Rubber Upgrades: Nexen’s Roadian ATX

We Test Out Nexen’s Roadian ATX Newest All-Terrain Tire Offering

Our Ford F250 was in dire need of new rolling stock. Its previous shoes, although immensely capable, rugged, and stalwart examples of the kind of tires a truck like this requires, were feeling their age. It was lucky happenstance that Nexen had just introduced their new line of tires, the Roadian, with 63 different sizes covering everything from a reliable street tire to a punishing mud tire. However, this truck, seeing more grocery store parking lots than mountain peak trails, needed something that could do it all, so in rolled the Nexen Roadian ATX, a wonderful compromise between the extremes of the tire world: a tire that could keep pace on the highway and dip hub deep into the dirt when needed.

After a quick trip to the tire shop to mount and balance our new tires, we were rolling.

Watch the complete review video:

…in rolled the Roadian ATX, a wonderful compromise between the extremes of the tire world: a tire that could keep pace on the highway and dip hub deep into the dirt when needed.

Nexen History

Although pneumatic tires had been around for 56 years before successful adaptation for automobiles in 1911, early developers in the tire world, like Dunlop, Goodyear, and Michelin are still household names we easily recognize. However, there are many tire companies around the world that have long histories in the space that undeservedly roll under the radar. Nexen, established as Korea’s first tire company in 1956 under the name Heung-A and later Woosung Tire—is such a company. The company established a U.S. branch in 2005, and has since been enjoying around $2 billion in annual sales.

Nexen Roadian ATX Tire Design

Designed to be quieter, more durable, bring better gas mileage, and provide increased traction, the Nexen Roadian ATX tire has large open blocks and aggressive sidewall that provide good performance in a variety of conditions we were able to experience. The first couple of forays on the road were to flesh out the overall performance of the four different elements trying to work in union to provide a confident and smooth ride. There was success in some areas and concern in others.

Roadian ATX vs. Roadian AT Pro: What’s Changed?

So, how does the Roadian ATX stack up against the outgoing Roadian AT Pro? Think of it as the familiar truck boot, but with steel toes and trail cred. The AT Pro collected its share of awards and was the rubber of choice for a number of OEM light trucks for good reason: it was a well-rounded performer. But with the ATX, Nexen has pushed things further.

First off, the tread compound and pattern have been refined. Larger, more aggressive sidewall lugs provide better off-road bite, while a new three-ply sidewall construction has noticeably boosted durability—something anyone towing, hauling, or just hammering through rocky trail sections will appreciate. There are even two distinct sidewall designs to choose from, both engineered to add extra traction when you find yourself aired-down and clawing up muddy ruts.

Durability isn’t the only focus. The tread design itself is a bit of a chameleon—aggressive enough for the loose stuff, yet engineered to quiet down road noise and maintain grip as the miles stack up. In our time on both city streets and dirt, it’s clear that the ATX manages to outshine its predecessor in terms of comfort and noise suppression, while still chalking up improvements where it counts for adventurous types.

Whether you’re sticking to tarmac or seeking out forgotten fire roads, the ATX feels like an evolutionary step forward from the already solid AT Pro.

First, the concerns. Namely, they wors already horrid fuel economy of the stock Super Duties was made worse, as we gave up approximately 3mpg thanks to having to push an additional 400 pounds of aluminum and rubber rolling stock up to speed. We figured that would happen. However, we gained around 1mpg from the previous all-terrain tires that were on the truck. We didn’t expect that.

At low speeds, a very subtle chattering of the treads lets you know they’re there if you need. Multi-ply tread and sidewalls lend to a softer ride than we’d expect from such a corpulent tire, but any changes from the feel of the previous set of tires dissipated after a day or so. Basically, we took on the learning curve and adjusted our driving accordingly.

The Impact of Smaller Wheels on Off-Road Performance

Swapping out the truck’s original 20-inch wheels for a more modest 18-inch setup made a surprising difference, and not just in looks. Rolling on a smaller diameter wheel means you’re able to fit tires with beefier sidewalls, which can pay off big time once you leave the pavement behind. Think of it as trading a pair of stiff dress shoes for some well-cushioned hiking boots—the extra sidewall offers greater flexibility, literally and figuratively.

Here’s where the advantages really show:

• Improved Ride Comfort: The added rubber between wheel and rim absorbs bumps and washboards with more ease, smoothing out ruts and jolts that would otherwise rattle your teeth.
• Better Traction Off-Road: With more sidewall to air down, tire contact patches spread wider over rocks and loose ground, offering noticeably better grip when things get slick or uneven.
• Reduced Risk of Damage: The extra sidewall acts as a buffer for the wheel itself, helping to prevent dings and scrapes from trail nasties and sharp-edged obstacles.

All this boils down to a more forgiving, versatile ride. While you sacrifice a bit of the flash that comes with big, shiny wheels, you more than make up for it with performance where it counts—on dirt, gravel, and in those moments when comfort matters most.

Heavy-Duty Confidence: Why the Roadian ATX Handles Towing and Loads

One key feature setting the Nexen Roadian ATX apart is its robust three-ply sidewall construction. This reinforced sidewall isn’t just for show—it translates to greater durability, meaning the tire stands up to the extra stresses of hauling heavy loads or towing down the highway without breaking a sweat. So whether you’re moving a trailer full of home-improvement dreams or simply rolling with a bed full of weekend gear, these tires are up for the task.

Add in the choice between two aggressive sidewall designs, each boosting traction when the pavement ends, and you’ve got a tire that’s as functional as it is tough. Just as importantly, Nexen’s updated tread compound improves grip as the miles rack up, and the carefully engineered pattern helps keep road noise lower than you might expect from something so rugged.

All together, these features provide peace of mind—not just for those occasional trips to the hardware store, but also for full-scale adventures where a reliable grip and heavy-haul stability matter most.

Certification and Warranty

The Nexen Roadian ATX doesn’t just look tough—it’s built to handle the toughest conditions with credentials to match. Sporting the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, this tire is ready to take on snow, slush, and whatever wild weather your route throws your way, qualifying it as a true year-round performer.

For added peace of mind, select sizes of the Roadian ATX also come backed by a formidable 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. That’s many years and road trips before you’ll need to start thinking about a new round of rubber—an impressive guarantee for any all-terrain enthusiast looking for durability and reliability in their next set of tires.

Real-World Testing: Nexen Roadian ATX Meets Raceline 953B Krank

When it came time to give our 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali a much-needed refresh, we sought a wheel and tire pairing that would stand up to both the demands of daily driving and the unpredictability of weekend escapes. Enter the Nexen Roadian ATX tires, wrapped around Raceline 953B Krank wheels—a combination that prompted more than a few double-takes from friends and family who could hardly recognize the sharp new silhouette of our once-familiar Denali.

Installation proved straightforward, and soon after swapping out the old rollers, we put the ATX tires to the test in the kind of real-world scenarios that heavy-duty trucks are made for. Mile after mile, the Nexens demonstrated an impressive blend of comfort and capability, whether easing through city streets, chewing up highways en route to open country, or clawing their way through crumbling desert tracks with a loaded fifth-wheel trailer in tow. The Mountain Snowflake rating and generous manufacturer warranty offered peace of mind, but the tires’ sure-footedness—whether merging in a downpour or climbing sandy ruts—delivered where it counts.

Another pleasant surprise? Road noise, or the lack thereof. Even with a tread pattern that looks ready for a rally stage, the ride remained composed and quiet, easily matching (and even besting) the stock tires. Handling felt precise, and despite the Sierra’s considerable weight, ride quality never took a back seat—even as we switched from smooth pavement to shifting gravel.

All told, fitting the Nexen Roadian ATX tires and Raceline wheels transformed both the look and the driving experience of our Denali. The setup proved right at home whether the journey kept us in city limits or demanded sure traction on remote trails.

Our Favorite Things About Nexen Roadian ATX

The successes of the Nexen Roadian ATX tire were brilliant. The overall ride was very smooth and very quiet over the previous tires. The tires have minimal whine and only a very small vibration at the top-most speeds, which is much more than we can say about any all-terrain tire with big-blocks and deep sipes that we’ve ever driven with.

…The tires have minimal whine and only a very small vibration at the top-most speeds…

The beautiful Fuel Off-Road Covert wheels have a host of subtle design details, and with the black lug nuts, an extra layer of lug/rivet/bolt symmetry is established, tying together the overall appearance of the wheel.

Road Manners, Road Noise, and Ride Comfort

We often find ourselves swapping rubber in pursuit of the “Goldilocks Zone”—that elusive place where handling, comfort, and noise strike a happy truce, no matter the adventure. With this wheel and tire combo, that sweet spot finally feels within reach.

On smooth highway stretches, there’s a nearly uncanny absence of the usual howl and drone you’d expect from an aggressive tread. Even as the miles blur beneath you, the noise remains minimal—overshadowed only by the whisper of the wind or whatever playlist is thumping through the dash. City driving is equally pleasant; road imperfections are muted, and we’re spared the chatter and vibration that so often come with burly, wide tires.

But where things really get interesting is when the terrain gets less predictable. Rutted county roads, patches of broken gravel, and soft sand are handled with a plushness that belies the hefty stature of these 35-inch Roadian tires on Fuel Off-Road Covert wheels. They soak up jolts and bumps with a multi-ply ease, preserving the poised, composed ride you want—whether you’re just running errands or hauling a fifth-wheel through the backcountry.

No matter if we’re crawling out of a rain-soaked trailhead or cruising home through a downpour, the combination delivers confidence-inspiring traction without punishing the driver or passengers with unnecessary fatigue. It’s a rare treat to find a rugged tire that doesn’t sacrifice daily-driver livability, and in this pairing, we genuinely notice the difference.

The open channels of the shoulder blocks and the outwardly angled tread pattern that traverses the entire face of the tire effortlessly cleared the dirt and sand away from the fender wells. What was most impressive was that they adeptly avoided caking in the center treads, as there are very few channel intersections to block the exit of the debris. Some of the center treads seemed stepped, like the setbacks of a skyscraper, which helped keep the tires clear, but the unimpeded channels are the real gems. There was no slipping in the mud during quick accelerations or on a steep incline, but if you keep your head in the game and your foot light on the pedal, they are remarkably sturdy and confident in tight spots.

Real-World Towing and Off-Road Performance

After logging serious miles with a travel trailer hooked up, we found the Nexen Roadian ATX to be impressively competent—both plowing down the interstate and squeezing through loose backroads. The tire easily shrugged off the demands of towing, maintaining the kind of stability that turns white-knuckle miles into a smooth cruise, even under the hefty bulk of a 3500HD.

On the highway, ride quality remains top-notch. The aggressive tread hasn’t injected any extra hum, buzz, or headache-inducing vibration into the cab (which is a minor miracle in a world where bold all-terrains usually sing at speed). This quiet confidence extends off the pavement, too. From rain-slicked city streets to silty desert stretches, the Roadian ATX bit down and provided grip precisely when and where it was needed. Not once did we reach for the panic button or wish we’d kept the “safer” (read: boring) factory treads.

In short? These tires have taken everything we’ve thrown at them—long hauls, tricky terrain, sudden weather—with a calm sure-footedness that feels almost unfair. Whether you’re towing a heavy rig cross-country or just detouring for a little dirt adventure, the Roadian ATX delivers performance and comfort in equal measure.

Off-Road Testing

The factory siping on the larger blocks were too few and far between to assist in any serious rock climbing (the fewer the better for a tire that will see pavement), but that’s really not what we needed these tires to do. The real charm to these tires are the aggressively meaty side lugs that really knuckle down around the shoulders into loose gravel, dirt, and mud (it’s too early in the year here for snow), all the while providing a cool palette for the subtle hints of the tire’s animal theme (one side of the tire has what appears to be an animal skin of some kind).

Overall, the Nexen Roadian ATX tire is a vast improvement on the set of tires previously on the truck, and we are looking forward to them settling in so we can really see what they are capable of as the weather turns colder and wetter.

Fuel Off-Road Covert Wheels

We swapped out the very capable KMC Wheels’ XD Series bling for Fuel Off-Road’s Covert Model D716 wheel to pair with the Nexen Roadian ATX tires. The heavy-duty aluminum wheels are gunmetal gray with a black simulated bead lock ring, giving them a subtle two-tone appearance. Other colors available are Candy Red, Matte Bronze, and Matte Black (but the beadlock ring is always black).

Each of the 10 spokes are split by a machined angular detail that provides a rugged mesh like a spider web, while 24 decorative bolts stud the ring. The 18-inch wheel is nine-inches wide and comes in at 39 pounds. It is available in sizes 15, 17, 18, and 20 inches with a host of bolt patterns for nearly every type of truck.

Read More: All-Terrain Tires: Tire Buyer’s Guide 2023

Editor’s Note: A version of this story previously appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of TREAD Magazine.