As an avid driver, I’ve always been fascinated by the world of tires and the impact they have on a vehicle’s performance.
Today, I want to delve into the intriguing realm of Dunlop vs Nokian.
In this post, we’ll explore the rich histories of these tire brands, analyze their dry, wet, and snow performances, examine mileage warranties and average lifespan, compare prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover which brand reigns supreme in the tire world.
Let’s dive in!
Dunlop vs Nokian – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | Nokian | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Finland |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1988 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | Finland and Russia |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Nokian Tyres plc (Finland) |
About the Brands
1. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain 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 Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 vs the Nokian zLine.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would give the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 a dry performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Its reputation for good dry performance, excellent grip and handling, short braking distances, and increased steering precision make it a strong contender.
On the other hand, the Nokian zLine receives a rating of 4.2 out of 5, showcasing precise handling, good traction, and a sporty design.
While both tires excel in dry conditions, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 edges slightly ahead.
Thus, it is the preferred choice for maximizing dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the Nokian WR G4.
Based on my research and personal wet performance rating, I rate the Dunlop Signature HP tire as a 4.4 and the Nokian WR G4 tire as a 4.6 out of 5.
The Dunlop Signature HP receives positive feedback for its good wet traction and all-season performance, thanks to its asymmetric tread pattern and enhanced all-season tread compound.
However, the Nokian WR G4 tire offers excellent wet grip, good wet cornering performance, and stability on wet surfaces, along with an asymmetric tread design.
Therefore, I declare the Nokian WR G4 as the better tire for wet performance.
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 – Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
As someone who has evaluated the snow performance of both the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tires, I have assigned a rating of 4.6 out of 5 to the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02, indicating reliable snow performance.
The rubber compound and asymmetric tread design contribute to its effectiveness, as mentioned in positive reviews.
On the other hand, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 also offers reliable snow performance with a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Its Double Block Grip design enhances grip and traction, and it receives praise for its predictable performance and eco-friendliness.
Therefore, both tires perform exceptionally well in the snow, resulting in a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | Nokian | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | The lifespan of Nokian tires can vary but on average they can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Dunlop tires come with a mileage warranty of up to 60,000 miles, while the Nokian tires offer a warranty of up to 80,000 miles.
However, when it comes to their average lifespan, Dunlop tires usually last between 15,000 to 50,000 miles, whereas Nokian tires can range from 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
Therefore, Nokian tires tend to have a longer average lifespan and offer a higher mileage warranty compared to Dunlop tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop 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:
| Dunlop | Nokian | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | Nordman 7 goes from $73 – $177 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Hakkapeliitta 10SUV goes from $173 – $696 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
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 Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Some of Nokian’s best tires are shown below:
- Hakkapeliitta R3
- WR G4
- Rotiiva AT Plus
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the criteria of dry performance, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 has a slight edge.
However, in terms of wet performance, the Nokian WR G4 is the better choice.
When it comes to snow performance, both the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 perform exceptionally well, resulting in a tie.
In terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, Nokian tires offer a longer lifespan and higher mileage warranty.
Therefore, considering all the factors, Nokian emerges as the better pick overall.