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Updated May 2026

Nokian Encompass AW01 review

The Nokian Encompass AW01 is widely regarded as a high-performing all-weather tire that excels in winter conditions, offering a compelling alternative to dedicated winter tires for drivers in snowy climates. While most users praise its wet and snow traction, some report issues with tread longevity, noise levels, and occasional quality control concerns regarding air retention and flat-spotting.

Relative score
92/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
92/100
404 reviews
Community sentiment Mixed Read the buzz
#Rapid Tread Wear#Shoulder Cracking and Dry Rot#All-Weather Performance#Discount Tire Exclusivity#Comparison to Michelin CrossClimate 2
Nokian Encompass AW01
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

92%
Would recommend 92%
Dry
Overall dry
95.5%
Wet
Overall wet
92.4%
Comfort
Overall comfort
91.7%
Noise
Overall noise
90.1%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
91.2%
Handling
Overall handling
94.2%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 404 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Nokian Encompass AW01 is widely regarded as a high-performing all-weather tire that excels in winter conditions, offering a compelling alternative to dedicated winter tires for drivers in snowy climates. While most users praise its wet and snow traction, some report issues with tread longevity, noise levels, and occasional quality control concerns regarding air retention and flat-spotting.

Pros

  • Exceptional traction in snow, ice, and slush
  • Strong performance in wet and rainy conditions
  • Convenience of a year-round tire that eliminates seasonal tire swaps
  • Improved ride comfort compared to many OEM all-season tires

Cons

  • Reports of premature or uneven tread wear
  • Increased road noise, particularly as the tires age
  • Occasional quality control issues such as air leaks and flat-spotting in cold temperatures
  • Some users report 'squirmy' handling on dry pavement

Worth knowing

  • Users with AWD vehicles (e.g., Subaru, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe) frequently report high satisfaction with winter confidence.
  • Some sedan owners noted that the tires significantly improved handling in wet conditions compared to their previous OEM tires.
Where to buy

Nokian Encompass AW01 specs & sizes

Specifications
Tread depth10 - 12/32″
UTQG600 A A
Treadwear warranty60,000 mi
SidewallBlack Side Wall
Max pressure51 psi

We don't have the size list for this tire yet. Search the retailer for your size:

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Community buzz

What owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of the scores above.

Community opinion on the Nokian Encompass AW01 is mixed, highlighting its value pricing and solid all-weather capabilities, but raising concerns about rapid tread wear, especially on heavy vehicles, and reports of early shoulder cracking or dry rot.

Sentiment breakdown
Positive14%
Mixed43%
Negative43%
Top themes
#Rapid Tread Wear#Shoulder Cracking and Dry Rot#All-Weather Performance#Discount Tire Exclusivity#Comparison to Michelin CrossClimate 2#Value and Pricing

From 14 threads and comments.