX2 will cost you at least $548, while a set of four Nokian WR G4 will cost you at least $436 (a difference of 112).
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Nexen Roadian HTX2 if you:
- Drive a large, three-row SUV like the Buick Enclave, a mid-size SUV like Honda Pilot, or a rugged-looking SUV Nissan Pathfinder
- Prefer better longevity (9.3 vs 8.2)
- Want a better mileage warranty (70,000 vs 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty)
- Are ready to pay extra for a long-lasting all-weather tire from the brand Nexen
Conversely, you should choose the Nokian WR G4 if you:
- Drive a 5-seater, 4-door luxury sedan Audi A6, a compact sedan like the Kia Forte, and a 5-seater subcompact hatchback like the Volvo S40
- Prefer better handling (9.4 vs 8.3)
- Want better traction (9.6 vs 8.4)
- Want a less-priced all-weather tire that can offer excellent performance
Nexen and Nokian make some of the great all-weather tires in the industry. Both the Nexen Roadian HTX2 and the Nokian WR G4 are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Certified all-weather tires. While the Nexen Roadian HTX2 offers excellent longevity the Nokian WR G4 provides exceptional handling and traction. However, select a tire based on traction, handling, price, and your driving requirements and budget.
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.