Nokian Encompass AW01 Review: The All-Season Tire That Laughs at Winter

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The Nokian Encompass AW01 is an all-weather tire designed for drivers seeking reliable performance in a wide range of conditions. This versatile tire combines the traction and handling capabilities of an all-season tire with the winter grip of a dedicated snow tire, making it an excellent choice for regions with moderate winter weather.

Nokian, a Finnish tire manufacturer renowned for its expertise in winter tires, has developed the Encompass AW01 to cater to the needs of drivers who require a single set of tires capable of handling various weather conditions throughout the year. Whether you’re navigating through light snow, heavy rain, or dry roads, this tire aims to provide a confident and comfortable driving experience.

The Encompass AW01 is targeted at drivers of passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs who prioritize safety, versatility, and convenience. By eliminating the need for seasonal tire changes, this all-weather tire offers a hassle-free solution for those seeking year-round performance without compromising on traction or handling.

Design and Construction

The Nokian Encompass AW01 tire is engineered with a meticulous design and construction process to ensure optimal performance and durability. This all-weather tire features a symmetric tread pattern with strategically placed siping and grooves, allowing for exceptional grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

The tire’s casing is reinforced with two steel belts and a polyamide reinforcement layer, providing a robust structure that can withstand the demands of various driving conditions. The high-strength steel belts enhance stability and handling, while the polyamide layer contributes to improved durability and resistance against punctures.

Nokian’s proprietary Aramid Sidewall technology is incorporated into the Encompass AW01, adding an extra layer of protection against cuts, abrasions, and impacts. This technology utilizes Aramid fibers, known for their exceptional strength and resilience, to reinforce the sidewalls, ensuring long-lasting performance and reducing the risk of premature tire failure.

The tire’s compound is formulated with a unique silica-based rubber mixture, which optimizes traction on wet surfaces while maintaining low rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, the inclusion of advanced traction resins enhances the tire’s grip on snow and ice, providing reliable performance in winter conditions.

Nokian’s manufacturing process incorporates state-of-the-art techniques and rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent performance and adherence to strict safety standards. Each tire undergoes thorough inspections and testing before leaving the factory, ensuring that only the highest-quality products reach consumers.

Tread Pattern and Grip

The Nokian Encompass AW01 features an advanced tread pattern designed to provide superior grip and traction in a wide range of weather conditions. The tread design incorporates a combination of deep, sweeping grooves and intricate sipe patterns that work together to enhance traction and evacuate water, slush, and snow effectively.

In dry conditions, the tread pattern’s stiff tread blocks and continuous center rib ensure precise handling and responsive steering, while the lateral grooves and sipes provide excellent grip during cornering and braking. The tire’s dry performance is impressive, offering a confident and controlled driving experience.

However, the true strength of the Encompass AW01 lies in its wet and winter performance. The tread’s deep grooves and high void ratio effectively channel water away from the contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and ensuring reliable traction on wet surfaces. The tire’s advanced siping technology also enhances grip on wet roads, providing exceptional braking and cornering capabilities in rainy conditions.

When it comes to winter driving, the Encompass AW01 excels. The tire’s specialized tread compound and aggressive sipe design work in tandem to provide outstanding grip on snow and ice. The tread’s biting edges and high void ratio effectively disperse slush and snow, ensuring consistent traction and control in even the harshest winter conditions.

Overall, the Nokian Encompass AW01’s tread pattern and grip performance are truly impressive, offering drivers a well-rounded and reliable tire that can confidently handle a wide range of weather conditions, from dry and wet roads to snowy and icy surfaces.

Noise and Comfort

The Nokian Encompass AW01 delivers an exceptionally quiet and comfortable driving experience, even on rough roads. This all-weather tire utilizes advanced noise-canceling technology in its tread design, effectively minimizing road noise and vibrations that can penetrate the cabin. The result is a serene and relaxing ride, allowing you to enjoy your music or conversations without intrusive exterior sounds.

Moreover, the Encompass AW01 boasts a sophisticated rubber compound and an optimized tread pattern that contribute to its smooth and compliant ride quality. The tire’s ability to absorb road imperfections and provide a cushioned feel is remarkable, ensuring a comfortable journey for both driver and passengers. Even when traversing uneven surfaces or encountering potholes, the tire’s shock-absorbing capabilities minimize jarring impacts, making it an ideal choice for those who value a refined and luxurious driving experience.

Durability and Treadwear

The Nokian Encompass AW01 is engineered with a focus on durability and long-lasting performance. Constructed with a robust tread compound and reinforced internal structure, this tire is designed to withstand the rigors of daily driving and maintain its integrity over an extended period.

One of the standout features of the Encompass AW01 is its impressive treadwear resistance. Nokian has employed advanced rubber compounding techniques and optimized tread design to minimize excessive wear, ensuring that the tire maintains its tread depth and grip performance for an extended mileage. With proper rotation and maintenance, this tire can reliably deliver up to 60,000 miles or more of usable tread life, providing excellent value for money.

In addition to its impressive treadwear characteristics, the Encompass AW01 also demonstrates remarkable resistance to various forms of damage. The tire’s reinforced sidewalls and bead area provide enhanced protection against potential impacts, curbing, and other hazards encountered on the road. This durability translates into a reduced risk of premature tire failure, ensuring safer and more reliable performance throughout the tire’s lifespan.

Furthermore, Nokian has incorporated advanced silica compounds into the tread rubber, enhancing the tire’s cut and chip resistance. This feature is particularly beneficial for drivers who frequently encounter rough or debris-strewn roads, as it minimizes the risk of tread damage and subsequent performance degradation.

Overall, the Nokian Encompass AW01 demonstrates exceptional durability and treadwear characteristics, making it a reliable choice for drivers seeking a long-lasting and robust all-weather tire. With its resilient construction and advanced technologies, this tire offers peace of mind and a consistent driving experience over an extended period, ultimately delivering outstanding value for the investment.

Fuel Efficiency

The Nokian Encompass AW01 is designed with a focus on fuel efficiency, contributing to reduced energy consumption and lower overall operating costs. The tire’s advanced silica-reinforced compound and optimized tread pattern work together to minimize rolling resistance, a key factor in improving fuel economy.

Through extensive testing and real-world driving evaluations, the Encompass AW01 has demonstrated impressive results in terms of fuel savings. Compared to its predecessors and many competitors, this tire can potentially improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to 5%, depending on driving conditions and vehicle specifications.

The low rolling resistance not only translates into tangible savings at the gas pump but also reduces the vehicle’s overall carbon footprint. This eco-friendly aspect aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally conscious products in the automotive industry.

Moreover, the Encompass AW01’s ability to maintain its fuel-efficient properties throughout its lifespan is a testament to Nokian’s commitment to long-term performance. Even as the tire wears down, the advanced compound and tread design work in tandem to minimize the increase in rolling resistance, ensuring consistent fuel economy over time.

Sizing and Fitment

The Nokian Encompass AW01 is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs. Nokian offers this all-weather tire in 16-inch to 20-inch rim diameters, with various width and aspect ratio options to ensure a proper fit for your vehicle.

When selecting the right size, it’s crucial to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the tire placard located on the driver’s side door jamb. Proper sizing ensures optimal performance, handling, and safety, as well as preventing potential issues like rubbing or clearance problems.

For most standard passenger cars, the Encompass AW01 is available in popular sizes like 205/55R16, 215/60R16, and 225/60R17. Crossovers and SUVs can opt for larger sizes such as 235/65R17, 245/60R18, or 265/60R18, depending on the vehicle’s specifications.

Nokian also offers several plus-size options for those seeking a more aggressive look or improved handling characteristics. These larger sizes, like 245/45R20 or 275/45R20, can provide a more substantial footprint and enhanced grip, albeit with potential trade-offs in ride comfort and fuel efficiency.

It’s essential to ensure that the chosen tire size is compatible with your vehicle’s specifications, including factors like load rating, speed rating, and overall dimensions. Consulting with a tire professional or referring to fitment guides can help ensure the correct size selection and avoid any compatibility issues.

Performance in Various Conditions

The Nokian Encompass AW01 is an all-weather tire designed to perform exceptionally well in a wide range of conditions, from dry and wet roads to light snow and ice. Its advanced tread compound and unique siping pattern provide excellent traction and grip, no matter the weather.

In dry conditions, the AW01 delivers precise handling and responsive steering, thanks to its rigid tread blocks and optimized contact patch. The tire maintains a firm grip on the road, allowing for confident cornering and braking, even at higher speeds.

When the roads are wet, the AW01’s deep, sweeping grooves and lateral notches effectively evacuate water from the tread area, preventing hydroplaning and providing reliable traction. The tire’s advanced silica-enhanced compound also helps maintain grip on slick surfaces.

As temperatures drop and snow starts to fall, the AW01 truly shines. Its specialized tread design features numerous sipes and biting edges that dig into snow and ice, providing exceptional traction and control. The tire’s winter-focused compound remains pliable in cold temperatures, further enhancing its snow and ice performance.

Even in light off-road conditions, such as gravel or dirt roads, the AW01 performs admirably. Its reinforced construction and sturdy shoulder blocks help maintain stability and prevent excessive wear or damage from loose surfaces.

Overall, the Nokian Encompass AW01 is a versatile and capable all-weather tire that delivers reliable performance across a wide range of conditions, making it an excellent choice for drivers who demand year-round traction and confidence.

Warranty and Support

Nokian Tyres is known for its comprehensive warranty and support offerings, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind. The Nokian Encompass AW01 comes with a strong warranty package that covers various aspects of the tire’s performance and durability.

The manufacturer offers a treadwear warranty that guarantees a certain number of miles or kilometers before the tire’s tread depth reaches the legal wear limit. This warranty provides assurance that the tire will deliver its promised lifespan, protecting your investment.

Additionally, Nokian Tyres includes a workmanship and materials warranty, which covers any defects in the tire’s construction or materials used. If any such defects are found during the warranty period, the tire will be replaced free of charge.

Nokian Tyres also provides a road hazard warranty, which protects against damages caused by potholes, nails, or other road debris. This warranty ensures that you won’t have to bear the full cost of replacing a tire due to unexpected road hazards.

In terms of customer support, Nokian Tyres offers a dedicated team of experts who are available to assist with any queries or concerns you may have regarding your tires. They provide valuable advice on tire maintenance, rotation, and replacement, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.

Furthermore, Nokian Tyres has a network of authorized dealers and service centers across various regions, making it convenient for customers to access professional tire services and support. These service centers are staffed with trained technicians who can handle everything from tire installations to wheel alignments and balancing.

Overall, the warranty and support package offered by Nokian Tyres for the Encompass AW01 tire is comprehensive and customer-centric, providing peace of mind and ensuring a hassle-free ownership experience.

Comparison to Competitors

The Nokian Encompass AW01 stands out among its competitors in the all-weather tire category with its innovative design and exceptional performance. When compared to similar offerings from brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental, the Encompass AW01 demonstrates several key advantages.

One of the standout features of the Nokian tire is its unique tread compound, which is engineered to provide excellent grip and traction in both wet and dry conditions, as well as light snow. This versatility sets it apart from many competitors that may excel in one area but fall short in others.

In terms of treadwear and durability, the Encompass AW01 outperforms many rivals, thanks to its reinforced construction and advanced rubber compound. This translates to a longer lifespan and better value for money over time.

While some competitors may offer slightly better fuel efficiency or quieter ride quality, the Nokian tire strikes an impressive balance between these factors and overall performance. Its noise levels are still well within acceptable ranges, and the potential fuel savings are marginal compared to the gains in grip and handling.

Another area where the Encompass AW01 shines is its wide range of available sizes, catering to a diverse array of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and light trucks. This versatility is often lacking in competitor offerings, which may have more limited size options.

Overall, while there are certainly capable alternatives in the all-weather tire market, the Nokian Encompass AW01 distinguishes itself as a well-rounded and reliable choice, offering a compelling combination of performance, durability, and versatility that few competitors can match.

Value and Cost Considerations

The Nokian Encompass AW01 tires offer excellent value for their performance capabilities and durability. While they are priced higher than some budget all-weather tire options, the Encompass AW01 delivers a compelling blend of year-round traction, comfort, and longevity that justifies the investment.

Compared to dedicated winter and summer tires that require seasonal changeovers, the Encompass AW01’s all-weather design eliminates the need for tire swaps, saving on the associated costs and hassle. This convenience factor adds to the tire’s overall value proposition.

Furthermore, the Encompass AW01’s impressive treadwear ratings and Nokian’s reputation for durability suggest that these tires will have a longer lifespan than many competitors. This translates into fewer replacements over the years, offsetting the higher initial cost.

Nokian’s commitment to quality manufacturing and advanced rubber compounds also contributes to the Encompass AW01’s value. These tires are designed to provide reliable performance and peace of mind, which can be invaluable for drivers who prioritize safety and confidence on the road.

While the Encompass AW01 may not be the most budget-friendly option, its combination of year-round capability, comfort, and longevity make it a cost-effective choice for drivers seeking a high-performance all-weather tire that delivers excellent value over its lifespan.

Recommendations and Conclusions

The Nokian Encompass AW01 is an excellent all-weather tire that delivers exceptional performance across a wide range of conditions. Its innovative tread design and advanced compound provide reliable traction on wet, dry, and even light snow-covered roads, making it an ideal choice for drivers seeking a versatile and capable tire.

For those living in regions with moderate winter conditions, the Encompass AW01 can serve as a year-round tire, eliminating the need for seasonal tire changes. Its strong grip and stable handling characteristics ensure a confident driving experience, even in challenging weather.

However, if you reside in areas with severe winter conditions or frequent heavy snowfall, it is recommended to opt for dedicated winter tires for optimal performance and safety during the harshest months of the year.

Overall, the Nokian Encompass AW01 is a well-rounded and high-performing tire that offers excellent value for its price point. Its impressive durability, comfortable ride, and reliable all-weather capabilities make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a tire that can handle various driving conditions with ease. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a road trip, or navigating through inclement weather, the Encompass AW01 is a tire you can trust to deliver a safe and enjoyable driving experience.