Nankang Econex NA1 review
The Nankang Econex NA-1 is a polarizing budget-tier tire that serves as a functional, low-cost solution for older or smaller vehicles, though it suffers from significant inconsistencies in performance and longevity. While some users find them acceptable for basic commuting, many report unsettling handling characteristics, premature wear, and structural durability issues.
Owners rate it 28.8 points lower than the instrumented road tests do — see the two score breakdowns below for where they disagree.
Two scoring systems, side by side
Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.
By owner reviews
49%By road tests
77.8%What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 6 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Nankang Econex NA-1 is a polarizing budget-tier tire that serves as a functional, low-cost solution for older or smaller vehicles, though it suffers from significant inconsistencies in performance and longevity. While some users find them acceptable for basic commuting, many report unsettling handling characteristics, premature wear, and structural durability issues.
Pros
- Highly accessible price point for budget-conscious buyers
- Adequate performance in dry conditions for casual driving
- Effective water displacement in deep standing water
Cons
- Unpredictable handling and lack of steering feedback, often described as feeling 'unstable'
- Poor tread life and premature structural degradation such as cracking
- Soft sidewall construction leading to excessive body roll or 'wobbling' sensations
- Inconsistent wet-weather cornering grip
Worth knowing
- Owners of smaller, classic, or niche vehicles (e.g., Nissan Figaro, Skoda Estelle) report that the soft sidewalls negatively impact vehicle stability.
- Users noted that the tread depth is shallower than expected when new, contributing to a shorter overall service life.
2 published test appearances
Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.
Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring tires · 205/55 R16
12th of 13
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 12th of 13 | |
| Dry Handling | 7th of 13 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 13th of 13 | |
| Straight Aqua | 10th of 13 | |
| Noise | 9th of 13 | |
| Price | 2nd of 13 |
Are Budget tires Finally Good Enough? 8 Cheap tires VS 1 Premium tire · 205/55 R16
3rd of 9
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 3rd of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 2nd of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 7th of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 9 | |
| Noise | 3rd of 9 | |
| Price | 3rd of 9 |