When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for my vehicle, I always want to make an informed decision.
That’s why I decided to delve into the world of Falken vs Nokian, two prominent tire brands renowned for their exceptional performance and durability.
In this post, I’ll be exploring their fascinating histories, evaluating their performances on dry, wet, and snowy terrains, examining their mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and uncovering the pros and cons of each.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme in the tire kingdom.
Let’s dive in!
Falken vs Nokian – Comparison Table
| Falken | Nokian | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Finland |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1988 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | Finland and Russia |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Nokian Tyres plc (Finland) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
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 Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Nokian zLine.
In my evaluation, I rate the Falken Azenis FK510’s dry performance at 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received high praise for its exceptional dry capabilities.
It excels in areas such as short braking distances, handling speed, grip, and traction.
Even at high speeds, it maintains consistent performance, highlighting its impressive dynamics.
As for the Nokian zLine, it scores a respectable 4.2 out of 5 for its precise handling, good traction, and sporty characteristics.
While it offers a thrilling driving experience in dry conditions, it falls slightly behind the Falken Azenis FK510.
Thus, the Falken Azenis FK510 emerges as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Nokian WR G4.
As the one assigning the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate both the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S and the Nokian WR G4 tires with a score of 4.6.
Both tires demonstrate excellent wet performance, providing good wet traction, hydroplaning resistance, and stability in wet conditions.
The Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S receives positive feedback for its all-season performance, while the Nokian WR G4’s all-weather design contributes to its reliable wet performance.
Therefore, it is difficult to declare a clear winner as both tires offer similar levels of wet performance, resulting in a tie.
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 – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
Based on my research and personal snow performance rating, I would rate the Falken Espia EPZ II tire at 4.7 out of 5.
It offers strong traction in varying winter conditions, with positive reviews highlighting its superb performance even in harsh weather.
The asymmetrical tread pattern enhances handling, including in snowy conditions.
Similarly, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire receives a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Its Double Block Grip design ensures reliable grip and traction, with a focus on eco-friendliness.
Given their similar snow performance levels, I declare a tie between the two tires.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Nokian | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 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, both Falken and Nokian tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, indicating similar mileage coverage.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, Falken tires generally last between 20,000 to 80,000 miles.
On the other hand, Nokian tires have a slightly longer average lifespan, ranging from 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
So, if longevity is a priority, Nokian tires might be the better choice.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken 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:
| Falken | Nokian | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | Nordman 7 goes from $73 – $177 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Hakkapeliitta 10SUV goes from $173 – $696 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
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 Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
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 evaluations of dry performance, the Falken Azenis FK510 emerges as the better tire.
Both the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S and the Nokian WR G4 demonstrate excellent wet performance, resulting in a tie.
For snow performance, the Falken Espia EPZ II and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 receive similar ratings, leading to another tie.
When it comes to mileage warranty and average lifespan, Nokian tires have a slight advantage.
Considering all these factors, I declare Nokian as the better pick overall.
