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Nexen Winguard Snow G3

Premium Touring Winter Winter rated

Replaces the Nexen Winguard Snow G WH2

The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 is a mid-range winter touring tire that impresses many drivers with secure traction in snow and ice, a quiet ride and reassuring motorway stability. Real-world feedback often places it close to premium alternatives for comfort and confidence, particularly for the money. However, professional testing repeatedly highlights wet grip and aquaplaning as its main limitations, which can hold it back in demanding rainy conditions.

The quick answer

Owners say 90% from 7 owner reviews 100% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 16th average finish across 5 independent tests Latest: P26 of 55 · 2024 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Comfort, Dry Value, Snow Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated January 2025.

  • 7owner reviews
  • 17,000miles driven
  • 5professional tests
Nexen Winguard Snow G3 1 photos

Tire Reviews Score

Nexen Winguard Snow G3

7.8/10

Better than 64% of winter tires

  • Medium Confidence
  • 4 tests
  • 7 owner reviews
Scores of the 278 winter tires we have tested

How this score is built

Better than Weight
Independent tests4 tests · 2 publications · 2020-2024 59% 88%
Owner reviews7 owner reviews · rated 90% 96% 12%
Combined 64% 7.8

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other winter tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 57% 30% 4
SnowBraking, traction and handling on snow 22% 23% 4
IceBraking, traction and handling on ice Not tested, counted as average 18% –
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 64% 17% 2
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 25% 6% 2
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 92% 5% 2

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards. Faded bars rest on one or two tests.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 64% 4
TractionEvery traction test, on any surface 28% 2
HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 26% 2

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 85% of the test figure. The other 15% comes from its predecessor, the Nexen Winguard Snow G WH2, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2024 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P26 / 55
  2. 2022 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 ADAC · 185/65 R15 P10 / 15 Placing only
  3. 2021 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P19 / 20
  4. 2021 2021 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P16 / 50
  5. 2020 2020 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test Auto Zeitung · 205/55 R16 P11 / 14
All Tests
View Test Results

Tested 5 times by independent publications, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 averages a finish of 16th.

5 Tests
0 Test Wins
16th Average
10th Best
26th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20202024

Finishing position in each test

YearTestResultAward
20242024 Winter 55 Tire Braking TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P26 / 55
20222022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15ADAC · 185/65 R15P10 / 15
20212021 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P19 / 20
20212021 Winter Tire Market OverviewAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P16 / 50
20202020 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire TestAuto Zeitung · 205/55 R16P11 / 14

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

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Running Costs
View Test

In 205/55 R16, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 is projected to cost €29.43 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €736 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test.

Continental WinterContact TS 870€20.25
Goodyear UltraGrip 9+€23.28
Vredestein Wintrac€24.02
Nexen Winguard Snow G3€29.43
Tire purchase + fittingExtra fuel vs the most efficient tirecost per 1,000 miles
Assumes a typical car doing 29 mpg (rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €6.25 per gallon and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2021 test; financing costs are excluded.
Dimensions & Label Scores
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Size Range34 sizes available

155-235Width45-70Profile14-16Rim79-100 T-HLoad/Speed Index2020First On Market

EU LabelAcross 34 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

71-72dB

3PMSF on every size

Popular sizes205/55 R16175/65 R14195/50 R15215/55 R17205/60 R16
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 in the wet?
Across the 4 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 stops 5% longer than premium rivals, level with mid-range rivals and 7.7% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 57/100, and owners rate it 9/10 in the wet from 7 reviews.
How good is the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 in the dry?
Across the 2 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 stops 1.9% shorter than premium rivals, 3% shorter than mid-range rivals and 0.9% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 64/100, and owners rate it 9/10 in the dry from 7 reviews.
How good is the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 in the snow?
Across the 4 snow-braking tests it has featured in, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 stops 5.3% longer than premium rivals, 2.8% longer than mid-range rivals and 6.5% shorter than budget rivals. Across the 2 snow-traction tests, it is 4.1% worse than premium rivals, 0.8% worse than mid-range rivals and 14.1% better than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews snow score of 22/100, and owners rate it 9.6/10 in the snow from 7 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Nexen Winguard Snow G3?
Across the 2 tests measuring rolling resistance, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3's rolling resistance is 5% higher than premium rivals, 2.2% higher than mid-range rivals and 2.5% higher than budget rivals.
How many miles does the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 is expected to last around 17,709 miles (28,500 km).
More questions about the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 (8)
What do owners say about the Nexen Winguard Snow G3?
Across 7 owner ratings the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 averages 90%. Owners rate Snow Grip highest at 9.6 out of 10 and Wear lowest at 7.8. 100% of owners score it 70% or better.
How much does the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 cost to run?
In 205/55 R16, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 is projected to cost €29.43 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €736 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test. The cheapest to run in that test is the Continental WinterContact TS 870, at €20.25.
What is the Nexen Winguard Snow G3's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 most commonly carries EU label ratings of D for fuel efficiency, C for wet grip and 71 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Nexen Winguard Snow G3?
Owners rate the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 9.3 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 7 reviews.
How well do the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 7.8 out of 10 for wear across 7 reviews.
Would owners buy the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 again?
100% of owners say they would buy the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 again, based on the 7 owner reviews that answered the question. 100% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What does the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 replace?
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 is the successor to the Nexen Winguard Snow G WH2 in Nexen's range.
What sizes does the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 come in?
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 is available in 53 sizes, ranging from 155-235/45-70 R14-16.
Owner Questions
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Nexen Winguard Snow G3 Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What owners say summarised from 7 reviews

Drivers overwhelmingly praise the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 for strong snow and ice traction, confident wet and dry grip, stable motorway handling, and notably low noise, often comparing its performance to premium tires at a lower price. Comfort and responsiveness are rated highly once correct pressures are set. A few note a softer, slightly floaty feel in warmer temperatures, typical of winter tires. Overall, it delivers excellent value for money.

What owners mention most counted across 7 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 7 ratings

  • Owner score 90%
  • Snow Grip 96%
  • Comfort 93%
  • Dry Grip 90%
  • Wet Grip 90%
  • Ice Grip 90%
  • Road Feedback 87%
  • Handling 87%
  • Wear 78%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 99%

“after looking trough many reviews I decided for this nexen winguard g3, and I have to say dry grip is top noch! Drove it on motorway 160kmh no problem at all, holds the road perfect never felt insecure and after I saw...”

  • Audi A4 Avant B9
  • 1,000 miles
Read full review → 869 found this helpful

All 7 Nexen Winguard Snow G3 reviews

Score spread across 7 written reviews
99%
Member
after looking trough many reviews I decided for this nexen winguard g3, and I have to say dry grip is top noch! Drove it on motorway 160kmh no problem at all, holds the road perfect never felt insecure and after I saw they cam 1st in some test for noise level I see why, they are so queit its like a summer tire, drove it on some ice roads, holds amazing, on wet I didnt really tryed them at the speed but people say they hold road in wet very good and I belive them, snow cant say still didnt snow where I live, there is no better tire for this price, you cant find better tire for this money
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 869
88%
Member
Update: we had some winter weather this month and the tires were very good on snow and ice as well as on wet and dry roads. I think it's a premium tire performance for 2/3 price. Very good value for money!
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 891
91%
Member
Superb tires...cant fault them for the money...would certainly buy again. Snow performance is excellent...wet and dry roads are no issue...seem to handle anything I throw at them.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 803

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696 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed
89%
Member
Was a bit dubious of having these fitted as never used nexen tires before but my local garage owner assured me they were a good tire for the money and I would be happy with them. Two month down the line and 1000mls later I have to say I'm really pleased with them. The car handles as it should plus we had a few days of snow here a couple of weeks back so they were put to the test and they didn't let me down. Our street is really steep and always a struggle to climb in the winter time, especially when there's snow. As I wanted to test these tires out I purposely tried some heavy breaking, a few hill stops and starts without any problem. The car just pulled away each time as if it was normal conditions. I can't comment on wear as only had them fitted a few months but I'm quite confident they will last me several seasons for the amount of miles I do each year.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 981
86%
Member
Really impressed with these tires, these replaced my worn Apollo winter tires which have always been brilliant in winter time but I recon these are as good if not better, maybe it's because they are new and ample tread but only time will tell. Rubber is nice and flexible with ample sipes for that extra grip on the road. As someone else mentioned they feel a bit soft and at higher temperatures they do feel a bit floaty at times but I think all winter tires are the same in warmer conditions. Just make sure they are up to right pressure and you'll be fine. I would say the tread pattern is similar to the Conti Wintercontact TS860
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 955
100%
Member
  • Ford Fiesta
  • 175/65 R14 T
  • 1,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Spirited
The NEXEN Winguard Snow G3 WH21 is a brilliant tire, far superior to my old vredestein snowtrac 5 tires, drove them on the snow for the first time yesterday and I can honestly say I was blown away by their performance. I have them fitter to a 2012 ford fiesta and have just covered over 1.5K in the cold wet roads and driving has been very responsive even with heavy water on the roads. At first I thought they were a bit soft and felt the car was a bit wishy-washy on the road compared to the vredestein's, I soon realised the tires were all under pressure thanks to the garage that fitted them. Blew them up to the car's recommended pressure and this changed things completely. So far so good and I know this is only my initial review but I must say I'm very impressed with them. This is my first time driving on nexen tires but my first impression is really good for a budget tire. Tires are "Made in Czech republic" Can't recommend them enough for someone on a budget.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 925
82%
Member
Excellent value. Good dry grip, very good wet grip. No snow experience yet.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 1,185
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