Nokian’s 12 best tires

Nokian tires are produced by the Finnish company Nokian Tyres and come in cars, trucks, commercial vehicles and even heavy machinery. The Finnish tyre maker adapts them for erratic temperatures and heavy rainfall. We have compiled the top 12 Nokian tires based on performance and reviews to help you choose the right tyre for your car, depending on your driving habits and conditions.

Rating of the best Nokian tires

Nokian best summer tires

Nokian summer tires feature a complex tread pattern to channel water away from the contact patch. They are also much stiffer, which increases the directional stability of the car at speeds of 100-130 km / h. At an average daily temperature of +5…+7 degrees “shoe” in the following best tire models.

Nokian Tyres Hakka Green 2

Rating: 4.9

This is a new Nokian tire that combines the best characteristics of commercial and sport versions. The design features a different shape of breaker, with smaller-diameter steel strands. This enables the tire to keep its weight down and bring it into the sporty category. But the thin cord has remained reliable and durable thanks to a new interlacing technology, allowing to keep high adhesion properties with the road surface and loading the car with luggage. Owners of cars equipped with Nokian Tyres Hakka Green 2 have noted in their reviews reduced noise and lack of vibration.

This Nokian model is notable for its improved water drainage properties. Take a closer look at the pattern on the shoulder area. There are twice as many cross grooves as any other summer tire. The inner surface of the grooves in the tread has a curved shape, so when you rotate the wheels, the fluid is pushed out more quickly. Due to the high drainage capacity of this tire it is safe to drive in the rain at the speed of 100 km/h without fear of drifting.

Advantages

• lower tire weight;
• resistance to aquaplaning;
• high tensile strength of the tread;
• Absence of low-frequency noise and vibration.

Disadvantages

• bumps are felt more keenly when driving over bumps;
• The tire can bend on unpaved roads when making a turn.

Nokian Tyres Hakka Black 2

Rating: 4.8

These Nokian tires appeared in 2018 and are in the Performance category. They were designed to provide reliable traction when driving on dry asphalt. To this end, the tires were applied Dynamic Grip system, which consists of a multi-layer breaker structure and a special composition of rubber. It promotes active traction and steering precision. The tire designers put stiff blocks in the inner zone so the tire structure is not severely deformed when driving over irregularities. In the longitudinal ribs the manufacturer has implemented a system Silent Groove, which effectively distributes air flow to cool the surface of the wheel. Drivers in reviews like the fast ride on this rubber and the long service life. Summer mileage for some is up to 80,000 km.

Increased width of grooves between the ribs is a feature of the Nokian model. It allows the pads to actively change size when in contact with the road (when making a sharp turn, there is pressure, the pads press in and expand, but they “hold” the road). The tires are designed specifically for high speed driving and maintaining excellent handling.

Advantages

• The speed index is 270 km/h;
• Stylish design with an understated profile of 50-55 mm;
• Reduced resistance to air masses;
• almost no road noise inside the car.

Disadvantages

• high cost;
• No tyre size smaller than 17 inches.

Nokian Tyres Nordman SZ

Rating: 4.7

Nokian SZ summer tires are designed for cars. Lineup includes sizes from 16 to 18 inches. Available in two speed indexes (V and W) for 210 and 270 km/h. Nokian’s summer tyres, with their rigid steel cord, are specially designed for powerful cars whose owners like to show off the capabilities of their vehicles. The stiff breaker reduces the rolling resistance quite well. Profile heights between 40 mm and 55 mm are available, creating a sporty, athletic look on all makes of car.

Judging by the reviews, these Nokian tires provide a comfortable ride on summer roads of any quality. This is made possible by the dual layer construction of the tread. Base lower layer has increased stiffness to maintain steering precision at high speeds and cornering with confidence. But the outer layer of the compound is made by the manufacturer from a more elastic material, so the tires better “swallow” the bumps, providing a soft ride.

Advantages

• Load index per wheel: 670 kg
• spherical groove recesses reduce noise level;
• increased internal capacity of drainage slots;
• effectively streamline airflow.

Disadvantages

• Pebbles tend to get stuck in the drainage grooves;
• If you start from a place with slippage, they rub off badly;
• On sale is the size only from R16 and above.

Nokian Tyres Nordman SX2

Rating: 4.6

The Nokian Nordman SX2 summer tyre is available in sizes from R13 to R16. This particular model is made in the Finnish manufacturer’s production facilities, located in Russia. A characteristic feature of this modification is the increased acoustic comfort, which is noted by customers in reviews. For this, the Finnish tiremakers used shallow recesses on the sides, arranged in a staggered pattern. They reduce air flow resistance and prevent excessive road noise.

The main advantage of these Nokian tires is an attractive price, which is 2-4 times less than other models. Although they have lower speed ratings than other tires, the tread effectively resists aquaplaning. The grooves in the shoulder area are tapered for this, making it easier for the water to drain off. The surface of the drainage gutters are polished to a high gloss surface, which reduces the resistance to the passage of liquids. On these wheels, your car will steadily keep the course when it suddenly begins to rain.

Advantages

• Trapezoidal tread profile gives directional stability;
• acoustic comfort due to side grooves;
• accelerated water circulation;
• no visible aquaplaning.

Disadvantages

• The speed index is noticeably lower than other tires at 190 km/h;
• Wheel load up to 387 kg;
• manufactured in Russia.

The best winter tires Nokian

Snow evacuation, stable behavior on ice, and the softness of the compound are important for winter tires. These are the characteristics of the following Nokian tire models, which we have collected in this category.

Nokian Tyres Hakkape

itta 9

Rating: 4.9

Another studded variant from Nokian. The tires are made with “Bear Claw” technology. This ensures that the stud is positioned vertically in relation to the road. Unlike other models, where studs can fracture, the 90-degree angle is always preserved here, which contributes to reliable traction on ice. To keep the wheels from humming heavily, the manufacturer has provided an air cavity under the anchor section. It acts as a shock absorber, reducing stress on the metal component and eliminating some of the noise.

Nokian Tyres Nordman 7 tires are best for maneuvering on a snowy track, according to the editors. In order to ensure stability, the shoulder areas have many additional shallow grooves (4 on each shoulder). This gives better grip and allows all snow to be removed from the contact patch. Judging by the reviews of drivers, the tires are particularly good at sudden changes of direction or rearrangement, which is useful both in the city in winter and on the highway.

Advantages

• Beveled edges on the shoulder area for easy directional changes;
• polygonal studs for the best grip on ice;
• A clear indication of the direction of rotation will help you not to mix things up when installing;
• Wide central grooves to absorb snow.

Disadvantages

• You can’t go over 190 km/h;
• clatter when driving on asphalt;
• Maximum size R17.

Nokian Tyres Nordman RS2

Rating: 4.6

For particularly cold regions, Finnish manufacturer Nokian offers RS2 tires. An unusual tread pattern with a wide central rib and extended triangular pellets is immediately noticeable upon inspection. The slanted elements ensure fast snow ejection and keep the contact patch clean. A further zigzag design with serrations on the shoulder area help break up snow drifts. Customers share in reviews that it is not terrible to drive on such rubber, even on rough roads. In spite of the wide grooves in the tire pattern, the Nokian tires feature a larger sipe pattern. The miniature elements create thousands of fine edges that cling well to the tamped snow.

The Nokian RS2 is a particularly soft tire, designed for cars in the North and even beyond the Arctic Circle. Finnish manufacturer makes them 2/3 of cryosilane-based silica. This keeps the tread supple in spite of -40°C temperatures…-50 degrees.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• Lots of sipes in the shoulder area for better handling when maneuvering;
• shorten the braking distance;
• Draws water into droplet-shaped cavities.

Disadvantages

• the tyre wears down fast at +3 temperatures…+6 degrees;
• Very good braking performance in puddles.

Nokian’s best off-road tires

SUV tires are distinguished by their large size R17-R22, and increased load capacity from 500 kg. Among Nokian brand products, we chose 4 models with good characteristics and reviews, suitable for the category of cars SUV.

Nokian Tyres Hakka Black 2 SUV

Rating: 4.9

This is a summer tire for SUVs and full-size crossovers that can support a vehicle weight of over 3 tons. Nokian introduced the new product in 2017. Unlike the passenger car version, these tires feature a reinforced carcass with additional aramid fibers. The tire also has a thicker sidewall cross-section, which allows the tire to endure bumps and friction on the curb without breaking the fibers. In the manufacture of the Nokian model uses Hydro Canyon Grooves technology, which consists of the arrangement of cone-shaped grooves on the ribs of rigidity. This prevents aquaplaning. In reviews, off-road owners praise the tires for their quiet operation.

We paid attention to the Nokian tires because of the universality of the pattern, allowing their use on vehicles operated in the northern part of Europe (Moscow, St. Petersburg). The specifics of the tread with small notches on the outer studs gives a sensible response of the wheels to the actions of the driver, and also provides improved traction in changeable weather conditions. If it rains unexpectedly or even hail, your car will be ready for it.

Advantages

• Load index up to 875 kg;
• Can be driven at speeds up to 240 km/h;
• reduced rolling resistance;
• acoustic comfort thanks to the Silent Groove component.

Disadvantages

• very high cost;
• Sometimes on sale in 2019 we find rubber made in 2017 (code 5017 and others).

Nokian Tyres Hakkape

itta 9 SUV

Rating: 4.8

Nokian summer crossover tyres feature three central stripes with oblique beads, ensuring fast fluid drainage from the contact patch. Tires are available in sizes R16-19. Buyers in reviews like the mark on the center rib serving as a wear indicator. It displays the remaining depth in millimeters, serving as a clue to the driver when it is time to replace the tires. There’s also a drop symbol on the running side of the rubber. If it disappears, it will be a signal to the car owner to be more careful when hitting a wet road.

These Nokian tires are the best in terms of durability. A hybrid blend of two compounds is used to make them. The rubber is more elastic on the outside and has better thermal conductivity. This reduces rolling resistance and improves traction on wet surfaces. Inside, the rubber is stiffer, which protects the tires from punctures. Also in the sides are “sewn” reinforcing fibers, which increase the resistance of the tire to stretching or tearing. On which wheels you can safely drive off the road into the woods or climb the kerb.

Advantages

• Load index up to 850 kg;
• Can reach speeds of up to 240 km/h;
• Aramid fibers are integrated into the sidewalls;
• Hints on the tread pattern.

Disadvantages

• No size R20-22 for large off-road vehicles;
• relatively low wear resistance – will last for 50000 km of mileage.

Nokian Tyres Rockproof

Rating: 4.6

A quick glance at Nokian Rockprof tires reveals similarities to truck tires. In fact, some of their design features have been borrowed from heavy vehicle tires. For example, the tread structure is characterized by high, complexly shaped beads that ensure vertical alignment of the elements when in contact with the road. Large dimensions of studs contribute to the strength of blades and stable off-road vehicle behavior on heterogeneous ground. The pronounced grousers help you get out of an eroded rut or change direction sharply in quicksand. Customer reviews report that these Nokian tires are virtually impossible to puncture or cut.

We consider these Nokian tires the best for those who like to arrange their off-road vehicle test-drive in the mountains. They are placed in a special category of All Terrain. There are protrusions at the bottom of the drainage grooves that do not allow stones to get stuck in the tread, but rather push them out. Such solution provides protection of wheels from damage and reliable traction despite driving on stony terrain.

Advantages

• rubber compound is both elastic and durable;
• The tread successfully absorbs shocks from bumps and irregularities;
• reinforced sidewalls;
• blocks with polygonal shape for increased traction.

Disadvantages

• Very high price;
• cannot exceed the speed of 160 km/h;
• They drastically hum after 110 km/h.