If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and quiet tire for your daily drives and family trips, you might be considering the Nexen Roadian HTX RH5. This comprehensive Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 review will help you decide if it’s the right all-season highway ally for your SUV or truck.
Modern drivers need a tire that can handle everything from the daily commute to the occasional weekend adventure. The HTX RH5 is Nexen’s answer, promising a blend of comfort, long tread life, and all-weather capability. Let’s take a close look at what it offers and where it fits in the competitive highway terrain market.
Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 Review
The Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 is designed as a premium highway all-season tire for light trucks and SUVs. It builds on the legacy of the previous HTX model with updates aimed at improving wet performance, reducing noise, and extending mileage. It’s positioned for drivers who prioritize a smooth ride and durability over aggressive off-road prowess.
Key Features and Technology
Nexen equipped the HTX RH5 with several technologies to meet its goals. Understanding these helps explain its performance on the road.
- Stabilized Shoulder Blocks: These are designed to increase stability during cornering and braking, providing a more secure feel.
- Multi-Step Sipes and Grooves: The tread pattern features numerous biting edges and deep grooves to channel water away, improving traction in rain and light snow.
- Jointless Band Technology: This is a layer of material under the tread that helps reduce vibration and road noise for a quieter cabin experience.
- Optimized Tread Compound: Nexen uses a specialized all-season compound that aims to balance wear resistance with flexibility in colder temperatures.
- Stone Ejector Ribs: These small features in the grooves help prevent stones from getting lodged in the tread, potentially protecting against damage.
Performance on Dry Roads
For most highway terrain tires, dry performance is the baseline. The HTX RH5 performs competently here.
You’ll notice a confident feel during normal acceleration and cruising. The steering response is predictable, if not sport-sharp, which is typical for this tire category. Braking distances in dry conditions are generally good, offering a sense of security for everyday situations. The ride quality is a standout, effectively absorbing smaller road imperfections like cracks and tar strips.
Performance on Wet Roads
Wet traction is a critical safety factor. The HTX RH5 shows noticeable improvement over its predecessor here.
The tread design does a solid job of resisting hydroplaning. You can drive through standing water at highway speeds with less anxiety. Grip during wet cornering is adequate, though it’s always wise to slow down in severe weather. The braking performance on wet pavement is reliable, helping you maintain control during sudden stops.
Performance in Winter Conditions
It’s crucial to have realistic expectations. The HTX RH5 carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, meaning it meets specific snow traction requirements.
It handles light snow and slush surprisingly well for a non-dedicated winter tire. The sipes bite into unpacked snow, providing usable traction. However, in heavy snow, ice, or very cold temperatures below freezing, its limitations become apparent. For occasional winter weather, it’s sufficient. For harsh winters, dedicated snow tires are still the best choice.
Comfort and Noise Levels
Comfort is a major selling point for this tire. The combination of the jointless band and the tread pattern design works effectively.
Road noise is minimal, especially on smooth asphalt. You’ll enjoy quieter conversations and music listening on long trips. The tire also does a good job isolating bumps and vibrations, contributing to a plush ride that passengers will appreciate. This is one area where it often outshines some competitors.
Treadwear and Longevity
Nexen offers a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty on most sizes of the HTX RH5, which signals strong confidence in its durability.
Early reports and even wear patterns suggest this tire can last a long time with proper maintenance. The compound is designed to resist wear without becoming too hard. To maximize lifespan, remember to:
- Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
- Maintain the recommended tire pressure monthly.
- Get regular alignments, especially after hitting potholes.
Vehicle Fitment and Sizing
The HTX RH5 comes in a wide range of sizes to fit many popular SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. Common fitments include vehicles like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Always double-check your vehicle’s placard or manual for the exact size specifications.
Popular Size Examples:
- P265/70R17 (Common for mid-size trucks/SUVs)
- P235/65R18 (Common for crossovers)
- LT275/65R20 (Common for full-size trucks/SUVs)
Pros and Cons Summary
Let’s break down the main advantages and potential drawbacks to give you a clear picture.
Pros:
- Excellent ride comfort and low road noise.
- Strong wet weather performance for the category.
- Good dry traction and stable handling.
- Competent in light winter conditions (3PMSF rated).
- Impressive 70,000-mile treadwear warranty.
- Often priced competitively against major brands.
Cons:
- Not designed for off-road use beyond light gravel roads.
- Winter performance is limited compared to true snow tires.
- Steering feel may be less precise than some ultra-high-performance rivals.
- Availability might be lower than market-leading brands in some regions.
How It Compares to Key Competitors
How does the HTX RH5 stack up against other popular tires in its class?
vs. Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
The Michelin is a benchmark for comfort and longevity. The HTX RH5 gets very close in ride comfort and noise at a often lower price point. The Michelin may have a slight edge in overall refinement and brand reputation, but the Nexen offers outstanding value.
vs. Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus
The Bridgestone is another comfort-focused tire. The two are closely matched, with the Nexen potentially offering better warranty coverage in comparable sizes. The choice here might come down to specific pricing and promotions at the time of purchase.
vs. Continental TerrainContact H/T
The Continental is known for its crisp handling and strong wet performance. The HTX RH5 might prioritize a slightly softer ride over the sportier feel of the TerrainContact. Both are excellent, serving slightly different driver preferences.
Who Should Buy the Nexen Roadian HTX RH5?
This tire is an ideal match for a specific type of driver. You should consider it if:
- You drive a crossover, SUV, or light truck primarily on paved roads.
- A quiet, comfortable ride is a top priority for you and your family.
- You encounter a mix of dry, wet, and occasional light snowy conditions.
- You want a long-lasting tire with a strong warranty.
- You’re looking for premium features without the absolute top-tier price tag.
You might want to look elsewhere if you need serious off-road capability, face extreme winter conditions regularly, or prioritize ultra-sharp, sporty handling above all else.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
The Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 successfully delivers on its promise as a comfortable, quiet, and durable highway all-season tire. It provides a balanced performance package that will satisfy the vast majority of daily drivers.
Its strengths in ride comfort, wet weather grip, and treadlife warranty make it a compelling choice. While it doesn’t lead in every single performance metric, it doesn’t have any major weaknesses either. For drivers seeking a reliable ally for highway miles and family duties, the HTX RH5 represents a smart, value-conscious decision that doesn’t sacrifice quality. It’s a tire that you can install and forget about, trusting it to perform safely and comfortably for tens of thousands of miles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 good in snow?
Yes, for a highway all-season tire. It is 3PMSF rated, meaning it provides better snow traction than a standard all-season tire. It handles light to moderate snow well but is not a replacement for dedicated winter tires in harsh conditions.
How noisy is the Roadian HTX RH5?
It is considered a very quiet tire. Technologies like the jointless band help minimize road noise, leading to a peaceful cabin experience on most road surfaces.
What is the warranty on the Nexen HTX RH5?
Nexen provides a 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty on most sizes. It also includes a standard workmanship and materials warranty. Always check the specific warranty sheet for your size for full details.
Can I use the HTX RH5 for off-roading?
It is not designed for off-road use. It’s a highway terrain tire, best suited for paved roads, gravel, and light dirt paths. For frequent off-pavement driving, an all-terrain or rugged terrain tire would be a better fit.
How does the Roadian HTX RH5 compare to the older HTX model?
The RH5 is the newer generation, with focus improvements in wet traction, noise reduction, and overall ride comfort. It generally outperforms the older model in these key areas.
Are Nexen tires a reliable brand?
Nexen has grown significantly and is now a global tire manufacturer. They offer competitive warranties and their tires, like the HTX RH5, are well-regarded for providing good value and performance. They may not have the long-standing brand recognition of some competitors, but their quality is solid.