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Summer tire Summer Premium Touring tires Updated May 2026

Nokian i3 review

The Nokian i3 receives a polarized reception, with users divided between those who value its wet-weather performance and those who report significant degradation in safety and grip over time. While some drivers praise its handling in cooler, rainy climates, others express serious concerns regarding rapid tread wear and a notable loss of traction after the first season of use.

Relative score
69/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
70/100
6 reviews
Nokian i3
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

70%
Would buy again 57%
Dry
Overall dry
72%
Corner stability
68%
Dry traction
72%
Steering response
82%
Wet
Overall wet
68%
Wet traction
68%
Comfort
Overall comfort
77%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
65%
Handling
Overall handling
68%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 6 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Nokian i3 receives a polarized reception, with users divided between those who value its wet-weather performance and those who report significant degradation in safety and grip over time. While some drivers praise its handling in cooler, rainy climates, others express serious concerns regarding rapid tread wear and a notable loss of traction after the first season of use.

Pros

  • Strong performance in heavy rain and wet conditions
  • Comfortable and quiet ride quality
  • Reliable grip in cooler summer temperatures
  • Good value for the price point

Cons

  • Significant loss of grip and predictability after the first season
  • Rapid or uneven tread wear
  • Inconsistent performance on dry surfaces
  • Concerns regarding long-term structural reliability

Worth knowing

  • Users utilizing 225/50R17 sizes reported a positive initial experience regarding profile and comfort.
  • Drivers in Northern European climates noted the tire performs well in cooler, unpredictable summer weather compared to traditional high-heat summer tires.