Long-Term Review: Nexen Tires After 20,000 KM on UAE Roads

Nexen tires, priced AED 150–650, are making waves in the UAE’s USD 2.4 billion tyre market in 2025, offering budget-friendly performance for drivers tackling 50°C heat, Sheikh Zayed Road’s 140 km/h speeds, Al Qudra dunes, and rare 20 mm rain. Founded in 1942 as Heung-A Tire in South Korea, Nexen, renamed in 2000, is a mid-tier brand with a global presence in 130 countries, supplying OE for Hyundai, Kia, and Jeep. Its N’Fera, Roadian, and N Blue lines, ESMA-compliant with 1–2-year warranties, cater to vehicles like Toyota Corolla, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Land Cruiser. Featuring V-shaped treads, Green Hive technology, and 50,000–70,000 km warranties, Nexen tires promise durability and grip, showcased at Automechanika Dubai 2024. How do they fare after 20,000 km on UAE roads? This review examines N’Fera SU1, Roadian HTX RH5, and N Blue HD Plus, with insights from Dubai’s driving community.

Nexen Overview

Nexen, a mid-tier brand, offers 80–85% of Michelin’s performance at 40–50% lower cost, with 50,000–70,000 km durability, low noise (~68–70 dB), and ~6–7% fuel savings at AED 2.58/litre. Its V-oriented treads, silica compounds, and lightweight designs enhance grip and efficiency. N’Fera SU1 targets performance cars, Roadian HTX RH5 suits SUVs, and N Blue HD Plus prioritizes touring comfort. With iF Design Awards for N’Fera Primus and 30% sustainable materials, Nexen aligns with UAE’s eco-conscious trends, though some drivers report sidewall issues after extended use.

Tyre Models Reviewed

N’Fera SU1

• Price: AED 200–450 (e.g., 225/45R17 at AED 300).

• Specs: Summer performance, 40–55 aspect ratio, W/Y speed rating (168–186 mph), 16–20-inch rims, 400AA UTQG, 1-year warranty.

• Features: Asymmetric tread, 4 wide grooves, ~36 meters dry braking, 4.3/5 grip, ~68 dB noise. Rated 4.2/5 by 1,500+ drivers in 2024.

• Best For: Toyota Corolla for spirited city/highway drives.

Roadian HTX RH5

• Price: AED 350–650 (e.g., 235/60R18 at AED 450).

• Specs: All-season SUV, 55–70 aspect ratio, H/V speed rating (130–149 mph), 15–20-inch rims, 640AA UTQG, 2-year warranty.

• Features: Zig-zag tread, silica compound, ~38 meters braking, 4.2/5 stability, ~70 dB noise. Rated 4.3/5 for highway/all-terrain.

• Best For: Nissan Pathfinder for highway and light dunes.

N Blue HD Plus

• Price: AED 150–400 (e.g., 205/55R16 at AED 250).

• Specs: All-season touring, 50–65 aspect ratio, H/V speed rating (130–149 mph), 13–17-inch rims, 680AA UTQG, 2-year warranty.

• Features: 4 longitudinal grooves, Green Hive tech, ~37 meters wet braking, 4.2/5 comfort, ~69 dB noise. Rated 4.3/5 for sedans.

• Best For: Toyota Land Cruiser for quiet, long-distance drives.

Performance After 20,000 KM in UAE Conditions

Extreme Heat (Dubai, 50°C)

• N’Fera SU1 (4.2/5): Silica compounds maintain 6 mm tread after 20,000 km, per a Corolla driver: “No cracking in 50°C heat.” Lasts 40,000–50,000 km, though some report sidewall wear.

• Roadian HTX RH5 (4.3/5): 5.5 mm tread after 20,000 km, per a Pathfinder driver: “Holds up on hot asphalt.” Projects 50,000–60,000 km lifespan, rivaling Hankook.

• N Blue HD Plus (4.3/5): 6 mm tread after 20,000 km, per a Land Cruiser driver: “Even wear in summer.” Forecasts 60,000–70,000 km durability.

Highways (Sheikh Zayed Road, 140 km/h)

• N’Fera SU1 (4.3/5): ~36 meters dry braking, 4.3/5 grip at 140 km/h, per a Corolla driver: “Responsive after 20,000 km.” Wet grip (4.1/5) slightly softens in rain.

• Roadian HTX RH5 (4.2/5): ~38 meters braking, 4.2/5 stability, per a Pathfinder driver: “Smooth on highways.” Quiet (~70 dB) but moderate wet cornering.

• N Blue HD Plus (4.2/5): ~37 meters braking, 4.2/5 grip, per a Land Cruiser driver: “Comfortable at speed.” Balanced but not sporty.

Sand Dunes (Al Qudra, 15 PSI)

• Roadian HTX RH5 (4.1/5): Zig-zag tread delivers 4.1/5 traction on light dunes after 20,000 km, per a Pathfinder driver: “Grips soft sand decently.” Outperforms N’Fera but not dedicated off-road tyres.

• N’Fera SU1 (3.7/5): Poor dune traction, per a Corolla driver: “Struggles off-road.” Asphalt-focused design.

• N Blue HD Plus (3.8/5): Limited dune grip, per a Land Cruiser driver: “Better on paved roads.” Not suited for sand.

Rare Rain (20 mm)

• N’Fera SU1 (4.1/5): ~38 meters wet braking, 4.1/5 grip after 20,000 km, per a Corolla driver: “Stable in light rain.” Traction control may activate in sharp turns.

• Roadian HTX RH5 (4.2/5): ~39 meters braking, 4.2/5 grip, per a Pathfinder driver: “Reliable in wet.” Matches Dunlop PT5’s wet performance.

• N Blue HD Plus (4.2/5): ~37 meters braking, 4.2/5 grip, per a Land Cruiser driver: “No hydroplaning.” Strong value for wet roads.

Fuel Efficiency and Comfort

• N’Fera SU1 (4.1/5): ~6% fuel savings, ~68 dB noise, per a Corolla driver: “Light and efficient after 20,000 km.” Slightly firmer ride.

• Roadian HTX RH5 (4.2/5): ~7% savings, ~70 dB noise, per a Pathfinder driver: “Comfortable for long drives.” Minimal vibration.

• N Blue HD Plus (4.3/5): ~7% savings, ~69 dB noise, per a Land Cruiser driver: “Quiet and smooth.” Top comfort choice.

Pros and Cons

N’Fera SU1

• Pros: Affordable (AED 200–450), 4.3/5 dry grip, ~36 meters braking, 40,000–50,000 km durability.

• Cons: 4.1/5 wet grip, poor dune traction, occasional sidewall wear.

Roadian HTX RH5

• Pros: 4.2/5 stability, ~38 meters braking, 50,000–60,000 km lifespan, light dune capability.

• Cons: Moderate wet cornering, higher cost (AED 350–650).

N Blue HD Plus

• Pros: Budget-friendly (AED 150–400), 4.3/5 comfort, ~37 meters braking, 60,000–70,000 km durability.

• Cons: Limited dune grip, not for spirited driving.

Comparison to Competitors

Versus Bridgestone Turanza T005 (AED 250–550), N Blue HD Plus matches comfort (4.3/5) and wet braking (~37 meters) at a lower price but trails in dune traction, per a Corolla driver. Against Dunlop Grandtrek PT5 (AED 250–750), Roadian HTX RH5 offers similar SUV stability (4.2/5) and better fuel efficiency (~7% vs. ~6%), per a Pathfinder driver, with comparable durability. Compared to Roadstone N’Fera SU1 (AED 150–650), Nexen’s N’Fera SU1 has identical grip (4.3/5) and pricing, as Roadstone is Nexen’s sister brand, per a 3 Series driver. Nexen shines for budget-conscious UAE drivers, though premium Michelin outperforms in wet grip.

Buying Tips

• Match Your Vehicle: Choose N’Fera SU1 for Corolla’s performance, Roadian HTX RH5 for Pathfinder’s SUV needs, N Blue HD Plus for Land Cruiser’s comfort.

• Check Sizes: Ensure 16–20 inches for Corolla, 15–20 inches for SUVs, 13–17 inches for sedans, per vehicle manual.

• Verify ESMA: Confirm 1.6 mm tread depth, RFID tagging.

• Seek 2024 DOT: Tyres (e.g., 2324) resist 50°C heat.

• Hunt Promotions: Look for “buy 3, get 1 included” during 2025 Ramadan sales at tyre retailers.

• Run-In Period: Drive 500–1,000 km gently to optimize grip.

• Maintain: Rotate every 8,000–10,000 km; use 32–35 PSI for highways, 15–20 PSI for dunes; replace at 1.6 mm tread; store below 25°C.

Conclusion

Nexen tires in 2025, priced AED 150–650, prove reliable after 20,000 km on UAE roads: N’Fera SU1 (4.3/5 grip) for Toyota Corolla’s spirited drives, Roadian HTX RH5 (4.2/5 stability) for Nissan Pathfinder’s versatility, and N Blue HD Plus (4.3/5 comfort) for Toyota Land Cruiser’s long hauls. With ~36–39 meters braking, ~6–7% fuel savings, and 50,000–70,000 km durability, Nexen excels in 50°C heat and on Sheikh Zayed Road, though wet handling and dune traction lag premium brands. Despite occasional sidewall concerns, their value and ESMA compliance make them a smart choice. Visit tyre retailers to test Nexen tires for your UAE vehicle.