Nokian Tires: Are They Worth It? (+14 Brands Compared)

A Finnish company founded in 1988, it naturally specializes in winter tires.

How good are Nokian tires, and are they worth the money?

Why Buy Nokian Tires?

Nokian tires are excellent for:

All terrain driving – excellent traction, durable, and puncture resistant.
Suitability for varied driving conditions with extensive testing.
Safety first – tires meet or exceed most safety standards.
Summer and winter tires.

Nokian tires offer a 14-day money-back guarantee to tempt you into trying their innovative tires for both on and off-road adventures.

Where Are Nokian Tires Made?

Nokian is an independent company that manufactures and tests its tires in Nokia, Finland.

It sells its tires in sixty-plus countries, and a significant minority shareholder is fellow tire company Bridgestone.

Most tires and the bulk of its sales are winter tires, but it produces high-performance all-season and summer tires.

As well as producing Nokian brand tires this Finnish company also makes some Bridgestone tires (under license) to supply its local market.

The plant is a loosely guarded secret, but the processes involve high degrees of automation and radio tracking of all materials and components.

Nokian has other plants producing tires in Russia and Tennessee in the US. Plus, Nokian has license agreements with other tire producers to make and sell its tire brand, notably across Asia.

What About the Warranty?

Nokian guarantees its tires for five years from the date of manufacture for any defect.

The tire warranty varies depending on the tire, but you can expect 80,000 miles for most passenger car tires.

There are plenty of conditions to meet regarding the care and maintenance of your tires.

What Drivers Say About Nokian Tires

On ConsumerAffairs.Com, thirty-three customers rated 4.1 stars, indicating that most people left a five-star review.

Typical positive comments include:

Run these tires for 30,000 miles and have nothing but good to say for them – Alex, Calgary.

Went through 2000 km of snowstorm. Braking and handling in snow, icy conditions, and rain is good – Shane, East York, ON.

A less positive experience:

I purchased four WR G4s for my Honda Truck. They are supposed to have a 60K warranty. Lost legal tread at 31,000 miles. Couldn’t get through to customer service – Shalom, Rochester, NY.

Nokian Tire Recommendations

Tire recommendations for a range of passenger vehicles include:

Car Type	Examples	Nokian Recommends
A compact Sedan is a typical small family car with a petrol engine of more than 1.2L or a Diesel of 1.5L.	Hyundai Electra; Honda Civic; Audi A3; Toyota Corolla; Mazda 3.	Nokian Tires Seasonproof; Nokian Tires PowerProof; Nokian tires snow proof.
Midsize Sedan – a large family car with internal dimensions of 110-119 cuft, including passenger area and trunk.	Chevrolet Malibu; Volkswagen Passat; Subaru Legacy; Nissan Altima; Toyota Camry.	Nokian Tires Seasonproof; Nokian Tires PowerProof; Nokian Tires WetProof; Nokian tires snow proof.
Compact SUV or CUV	Honda CRV; Nissan Rogue; Toyota RAV4.	Nokian Tires Seasonproof SUV.
A midsize SUV is typically smaller than a full SUV with two or three rows of seats.	Jeep Grand Cherokee; Chevrolet Equinox; Ford Explorer; Toyota Highlander.	Nokian Tires Seasonproof SUV Nokian Tires Rockproof; Nokian Tires Seasonproof; Nokian Tires PowerProof.
Full SUV – basic sports utility vehicle with seating for seven passengers.	Jeep Wagoneer; Ford Expedition; Chevrolet Suburban; Toyota Sequoia.	Nokian Tires Seasonproof SUV Nokian Tires Rockproof Nokian Tires Seasonproof; Nokian Tires PowerProof.
Light Trucks – gross vehicle weight of 8,500lbs	Ford F150; Toyota Tundra; Dodge RAM 1500; Nissan Titan.	Nokian Tires Seasonproof SUV Nokian Tires Rockproof.

Specifications for a sample of Nokian tires:

	Nokian Tires Seasonproof	Nokian Tires WetProof SUV	Nokian Tires PowerProof SUV	Nokian Tires Rockproof
Driving conditions	All Season.	All season	Summer performance tire	Summer tire for light-duty trucks and off-road use.
Selling points.	Safe, durable, and fuel-efficient e for all weathers. Augmented reality to review your tire with your mobile phone.	Safe, durable, and comfortable on rough road conditions.	Premium tire for high-speed driving.	Ultimate durability with stone ejector tread.
Price per tire	$90 – $230	Around $150	$70 – $360	$200 – $400
Rim Sizes	14″ – 19″	16″ – 19″	17″ – 21″	16″ – 20″
Warranty – treadwear.	80,000 miles	80,000 miles	No	No
Fuel efficiency (A-E)	C	C	C	Exempt class
Wet Grip braking (A-E)	B	A	A	Exempt class
Rolling noise	69db	69-71 dB	72-72 dB	Exempt class
Extreme snow.	3PMSF	No	No	No
Ice traction.	No	No	No	No

Nokian Comparisons with Other Brands

Comparing the Nokian Tires Seasonproof with other brand tires for a compact SUV like the Toyota RAV4 and the Nokian Tires Rockproof for a pickup truck.

Without rating data, the Nokian Rockproof is assumed to be an average performer.

#1 Nokian vs. Michelin

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Michelin Cross Climate 2 for crossover SUVs:

The Nokian tire offers the same fuel efficiency, wet braking, and noise levels as the Michelin tire but is significantly less expensive and more durable.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Michelin Cross Climate 2
Price	$90 – $230	$170 – $350
Rim Size	14” – 19”	15” – 20”
Warranty	80,000 miles	60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	B-C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	B
Rolling Noise	69 dB	69 dB
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	3PMSF rated.

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Defender LTX for pickup trucks: Similar price and comparable performance to the Nokian makes the Michelin Defender a good buy for your truck or SUV.

	Nokian Rockproof	Michelin Defender LTX
Price	$200 – $400	$143 – $466
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 22”
Warranty	No	50,000 – 70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking.
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels.
Suitability for Snow	No	Not snowflake rated.

#2 Nokian vs. Goodyear

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Goodyear Assurance All Season for SUVs: At similar prices to the Goodyear, the Nokian is the better performer and is more durable.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Goodyear Assurance All Season
Price	$90 – $230	Under $100 to $200
Rim Size	14” – 19”	14” – 20”
Warranty	80,000 miles	65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	No EU label, but has a low rolling resistance for good fuel efficiency.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	UTQG rated A.
Rolling Noise	69 dB	No EU label, but considered relatively quiet.
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	No.

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Wrangler TrailRunner AT for pickup trucks: You pay around $30 less for the Goodyear tire with comparable performance to the Nokian and snowy-season capability.

	Nokian Rockproof	Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
Price	$200 – $400	$170 – $350
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 20”
Warranty	No	60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	Exempt class; will vary with loading.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	Exempt class. Sawtooth design with sipes to increase traction.
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	Exempt class. Computer-optimized tread pattern reduces noise.
Suitability for Snow	No	3PMSF winter rating.

#3 Nokian vs. Bridgestone

Comparing the Seasonproof with the WeatherPeak for SUVs:

Comparable prices, performance, and 3PMSF rating. The Nokian offers a better warranty, and the Bridgestone has top-class wet braking.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Bridgestone WeatherPeak
Price	$90 – $230	$160 – $270
Rim Size	14” – 19”	15″ – 20″
Warranty	80,000 miles	70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	A
Rolling Noise	69 dB	70 dB
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow.

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Deuler A/T for pickup trucks:

The Nokian tire is more affordable, and the performance is comparable. The Nokian tire is strictly three seasons, whereas the Bridgestone tire has a 3PMSF rating.

	Nokian Rockproof	Bridgestone Dueler A/T
Price	$200 – $400	$300- $350
Rim Size	16” – 20”	16″ – 20″
Warranty	No	60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	C
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	72-73 dB
Suitability for Snow	No	3PMSF snowflake rated.

#4 Nokian vs. Continental

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Continental All Season Contact for SUVs: With comparable prices and performance to the Continental, the Nokian, with its generous warranty, is the better choice.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Continental All Season Contact
Price	$90 – $230	Starts under $100 to about $200
Rim Size	14” – 19”	13″ – 20″
Warranty	80,000 miles	No treadwear warranty.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	B-C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	B
Rolling Noise	69 dB	71-72 dB
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow.

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Viking Contact 7 for pickup trucks:

You will pay at least $100 less for the Continental tire, but they are different seasonal tires. The Continental tire is best in winter, and the Nokian tire is for summer off-road adventures.

	Nokian Rockproof	Continental Viking Contact 7
Price	$200 – $400	$110 – $160
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15″ – 22″
Warranty	No	Two years from date of purchase – not treadwear.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	C-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	D-E
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	71-72 dB
Suitability for Snow	No	3PMSF snowflake rated.

#5 Nokian vs. Hankook

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Ventus S1 EVO3 for SUVs:

The Hankook is at least $50 more expensive and offers run-on-flat and better fuel economy, while the Nokian matches wet grip braking and noise levels and is more durable.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Hankook Ventus S1 EVO3
Price	$90 – $230	$150 – $250
Rim Size	14” – 19”	17” – 22”
Warranty	80,000 miles	50,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	A
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	B
Rolling Noise	69 dB	69-70 dB
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	No

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Dynapro AT2 for pickup trucks:

While prices and performance are not wildly dissimilar, the Hankook Dynapro’s 3PMSF and warranty make it more appealing than the Nokian.

	Nokian Rockproof	Hankook Dynapro AT2
Price	$200 – $400	$250 – $300
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 20”
Warranty	No	60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	C-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	D
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	73 dB
Suitability for Snow	No	3PMSF rated.

#6 Nokian vs. Kumho

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Crugen HP71 for SUVs:

The Kumho tire costs around $50 more for a similar performance, while the Nokian tire is more durable and offers digital monitoring of tire quality via an APP on your phone.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Kumho Crugen HP71
Price	$90 – $230	Starts at $142
Rim Size	14” – 19”	16” – 22”
Warranty	80,000 miles	65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	No details
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	Kumho scores 9/10 wet, 8.5/10 dry.
Rolling Noise	69 dB	Kumho scores 9.5/10
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	Kumho scores 8/10

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Road Venture AT52 for pickup trucks:

The Kumho is at least $30 cheaper per tire. Performance is comparable, but the Kumho tire does not need replacing with a winter tire, unlike the Nokian tire.

	Nokian Rockproof	Kumho Road Venture AT52
Price	$200 – $400	Starts at $173
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 20”
Warranty	No	50,000 – 55,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	No details
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	Kumho scores 7/10 for wet and dry.
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	Kumho scores 6/10
Suitability for Snow	No	Kumho scores 8/10. Has 3PMSF rating.

#7 Nokian vs. General Tire

Comparing the Nokian Seasonproof with the General Tire G-Max AS for SUVs: The Nokian tire offers better performance and cost savings than the General Tire.

	Nokian Seasonproof	General Tire G-Max AS
Price	$90 – $230	$116 – $281
Rim Size	14” – 19”	16” – 22”
Warranty	80,000 miles	50,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	No EU label. Reviews indicate improvements in fuel efficiency.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent handling in the wet.
Rolling Noise	69 dB	No EU label. Reviews indicate this it is relatively quiet.
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	No.

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Grabber HTS for pickup trucks: General Tire is cheaper than Nokian and comes with a generous warranty, indicating greater durability.

	Nokian Rockproof	General Tire Grabber HTS
Price	$200 – $400	$150 – $380
Rim Size	16” – 20”	16” – 22”
Warranty	No	65,000 limited warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	D
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	71-72 dB
Suitability for Snow	No	No.

#8 Nokian vs. Firestone

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Firestone All Season for SUVs: The Nokian tire costs $70 less, gives better performance, and is more durable on the road than the Firestone.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Firestone All Season
Price	$90 – $230	$160 – $220
Rim Size	14” – 19”	14” – 20”
Warranty	80,000 miles	65,000 miles.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	B
Rolling Noise	69 dB	71 dB
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	No.

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Destination LE3 for pickup trucks: The Firestone tire is at least $50 cheaper and matches or exceeds the Nokian tire’s performance.

	Nokian Rockproof	Firestone Destination LE3
Price	$200 – $400	$150 – $250
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 22”
Warranty	No	70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	No EU label. Firestone scores this as the best for fuel efficiency.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	No EU label. Firestone scores this in the best zone.
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	No EU label. Firestone scores this as quiet and smooth.
Suitability for Snow	No	No.

#9 Nokian vs. Falken

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Ziex ZE950 for SUVs:

The Nokian tire costs less. The Falken tire is quieter and has slightly better performance, but the Nokian tire is more durable.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Falken Ziex ZE950
Price	$90 – $230	$150 – $240
Rim Size	14” – 19”	15” – 20”
Warranty	80,000 miles	65,000 to 45,000 miles, depending on the speed rating.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate C.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate A. UTQG rating AA.
Rolling Noise	69 dB	No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate 67 dB.
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	No.

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the WildPeak A/T for pickup trucks: The Falken tire offers the same performance as the Nokian for a saving of $50.

	Nokian Rockproof	Falken WildPeak A/T
Price	$200 – $400	$150 – $240
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 22”
Warranty	No	65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	C-E
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	B-D
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	71 dB
Suitability for Snow	No	3PMSF snow rating

#10 Nokian vs. Pirelli

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Scorpion Verde for SUVs: The price and performance are comparable, but the Nokian tire is more durable and less noisy than the Pirelli.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Pirelli Scorpion Verde
Price	$90 – $230	Under $100 to $240
Rim Size	14” – 19”	16” – 22”
Warranty	80,000 miles	Manufacturer limited warranty.
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	C
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	B
Rolling Noise	69 dB	71 dB
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	No

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Scorpion ATR for pickup trucks: The Pirelli tire is cheaper, has comparable performance, and offers a better warranty than the Nokian.

	Nokian Rockprood	Pirelli Scorpion ATR
Price	$200 – $400	$150 – $250
Rim Size	16” – 20”	14” – 22”
Warranty	No	50,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	D-E
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	C-E
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	71-74 dB
Suitability for Snow	No	No

#11 Nokian vs. Toyo

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Celsius CUV for SUVs: You pay less for the Nokian with better performance and greater durability than the Toyo Celsius.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Toyo Celsius CUV
Price	$90 – $230	$140 – $290
Rim Size	14” – 19”	16” – 22”
Warranty	80,000 miles	60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	C-E
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	C
Rolling Noise	69 dB	69-72 dB
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	3PMSF

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Open Country AT III for pickup trucks: Considering the comparable prices, the Toyo is the better tire for snowy winters than the Nokian Rockproof.

	Nokian Rockproof	Toyo Open Country AT III
Price	$200 – $400	$200 – $700
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 22”
Warranty	No	65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	No EU label, but the AT Plus rates D.
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	No EU label, but the AT Plus rates D.
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	No EU label, but the AT Plus rates 70-74 dB.
Suitability for Snow	No	3PMSF snowflake rating

#12 Nokian vs. Yokohama

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Advan Fleva V701 for SUVs:

Similar prices and comparable performance. The Yokohama has better wet grip breaking, but the Nokian wins on fuel efficiency, durability, and being a four-season rather than a three-season tire.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Yokohama Advan Fleva V701
Price	$90 – $230	Starts under $100
Rim Size	14” – 19”	15” – 20”
Warranty	80,000 miles	Limited warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	C-D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	A
Rolling Noise	69 dB	A-B (quiet)
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	No

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Geolandar A/T G015 for pickup trucks: The Yokohama offers a saving while being a higher performer than the Nokian tire.

	Nokian Rockproof	Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
Price	$200 – $400	$100 – $250
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 22”
Warranty	No	60,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	E
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	C
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	71 dB
Suitability for Snow	No	3PMSF snowflake rated

#13 Nokian vs. Cooper

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Endeavor Plus for SUVs: Similar prices, but the Nokian performs better and has enhanced durability than the Cooper Endeavor Plus.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Cooper Endeavor Plus
Price	$90 – $230	$100 – $260
Rim Size	14” – 19”	16” – 22”
Warranty	80,000 miles	65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	No EU label
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	No EU label
Rolling Noise	69 dB	No EU label
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	No

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Discoverer AT3 for pickup trucks: The Cooper Discoverer’s 3PMSF rating and warranty make it a better deal than the Nokian Rockproof.

	Nokian Rockproof	Cooper Discoverer AT3
Price	$200 – $400	$197 – $400
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 22”
Warranty	No	65,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	D
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	C
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	73-75 dB
Suitability for Snow	No	3PMSF snowflake rated

#14 Nokian vs. Nexen

Comparing the Seasonproof with the Roadian GTX for SUVs: You pay more for the Nexen, but the Nokian is more durable and performs better.

	Nokian Seasonproof	Nexen Roadian GTX
Price	$90 – $230	Starts at $150
Rim Size	14” – 19”	17” – 22”
Warranty	80,000 miles	70,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	C	Nexen rating 9/10
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	B	UTQG AA (best rating). Nexen rating 8/10
Rolling Noise	69 dB	Nexen rating 10/10
Suitability for Snow	3PMSF rated	Nexen rating 6/10

Comparing the Nokian Tires Rockproof with the Roadian MTX for pickup trucks: Considering the broadly similar performance, the Nokian’s lower price than the Nexen should be the decider.

	Nokian Rockproof	Nexen Roadian MTX
Price	$200 – $400	Starts at $257
Rim Size	16” – 20”	15” – 22”
Warranty	No	No treadwear warranty
Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	Nexen rating 6/10
Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E)	Exempt class	Nexen rating 8/10
Rolling Noise	Exempt class	Nexen rating 7/10
Suitability for Snow	No	No.

Alternatives to Nokian Tires

If you want to pay less for your tires, you can consider budget brands (Douglas, Kelly, Ironman) or, for more performance, Yokohama.

Nokian tires offer a C-grade fuel efficiency. Other tires that provide a higher grade include Hankook and Dunlop.

Nokian offers excellent wet braking. Tires that match Nokian performance include Yokohama, Michelin, and Bridgestone.

When Can You Get Nokian Tires Cheaper?

Nokian tires are already at the low end of the budget scale, but you can get a discount if you watch for special offers as the seasons change.

As with all tires, don’t rush to buy the latest and greatest, as last year’s model is still serviceable and has plenty of performance for less money.

Conclusion

Nokian tires produce tires that handle winter conditions exceptionally well, but they make reasonably priced tires for all driving conditions.

It is worth considering the lesser-known Nokian tire if you want to pay a reasonable price for greater durability and performance.

References:

https://www.nokiantyres.com/