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Nokian WR SUV 3 View Gallery (1)
215-295/40-75 R15-20 11 sizes 2013 Winter rated

Nokian WR SUV 3

The Nokian WR SUV 3 is a Ultra High Performance Winter tire designed to be fitted to SUV and 4x4s.

8.2
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
Medium Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
86%
Wet Grip
81%
Road Feedback
85%
Handling
84%
Wear
78%
Comfort
88%
Buy again
72%
Snow Grip
85%
Ice Grip
80%
17 Reviews
82% Average
145,000 miles driven
5 Tests (avg: 4th)
Nokian WR SUV 3

Nokian WR SUV 3

Winter Mid-Range
BETA
8.2 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · Medium Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tire Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tire scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Dry
88.6
1.13x / 2 tests
Wet
88.1
1.93x / 3 tests
Snow
82.3
1.5x / 3 tests
Value
41.4
0.42x / 2 tests
Comfort
40
0.32x / 1 test

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Handling
92.5
3 tests
Braking
85.7
3 tests
Traction
66.2
1 test
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 5
Publications: 4
Period: 2013 - 2018
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 17
Avg Rating: 82.1%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 1.12
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tire tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2018 AZ SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Zeitung 2018 235/60 R18 3/9 11 metrics
2016 AutoBild 4x4 Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad 2016 255/55 R18 7/8 0 metrics
2015 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad 2015 215/65 R16 6/8 0 metrics
2014 Autobild SUV / 4x4 Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2014 235/65 R17 1/9 0 metrics
2013 Toroleo SUV / 4x4 Winter Tire Test Off Road 2013 235/65 R17 1/6 0 metrics
5
Tests
4th
Average
1st
Best
7th
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
2018 AZ SUV Winter Tire Test
235/60 R18 • 2018
3rd/9
A third place for Nokian thanks you balanced and consistent results.
7th/8
Low rolling resistance, good levels of comfort, short braking distances on dry roads, good aquaplaning results
Average grip in snow, average cornering grip in the wet and dry
6th/8
Very good in aquaplaning tests, short braking distances in the dry
Average steering precision, average ride comfort, long wet braking, expensive
Size Fuel Wet Noise
15 inch
235/75R15 105 T D C 72
16 inch
215/70R16 100 H C C 72
235/70R16 106 H D C 72
235/60R16 100 H D C 72
265/70R16 112 H D C 73
215/65R16 102 H XL C C 72
17 inch
215/65R17 103 H XL C C 72
245/65R17 111 H XL C C 72
265/65R17 116 H XL B C 73
225/60R17 103 H XL C C 72
265/70R17 115 H C C 73
225/65R17 106 H XL C C 72
235/65R17 108 H XL C C 72
215/60R17 100 H XL C C 72
235/55R17 103 H XL C C 72
18 inch
245/60R18 105 H C C 72
215/55R18 99 V XL C C 72
235/60R18 107 V XL C C 72
235/55R18 104 H XL C C 72
20 inch
295/40R20 110 V XL C C 75
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Nokian WR SUV 3 >>

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Top 3 Nokian WR SUV 3 Reviews

Given 79% while driving a Land Rover Range Rover V8 Vogue (255/50 R20 W) on mostly motorways for 28,000 average miles
DON'T JUST LOOK AT THE SCORE BUT READ THIS. Felt really good when first installed and ran well for 2 years and 28,000 mile then started to get vibration so took in to Bathwick Tires for balancing who found delamination split in both rear tires on inside sidewalk. Split around decal line almost a third of the way around. Although I liked them I lost confidence and replaced them immediately with Pirelli Scorpion. When I sent images to Nordic Tires as I thought they might be interested in having them shipped back to to investigate, their response was that it is due to long running under inflated. This is not true I check my tires relatively regularly and in my experience under inflation leads to visible outside sidewall scuffing. Bought from TireLeader So could be older stock. Those with same tires beware.
December 26, 2019
Given 69% while driving a Mazda CX7 (235/60 R18 H) on a combination of roads for 30,000 spirited miles
Good tire for general use. Excellent in winter, average on wet roads, good for aquaplaning. They at first wear quite fast, but as they age they become harder and wear less. With aging they perform worse on wet roads. After three winters an one summer they currently have 4mm of tread, but they are not safe for drive on wet roads. With 4mm tread aquaplaning resistance still quite high. Good value for the money paid, will buy again.
September 10, 2018
Given 89% while driving a Toyota Hilux mk6 3.0 (265/65 R17) on mostly motorways for 10,000 spirited miles
A very good tire, for normal winter driving at a very good price. Very good performance on dry and wet roads, have driven on motorways at high speeds with no problem on dry and wet. On compacted snow is also good, not the best but you would not have problems like getting stuck, also in deep fresh snow it is ok. it is slightly more intended for use on wet and dry roads at winter temperatures than on snow. have driven about 15.000km, and the is no visible signs of wear yet. For me is an excelent tire, even my Hilux is not a sporty car I can drive pretty fast in curves, and the Nokians WR SUV3 had always had high grip, especially being cheaper than other brands, and will surely buy again!
January 4, 2020

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Latest Nokian WR SUV 3 Reviews

Given 97% while driving a Volvo XC60 (235/60 R18 H) on mostly town for 500 easy going miles
I love these tires. I know I haven't been using them for long, but every kilometer I passed with them was really good. Wet and dry performance is better than I expected ( this is the first time I am using Nokian ). They perform excellent in wet surface with soggy foliage.
We expect some snow this year, so I am truly eager to give them a try in more severe conditions ( -5°C/ -10°C and snow )
Will let you know how the tires perform. I expect pure excellence since they were made for this kind of situation.
Tire wear was not assessed this time.

First impression : I recommend Nokian SUV 3 and will most probably buy them again.
November 8, 2017
Given 49% while driving a Volvo XC90 4.4l 7p 450hp (235/60 R18 V) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
I was always of high opinion of Nokian tires and the only thing that deterred my buying them was that they are Made in Russia, which overall is an issue and especially when Russia is under embargo with the rest of the world. However when changing tires I gave them a try regardless of the production location. Overall the impressions are positive although not overwhelming. I would continue using them for snow and ice conditions however my Goodyear SUV and Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires are far better for sluch and aquaplaning both in terms of driving stability and breaking as well as latidunal dynamics. You can't have it all in winter tires. HOWEVER after one season (not even entire) I decided to discontinue using Nokian tires due to the fact that the tire blew on me (exploded) when driving at autobahn speeds of 160 km/h. It could happen to any tire but with over 1 million km I have driven it never happended and especially not on the side of the tire showing to rather poor quality production than a fault of usage. I will never know the true reason for what happened but my initial thinking of the location of production will remain with me hence sorry Nokian, I gave you a chance, but I will never reconsider and risk the life of my family with your tires again, at least not until you produce them in state of the art premises. Dear User - take your own decision at your own risk but be forwarned.
February 25, 2016
Given 81% while driving a Mercedes Benz ML350 (270/40 R21) on mostly town for 500 easy going miles
I've just put these on my Mercedes ML350 and managed to catch the first of the Scottish snow. So far I'm very impressed with all aspects of the tires. In around 3cm of snow they were fantastic and gave me the assurance I'd decent rubber between me and the road. As the snow melted at the lower levels they were really good on the slush/rain and the drive was very comfortable. I fell the value and quality of these tires is well worth this review, I'm sticking the WR D4 on my wife's C class next week let's hope they are as good as the latest WR SUV 3.
December 11, 2015
Given 86% while driving a Nissan Qashqai (225/45 R17) on mostly motorways for 25,000 average miles
I put this tires for the first time two years ago in my Nissan Qashqai+2. I used the WR G2 SUV before and was not really pleased with them. On the contrary, the WR 3 SUV are fantastic. Very good in dry and wet surfaces and really confident in 2-3 cm snow or slush. They lasted for 40.000 km which is very good taking into account that I use them in summer in Spain as well (Basque Country which has a similar summer weather as UK, only a litte warmer). I used them last year again and I am changing them now with 45.000 km (a little on the edge...) for the same tire again.

I recommend it for people that usually go to ski resorts as they have never failed me (never used/needed chains since I got them)
December 9, 2015
Given 79% while driving a Volvo XC60 D5 AWD Auto (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
I put the WR3 SUV tires on this weekend. Today I went round a damp bend, 7 degrees C, at the same speed as last week. I experienced serious under steer, followed by the rear loosing traction. Fortunately, no accident took place...

The problem I have is that last week I had no issues driving this bend, at the same speed, on a damp road, unknowingly on tires with 2mm of tread. No understeer, no back end stepping out, no drama.

I bought these tires based on the Nokian site stating the WR3 SUV was the first double AA SUV winter tire, and from the positive feedback from this site.

When the tires were fitted I discovered the WR3 SUV were rated C C, not A A as advertised on their web site.

I will not use this site for feedback again, or trust manufacturer web sites...
November 24, 2015
Given 46% while driving a Audi A6 Allroad 3.0 TDI (235/55 R18 H) on a combination of roads for 1,500 average miles
I've recently had a full set fitted to my 2013 A6 Allroad.

Having covered around 1500 miles in mostly damp and wet conditions on UK roads I am very disappointed in the levels of wet grip offered by these tires. Indeed I am considering changing these tires for another brand altogether.

I find I'm loosing traction on wet surfaces, lateral grip is non existent and braking can often results in activation of ABS - something I never expected to happen from a tire that is rated as being best in class for wet weather handling.

I have scanned my car for faults (primarily ESP/ABS) and none are reported. I regularly drive on tracks with a prepared course car and understand how grip and braking should function with the correct setup.

My previous OE fit tires (Michelin Primacy 3) performed extremely well in wet conditions but being low on tread I decided to make the switch to Winters in preparation for the colder weather we're set to endure. Current temps are circa 12-16 degrees C and the Michelin performed in those conditions. I cannot find any data to suggest the Nokian product isn't suited to this temperature range but even then I would expect a level of grip be maintained.

I will be contacting Nokian direct to voice my concerns. Having spent over £450 for tires that were marketed as being best in class for winter, wet weather and snow I am so far finding that claim for at least one of those traits to be incorrect.

I bought the tires from Tireleader in Germany and all four were new, I really don't understand why I'm having such a poor experience from what was an informed choice through reviews and other media.
November 10, 2015
Given 100% while driving a Nissan X Trail 2.5 petrol (215/65 R16 H) on mostly country roads for 10,000 average miles
I think the previous reviewer has got confused and left a review for the wrong tire, as the WR SUV 3 is most definitely a winter tire, so the fact that he took them off in summer suggests that he's either barking or he's got mixed up.

Anyway, just to leave my quick review - these are fantastic tires. Had them over two winters now on the X-Trail. Can't fault them at all. Wear is excellent, grip and braking are fantastic wet or dry. Good feedback and comfortable too. When the time comes to replace them I won't hesitate to buy these again.
November 4, 2015
Given 59% while driving a Volkswagen Tiguan Escape 2.0tdi (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 20,000 average miles
Done nearly 20k miles on a set of these on a Tiguan over 2 summers - I took them off for the winter as they aren't sold by Nokian as winter tires.

I've found them ok on dry tarmac, not as good as standard road tires, as you'd expect. They maintain a good level of grip as the surface deteriorates, and then lose grip more as you get onto poor slippery surfaces and mud. They perform poorly on wet tarmac to the extent that I have considered discarding them well before they're worn out.

Wear looks good - can't comment on comfort...

I definitely won't go for these again. Have to say I'm surprised at other user reviews of these tires - maybe I'm expecting too much, but they're definitely poorer than all other tires I've used.
September 26, 2015
Given 84% while driving a Mazda CX7 (235/60 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 7,000 average miles
Very good on wet & ice, superb traction in heavy snow. Imune to aquaplaning, even at high speeds and heavy rain. 6mm of tread remains after first winter and cca 10000km, driven fast (not hard) on various type of roads. Over all very good tire, could be a little longer lasting.
May 23, 2015
Given 89% while driving a Honda CRV (225/65 R17) on a combination of roads for 4,000 spirited miles
We had heavy snow, tires had exelence grip in snow, 30 cm or more. I recommend them for heavy snow.
January 26, 2014
Given 100% while driving a Vauxhall Antara (235/50 R19 V) on mostly country roads for 500 average miles
This is now my 4th type of Winter tire, on a variety of car. The previous ones, Wintrac 4 Extreme seemed the best available, however on my new Vauxhall Antara, there was none available in that size. I took a chance on these new Nokians, and I can safely say that they surpass even the Vredesteins. I have, in the last week, tried them in the wet, dry, very wet, all kinds of frost and snow. I have never felt such confidence as I have with these. They just seem to grip as though the road surface was dry and frost free. No noticeable noise, despite the tread pattern looking as though it would be noisy. Nokian put out an information sheet, describing these tires, and I have to say that it doesn't do them justice. Braking cornering accelerating, whatever I ask the car to do, it does, and the 4 pieces of rubber/silica just seemed glued to the road. I am utterly amazed at how good they are. Great work Nokian! The winter is young, but I am looking forward to everything it can throw at me.
December 6, 2013
Given 100% while driving a Land Rover Discovery 3 (255/60 R18 H) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
It's too early to say on the wear rates, but the performance is outstanding. I have only used them on dry/wet conditions to 0 Degrees celsius, no snow and ice yet, but I am looking forward to seeing how they perform. I used General Grabber AT in the Summer/autumn/Spring and the difference is remarkable. Laterel grip in the wet is amazing. I drive on a lot of coutry lazes that that are wet and greasy and these are great. The other thing is that this is on a Car that weighs 2.7 tonnes!! I might buy another set now before the price goes up.
December 3, 2013
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