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Summer tire Summer Extreme Performance tires Updated May 2026

Nitto NT05 review

The Nitto NT05 is widely regarded as a specialized extreme performance tire that excels in track-day environments and spirited driving scenarios. While users appreciate its predictable handling and progressive feedback, it is frequently criticized for rapid tread wear and significant road noise, making it a polarizing choice for daily commuting.

Relative score
65/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
68/100
8 reviews
Nitto NT05
Scores

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

68%
Would buy again 65%
Dry
Overall dry
84%
Corner stability
83%
Dry traction
87%
Steering response
81%
Wet
Overall wet
63%
Wet traction
63%
Comfort
Overall comfort
43%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
59%
Handling
Overall handling
84%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 8 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Nitto NT05 is widely regarded as a specialized extreme performance tire that excels in track-day environments and spirited driving scenarios. While users appreciate its predictable handling and progressive feedback, it is frequently criticized for rapid tread wear and significant road noise, making it a polarizing choice for daily commuting.

Pros

  • Predictable and balanced handling during track use
  • Informative feedback near the limit of adhesion
  • Strong cornering confidence and stability
  • Aesthetically pleasing sidewall and tread design

Cons

  • High levels of road noise during daily driving
  • Rapid tread wear, particularly under high-torque applications
  • Inconsistent dry grip performance for high-horsepower vehicles
  • Not recommended for daily use due to comfort and longevity trade-offs

Worth knowing

  • High-horsepower vehicles (e.g., 360rwkw turbo applications) report that the tire struggles to manage power delivery effectively.
  • Users with AWD platforms, such as the Audi A4, report satisfactory performance in wet conditions when driven conservatively.
Where to buy

Nitto NT05 specs & sizes

Prices vary by size, so each one links out separately.

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Head-to-head

Nitto NT05 compared

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