Nankang Tires
Nankang is the Taiwanese tire maker that's been around since 1940 and built its name on one thing: giving you most of the performance for a lot less money. Their brand promise is "Free Your Way," and the lineup backs it up with everything from daily-driver all-seasons to semi-slicks that regulars at Ontario track days actually run.
Here's the honest version. Nankang is a budget brand that punches above its weight in specific corners — track rubber and value all-seasons — and is merely fine everywhere else. If your priority is the lowest price on a decent tire, Nankang belongs on your shortlist. If you want the quietest, longest-lasting, most refined tire, the premium brands still earn their premium.
What's worth your money
CR-S (and CR-S V2). The halo tire. A 200-treadwear extreme-performance tire aimed squarely at track days and time attack, and it's genuinely respected in that world — not "good for the money," just good. If you do lapping days at CTMP or Shannonville and don't want to burn through Michelin-priced rubber, this is the Nankang to know.
NS-2R. The rowdier sibling — a road-and-track tire in multiple compounds (including 120 and 180 treadwear options) for drivers who want their street car to feel alive. Loud, grippy, and honest about what it is.
AR-1. A dry-focused semi-slick for the committed track crowd. Not a daily driver, not a rain tire — a tool for fast laps.
NS-25. The sensible pick. An ultra-high-performance all-season for H-, V-, W- and Y-rated applications that does the daily commute without drama at a price well under the big names. This is the Nankang most GTA drivers should actually be looking at.
AS-2+ and AS-3. All-season ultra-high-performance options that slot between the NS-25 and the track stuff. The Nankang passenger lineup lists the AS-1, AS-2+ and AS-3 family alongside the NS-25 for drivers who want sporty handling year-round without swapping rubber.
AT-5 Conqueror A/T. Nankang's all-terrain entry for trucks and SUVs. Aggressive enough to look the part, civilized enough for the 401. A solid value alternative to the big-name all-terrains.
Cross Seasons AW-6. Nankang's all-weather answer with the 3PMSF snowflake marking — one tire for year-round GTA use if you don't want a dedicated winter set. (Our take on the category: a dedicated winter tire still wins on ice, but all-weather is a legitimate compromise.)
Winter Activa SV-4. The current-generation Nankang winter tire for passenger cars and SUVs, built for snow, slush and cold wet roads. It's listed in Nankang's 2025–2026 winter catalogue alongside the SV-3, the Ice Activa WS-1 and SW-8, and the ESSN-1. Budget winter rubber that gets the job done for careful drivers.
Where it falls short
Let's not romanticize it. Nankang's touring and economy tires (CX668 and friends) are built to a price, and you feel it in refinement — more road noise and a shorter treadlife story than the premium brands. Their treadwear warranties, where they exist, don't touch Michelin's numbers. And while the CR-S is a giant-killer on track, the NS-2R and AR-1 are single-purpose tires: noisy, quick-wearing, and miserable in the cold.
Winter is the other reality check. The Winter Activa SV-4 and Ice Activa line are competent budget winters, but they don't match the ice braking of the category leaders. If you drive a lot of unplowed rural roads, spend the extra money. If you're mostly on plowed GTA streets and drive sensibly, they're a reasonable way to stay legal and safe for less.
Availability can also be spotty — Nankang doesn't have the warehouse depth of the majors in Canada, so odd sizes may take longer to land. We check live stock before quoting, so text us your size and we'll tell you straight.
Our take
Nankang is the rare budget brand with a genuine enthusiast credential. The CR-S gives the company real credibility, and the NS-25 / AS-2+ range gives everyday drivers a legitimately good tire for less money. Buy Nankang when the use case fits — track days, a second set of wheels, or a tight budget on a commuter car. Buy premium when refinement, treadlife, or maximum winter grip is the priority.
Browse the rest of our tire brand profiles to compare, or check current tire deals and rebates before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nankang tires any good?
Yes, within their lane. The CR-S is genuinely respected at track days, and the NS-25 and AS-2+ are solid value all-seasons for daily driving. Nankang's budget touring tires are unremarkable but serviceable. They're not premium tires — expect more noise and shorter treadlife than the big names — but the price reflects that.
Which Nankang tire is best for winter in the GTA?
The Winter Activa SV-4 is Nankang's current winter tire for passenger cars and SUVs, and the Ice Activa line (WS-1, SW-8) covers additional sizes. They're competent budget winters for plowed city driving. For maximum ice grip or rural unplowed roads, we'd point you toward a premium winter tire instead.
What is the Nankang CR-S?
The CR-S is Nankang's 200-treadwear extreme-performance tire, built for track days and time attack. It's the brand's halo product and has earned real respect among grassroots racers for its grip-per-dollar. It's a summer/track tire — not for winter use.
Are Nankang tires good for track days?
The CR-S, NS-2R and AR-1 are purpose-built for it, and Ontario lapping regulars run them. They're affordable enough that burning through a set doesn't hurt the way premium track rubber does. Just remember: track tires wear fast, run loud, and the AR-1 in particular is a dry-weather specialist.
Does Nankang make an all-weather tire?
Yes — the Cross Seasons AW-6 (and AW-6 SUV) carries the 3PMSF snowflake marking for year-round use. It's a reasonable one-tire solution for GTA drivers who want to skip seasonal changeovers, though a dedicated winter tire still performs better on ice.
Where are Nankang tires made?
Nankang Rubber Tire Corp. is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, where the company was founded in 1940. It's one of the older independent tire makers in Asia.
Can I get Nankang tires installed at my home or office in the GTA?
Yes. We sell and install Nankang tires across the GTA at your driveway — text or call (647) 819-0490 with your tire size and we'll quote you straight.
Ready to price out a set of Nankangs?
We sell and install a wide range of Nankang tires across the GTA, at your driveway and on your schedule. Text or call (647) 819-0490 with your tire size and we'll give you a straight quote — no upsell.