Nokian W+ review
The Nokian W+ is a polarizing winter tire that receives high praise for its exceptional longevity and reliable traction in deep snow and freezing temperatures. However, user consensus is significantly divided regarding its performance in wet and slushy conditions, where many drivers report a lack of confidence and poor grip.
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
68%What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 15 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Nokian W+ is a polarizing winter tire that receives high praise for its exceptional longevity and reliable traction in deep snow and freezing temperatures. However, user consensus is significantly divided regarding its performance in wet and slushy conditions, where many drivers report a lack of confidence and poor grip.
Pros
- Excellent tread life and durability over multiple seasons
- Strong traction and reliability in deep snow and icy conditions
- Maintains consistent performance across a wide range of cold temperatures
- Cost-effective alternative to premium winter tire lines
Cons
- Poor wet-weather handling and cornering grip
- Tendency to understeer on damp or slushy road surfaces
- Increased road noise and vibration on dry pavement
- Inconsistent performance compared to higher-tier Nokian models
Worth knowing
- Users fitting these to smaller, lower-powered vehicles like the VW Golf and Renault Megane reported high satisfaction with winter mobility.
- Drivers noted that the tire can feel soft or less responsive when temperatures rise above 10°C, suggesting it is best suited for strictly cold climates.