Nankang SP-5 XLL 255/60R18 112V TL

Nankang SP-5 Tire Review & Rating

The new Nankang SP-5 sports all-season reliability and new tire technology that is designed to increase ride comfort for drivers of all makes of SUV’s, crossovers and light duty pickup trucks.

The all-season tread compound is M+S rated, giving it added traction and increased performance when road conditions turn ugly due to rain, snow or stormy weather. The symmetrical tread pattern and wide center rib improves stability and handling on dry road surfaces, while also enhancing cornering grip.

Dual circumferential grooves and an added computer designed sipe pattern provide increased traction and handling on wet roads. They also work to reduce the risk of hydroplaning and give you added driving confidence.

Outside road noise is reduced through Nankang’s Noise Simulation System, which arranges the tread pattern and optimizes the tread blocks so that noise is virtually eliminated. The SP-5 is V-speed rated for higher performance.

Pros

Excellent dry and wet traction

Cornering and braking performance are very good

Minimal road noise and smooth ride comfort

Solid value for the money

Cons

Winter weather handling is average

Would like to see a bit longer treadlife

Overall Thoughts

There are a number of reasons to like this new SP-5 tire, let alone the cheaper price. The traction and grip on dry surfaces is comparable to tires from some of the bigger brand names. You’ll find it performs well in the corners and ride quality is much better than you might think.

On the other hand, traction in winter conditions is below average as you might expect. In addition, treadlife could be a bit longer.

Overall, while you may not get 80,000 miles out of these tires, the performance and value for the money is pretty good.