When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for my vehicle, the debate between Nitto vs Nokian has always intrigued me.
So, I decided to dive deeper into the world of these two renowned tire brands.
In this post, we’ll explore their rich histories, examine their performances on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads, analyze their mileage warranties, average lifespan, and prices.
By the end, I’ll reveal which brand emerges as the ultimate champion.
Let’s jump in!
Nitto vs Nokian – Comparison Table
| Nitto | Nokian | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Finland |
| Year Founded | 1949 | 1988 |
| Made In | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia | Finland and Russia |
| Parent | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) | Nokian Tyres plc (Finland) |
About the Brands
1. Nitto
Nitto is a renowned tire brand with its roots in Japan.
Founded in 1949, it is now a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire Corporation since the acquisition in 1979.
Nitto has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality tires that deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition globally for its innovative tire technologies and cutting-edge designs.
Nitto offers a diverse range of tires, catering to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
With a commitment to excellence, Nitto consistently emphasizes research and development to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Today, Nitto tires are sought after by drivers who seek superior traction, handling, and durability.
With its Japanese heritage and affiliation with Toyo Tire Corporation, Nitto continues to be a trusted and respected name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Crossovers
- High-performance cars
- Off-road vehicles
- Side by side 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 Nitto NT555 G2 vs the Nokian zLine.
In my assessment, as the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, I rate the Nitto NT555 G2 with a 4.5 and the Nokian zLine with a 4.2.
The Nitto NT555 G2 showcases exceptional cornering grip, responsive steering, reliable handling, and swift acceleration in dry and hot conditions.
Its tapered tread blocks further enhance traction and stability.
Similarly, the Nokian zLine offers precise handling, good dry traction, and a sporty driving experience.
While both tires demonstrate strong attributes, the Nitto NT555 G2 edges slightly ahead in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Nitto Motivo vs the Nokian WR G4.
In my assessment, based on my research, I would rate the Nokian WR G4 tire slightly higher for wet performance, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It offers excellent wet grip and cornering, providing stability and control even on wet surfaces and during cornering.
The all-weather design and asymmetric tread contribute to its impressive wet performance.
While the Nitto Motivo tire also performs well in wet conditions with a rating of 4.3, the Nokian WR G4 tire edges slightly ahead.
Therefore, the Nokian WR G4 tire emerges as the better option 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 – Nitto SN2 Winter vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
In my evaluation, the Nitto SN2 Winter tire demonstrates a commendable snow performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
This is supported by its silica-enhanced tread compound, symmetrical tread pattern, and lower freezing temperature technology.
Conversely, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire achieves an impressive snow performance rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Its Double Block Grip design enhances grip and traction, while uncompromised grip and predictable performance contribute positively.
Furthermore, its eco-friendly focus adds to its overall score.
While the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 slightly outperforms the Nitto SN2 Winter, both tires offer reliable snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Nitto | Nokian | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. | The lifespan of Nokian tires can vary but on average they can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles. |
After conducting research on Nitto and Nokian tires, I found that both brands offer impressive mileage warranties.
Nitto 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, Nokian tires tend to outlast Nitto tires.
On average, Nitto tires can last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles, whereas Nokian tires have a broader range, lasting between 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
Therefore, if longevity is a priority, Nokian tires might be a better choice.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Nitto 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:
| Nitto | Nokian | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $97 to $1,447 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea | Nordman 7 goes from $73 – $177 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /ea | Hakkapeliitta 10SUV goes from $173 – $696 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Nitto
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of good quality, offering durability and reliability | |
| ✔ Solid performance tires |
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 Nitto:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
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 assessments and research, Nokian emerges as the better pick overall.
While Nitto offers solid dry performance and Nokian demonstrates good dry traction, Nokian’s wet performance with the WR G4 tire is slightly superior.
Additionally, Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta R5 tire outperforms Nitto in snow conditions.
Although both brands offer impressive mileage warranties, Nokian tires tend to have a longer average lifespan.
Considering these factors, Nokian is the winner due to its superior wet performance, excellent snow performance, and longer lifespan.