Lexani tires only cost a fraction of premium tires like industry titans Michelin and Bridgestone. But does a lower price mean lower performance? Let’s find out as we compare Lexani tires vs Michelin.
To make things clear in the beginning, Michelin tires are definitely the better choice with better performance, warranty options, and technology. However, can Lexani tires possibly hold a candle against the French brand? Read on to find out.
But first, let’s take a look at this comparison table to see how these brands compare on the surface.
| Lexani | Michelin | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | France |
| Short description | A new South Korean tire manufacturer specializing in affordable high-performance tires | A leading French tire brand founded in 1888; features cutting-edge tire technology and research |
| Tire Compatibility | – Performance tires – Off-road Passenger cars |
– Passenger cars – Off-road – Performance/sport cars – Motorcycles – Bicycles – Commercial, Agricultural, Civil, and Military vehicles – Heavy trucks – Trailers – Aircraft – Trains |
| Parent | Nexen | Stand-alone |
| Mileage Warranty | 30,000-40,000 miles | 45,000-85,000 miles |
| Tier and Price Range |
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Table of Contents
What Are They?
1. Lexani Tires
Lexani is a brand that’s based in California. And, if you’re wondering who makes Lexani tires, they’re under the South Korean tire manufacturer Nexen.
As to where are Lexani tires made, they’re typically made in China under three manufacturers: Shandong Yongtai Chemical Industry Group, Fullrun Tyre Tech Corp. Ltd., and South China Tire & Rubber Company. This can also explain how some find Lexani tires so cheap.
While not as good as Michelin, the Lexani Tires manufacturer, Nexen, also offers one of the better mid-range models out there, especially when it comes to all-terrain choices.
That said, Lexani is a relatively new brand compared to Michelin’s century-long run. Still, its fantastic catalog compensates for its lack of experience, mainly featuring high-performance tires built for on and off-road vehicles at an affordable price.
These include their high-performance tires, the Lexani LX Twenty for sports cars and the Lexani LX Thirty for SUV/Crossovers, which are designed in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
While Lexani tires have commendable features, it entirely depends on driver preference whether they’re good or bad tires. That’s because despite their good performance, Lexani Tires warranty periods are fairly limited compared to other brands.
However, they’re quite affordable as Lexani Tires price their products at relatively low costs. For instance, the LXM-101, a member of the Lexani all season tires family, is priced at $77 for a 185/70R13 size.
Now, on to Michelin.
2. Michelin
Since its establishment in 1889, Michelin has made some of the industry’s top tires with cutting-edge technology and outstanding performance. In fact, the brand’s tires frequently lead review lists.
The Michelin CrossClimate2, their most recent invention, offers greater overall stopping performance in both dry, wet, and snow conditions. It also features a 3PMSF rating, which allows it to traverse through heavy snow.
As for Michelin’s performance catalog, they offer one of the best tires in the market. These include the Pilot Sport 4 and their successful Primacy Tour A/S, which consistently achieve high reviews and ratings from different online tire magazines, as well as in forums like Reddit.
Differences
1. Dry Performance
For this one, we’ll go with ultra-high performance tires, the Lexani LX Nine tires and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. And right off the bat, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is undoubtedly the better choice. However, the Lexani LX Nine isn’t as bad as you might think.
While the Pilot Sport 4S’ Multi Compound Technology does absolute wonders on dry roads, especially when accelerating, braking, and cornering, the LX Nine’s Unidirectional pattern is also quite the performer.
However, for a performance tire, it doesn’t handle high speeds very well. Above 70 mph, vibrations are noticeable. Meanwhile, the 4S has good handling and comfort, even during high-speed turns.
2. Wet Performance
All-season SUV tires are the best contenders in this category, so we’ll go with the Lexani LX Thirty and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV. Like in dry performance, the French brand’s entry edges out Lexani again.
Because of Michelin’s EverGrip Technology, the CrossClimate 2 SUV is among the best tires in the market for traction, eclipsing the LX Thirty’s fairly decent tread compound and W-directional pattern technologies. The LX Thirty’s flaw is hydroplaning, which is non-existent on the Crossclimate 2 in our experience.
3. Snow Performance
Since Lexani doesn’t have a dedicated winter tire, we’ll make it fair by comparing all-season tires instead. So a Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Lexani LX Seven comparison seems appropriate.
However, the winner is unsurprising, which undoubtedly goes to Michelin. The Michelin CrossClimate 2’s 3PMSF rating gives it tremendous handling on heavy snow, while the Lexani LX Seven was only able to handle light snow at best.
4. Comfort
As evidenced by Michelin’s multiple appearances on the most comfortable tire lists of 2022, it’s quite apparent who wins in this category, as a single Lexani tire is yet to be found on such lists.
5. Price
Price is probably Lexani’s only win in this comparison, but it wins by a considerably significant margin. Michelin tires have premium quality, with, unfortunately, premium prices. So expect to break the bank when buying one.
Meanwhile, Lexani tires are offered at a fairly affordable cost and are great for drivers on a budget. For instance, the Lexani LX-Nine starts at a modest $107.6/tire, while a Michelin Defender2 can cost you approximately $161.99/tire.
6. Warranty
Michelin tires are among those with the best mileage warranties in the market. In fact, its Defender 2 model has a whopping 80,000-mile warranty, while Lexani tires max out at 40,000 miles.
Pros and Cons
- Fairly decent performance on all road surfaces
- Has tires for the high-performance and off-road market
- Affordable
- No dedicated winter tire available
- Limited tire categories
- Warranty periods are average at best
- Excellent performance on all road surfaces, including snow
- Wide array of tire choices
- Some tires are ranked as the most comfortable tires in the market
- Extensive warranties
- Very expensive
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FAQs
What are some types of Lexani tires?
Lexani has a very wide catalog of tires, which range from affordable passenger tires like the LXM 101 for drivers on a budget to premium high-performance ones like the LX-Twenty.
Are Lexani tires quiet?
Most of Lexani’s more popular tires have above-average noise reduction. While they’re not exactly on par with more premium brands like Michelin, they’re actually pretty great, considering their price points.
Are Lexani tires made in China?
Yes. Two Chinese companies—Shandong Yongtai Chemical Industry Group and Fullrun Tyre Tech Corp — manufacture Lexani tires along with South China Tire & Rubber Company.
Are Lexani tires good for a Mustang?
Lexani’s high-performance tire, the LX-Twenty, can be installed on all Mustang models. However, some Mustang users claim that it’s still best to use higher-quality tires like Nitto, Sumitomo, or Continental.
Conclusion
It’s clear that Michelin wins hands-down in this Lexani Tires vs Michelin comparison. With excellent performance, ride comfort, and warranty, Michelin offerings are among the best when it comes to tires.
However, Lexani tires aren’t that bad as they offer fantastic performance tires at very accessible price points. So, the choice is up to you. If you need the best of the best, you can’t go wrong with Michelin, but if you’re looking for something cheap, go for Lexani instead.
