- A side note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking DiscountTire - Treadwell out. This is a tool that DiscountTire dealers use in the store. You can get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites.
TRIED & TESTED!
Nokian WRG4 is a tire that can be used in 4 seasons. Nokian is known for its impressive winter tires. Therefore, people who live in severe winter conditions prefer this tire for all-season usage. They are good at winter tires built. Let’s see if they can maintain this success on all-season tires!
At a Glance
| Nokian WRG4 | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Mostly winter-oriented 4 season performance, wet traction, ice traction, comfort, long-lasting rubber |
| Category | All-Weather Tire |
| Vehicle | Sedan, SUV, CUV, Coupe |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Made In | Finland |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty | 65,000 Miles |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Nokian WRG4 is a superior tire on wet and dry ground. Due to its huge gripping ability, Nokian WRG4 might increase your fuel mileage slightly. Furthermore, it has a unique tread that lasts longer than the most all-weather tire on the market. In return, it’s slightly noisy(8 out of 10). It’s labeled with 3PMFS. Thus, it’s a trustworthy pick for severe winter conditions.
All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
Finding the most suitable one for you among thousands of tires is very difficult.
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - How do all-terrain tires do in the snow?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/all-terrain-mud-tires-in-snow - Correct tire inflation pressure improves fuel economy
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/air-pressure-fuel-economy - Tire Safety Practices
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-safety
Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.
If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best All-Round & Longevity
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Round & Squishy Regions
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best All-Round & Off-Road Adventure
- Falken Wildpeak AT Trail – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Severe Off-Road
- Nitto Recon Grappler – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- General Grabber ATX – Best All-Round for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best On/Off Road tire for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Cooper Discoverer 4S XLT – Best Commercial All-Terrain Tire & Hauling and Towing
If you’re looking for something at a bargain price;
- Vredestein Pinza AT – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- Kenda Klever A/T2 – Best All-Round for Medium & Light Duty Usage
- Kenda Klever R/T – Best All-Round for Heavy-Duty Usage
Depending on your needs, also the below articles might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-mud-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Tread Appearance
Orange – Inner Shoulder, Green – Interlocked Center Section, Red – Outer Center Rib, Blue – Outer Shoulder
First of all, I’m pretty impressed by its design. Nokian WRG4 has an asymmetrical tread design. Most all-season tires have a symmetrical pattern. In that case, this one is exceptional. Let’s visualize ultra-high-performance tires. They all have asymmetrical patterns, right? Well, the asymmetrical patterns always offer better handling and superior grip. Nokian doesn’t want to lose its reputation in winter tires. Due to maintaining its characteristic, they prefer this pattern design on Nokian WRG4.
Inter-locked center section and outer center rib provide massive handling while steering. Moreover, its open shoulder design increases its water evacuation ability and improves its wet performance. In addition to that, the intense sipe ratio promises a better grip on slippery conditions.
Lastly, I would like to talk about shoulder design. When you look at it, you will see two different designs on the inner and outer shoulders. The outer shoulder has a more rigid and common shoulder design that helps it to stay stable on the road and respond quickly to steering moves. However, the inner shoulder is made of various sizes and angled lugs. That feature improves its traction performance on loose surfaces.
Dry Performance
Dry performance has 2 different dimensions. Grip and steering response. Let’s examine them separately.
Due to the asymmetrical pattern and well-notched rubber, this tire has phenomenal grip performance. Moreover, its well-balanced rubber(soft but stiff enough to not separate) increases its gripping ability in a positive way.
Steering response and handling are about inner construction as well as pattern design. Regarding pattern design, it’s alpha plus. This tire has a design of performance tire. In consequence, handling and steering are a piece of cake for it. In addition to that, Aramid Sidewall Tech increases its sidewall durability and rigidity. Hence, it offers solid performance regarding steering response and handling.
Comfort and Road Noise
Comfort is a bit complicated more complicated but road noise is hard to reduce with these stiff sidewalls and an asymmetrical pattern. I have to admit that this tire is a bit noisier than its competitors. Yet, its narrowed center section void area makes this noise bearable.
Regarding comfort, its soft compound meets the deficit of stiff sidewalls. Furthermore, its hybrid design(rib mostly) absorbs the road impact successfully and makes this tire smooth as a summer tire.
Nokian WRG4 is a slightly noisy tire. Yet, It offers a smooth ride as Michelin Crossclimate2 on bumpy roads.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Wet Performance
Wet performance is a must for all-season tires. Due to their well-notched design, they have better grip-ability than summer tires.
Regarding Nokian WRG4, I can confidently say that this tire is a beast in squishy conditions. In that case, I’ve put hydroplaning resistance and wet grip into consideration.
Let’s think that we’ve divided it down to the middle. The inner part(more like a performance tire, half reverse v-shaped) exceeds its grip ability due to the block-type design. So, it offers a huge wet grip. On the other hand, the rib type half consists of 2 circumferential grooves that improve its water evacuation ability and prevent hydroplaning at high velocity.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Tread Life and Durability
Let’s start with the tread life.
The problem with the asymmetrical pattern is unknown tread life. In that case, using the right inflation pressure is key. If you don’t use it at low inflation pressure, uneven wearing is inescapable.
Due to its soft rubber and high rolling resistance, I can’t say that this tire has unique tread life. Yet, this is a well-optimized tire. It has a decent tread life. You won’t be regretted.
Regarding durability, it’s unbeatable. Aramid Sidewall Tech protects the sidewalls from internal impact and prevents puncture. As a result, Nokian WRG4 reaches the last point of treadwear indicator and offers long-lasting rubber.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire, If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Winter Performance
Nokian is an expert on winter tires. This company is based in Finland. Well, they know what harsh winter condition is.
Nokian WRG4 has 3PMSF. That means it’s rated for severe winter conditions. So, you can call it all-weather tire instead of all-season tire.
Where it shines is frozen surfaces. Due to its high-tech rubber, it has insane grip ability on the ice. It’s also very good at light snow. Furthermore, its half-lugged-type pattern promotes traction on deep snow.
It’s a trustworthy pick for winter usage. I strongly recommend it.
Warranty
Unlike Nokian WRG3, Nokian trusts this tire’s tread life. For this reason, they offer 65,000 miles treadwear warranty for this product.
Note: Nokian is one of the most flexible brands due to putting treadwear warranty into effect. They change your tire with the new one without a question.
Sizes
Nokian WRG4 is available for 14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”,19”, 20” rim sizes.
Nokian WRG4 SUV is available for 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20” rim sizes.
Nokian WRG4 14'' and 15''Sizes
| Max Load | Max Speed | |
|---|---|---|
| 185/65R14 | 1170lb | 130mph |
| 175/65R15 | 1100lb | 130mph |
| 185/60R15 | 1230lb | 130mph |
| 195/60R15 | 1230lb | 130mph |
| 195/65R15 | 1356lb | 130mph |
| 205/60R15 | 1356lb | 130mph |
| 205/65R15 | 1480lb | 130mph |
Nokian WRG4 16'' Sizes
| Max Load | Max Speed | |
|---|---|---|
| 195/55R16 | 1202lb | 149mph |
| 205/55R16 – Run Flat | 1356lb | 130mph |
| 205/55R16 | 1356lb | 149mph |
| 205/60R16 | 1390lb | 149mph |
| 205/65R16 | 1520lb | 130mph |
| 215/55R16 XL | 1610lb | 130mph |
| 215/60R16 | 1520lb | 130mph |
| 225/60R16 | 1650lb | 149mph |
| 235/60R16 | 1800lb | 130mph |
Nokian WRG4 17'' Sizes
| Max Load | Max Speed | |
|---|---|---|
| 205/50R17 XL | 1430lb | 149mph |
| 215/45R17 XL | 1356lb | 149mph |
| 215/50R17 XL | 1520lb | 149mph |
| 215/55R17 | 1480lb | 149mph |
| 215/65R17 XL | 1929lb | 130mph |
| 225/45R17 Run Flat | 1356lb | 130mph |
| 225/45R17 XL | 1650lb | 149mph |
| 225/55R17 XL | 1819lb | 149mph |
| 235/45R17 XL | 1610lb | 149mph |
| 245/55R17 XL | 1709lb | 149mph |
Nokian WRG4 18'' Sizes
| Max Load | Max Speed | |
|---|---|---|
| 225/40R18 XL | 1390lb | 149mph |
| 225/45R18 XL | 1520lb | 149mph |
| 225/60R18 | 1800lb | 168mph |
| 235/40R18 XL | 1520lb | 149mph |
| 235/45R18 XL | 1650lb | 149mph |
| 235/50R18 XL | 1819lb | 149mph |
| 245/40R18 XL | 1610lb | 149mph |
| 245/45R18 XL | 1800lb | 149mph |
| 245/55R18 | 1929lb | 168mph |
Nokian WRG4 19'' and 20'' Sizes
| Max Load | Max Speed | |
|---|---|---|
| 235/40R19 XL | 1570lb | 168mph |
| 245/40R19 XL | 1650lb | 168mph |
| 245/45R19 XL | 1870lb | 149mph |
| 255/35R19 XL | 1570lb | 149mph |
| 255/40R19 XL | 1800lb | 149mph |
| 245/40R20 XL | 1709lb | 168mph |
Nokian WRG4 has an SUV version that is available in different sizes. Click here to see Nokian WRG4 SUV sizes!
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Nokian WR G4: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nokian-tire-wr-g4
Nokian WR G4 SUV: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nokian-tire-wr-g4-suv
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Nokian WR G4: https://simpletire.com/brands/nokian-tires/wr-g4
Nokian WR G4 SUV: https://simpletire.com/brands/nokian-tires/wr-g4-suv
Amazon
- Fast and free shipping (mostly in a day)
- Get your tires shipped to a selected service center or get them installed at home or work (how does it work?)
- Installation on Mavis Discount Tire (15$ per tire)
- Installing new stem valves supplied by pro
- Balancing your tires
- Road/safety test
- Since Amazon provides wholesale and affordable prices, they don’t offer a road hazard warranty
Nokian WR G4: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nokian+wrg4&ref=nb_sb_noss
Nokian WR G4 SUV: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nokian+wrg4+suv&ref=nb_sb_noss
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
Nokian WRG4 is a solid pick for those who are looking for a durable, reliable, and aggressive-looking all-weather tire.
| Nokian WRG4 | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Mostly winter-oriented 4 season performance, wet traction, ice traction, comfort, long-lasting rubber |
| Category | All-Weather Tire |
| Vehicle | Sedan, SUV, CUV, Coupe |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Made In | Finland |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty | 65,000 Miles |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, they might be a better pick for bigger vehicles( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
If you have any further questions, please leave them below. Have a safe ride folks!
I’m on my third winter for a set of these tires- there’s still 7/32” left after using them year-around for two years. They are now winter-only tires.
I drive VERY aggressively- decades of autocrossing will do that to ya! These tires are shockingly good, even in Buffalo, NY winters. I’ll never get to the manufacturers 65K mile warranty mileage, but will easily get to 45K miles. Personally, I consider that a win considering the way I abuse tires.
FYI, these tires are mounted on a VW GTI Sport on OEM wheels in size 225/40-18. Definitely will replace with more of the same tires. They made the Michelin X-Ice tires on my previous Mini look ridiculous. And my current summer tires are the excellent Michelin Pilot AllSeason tires…
Hello Jim,
Thanks for the comment, I believe it’ll be very helpful to other people.
Pilot All-Season for summer, and Nokian WRG4 for winter; I actually recommend the same pack for aggressive drivers.
Good to know it works.
Can I put a 245/40/20 wrg4 on my 4Runner that currently has 245/60/20 tires will it affect the handling of the vehicle
Hello John,
Depends on the tire load and speed index. Though, I don’t recommend it for a vehicle like a 4Runner. Low-profile tires easily get damaged on the bead part of the tire. The possibility of course increase in SUVs.
If you still insist to take it, low profile tires(245/40/60 in your case) offer better handling, yet, they also offer rougher ride.