Nokian WR SUV 3

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

This tire has been replaced by the Nokian WR SUV 4.

Dry Grip 86%
Wet Grip 81%
Road Feedback 85%
Handling 84%
Wear 78%
Comfort 88%
Buy again 72%
Snow Grip 85%
Ice Grip 80%

Tire review data from 17 tire reviews averaging 82% over 145,000 miles driven.

The WR SUV 3 is ranked 4th of 7 Winter Ultra High Performance tires.

Latest Tire Test Results

2018 AZ SUV Winter Tire Test - 3rd of 9 tires

  • Overall - A third place for Nokian thanks you balanced and consistent results.
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2016 AutoBild 4x4 Winter Tire Test - 7th of 8 tires

  • Positive - Low rolling resistance, good levels of comfort, short braking distances on dry roads, good aquaplaning results
  • Negative - Average grip in snow, average cornering grip in the wet and dry
View Full Test >>

2015 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test - 6th of 8 tires

  • Positive - Very good in aquaplaning tests, short braking distances in the dry
  • Negative - Average steering precision, average ride comfort, long wet braking, expensive
View Full Test >>

2018 Tire Tests

  • 3rd: 2018 AZ SUV Winter Tire Test (235/60 R18)
  • 2016 Tire Tests

  • 7th: 2016 AutoBild 4x4 Winter Tire Test (255/55 R18)
  • 2015 Tire Tests

  • 6th: 2015 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test (215/65 R16)
  • 2014 Tire Tests

  • 1st: 2014 Autobild SUV / 4x4 Winter Tire Test (235/65 R17)
  • 2013 Tire Tests

  • 1st: 2013 Toroleo SUV / 4x4 Winter Tire Test (235/65 R17)
  • Size Fuel Wet Noise Weight
    215/65 R16 102H   C C 72  
    235/70 R16 106H   C C 72  
    265/70 R16 112H   C C 73  
    235/55 R17 103H   C B 72  
    215/60 R17 100H   C C 72  
    225/60 R17 103H   C C 72  
    215/65 R17 103H   C B 72  
    225/65 R17 106H   C C 72  
    245/65 R17 111H   C C 72  
    265/65 R17 116H   B C 73  
    215/55 R18 99V   C C 72  
    235/55 R18 104H   C C 72  
    235/60 R18 107V   C C 72  
    245/60 R18 105H   C B 72  
    295/40 R20 110V   C C 75  

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    YouTube Review

    Top 3 Nokian WR SUV 3 Reviews

    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.
    Helpful 67 - tire reviewed on December 11, 2015
    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.
    Helpful 23 - tire reviewed on 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!
    Helpful 17 - tire reviewed on January 4, 2020
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    Latest 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.
    Helpful 14 - tire reviewed on December 26, 2019
    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.
    Helpful 18 - tire reviewed on November 8, 2017
    What to know the BEST All Season Tires for 2024? Click to find out!
    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.
    Helpful 28 - tire reviewed on February 25, 2016
    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)
    Helpful 19 - tire reviewed on 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...
    Helpful 30 - tire reviewed on 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.
    Helpful 15 - tire reviewed on 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.
    Helpful 20 - tire reviewed on 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.
    Helpful 16 - tire reviewed on 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.
    Helpful 13 - tire reviewed on 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.
    Helpful 20 - tire reviewed on 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.
    Helpful 18 - tire reviewed on 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.
    Helpful 13 - tire reviewed on December 3, 2013