Nexen Tire Expands Roadian GTX Supply for Kia Sorento

Nexen Tire Expands OE Tire Supply for Kia Sorento

South Korea's Nexen Tire will expand its supply of Nexen Tire Roadian GTX tires as original equipment for the updated hybrid version of Kia's Sorento midsize SUV. The newly adopted 20-inch all-season tires will join the previously supplied 17-inch tires, expanding the OE lineup to two sizes. The 17-inch tires are fitted to Sorento vehicles sold in South Korea and North America, while the new 20-inch tires are intended for vehicles sold in South Korea. The expansion strengthens Nexen Tire's OE application for the updated hybrid Sorento while adding a larger tire size to the existing supply program.

Roadian GTX Adds 20-Inch OE Fitment

The newly adopted 20-inch tires broaden the Roadian GTX application for the updated hybrid Sorento alongside the existing 17-inch fitment. The 17-inch tires continue to serve vehicles sold in both South Korea and North America, while the 20-inch version is specified for Sorento vehicles sold in South Korea. This creates a two-size OE lineup for the model and allows the tire specification to cover different wheel configurations. The supply arrangement also highlights the role of OE tire programs in supporting updated vehicle variants, with the hybrid Sorento receiving an additional tire size for its South Korean market application.

Roadian GTX Targets Year-Round SUV Performance

Developed for SUVs, the Roadian GTX uses a special compound designed to maintain stable performance across varying temperatures. The tire is engineered to provide strong braking performance and a comfortable ride throughout the year, addressing the operating demands associated with SUV use. Its construction and compound are intended to maintain consistent characteristics as temperatures change, while its tread design supports road contact and handling behavior. These characteristics form the technical basis of the tire's all-season positioning and help explain its application as original equipment on the updated hybrid Sorento.

Zigzag Tread Pattern Supports Driving Stability

The tire's zigzag tread pattern is designed to distribute contact pressure effectively across the tread area and minimize vehicle pulling to one side while driving. This tread approach supports more consistent contact behavior and contributes to the tire's intended driving characteristics. Combined with the temperature-focused compound, the tread design is part of the Roadian GTX's approach to balancing braking performance, ride comfort and directional stability. For the Sorento application, these characteristics provide the technical foundation for an all-season SUV tire specification supplied as original equipment across the two available sizes.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The expanded OE application gives Nexen Tire a broader role in the supply of tires for Kia's updated hybrid Sorento, particularly in South Korea where both the 17-inch and newly adopted 20-inch sizes are offered. The program also demonstrates how tire suppliers can expand vehicle-specific business through additional wheel-size applications rather than entirely new vehicle programs. For Nexen Tire, continued OE relationships with automakers can support broader product integration, while Kia benefits from an additional tire specification for its hybrid SUV. The next stage will depend on continued production and market demand for the updated Sorento and its different wheel configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tire sizes will Nexen Tire supply for the updated Kia Sorento hybrid?
Nexen Tire will supply 17-inch and 20-inch Roadian GTX all-season tires as original equipment for the updated Kia Sorento hybrid, with market-specific applications for each size. The 17-inch tires are supplied for vehicles sold in South Korea and North America, while the newly adopted 20-inch tires are intended for vehicles sold in South Korea. The two-size lineup expands the available OE fitments for the midsize SUV and adds a larger wheel option to the existing tire supply arrangement for the updated hybrid version.