Skip to content
Winter tire Winter Ultra High Performance tires Updated September 2026

Nokian WR SUV 3 review

The Nokian WR SUV 3 is widely regarded as a highly capable all-weather tire that excels in winter conditions, including snow, slush, and ice. While most users praise its multi-surface traction and confidence-inspiring handling, there is a notable divide in user experience regarding wet-weather performance and long-term durability.

Relative score
88/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
88/100
37 reviews
Road tests
71/100
1 published test

Owners rate it 16.5 points higher than the instrumented road tests do — see the two score breakdowns below for where they disagree.

Nokian WR SUV 3
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

87.7%
Would buy again 72%
Dry
Overall dry
92.5%
Corner stability
84%
Dry traction
86%
Steering response
85%
Wet
Overall wet
90.1%
Wet traction
81%
Snow & ice
Overall snow & ice
92.1%
Ice
80%
Comfort
Overall comfort
88%
Noise
Overall noise
84%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
85%
Handling
Overall handling
84%

By road tests

71.2%
Dry
91%
Wet
83%
Snow
82.8%
Noise
100%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 37 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Nokian WR SUV 3 is widely regarded as a highly capable all-weather tire that excels in winter conditions, including snow, slush, and ice. While most users praise its multi-surface traction and confidence-inspiring handling, there is a notable divide in user experience regarding wet-weather performance and long-term durability.

Pros

  • Exceptional traction and control in snow, slush, and freezing temperatures.
  • Strong hydroplaning resistance and stability in heavy rain.
  • Provides a convenient 'all-weather' solution, eliminating the need for seasonal tire changes.
  • Generally comfortable ride quality with acceptable noise levels for an aggressive tread pattern.

Cons

  • Inconsistent wet-road grip reported by some users, leading to concerns about lateral stability.
  • Reports of accelerated tread wear in the early stages of the tire's life.
  • Occasional cabin drone or increased road noise, particularly on specific vehicle chassis.
  • Performance degradation noted as the tread depth decreases, specifically regarding wet-surface safety.

Worth knowing

  • Users on heavier SUVs (e.g., 2.7-tonne vehicles) reported high satisfaction with lateral grip in wet conditions.
  • Tesla Model X owners noted an initial increase in cabin noise compared to OEM tires, which partially subsided after a break-in period.
  • Drivers of mid-sized SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Qashqai frequently cited the tire as a reliable year-round performer.
Test results

1 published test appearance

Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.

2018 AZ SUV Winter tire Test · 235/60 R18

3rd of 9
Best: Dry Handling · 1st Weakest: Rolling Resistance · 9th
DisciplinePlacementField position
Wet Braking4th of 9
Wet Handling3rd of 9
Dry Braking4th of 9
Dry Handling1st of 9
Snow Braking4th of 9
Snow Handling3rd of 9
Rolling Resistance9th of 9
Straight Aqua3rd of 9
Noise7th of 9
Price5th of 9