Tires 101: Light Truck & SUV Tires

Nexen Roadian SUV and Light Truck Tires for Every Road, Every Load, and Every Season

Trucks and SUVs ask more of their tires than passenger cars ever do. Higher vehicle weight means more stress on every braking event. Towing and hauling add load demands that passenger-rated tires are not built to handle. And the driving profiles of truck and SUV owners span a wider range than almost any other segment, from smooth daily highway commuting and long-distance road trips, to gravel access roads, muddy trails, and genuine off-road terrain where traction and puncture resistance become real safety factors.

The Nexen Roadian lineup is the answer to every point on that spectrum. Eight distinct models cover highway touring, grand touring, all-terrain, mud terrain, and commercial van applications, with fitments ranging from compact crossovers to heavy-duty light trucks and commercial fleets. Every Roadian model is rated across comfort, handling, braking, tread life, fuel efficiency, and off-road performance so you can compare exactly what you are trading off before you commit.

Use the Nexen Tire Finder to confirm the right Roadian model and size for your specific year, make, model, and trim. Once you have chosen your tire, find a local authorized dealer for installation.

Why Truck and SUV Tires Are Different From Passenger Tires

Before choosing a Roadian model, it is worth understanding what separates truck and SUV tires from the passenger tires covered elsewhere in the Nexen lineup. The distinction goes beyond size.

Load rating is the most critical difference. Trucks and SUVs are heavier than passenger cars, and those that tow or haul must have tires capable of supporting the total weight placed on each axle. LT-rated tires are constructed with additional plies and stronger casing materials that allow them to carry these higher loads safely. Running a passenger-rated tire on a vehicle with high load requirements is a safety issue, not just a performance one.

Tread depth and compound also differ. Truck and SUV tires are built with deeper tread blocks to handle varied surfaces, resist punctures on rough terrain, and provide the lateral stability needed when a large, heavy vehicle corners at speed. All-terrain and mud terrain variants carry this further, with aggressive shoulder lugs, self-cleaning tread geometries, and compounds designed to grip loose surfaces where passenger tire tread patterns would simply pack and slip.

For drivers whose vehicles qualify as crossovers or lighter SUVs that operate primarily on paved roads, the line between a passenger tire and a light truck tire is less critical, and models like the Roadian GTX provide a bridge that prioritizes comfort and mileage while still being engineered for the CUV and SUV platform.

Nexen Roadian SUV and Light Truck Models

Roadian GTX, Grand Touring All Season for CUVs and SUVs

The Roadian GTX is designed for crossover and midsize SUV owners who spend most of their time on paved roads and want the best possible combination of comfort, handling, and tread life in a single tire. It earns a perfect 10 out of 10 in both comfort and handling, making it the top scoring tire in the Roadian lineup on those two dimensions and one of the most refined CUV and SUV tires in its price segment.

Backed by a 70,000 mile tread wear warranty and UTQG treadwear ratings of 680 AA and 600 AA depending on size, the Roadian GTX covers more than 90 percent of the most popular CUV and SUV OEM tire sizes currently on the market. Available in rim diameters from 17 inches through 22 inches in H, T, V, and W speed ratings, it serves as original equipment on multiple popular vehicles and is a proven replacement choice for Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Equinox, and Ram 1500 owners, among many others. Real-world owners consistently report quieter, more controlled rides after switching to the Roadian GTX, even from OEM factory tires.

Roadian GTX Performance Ratings:

Comfort: 10 out of 10
Handling: 10 out of 10
Braking: 9 out of 10
Tread Life: 8 out of 10
Fuel Efficiency: 8 out of 10

Speed Rating: H, T, V, W
UTQG: 680 AA or 600 AA depending on size
Warranty: 70,000 mile tread wear, road hazard coverage, 36 months roadside assistance, 45 day or 500 mile free trial

Roadian HTX2, Highway Terrain with Perfect Tread Life Scores

The Roadian HTX2 is built for drivers who put serious mileage on their trucks and SUVs and prioritize tread life and all-weather reliability above all else. It earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for tread life, backed by a UTQG treadwear rating of 700 on P-metric sizes, one of the highest grades available in the highway terrain truck tire segment. A 70,000 mile tread wear warranty for P-metric fitments puts the warranty behind that claim.

The HTX2 carries Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, making it a genuine four-season option for truck and SUV owners who face real winter weather and do not want to manage seasonal tire changes. Its comfort score of 9 out of 10 reflects its highway-optimized tread pattern, which minimizes noise and vibration at cruising speeds. Handling and braking both score 8 out of 10, and fuel efficiency scores 8 out of 10 as well, reflecting the low rolling resistance of its long-life compound. Available in 54 sizes from 16 inch through 22 inch rims in P-metric and LT configurations, and offered with white letter sidewalls on select sizes, the Roadian HTX2 combines practical durability with the classic truck aesthetic that many pickup and SUV owners prefer.

Roadian HTX2 Performance Ratings:

Tread Life: 10 out of 10
Comfort: 9 out of 10
Handling: 8 out of 10
Braking: 8 out of 10
Fuel Efficiency: 8 out of 10

Speed Rating: R, S, T, H
UTQG: 700 AA/B (P-metric)
3PMSF Certified: Yes
Warranty: 70,000 mile tread wear for P-metric, road hazard coverage, 36 months roadside assistance

Roadian ATX, All-Terrain with 3PMSF Certification and Improving Grip

The Roadian ATX is Nexen’s most capable and versatile all-terrain tire, engineered for drivers who need genuine off-road performance and four-season winter certification without sacrificing the on-road civility required for daily use. It scores 9 out of 10 for both off-road performance and braking, 9 out of 10 for tread life, and an impressive 8 out of 10 for fuel efficiency, the best fuel efficiency score of any all-terrain tire in the Roadian lineup.

What sets the Roadian ATX apart is its proprietary tread compound technology that actually improves grip as the tire wears, a meaningful engineering achievement that directly contradicts the common expectation that tire performance only declines over time. Sidewall lugs protect the carcass from trail damage and add mechanical bite on loose terrain, while deep primary grooves self-clean mud and debris during use. The ATX also carries 3PMSF certification, making it winter-capable right out of the box. Available in 88 sizes from 15 inch through 22 inch rims in both P-metric and LT configurations, with LT versions available in 6-ply, 10-ply, and 12-ply ratings, the Roadian ATX covers an enormous range of trucks and SUVs. P-metric sizes carry a 70,000 mile tread wear warranty, and LT sizes carry a 60,000 mile warranty.

Roadian ATX Performance Ratings:

Off-Road Performance: 9 out of 10
Braking: 9 out of 10
Tread Life: 9 out of 10
Fuel Efficiency: 8 out of 10
Comfort: 7 out of 10

Speed Rating: Q, S, T, H, V
UTQG: 560 AA or 600 AA depending on size
3PMSF Certified: Yes
Warranty: P-metric 70,000 miles, LT 60,000 miles, road hazard through 2/32 inch or 1 year, 36 months roadside assistance, 60 day or 1,000 mile free trial

Roadian AT Pro RA8, Proven All-Terrain Value with 3PMSF Certification

The Roadian AT Pro RA8 is an all-terrain tire that offers strong braking and off-road performance at a value-oriented price point, making it one of the most compelling choices in the segment for truck and SUV owners who want proven all-terrain capability without a premium price tag. It scores 9 out of 10 for both braking and off-road performance, and carries 3PMSF certification on all standard P-metric and LT metric sizes, excluding OEM and flotation sizes.

Its tread design uses a zig-zag sipe pattern and an open outside shoulder that improves off-road traction and mud extraction while reducing heat buildup. The sipe-in-groove geometry prevents pebble retention, a common problem with all-terrain tires that contributes to uneven wear and road noise. Real-world durability has been exceptional: one verified owner documented 89,550 miles on a single set installed in 2019, with tread still above the wear indicators four years in. The Roadian AT Pro RA8 is backed by a 50,000 mile tread wear warranty for P-metric sizes and a 40,000 mile warranty for LT sizes, and is available in 57 sizes from 15 inch through 22 inch rims. Note that the Roadian ATX is now Nexen’s primary all-terrain recommendation; the AT Pro RA8 remains available in many sizes and is an outstanding value for cost-conscious buyers.

Roadian AT Pro RA8 Performance Ratings:

Off-Road Performance: 9 out of 10
Braking: 9 out of 10
Tread Life: 8 out of 10
Comfort: 7 out of 10

Speed Rating: R, S, T, H UTQG: 560 A B (P-metric) 3PMSF Certified: Yes (excluding OEM and flotation sizes) Warranty: P-metric 50,000 miles, LT 40,000 miles, road hazard through 3/32 inch or 2 years, 36 months roadside assistance, 45 day or 500 mile free trial

Roadian MTX, Maximum Mud Terrain Performance with Dual Sidewall Design

The Roadian MTX is Nexen’s most capable and fully featured mud terrain tire, designed for drivers who need maximum off-road traction without completely sacrificing highway manners. It earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for off-road performance and an 8 out of 10 for braking, an exceptional braking score for a mud terrain tire that reflects the quality of its compound and construction.

What distinguishes the Roadian MTX from a standard mud terrain is its dual sidewall design: each tire is molded with two distinct sidewall styles, giving you the ability to choose which face outward when mounting, allowing visual customization without any performance compromise. A 3-ply construction with F-load weight rating supports extreme hauling and heavy towing demands, while a patented tread block design reduces highway road noise compared to conventional mud terrain patterns. Available in 36 sizes from 15 inch through 22 inch rims, including popular flotation sizes like 33X12.50R17, 35X12.50R18, and 37X13.50R22, the Roadian MTX covers everything from lifted Jeeps to custom truck builds.

Roadian MTX Performance Ratings:

Off-Road Performance: 10 out of 10
Braking: 8 out of 10
Comfort: 7 out of 10
Tread Life: 7 out of 10
Fuel Efficiency: 6 out of 10

Speed Rating: Q
Warranty: 36 months roadside assistance, 60 day or 1,000 mile free trial

Roadian MT, Proven Mud Terrain for Classic Truck and Jeep Builds

The Roadian MT is Nexen’s original mud terrain tire, engineered with deep grooves, zig-zag shoulder blocks, and wide primary grooves to deliver outstanding drive power, water drainage, and anti-hydroplaning performance both on and off the road. It matches the Roadian MTX with a perfect 10 out of 10 for off-road performance and an 8 out of 10 for braking, making it equally capable in demanding terrain.

The Roadian MT is currently focused on 15 inch rim fitments in two sizes: 31X10.50R15 and LT 235/75R15, making it the purpose-built choice for older truck platforms and classic Jeep Wrangler builds where the 15 inch rim is standard. Real-world owners have reported exceptional mileage on the Roadian MT, with some documenting more than 100,000 miles of use on a single set with proper rotation, remarkable performance for a mud terrain tire operating in demanding conditions.

Roadian MT Performance Ratings:

Off-Road Performance: 10 out of 10
Braking: 8 out of 10
Comfort: 6 out of 10
Tread Life: 6 out of 10
Fuel Efficiency: 6 out of 10

Speed Rating: Q
Warranty: 36 months roadside assistance

Roadian CT8 HL, Commercial Van and Heavy Load Light Truck

The Roadian CT8 HL is built for the structural and performance demands of commercial van and high-load light truck applications. At its core are two engineering innovations that directly address the durability challenges of commercial tires: a half-depth transverse groove in the center block that maintains optimal rigidity balance across the contact patch, reducing uneven wear under heavy loads, and a pattern of square-shaped dimples distributed across the tread that relieve and distribute stress concentrations, directly resisting the heat-induced wear acceleration that commercial tires face under sustained load.

Scoring 8 out of 10 for tread life, 7 out of 10 for braking, 7 out of 10 for comfort, and 7 out of 10 for off-road performance, the Roadian CT8 HL is calibrated for the practical realities of commercial use. Multiple sizes carry 10-ply (load range E) ratings supporting over 3,000 pounds per tire in single fitment, with dual-fitment load ratings available for commercial rear axle applications. Available in 14 sizes from 15 inch through 18 inch rims with R, S, and T speed ratings, the CT8 HL fits the most common commercial van and light truck platforms in service today.

Roadian CT8 HL Performance Ratings:

Tread Life: 8 out of 10
Braking: 7 out of 10
Comfort: 7 out of 10
Off-Road: 7 out of 10

Speed Rating: R, S, T
Warranty: 36 months roadside assistance; no tread wear or road hazard warranty (standard for commercial tires)

Roadian CT8, Commercial Van and Light Truck Reliability

The Roadian CT8 is the companion model to the CT8 HL, covering commercial van and light truck applications with a consistent 7 out of 10 rating across off-road performance, braking, and comfort. The CT8 delivers dependable, predictable performance for business-use vehicles where reliability and consistent load handling are the priorities that drive purchasing decisions.

For fleet operators and independent commercial drivers running vans or light trucks on regular routes, the Roadian CT8 offers Nexen’s commercial-grade engineering and quality standards with the coverage of the Nexen Total Coverage Warranty, including 36 months of roadside assistance.

Roadian CT8 Performance Ratings:

Off-Road: 7 out of 10
Braking: 7 out of 10
Comfort: 7 out of 10

Speed Rating: R, S, T
Warranty: 36 months roadside assistance

How to Choose the Right Roadian for Your Truck or SUV

With eight models covering the full range of SUV and light truck needs, choosing the right Roadian comes down to four honest questions about your vehicle, your driving habits, and your priorities.

Is your truck or SUV primarily a road vehicle or a trail vehicle?

This is the single most important question. If you spend more than 90 percent of your time on paved roads and highways, the Roadian GTX and Roadian HTX2 are purpose-built for your use case and deliver the best comfort, tread life, and fuel efficiency in the lineup. If you split time meaningfully between road and trail, the Roadian ATX and Roadian AT Pro RA8 are designed for exactly that balance. If your off-road use is serious, meaning deep mud, rock crawling, or rough terrain where traction and durability are the only things that matter, the Roadian MT and Roadian MTX are the right category.

Do you need a winter-capable tire?

The Roadian ATX, Roadian AT Pro RA8, and Roadian HTX2 all carry Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, confirming their capability in severe snow conditions. If you live in a region with real winters and want a single tire set that handles all four seasons, these three models are your options. The Roadian GTX is an all-season tire but does not carry 3PMSF certification. The mud terrain models (MT and MTX) are season-agnostic in their compounds but are not 3PMSF certified.

What are your load and towing requirements?

If your truck regularly tows heavy loads or hauls significant payloads, you need LT-rated tires with the appropriate load index and ply rating for your application. The Roadian ATX is available in 6-ply, 10-ply, and 12-ply LT configurations. The Roadian MTX carries F-load ratings in select sizes. The CT8 HL supports over 3,000 pounds per tire in single fitment. Always confirm that your selected tire’s load index meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturer’s minimum specification for loaded operation.

Is this a commercial or fleet application?

If your vehicle is a cargo van, delivery vehicle, or work truck that operates under consistent commercial load conditions, the Roadian CT8 HL and Roadian CT8 are engineered specifically around the durability, load capacity, and cost-of-ownership considerations that commercial operators prioritize. Their stress-relief tread engineering and deep initial tread depths are designed to minimize replacement frequency in high-mileage commercial service.

Roadian SUV and Light Truck Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage across the Roadian lineup reflects each model’s intended application. The Roadian GTX and Roadian HTX2 both carry 70,000 mile tread wear warranties, leading the lineup on mileage coverage. The Roadian ATX follows with 70,000 miles for P-metric sizes and 60,000 miles for LT. The Roadian AT Pro RA8 offers 50,000 miles for P-metric and 40,000 miles for LT. Mud terrain tires (MT and MTX) and commercial tires (CT8 and CT8 HL) do not include mileage-based tread wear warranties, consistent with industry standards for those categories.

All Roadian models include 36 months of roadside assistance through the Nexen Total Coverage Warranty. Most models also include road hazard coverage and free trial periods. Visit the warranty page for complete details by model, and register your tires after purchase at the Nexen tire registration portal to activate your coverage.

Find Your Roadian

Use the Nexen Tire Finder to enter your year, make, model, and trim and see every confirmed-fit Roadian option for your vehicle. If your vehicle is a passenger car, coupe, or sedan, the Nexen N’Priz or N5000 passenger lineup and the N’Fera performance lineup may be more appropriate. Once you have selected your Roadian, use the Dealer Finder to locate the nearest authorized Nexen installer. Look for Preferred Dealer designations for the highest level of service and product knowledge.

FAQs About Nexen Roadian SUV and Light Truck Tires

1. What is the difference between the Roadian GTX and the Roadian HTX2?

Both the Roadian GTX and Roadian HTX2 are highway-oriented all-season tires for trucks and SUVs, both carry 70,000 mile tread wear warranties, and both score very well on comfort and tread life. The key differences are in their target platforms and certifications. The Roadian GTX is designed specifically for crossovers and midsize SUVs, scoring perfect 10 out of 10 marks for both comfort and handling, making it the more refined, car-like option. The Roadian HTX2 is built more broadly for SUVs, trucks, and vans, leads the lineup with a perfect 10 out of 10 for tread life, and carries Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification that the Roadian GTX does not. If winter traction certification matters to you, the Roadian HTX2 is the right choice. If maximum comfort and handling refinement on paved roads is the priority, the Roadian GTX leads.

2. What is the difference between the Roadian ATX and the Roadian AT Pro RA8?

Both are 3PMSF-certified all-terrain tires for trucks and SUVs. The Roadian ATX is Nexen’s current flagship all-terrain model, featuring advanced compound technology that improves grip as the tire wears, a dual sidewall design option, and a broader size range of 88 sizes with higher ply rating options. It carries a 70,000 mile warranty for P-metric sizes. The Roadian AT Pro RA8 is an established, proven all-terrain option with strong real-world mileage documentation, carrying a 50,000 mile P-metric warranty at a lower price point. The Roadian ATX is the current primary recommendation; the AT Pro RA8 remains a strong value choice for cost-conscious buyers.

3. Do I need LT-rated tires for my truck or SUV?

It depends on your vehicle’s load requirements and how you use it. If your truck is used for towing or hauling heavy loads regularly, or if your vehicle’s manufacturer specifies LT tires, you should use LT-rated tires with the appropriate ply rating. Passenger-rated tires on heavy trucks can be underpowered for the load and may wear faster, handle differently under load, or present safety issues in extreme cases. If your SUV or crossover is primarily used for commuting and occasional recreation and carries a P-metric OEM specification, a P-metric version of the relevant Roadian model is appropriate. Use the Nexen Tire Finder and your vehicle’s owner manual to confirm the correct load rating.

4. Which Roadian tire is best for towing?

For towing applications, you need an LT-rated tire with a load index that meets or exceeds your vehicle’s loaded axle weight requirements. Among Roadian models, the Roadian ATX in 10-ply or 12-ply LT configuration is one of the most capable towing tires in the lineup, with real-world owners praising its stability and fuel efficiency while towing on the highway. The Roadian MTX in F-load configuration is suitable for the heaviest hauling applications. The Roadian CT8 HL with its 10-ply commercial rating is also appropriate for consistently heavy load operations. Always confirm that your selected tire’s load index matches your vehicle’s requirements before towing.

5. Are Roadian all-terrain tires good for daily driving?

Yes, particularly the Roadian ATX and Roadian AT Pro RA8. Both are engineered to perform well on paved roads during the week while remaining capable on trails on weekends. The Roadian ATX scores 8 out of 10 for fuel efficiency and 7 out of 10 for comfort, competitive results for an all-terrain tire in its class. Real-world owners of both models consistently cite highway quiet and smooth ride as standout qualities, especially compared to other all-terrain competitors at similar price points. If you rarely go off-road and primarily need a tire that handles pavement in all weather, the Roadian GTX or Roadian HTX2 will deliver better fuel economy, comfort, and tread life.

6. What is the difference between a mud terrain and an all-terrain tire?

Mud terrain tires like the Roadian MT and Roadian MTX are designed for maximum off-road traction in deep mud, loose rock, and severe trail conditions. Their aggressive, widely spaced tread blocks self-clean in mud and provide bite on difficult surfaces, but generate more road noise on pavement and wear faster at highway speeds. All-terrain tires like the Roadian ATX and AT Pro RA8 use tighter tread patterns that balance off-road capability with on-road manners, delivering acceptable trail performance for most recreational off-road use without the noise and fuel economy penalty of a mud terrain design. If you regularly drive in serious mud or extreme off-road conditions, mud terrain is the right category. For mixed use, all-terrain is almost always the better daily driver.

7. Which Roadian tires have 3PMSF winter certification?

The Roadian ATX, Roadian AT Pro RA8 (on standard P-metric and LT metric sizes, excluding OEM and flotation sizes), and Roadian HTX2 all carry Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. This means each has been independently tested and verified to meet the industry standard for severe snow traction performance. The Roadian GTX is an all-season tire with M plus S rating but does not carry 3PMSF certification. The Roadian MT and MTX are not 3PMSF certified.

8. Can I use Roadian SUV tires on a lifted truck?

Yes. The Roadian MTX and Roadian ATX are both available in common lifted truck sizes, including flotation sizes like 33X12.50, 35X12.50, and 37X12.50 in 17 inch through 22 inch rim diameters. These are popular choices for lifted trucks, Jeep Wranglers, and custom builds. Always confirm that your selected size is compatible with your lift kit clearance, fender well dimensions, and speedometer calibration before installation.

9. How long do Roadian SUV tires last?

Tread life varies by model and use. The Roadian GTX and Roadian HTX2 lead the lineup with 70,000 mile tread wear warranties. The Roadian ATX carries a 70,000 mile P-metric warranty and 60,000 mile LT warranty. The Roadian AT Pro RA8 offers 50,000 miles for P-metric sizes and 40,000 for LT. All-terrain and mud terrain models are affected significantly by off-road use patterns, which is why mud terrain tires do not carry mileage warranties. Real-world mileage consistently exceeds warranty figures for highway-primary users, with some Roadian AT Pro RA8 owners documenting nearly 90,000 miles of actual use.

10. Where can I buy Nexen Roadian tires?

Nexen Roadian tires are available through the authorized Nexen dealer network across the United States. Use the Nexen Dealer Finder to search by zip code or city and find the nearest retailer stocking the Roadian model and size you need. Look for Preferred Dealer designations for dealers who carry the highest level of product training and are best equipped to help you confirm the right fitment for your vehicle.

Use the Nexen Tire Finder to confirm the right Roadian for your vehicle. Find an authorized installer with the Dealer Finder. For full warranty coverage details by model, visit the Nexen warranty page or register your tires at the tire registration portal.