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Updated May 2026

Nokian Encompass AW02 review

The Nokian Encompass AW02 is highly regarded by users for its exceptional winter performance and refined road manners. Owners report that the tire provides a quieter, more comfortable ride compared to original equipment alternatives while maintaining impressive traction in deep snow and icy conditions.

Relative score
91/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
89/100
2 reviews
Nokian Encompass AW02
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

89%
Would buy again 100%
Dry
Overall dry
86.7%
Wet
Overall wet
87.3%
Snow & ice
Overall snow & ice
92.7%
Comfort
Overall comfort
96.3%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
96.7%
Handling
Overall handling
85%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 2 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Nokian Encompass AW02 is highly regarded by users for its exceptional winter performance and refined road manners. Owners report that the tire provides a quieter, more comfortable ride compared to original equipment alternatives while maintaining impressive traction in deep snow and icy conditions.

Pros

  • Excellent traction in deep snow and icy conditions
  • Quiet and comfortable ride quality
  • Superior handling characteristics for an all-weather tire
  • Effective performance in varied winter weather, including frozen slush

Cons

  • Long-term tread wear remains unproven due to limited mileage
  • Limited user feedback regarding performance in extreme heat

Worth knowing

  • Subaru Legacy owners report significant improvements in noise levels and handling compared to factory-installed tires.
  • The tire demonstrates strong capability on AWD sedans during heavy winter precipitation events exceeding 12 inches.