Nokian zLine review
The Nokian zLine is widely regarded as a high-performance summer tire that offers exceptional wet-weather grip and a comfortable, quiet ride at a competitive price point. While many users praise its handling and value, there is a consistent consensus regarding its rapid tread wear and occasional reports of sidewall cracking or structural disintegration, leading to a polarized user experience.
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
86%What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 83 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Nokian zLine is widely regarded as a high-performance summer tire that offers exceptional wet-weather grip and a comfortable, quiet ride at a competitive price point. While many users praise its handling and value, there is a consistent consensus regarding its rapid tread wear and occasional reports of sidewall cracking or structural disintegration, leading to a polarized user experience.
Pros
- Exceptional wet-weather traction and hydroplaning resistance
- High levels of ride comfort and low noise output
- Excellent value for money compared to premium competitors
- Precise steering response and stable high-speed handling
Cons
- Rapid tread wear and short overall lifespan
- Reports of sidewall cracking and tread separation
- Soft sidewalls can feel unstable during aggressive cornering
- Inconsistent performance in extreme dry heat
Worth knowing
- Users with heavy vehicles (e.g., BMW 7 Series, Audi A4, Saab 9-5) frequently report faster tread wear and a need for careful pressure management.
- Drivers of performance-oriented hatchbacks and sedans (e.g., Scirocco, Mondeo) noted that the soft sidewalls can reduce steering feedback compared to stiffer UHP tires.
- Owners of larger SUVs noted that the tire's weight and construction can significantly alter fuel consumption and ride characteristics.
2 published test appearances
Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.
2018 Auto Express Summer tire Test · 225/45 R17
9th of 10
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2018 Ace 235/45 R18 Summer tire Test · 235/45 R18
3rd of 11
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