In a market flooded with options promising year-round reliability and performance, the Nokian Encompass AW01 emerges as a contender worth considering. How does it measure up against other grand touring all-season tires?
The Nokian Encompass AW01 is a grand touring all-season tire known for its outstanding performance in wet conditions, solid capabilities in winter weather, and dependable dry handling. It is ideal for drivers looking for a tire that provides safety and performance year-round.
In this article, we will explore the features and performance of the Nokian Encompass AW01, including its strengths in wet and winter conditions, its comfort and noise levels, and how it compares to other tires in its class.
We’ll also discuss potential drawbacks based on user feedback and reviews to give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from this tire.
Nokian Encompass AW01
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.2 of 10
Winter Weather
8.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.4 of 10
Dry Weather
8.7 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.3 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 600
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 60,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.2 of 10
Cornering: 8.6 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.8 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.5 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.1 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.6 of 10
Road Noise: 8.0 of 10
Description & Review
The Nokian Encompass AW01 emerges as a formidable contender in the Grand Touring All-Season tire segment, engineered to cater to drivers of sedans, coupes, and crossovers who demand a tire that excels across varied weather conditions without sacrificing comfort or performance. This tire is the culmination of Nokian’s extensive expertise in developing rubber compounds and tread designs that perform exceptionally in both urban and rural settings, ensuring safety and reliability throughout the year.
Nokian has leveraged its renowned winter tire technology to infuse the Encompass AW01 with features that enable superior wet and dry performance, alongside notable capabilities in winter conditions. It stands out with impressive hydroplaning resistance and wet traction scores, ensuring drivers can confidently navigate through rainy conditions. In dry conditions, the tire offers solid cornering stability, grip, and responsive steering, making every drive enjoyable and secure.
A standout feature of the Encompass AW01 is its winter performance. Unlike many all-season tires that offer moderate snow and ice performance, the Encompass AW01 boasts excellent light snow traction and respectable deep snow and ice grip, thanks to Nokian’s innovative tread pattern and siping technology. This makes the tire a reliable option for drivers in regions with variable winter weather, bridging the gap between all-season and winter tires.
TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY
The durability of the Encompass AW01 reflects Nokian’s commitment to long-lasting quality:
- Resilient Composition: Constructed with a durable compound that not only extends the tire’s life but also maintains optimal performance throughout its lifespan.
- Even Tread Wear: The tire’s design encourages uniform wear, ensuring consistent handling and comfort as the miles add up.
WET AND DRY PERFORMANCE
The Encompass AW01 excels in all weather conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: Advanced design minimizes the risk of hydroplaning, allowing for safer driving in wet conditions.
- Impressive Handling: Delivers excellent grip and precision steering in dry conditions, providing a dynamic driving experience.
WINTER CAPABILITY
Designed for superior cold weather performance:
- Snow and Ice Traction: Offers reliable grip in winter conditions, making it a versatile choice for drivers facing seasonal snow and ice.
COMFORT AND NOISE
Focused on enhancing the driving experience:
- Ride Comfort: Achieves a comfortable ride by effectively absorbing road imperfections, contributing to a smoother journey.
- Reduced Noise Levels: Engineered to keep road noise at bay, the Encompass AW01 ensures a quiet and enjoyable ride.
PROS
- Outstanding wet and dry performance for all-season confidence.
- Superior winter traction capabilities for light to moderate snow.
- High levels of comfort and reduced noise for a more pleasant driving experience.
- Durable construction with even tread wear for extended usability.
CONS
- While providing commendable ice and deep snow traction, it may not fully replace dedicated winter tires in extreme winter conditions.
In summary, the Nokian Encompass AW01 is an excellent choice for those seeking a tire that combines the best aspects of all-season flexibility with winter weather prowess. Its ability to provide a safe, comfortable, and quiet ride across a broad range of conditions positions it as a top contender for drivers who value reliability and versatility in their tire selection.
Nokian Encompass AW01 Problems
The Nokian Encompass AW01 is renowned for its outstanding all-season performance, especially in wet conditions and light snow, making it a preferred choice for drivers seeking reliability and safety throughout the year. However, as with any tire, there are potential drawbacks based on user feedback and reviews that merit consideration before making a purchase decision. Understanding these issues can help drivers choose a tire that aligns with their driving needs and expectations.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Challenges in Extreme Winter Conditions: Although the Encompass AW01 excels in light snow traction, its performance in deep snow and on ice may not rival that of specialized winter tires. Drivers in regions prone to severe winter weather might find the tire’s capabilities in these conditions insufficient for their needs.
Treadwear and Durability Concerns
- Inconsistent Tread Life: Some users have reported variations in treadwear, with a minority experiencing shorter-than-expected tire life. This discrepancy could be influenced by driving styles, road conditions, and adherence to regular maintenance such as tire rotations and keeping proper inflation levels.
- Warranty Satisfaction: There have been instances where drivers expressed concerns over the tire’s treadwear warranty, feeling it doesn’t fully represent the actual lifespan of the tires under typical driving conditions.
Comfort and Noise Issues
- Ride Comfort and Noise Levels: While the Encompass AW01 generally provides a comfortable ride, a few drivers have noted an increase in road noise as the tires wear, which could detract from the overall driving experience for those sensitive to noise. Additionally, the ride quality, though generally high, may slightly diminish over time or in comparison to some premium competitors.
Comparison to High-End Alternatives
- Performance Against Competitors: When compared to top-tier alternatives like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive, the Encompass AW01 holds its ground well but may fall short in certain aspects such as ice traction and heavy snow performance. This comparison is especially pertinent for drivers who demand the highest level of all-season and winter performance.
It’s important to acknowledge that experiences with the Nokian Encompass AW01 can vary widely, influenced by a range of factors including vehicle type, driving habits, and the specific conditions in which the tires are used. While the Encompass AW01 offers numerous advantages, such as superior wet traction and commendable light snow performance, prospective buyers should weigh these potential issues against the tire’s overall performance and safety benefits.
Nokian Encompass AW01 Alternatives
The Nokian Encompass AW01 is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a tire that provides superior wet traction, commendable winter capabilities, and solid dry performance. However, some drivers may have specific needs or preferences that lead them to consider alternatives. Here are three top alternatives to the Nokian Encompass AW01, each excelling in unique areas and offering a comparable level of performance in all-season driving conditions:
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
Overall Rating: A high-performance all-season tire that excels in wet conditions and offers exceptional winter capabilities.
- Wet and Dry Grip: Outstanding grip and responsiveness in both wet and dry conditions, slightly surpassing the Endeavor in wet performance.
- Winter Performance: Strong in mild and heavy snow, with better ice traction, making it a compelling option for drivers in colder climates.
- Comfort and Noise: Provides a comfortable ride with low noise levels, similar to the Endeavor, but with a slight edge in overall comfort.
- Treadwear: Comparable to the Endeavor, offering durable performance with a high-quality tread compound.
Michelin CrossClimate 2
Overall Rating: Excelling in versatility, the CrossClimate 2 is a formidable competitor, with superior marks in wet and dry performance, and commendable winter capabilities.
- Hydroplaning Resistance and Wet Grip: Scores exceptionally well, indicating reliable performance in heavy rain and wet conditions.
- Dry Performance: Offers excellent dry grip and cornering capabilities, ensuring a confident driving experience.
- Winter Performance: Demonstrates strong performance in mild snow, with good capabilities in heavy snow and on ice, making it a solid all-season choice.
- Comfort and Noise: Provides a high level of comfort, with reduced road noise for a quieter ride.
- Treadwear: Boasts durable construction, likely to deliver long-lasting performance under various conditions.
Bridgestone WeatherPeak
Overall Rating: A strong all-season contender, focusing on balanced performance with a slight emphasis on winter capabilities.
- Hydroplaning Resistance and Wet Grip: Offers very good performance in wet conditions, ensuring safety and control.
- Winter Performance: Excels in mild and heavy snow, with better ice grip than many all-season tires, making it a reliable option for drivers in colder climates.
- Comfort and Noise: Achieves good scores in comfort, though it may be slightly noisier compared to the top competitors.
- Treadwear: Provides a solid tread life, though it may fall slightly short of the best in its category, depending on usage and maintenance.
Each of these alternatives provides a unique set of features catering to different driver priorities, from enhanced wet and winter traction to superior comfort and longevity. Depending on individual needs for specific weather performance, driving dynamics, and tire life, these options represent valuable choices to consider alongside or as alternatives to the Nokian Encompass AW01.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Nokian Encompass AW01 stands out as a top choice for drivers seeking a tire that can confidently handle varied weather conditions without compromising on comfort. Its superior wet traction, commendable snow performance, and overall driving comfort make it a standout option in the all-season category.
However, potential buyers should consider their specific driving needs, especially in severe winter conditions, where specialized winter tires might still be necessary. Overall, the Encompass AW01 represents a smart investment for those prioritizing safety, performance, and versatility in their tire selection.
Good luck and happy motoring.
