When it comes to choosing the perfect set of tires, the BFGoodrich vs Nokian debate has long intrigued me.
In this post, I’ll delve deep into their histories, examine their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, explore their mileage warranties and average lifespans, scrutinize their prices, and weigh their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover the ultimate question: which brand reigns supreme? Let’s dive in!
BFGoodrich vs Nokian – Comparison Table
| BFGoodrich | Nokian | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Finland |
| Year Founded | 1870 | 1988 |
| Made In | Tuscaloosa, AL, Woodburn, IN, or Opelika, AL in the US | Finland and Russia |
| Parent | Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (France) | Nokian Tyres plc (Finland) |
About the Brands
1. BFGoodrich
BFGoodrich, a renowned tire brand, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1870 in the United States.
Originally known as Goodrich, the company began producing rubber products and expanded into tires in the late 19th century.
They quickly gained prominence for their quality and innovative designs.
In 1988, Goodrich became a subsidiary of Uniroyal-Goodrich, which later merged with the French tire giant Michelin in 1990.
As a result, BFGoodrich became part of the Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin, solidifying its global presence.
BFGoodrich has always been at the forefront of tire technology, pioneering advancements such as all-terrain tires and radial tires.
Their tires have been trusted by drivers on various terrains, from racetracks to challenging off-road environments.
With a legacy spanning over a century, BFGoodrich continues to deliver high-performance tires, catering to diverse vehicles and driving needs.
Their strong association with Michelin ensures that the brand remains synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Off-road vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
2. Nokian
Nokian Tyres, a renowned tire brand, was founded in Finland in 1988 and is currently a subsidiary of Nokian Tyres plc.
With a rich history spanning over three decades, Nokian has established itself as a leading global tire manufacturer.
The brand’s commitment to innovation and high-quality products has earned it a strong reputation in the industry.
Nokian is particularly known for its expertise in winter tires, thanks to its Finnish roots and the country’s demanding weather conditions.
The brand’s tires are designed to provide exceptional grip, safety, and durability in harsh winter conditions, making them popular worldwide.
Nokian’s continuous research and development efforts have resulted in numerous breakthroughs, including the introduction of unique technologies and eco-friendly materials in their tire manufacturing processes.
Today, Nokian Tyres continues to deliver cutting-edge tire solutions, catering to diverse customer needs across different regions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Heavy machinery
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 vs the Nokian zLine.
As someone who has personally assessed the dry performance of both the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and the Nokian zLine tires, I rate the former as a 4.7 out of 5 and the latter as a 4.2 out of 5.
The BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 stands out with its excellent dry grip, traction, responsiveness, and cornering capabilities, earning it the title of best dry traction among its competitors.
On the other hand, the Nokian zLine impresses with its precise handling, good dry traction, and sporty characteristics.
Ultimately, the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 emerges as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport vs the Nokian WR G4.
Based on my research, I would rate the wet performance of the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport tire as a 3.8 out of 5.
While it offers reasonable wet performance, reviews suggest potential issues with traction, stopping distances, and acceleration.
On the other hand, the Nokian WR G4 tire receives a wet performance rating of 4.6 out of 5, indicating excellent wet grip and cornering stability.
With its all-weather design and asymmetric tread, it provides reliable performance on wet roads.
Therefore, the Nokian WR G4 seems to offer better wet performance compared to the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
Based on my research and snow performance ratings, as the evaluator, I would rate the BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI tire’s snow performance at 4.5 out of 5.
It offers enhanced traction with its high sipe density, saw-toothed groove edges, and new compound.
The tire is designed to handle extreme winter conditions and provides a stable and confident drive in deep snow.
On the other hand, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire receives a snow performance rating of 4.8 out of 5, with its Double Block Grip design and focus on eco-friendliness.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance, making it a tie between the two.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| BFGoodrich | Nokian | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 75,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | BFGoodrich tires are expected to last mostly between the 50,000 to 60,000 miles mark. | The lifespan of Nokian tires can vary but on average they can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles. |
After researching, I found that BFGoodrich and Nokian tires offer similar mileage warranties.
BFGoodrich provides a treadwear warranty of up to 75,000 miles, while Nokian offers up to 80,000 miles.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, BFGoodrich tires tend to last between 50,000 to 60,000 miles, whereas Nokian tires have a broader range of 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
So, while both brands offer good warranties, Nokian tires may have a slightly longer average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – BFGoodrich vs Nokian.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| BFGoodrich | Nokian | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $112 to $747 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Advantage Control goes from $112 – $238 /ea | Nordman 7 goes from $73 – $177 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Mud Terrain T/A KM3 goes from $217 – $747 /ea | Hakkapeliitta 10SUV goes from $173 – $696 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
BFGoodrich
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Competitively priced with above-average mileage on the tread-warranties | ❌ They lack tire diversity compared to other brands, and the brand’s passenger options are limited in sizes |
| ✔ Highly focused and specialized in all-season and off-road tires | |
| ✔ Great option for daily commutes and road trips |
Nokian
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Your go-to brand for winter tires and only tire manufacturer in the world with its own permanent winter tire testing facility | ❌ Limited market presence |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and heavy-duty equipment | |
| ✔ Innovative technology, such as the Hakkapeliitta R3’s “Aramid Sidewall Technology,” which uses the same material used in bulletproof vests |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from BFGoodrich:
- All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
- Advantage T/A Sport LT
Some of Nokian’s best tires are shown below:
- Hakkapeliitta R3
- WR G4
- Rotiiva AT Plus
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After evaluating the dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as considering the mileage warranty and average lifespan, I declare BFGoodrich as the overall better pick.
The BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 offers excellent dry performance with outstanding grip and cornering capabilities.
While Nokian shows strength in wet performance with the WR G4, BFGoodrich’s Advantage T/A Sport performs reasonably well.
In terms of snow performance, both BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 offer reliable traction.
However, BFGoodrich tires have a slight edge in terms of average lifespan.
Therefore, BFGoodrich emerges as the better choice overall.