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Winter tire Winter High Performance tires Updated May 2026

Nokian WR review

The Nokian WR is widely regarded as a premier choice for drivers navigating harsh winter conditions, offering exceptional traction in snow, ice, and mud. Users consistently report that these tires provide significant confidence in adverse weather, often allowing two-wheel-drive vehicles to outperform four-wheel-drive counterparts in deep snow.

Relative score
84/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
83/100
8 reviews
Nokian WR
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

83%
Would buy again 95%
Dry
Overall dry
76%
Corner stability
76%
Dry traction
76%
Steering response
79%
Wet
Overall wet
91%
Wet traction
91%
Comfort
Overall comfort
79%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
88%
Handling
Overall handling
76%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 8 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Nokian WR is widely regarded as a premier choice for drivers navigating harsh winter conditions, offering exceptional traction in snow, ice, and mud. Users consistently report that these tires provide significant confidence in adverse weather, often allowing two-wheel-drive vehicles to outperform four-wheel-drive counterparts in deep snow.

Pros

  • Exceptional traction and control in deep snow, slush, and ice
  • Superior wet-weather performance and resistance to hydroplaning
  • Impressive durability and longevity over high mileage
  • Strong off-road capability in muddy conditions

Cons

  • Noticeable road noise compared to standard summer tires
  • Soft sidewalls can lead to a 'squirmy' feeling during spirited cornering
  • Not optimized for high-performance dry handling

Worth knowing

  • Drivers of heavy commercial vans, such as the Fiat Ducato, reported excellent load-bearing traction and longevity.
  • Users noted that the tires significantly improved the winter drivability of rear-wheel-drive sedans like the BMW 5-series.