Nexen SUV Tyres Review: Best Picks for Desert & City Use

 

Nexen Tyres, a South Korean brand since 1942, delivers affordable, high-performance SUV tyres for Dubai’s diverse roads in 2025. With the UAE tyre market valued at USD 308.1 million in 2024 and projected to hit USD 455.2 million by 2030, Nexen’s ESMA-compliant tyres, priced at AED 250–700, equip SUVs like Toyota RAV4, Jeep Wrangler, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Dubai’s 50°C heat, Sheikh Zayed Road’s traffic, and Al Qudra’s desert trails demand tyres excelling in dry grip, wet traction, off-road capability, and comfort. This review evaluates Nexen’s Roadian GTX, Roadian AT Pro RA8, and N’Fera RU5 for desert and city use, assessing performance, durability, and value to guide UAE SUV drivers.

Nexen Overview

Nexen, Korea’s first tyre manufacturer, has grown into a global player, exporting to 130 countries with innovations like V-shaped directional treads and Green Hive eco-technology. Its SUV tyres, backed by 40,000–70,000-mile warranties, feature advanced tread designs and heat-resistant compounds, ideal for Dubai’s extreme climate. Recognized in 2025 tests (e.g., Teknikens Värld, 5th place for N’Fera Sport SUV), Nexen balances quality and affordability, making it a compelling choice for UAE drivers navigating urban and desert conditions.

Top Nexen SUV Tyre Models

1. Nexen Roadian GTX

• Specs: Sizes 225/60R17–275/45R22, A/B label (fuel efficiency, wet grip), 70,000-mile warranty, all-season touring tyre.

• Features:

  • Zigzag Grooves: Enhance wet traction, reducing hydroplaning on city roads.

  • Longitudinal Sipes: Improve handling and braking in dry and wet conditions.

  • High-Mileage Compound: Boosts treadlife for long commutes, resisting 50°C heat.

  • 3PMSF Certification: Supports light snow, adaptable for rare cold snaps.

• Price: AED 350–600.

• Best For: SUVs like Ford Explorer needing city comfort and occasional desert trips.

2. Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8

• Specs: Sizes 235/80R17–275/60R20, B/C label, 40,000-mile warranty, all-terrain tyre.

• Features:

  • Three-Ply Sidewall: Enhances durability for desert gravel and sand.

  • Aggressive Tread: Provides superior traction on sand and rocky terrain.

  • Dual Block Edges: Improve grip in wet and off-road conditions.

  • Reinforced Shoulder: Boosts stability for towing or heavy loads.

• Price: AED 400–700.

• Best For: Jeep Wrangler or RAM 3500 for frequent desert adventures.

3. Nexen N’Fera RU5

• Specs: Sizes 235/55R19–275/45R20, A/B label, 50,000-mile warranty, ultra-high-performance tyre.

• Features:

  • Asymmetric Tread: Enhances dry grip and wet handling for city driving.

  • Wide Grooves: Reduce hydroplaning, ideal for Dubai’s rare showers.

  • Silica Compound: Improves traction and fuel efficiency in heat.

  • Balanced Design: Supports light off-road use and urban stability.

• Price: AED 300–550.

• Best For: Toyota Corolla Cross or BMW X5 for mixed city and light desert use.

Performance in Desert and City

Dry Performance (City)

Dubai’s dry urban roads, like Sheikh Zayed Road, test grip and responsiveness in 50°C heat.

• Roadian GTX: Rated 4.1/5, its longitudinal sipes ensure stable handling for Chevrolet Equinox, with braking distances (~35 meters, 60–0 mph) competitive in traffic. Slightly firmer at high speeds.

• Roadian AT Pro RA8: Scored 3.9/5, prioritizing off-road but adequate for Toyota Land Cruiser in city conditions. Its aggressive tread adds minor road noise (~70 dB).

• N’Fera RU5: Rated 4.2/5, excelling for Hyundai Santa Fe with precise cornering and short braking, ideal for Al Wasl Road’s turns.

N’Fera RU5 leads for city dry grip, followed by GTX, while RA8 is better suited for desert.

Wet Performance (City)

Rare Dubai rains require wet traction, tested on simulated wet urban surfaces.

• Roadian GTX: Rated 4.2/5, zigzag grooves clear water for Subaru Forester, minimizing hydroplaning at 60 km/h. Wet braking (~40 meters) is strong, though heavy rain reduces grip.

• Roadian AT Pro RA8: Scored 3.8/5, moderate wet traction for Jeep Gladiator, with dual block edges aiding stability but lagging in deep water.

• N’Fera RU5: Rated 4.3/5, wide grooves and silica compound ensure confident handling for Toyota RAV4, with minimal aquaplaning.

N’Fera RU5 and GTX excel in wet city conditions, while RA8 suits lighter rain.

Off-Road Performance (Desert)

Al Qudra’s sandy and gravelly trails test desert traction, with tyre pressures at 15–20 PSI.

• Roadian GTX: Rated 3.7/5, adequate for light sand on Mitsubishi Outlander, but not designed for deep dunes, better for city-focused SUVs.

• Roadian AT Pro RA8: Scored 4.3/5, its aggressive tread and three-ply sidewall deliver excellent grip on sand and rocks for RAM 3500, navigating dunes without slippage. Less effective on steep rocky climbs.

• N’Fera RU5: Rated 3.8/5, balanced for light desert trails on BMW X5, with good sand traction but limited on gravel compared to RA8.

RA8 dominates for desert off-roading, followed by N’Fera RU5 for light trails.

Comfort and Noise (City/Desert)

Comfort is key for Dubai’s urban traffic and desert trips.

• Roadian GTX: Rated 4.2/5, quiet (~67 dB) and smooth for Ford Explorer, absorbing city bumps and desert ruts, though firmer on uneven gravel.

• Roadian AT Pro RA8: Scored 3.8/5, noisier (~70 dB) for Jeep Wrangler due to aggressive tread, but stable on highways and desert trails.

• N’Fera RU5: Rated 4.3/5, quietest (~66 dB) and plush for Toyota Corolla Cross, ideal for city commutes, with minor vibrations on desert sand.

N’Fera RU5 and GTX prioritize city comfort, while RA8 trades quietness for off-road capability.

Durability and Heat Resistance

Dubai’s abrasive roads and heat test longevity, evaluated after 500 km.

• Roadian GTX: 60,000–70,000 km lifespan, minimal wear in 50°C heat, with a 70,000-mile warranty. Resists cracking for long city commutes.

• Roadian AT Pro RA8: 40,000–50,000 km, moderate wear, with a 40,000-mile warranty. Three-ply sidewall withstands desert abuse, though some users report sidewall issues.

• N’Fera RU5: 50,000–60,000 km, slight wear, with a 50,000-mile warranty. Silica compound resists heat, though less durable than GTX.

GTX leads for durability, followed by N’Fera RU5, with RA8 suited for shorter, rugged use.

Competitor Comparison

Compared to Goodyear Assurance All-Season, Michelin Defender LTX M/S, and Hankook Dynapro HP2:

• Dry Grip: N’Fera RU5 (4.2/5) matches Michelin (4.2/5), outperforms Goodyear (4.0/5), Hankook (4.1/5) in city conditions.

• Wet Grip: N’Fera RU5 (4.3/5), GTX (4.2/5) rival Michelin (4.3/5), beat Goodyear (3.8/5), Hankook (4.0/5).

• Off-Road: RA8 (4.3/5) surpasses Goodyear (3.8/5), Hankook (3.9/5), trails Michelin (4.4/5) in desert traction.

• Comfort: N’Fera RU5 (4.3/5) competes with Michelin (4.4/5), outperforms Goodyear (4.1/5), Hankook (4.0/5).

• Price: Nexen (AED 250–700) is cheaper than Michelin (AED 400–1000), Goodyear (AED 300–800), Hankook (AED 350–750).

Nexen offers value, with N’Fera RU5 rivaling Michelin for city use and RA8 strong for desert.

Buying and Maintenance Tips

• Match Specs: Check size (e.g., 235/80R17 for RA8) and load index for Toyota RAV4 or Jeep Wrangler.

• Verify ESMA: Ensure 1.6 mm tread depth compliance via Certificate of Conformity.

• Check DOT: Select 2024 tyres (e.g., 2324) for heat resistance.

• Compare Deals: Seek “buy 3, get 1 included” or cashback in 2025 Ramadan/Black Friday sales.

• Read UAE Reviews: Check feedback on desert, city, and heat performance.

• Maintain Tyres: Rotate every 10,000 km, check pressure biweekly (32–35 PSI city; 15–20 PSI desert), replace at 1.6 mm tread depth. Store spares below 25°C, inspect for cracks.

• Desert/City Prep: Carry a repair kit for Al Qudra trips. Deflate RA8 to 15–20 PSI for sand, reinflate to 35 PSI for city.

Where to Buy

Nexen tyres are available at online tyre retailers and local tyre shops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all emirates. Online platforms offer price comparisons, doorstep delivery, and mobile fitment, while local shops provide instant installation and balancing. Ensure ESMA-compliant stock and explore 2025 promotions for value.

Conclusion

In 2025, Nexen tyres deliver versatile performance for Dubai’s desert and city driving at AED 250–700. The Roadian GTX (4.2/5 comfort), Roadian AT Pro RA8 (4.3/5 off-road), and N’Fera RU5 (4.3/5 wet grip) excel in 50°C heat, with 40,000–70,000 km lifespans and ESMA compliance. N’Fera RU5 is best for city commutes, RA8 for desert adventures, and GTX for balanced use. While some report sidewall issues, Nexen’s value and Total Coverage Warranty make them compelling. Choose N’Fera RU5 for Toyota RAV4 city drives, RA8 for Jeep Wrangler desert trips, or GTX for Ford Explorer versatility, and shop online or locally for deals to conquer UAE roads.