Nokian Encompass AW02 Tire All-weather compound January 2025

[GFrosty]

Looks like Nokian is releasing a new tire for the U.S. market at the start of the year. Looks interesting, for those needing a year-'round compound, siping and tread design capable of handling summer, rains and moderate winter conditions.

The tread looks a bit reminiscent of the Hakkapeliitta 10, and somewhat like the Michelin CrossClimate2 but with additional siping.

Nokian's blurb about the tire: Nokian Encompass AW02 all-weather tire. DiscountTire/TireRack is showing the tire. Only a few CX5-compatible sizes so far, at least for DT/TR. Uncertain if it's to be distributed in the U.S. by DiscountTire/TireRack only.

Nokian Encompass AW02 -- 12/32" depth, 65Kmi tread warranty, 3PMSF rating

• 225/65-17
• 235/65-17 (a bit tall)
• 235/50-19 (a bit short)

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[jakeuten]

I was tempted by the AW01 but wasn't sure how much it would do for me having a dedicated set of winters. Does anyone on here use the AW01 in the winter where temps get down to -30 F? How do they hold up in terms of not becoming a hockey puck?

 

[GFrosty]

I was tempted by the AW01 but wasn't sure how much it would do for me having a dedicated set of winters. Does anyone on here use the AW01 in the winter where temps get down to -30 F? How do they hold up in terms of not becoming a hockey puck?

I'm completing my fourth year on the Nokian WR G4, which has the same essential compound as the AW01 and AW02.

In temps down to -15ºF or so, the WR G4 have been very good on very cold roads. Have had the Nokian Hakkas previously (though not on the CX-5), and I'd rate these WR G4s at about 90% of the grip of the Hakkas, in snow, ice, and mixed cold crud. Pretty good in rain, too. Aside from the differences in tread format, though I'm guessing, I can't imagine the AW01 or AW02 compound would grip much differently than the WR G4 in cold.

This past ~6mos or so, I've begun to notice the beginnings of slightly reduced grip on "launch" during drizzly mornings if I'm not careful with the throttle. Not frequently, but it's starting. Indicative this is likely the last season I'll be on this set of tires.

Seriously considering the AW01 and AW02 models, for the CX-5. In my case, while I have to contend with cold, it's quite rare we have more than 12-18" of snow for an entire winter, and usually less than 1-2" on the ground at once. Can't justify winter tires, but these all-weather variants (at least from Nokian) seem a decent alternative ... for such lighter conditions.