Nankang SV2 - Test Results

Test Statistics

14

Tests Completed

20^th

Average Position

6^th

Best Result

46^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Across 14 winter tests, the Nankang SV2 consistently finishes near the back of the field, with an average position of 19.6 and multiple last-place results. The dominant pattern is clear underperformance in wet and snow disciplines, frequently occupying bottom-two positions and drawing 'not recommended' remarks. Dry performance is mixed: occasional strong dry braking appears as an outlier amid generally mid-to-lower tier handling. Value-oriented attributes like low external noise, competitive pricing, and decent straight-line aquaplaning or rolling resistance show sporadic positives, but they don't offset core safety-related deficits in wet and snow.
Overall, the tire struggles in the critical winter categories of wet grip and snow traction/handling across years and sizes. While some comfort/value traits and isolated dry braking results stand out, the SV2's recurring weaknesses in winter grip define its performance profile.

Performance Strengths

Noise and Value Strong Details
• 1st place noise in 2019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tire Test (70.7 dB)
• 1st place price in 2019 test; 2nd place price in 2021 test (245/40 R18)
Rolling Resistance/Efficiency Moderate Details
• 2nd/12 rolling resistance in 2019 test (+5.5% from best)
• Mid-pack rolling resistance 10/14 in 2021 test (+12.6% from best)
Dry Braking (isolated outlier) Minor Details
• 1st/10 dry braking in 2017 Sport Auto (225/40 R18)
• Midfield dry handling 2011-2021 with occasional top-10 placements (e.g., 10/14 dry handling in 2021, +4.7% from best)
Aquaplaning Resistance (straight/curved) Minor Details
• 6/15 straight aquaplaning in 2021 (+4.6% from best); 7/14 curved aquaplaning in 2021 (+10.2% from best)
• 7/12 straight aquaplaning in 2019 (+3.3% from best)

Performance Weaknesses

Wet Weather Performance Strong Details
• 2021 wet braking 14/14 (+38.9%); wet handling 14/14 (+14%); wet circle 14/14 (+11.1%)
• 2019 wet braking 11/12 (+17.7%); wet handling 12/12 (+5.7%)
• 2017 wet braking 9/10 (+10.9%); wet handling 9/10 (+5%)
Snow Performance Strong Details
• 2021 snow braking 13/14 (+20.2%); snow traction 12/14 (+20.5%); snow handling 12/13 (+10.7%)
• 2017 snow braking 10/10 (+14.1%); snow handling 10/10 (+9.4%)
• Article mentions: 2021 'performed poorly in all snow tests'; 2017 'weakest in both snow tests'
Overall Competitiveness/Awards Strong Details
• Average overall position 19.6 over 14 tests
• Last place finishes: 2017 ADAC SUV 16/16; 2012 Auto Bild Sports 6/6 (not recommended); 2013 Toroleo 6/6
• Frequent lower-half results: 2018 40/52; 2015 46/51; 2016 33/43; 2014 22/48; 2013 29/50; 2011 results 7/9 and 8/10
Dry Handling Consistency Moderate Details
• 2019 dry handling 11/12 (+4.6%)
• 2017 dry handling 9/10 (+1.8%); 2021 dry handling 10/14 (+4.7%) despite 2017 dry braking win