P9 of 16
Beat 40% of the field
Nokian WR D4 Test Results
Tested 2015 to 2019
8 publications
Tested 25 times by independent publications, the Nokian WR D4 has taken 1 test wins with an average finish of 6th.
- 25Independent tests
- 1Test wins
- 7Podium finishes
- 6thAverage finish
- 63%Field beaten on average
- 8Publications
25 tests, 2015 to 2019
- Test win
- Second
- Third
- Average 63%
Record by discipline
Where the Nokian WR D4 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tyres. Field beaten is the share of the other tyres it outranked in that measurement.
| Discipline | Tests | Avg finish | Field beaten | Firsts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | ||||
| Dry Braking | 4 | P2.8 of 15.5 | 89% | 1 |
| Dry Handling | 3 | P14 of 18 | 23% | - |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 4 | P10.5 of 15.5 | 41% | - |
| Wet Handling | 4 | P9 of 15.5 | 50% | - |
| Straight Aqua | 4 | P9.3 of 15.5 | 49% | - |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking | 4 | P5 of 15.5 | 70% | - |
| Snow Traction | 1 | P5 of 8 | 43% | - |
| Snow Handling | 3 | P5.7 of 17.7 | 72% | - |
| Ice | ||||
| Ice Braking | 1 | P2 of 8 | 86% | - |
| Ice Traction | 1 | P4 of 8 | 57% | - |
| Ice Handling | 1 | P4 of 8 | 57% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Noise | 3 | P9.3 of 18 | 47% | - |
| Value | ||||
| Wear | 2 | P13 of 20.5 | 38% | - |
| Value | 2 | P14 of 20.5 | 33% | - |
| Rolling Resistance | 4 | P4.3 of 15.5 | 81% | 2 |
Head-to-head record
Overall finishing position against the tyres that have most often shared a test with the Nokian WR D4. Only tyres tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dunlop Winter Sport 5
16 shared: 2 ahead, 14 behind
|
16 | 2 | 14 | - | 13% |
 Continental WinterContact TS 860
16 shared: 0 ahead, 16 behind
|
16 | 0 | 16 | - | 0% |
 Hankook Winter i cept RS2
14 shared: 8 ahead, 6 behind
|
14 | 8 | 6 | - | 57% |
 Michelin Alpin 5
13 shared: 8 ahead, 5 behind
|
13 | 8 | 5 | - | 62% |
 Pirelli Cinturato Winter
13 shared: 8 ahead, 5 behind
|
13 | 8 | 5 | - | 62% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip 9
13 shared: 4 ahead, 8 behind
|
13 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 33% |
 Vredestein Snowtrac 5
10 shared: 7 ahead, 3 behind
|
10 | 7 | 3 | - | 70% |
 Uniroyal MS+ 77
9 shared: 7 ahead, 2 behind
|
9 | 7 | 2 | - | 78% |
 Firestone Winterhawk 3
9 shared: 6 ahead, 3 behind
|
9 | 6 | 3 | - | 67% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1
9 shared: 1 ahead, 8 behind
|
9 | 1 | 8 | - | 11% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
|
8 | 8 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Kumho Winter Craft WP51
8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
|
8 | 8 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Nexen Winguard Snow G WH2
8 shared: 7 ahead, 1 behind
|
8 | 7 | 1 | - | 88% |
 Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
8 shared: 3 ahead, 5 behind
|
8 | 3 | 5 | - | 38% |
 Barum Polaris 3
7 shared: 6 ahead, 1 behind
|
7 | 6 | 1 | - | 86% |
 Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S
7 shared: 6 ahead, 1 behind
|
7 | 6 | 1 | - | 86% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 EVO
7 shared: 3 ahead, 4 behind
|
7 | 3 | 4 | - | 43% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP3
7 shared: 0 ahead, 7 behind
|
7 | 0 | 7 | - | 0% |
 Yokohama W drive V905
6 shared: 5 ahead, 1 behind
|
6 | 5 | 1 | - | 83% |
 Fulda Kristall Control HP2
6 shared: 2 ahead, 4 behind
|
6 | 2 | 4 | - | 33% |
Against its own line
The same record for the tyre it replaced and the tyre that replaced it.
| Tyre | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nokian WR D3 Predecessor | 32 | 1 | 6th | 61% |
| Nokian WR D4 This tyre | 25 | 1 | 6th | 63% |
| Nokian WR Snowproof Successor | 15 | 2 | 9th | 41% |
Performance Analysis
Drawn from 25 tests. Updated November 16, 2025.
Across 25 winter tests, the Nokian WR D4 delivers a balanced but snow- and efficiency-focused performance profile. It frequently scores top-tier results on snow and often excels in rolling resistance, translating to strong economy credentials. Several podiums and a test win (AutoCentrum 2017) underscore its capability, particularly in smaller and mid-size fitments.
Its weaknesses cluster in wet and dynamic dry handling, where it trends mid-pack or lower despite occasionally strong dry braking. Variability across sizes appears: it shines in 14-16-inch mainstream sizes but slips in UHP dimensions. Overall, it's a safe, winter-biased choice prioritizing snow traction/braking and low fuel use over ultimate wet pace and sporty handling.
Performance Strengths
-
Snow Performance
Strong
Details
- 2nd place snow braking in 2018 AMS (25.6 m, +0.8% from best)
- 2nd place snow handling in 2018 Auto Bild (52.7 km/h, +0.2% from best)
- Best snow braking in 2015 Auto Bild Performance (category mention)
- Consistently strong snow results noted in 2016 AZ ("scores extremely well on snow")
-
Rolling Resistance / Efficiency
Strong
Details
- 1st of 11 rolling resistance in 2018 AMS (7.8 kg/t)
- 1st of 22 rolling resistance in 2018 Auto Bild (6.96 kg/t)
- Environmental advantage noted in 2018 Auto Bild ("huge advantage in fuel use")
- 2nd of 8 rolling resistance in 2017 AC (8.12 kg/t, +1.6% from best)
-
Dry Braking
Moderate
in 3 of 17 tests
Details
- 1st place dry braking in 2017 AC (27.76 m)
- 3rd of 21 dry braking in 2017 Auto Bild (44.5 m, +17.4% from best)
- 4th of 22 dry braking in 2018 Auto Bild (44.5 m, +12.7% from best)
- 3rd of 11 dry braking in 2018 AMS (43.8 m, +4.8% from best)
the shortest braking distance on dry roads (other than CrossClimate)
- 2016 AZ Winter Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 (2016)won dry braking
- 2016 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2016)Short dry braking distances
- 2015 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test (2015)
-
Overall Results / Awards
Moderate
Details
- 1st of 8 overall in 2017 AC
- 2nd of 10 in 2016 AMS SUV
- 2nd of 8 in 2016 Auto Express
- 3rd of 12 in 2018 ACE
- 7th of 43 in 2016 Auto Bild market overview
-
Snow traction
Strong
in 12 of 17 tests
Details
Excellent in snow and ice
- 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tyre Test (2019)Best performance on snow
- 2018 AMS Winter Tyre Test (2018)Top marks in the snow and low fuel consumption
- 2018 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 (2018)Best tyre for snow covered roads
- 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2018)Top marks on snow
- 2017 ADAC SUV Winter Tyre Test - 215/65 R16 (2017)
-
Rolling resistance
Strong
in 10 of 17 tests
Details
low fuel consumption
- 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tyre Test (2019)lowest rolling resistance
- 2018 AMS Winter Tyre Test (2018)Lowest rolling resistance
- 2018 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2018)Top marks in the snow and low fuel consumption
- 2018 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 (2018)low rolling resistance
- 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2018)
-
Dry handling
Strong
in 5 of 17 tests
Details
excellent dry handling
- 2018 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2018)good balance in the dry
- 2018 AMS Winter Tyre Test (2018)Third in dry handling
- 2017 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2017)predictable behavior on dry roads
- 2016 AZ Winter Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 (2016)was within 1% of the best in dry handling
- 2016 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2016)
-
Dry grip
Strong
in 4 of 17 tests
Details
Very strong in the dry with a balanced performance across the other tests
- 2017 AC Winter Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 (2017)good in the dry
- 2017 ADAC SUV Winter Tyre Test - 215/65 R16 (2017)good in the dry
- 2017 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15 (2017)good on dry roads
- 2016 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 225/45 R17 (2016)
Performance Weaknesses
-
Wet Performance (Braking and Handling)
Strong
Details
- 20th of 22 wet braking in 2018 Auto Bild (37.3 m, +8.7%)
- 18th of 22 wet handling in 2018 Auto Bild (69.7 km/h, +4.3%)
- 7th of 11 wet braking and 8th of 11 wet handling in 2018 AMS (+15.9% and +6% from best)
- 12th of 21 wet braking in 2017 Auto Bild (+12.9%)
-
Dry Handling / Sporty Dynamics
Moderate
Details
- 16th of 22 dry handling in 2018 Auto Bild (+3.8% from best)
- 17th of 21 dry handling in 2017 Auto Bild (+4.3%)
- 9th of 11 dry handling in 2018 AMS (+2% from best)
- Comment in 2015 AMS: "strong where Nokian was weak in the dry"
-
Wear/Longevity (select tests)
Minor
Details
- 20th of 20 wear in 2017 Auto Bild (28,875 km, +40.3% from best; higher is worse)
- Mid-pack value scores in 2017-2018 Auto Bild (e.g., 10/21 value in 2018)
-
Wet grip
Strong
in 7 of 17 tests
Details
Poor wet grip
- 2018 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2018)Relatively weak in the wet, high wear
- 2018 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 (2018)Average wet performance
- 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2018)struggled in the wet testing
- 2017 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2017)Weak in the wet
- 2017 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15 (2017)
-
Tread life
Strong
in 6 of 17 tests
Details
high wear
- 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tyre Test (2019)Relatively weak in the wet, high wear
- 2018 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 (2018)Understeer in the dry, high wear
- 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2017)high wear
- 2017 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15 (2017)poor wear
- 2016 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 225/45 R17 (2016)
-
Behaviour at the limit
Moderate
in 2 of 17 tests
Details
Understeer in the dry, high wear
- 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2017)tendency to oversteer during an emergency maneuver in the dry
- 2015 Sport Auto 19 Inch Winter Tyre Test (2015)
-
Steering feel
Moderate
in 2 of 17 tests
Details
Slightly slower steering response
- 2016 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test (2016)Slow steering response, poor steering precision on wet and dry roads
- 2015 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test (2015)
Do owners agree with the tests?
Every tester write-up on the Nokian WR D4 (17 tests) and 66 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Where owners and testers agree
- Snow traction strength in 12 of 17 tests 30 praise, 2 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
- Rolling resistance strength in 10 of 17 tests 7 praise, 2 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
- Dry grip strength in 4 of 17 tests 11 praise, 4 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
- Dry handling strength in 5 of 17 tests 7 praise, 2 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
- Snow handling strength in 2 of 17 tests 11 praise, 2 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
- Ice grip strength in 2 of 17 tests 9 praise, 3 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
Where they disagree
- Wet grip weakness in 7 of 17 tests 19 praise, 8 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
Raised by owners, not by any test of this tyre
- Ride comfort no test mentions it 17 praise, 0 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
- Even wear no test mentions it 1 praise, 5 criticise of 66 reviews · Read those reviews
Every test, newest first 25
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
2019 1 test
2018 7 tests
P3 of 11
Beat 80% of the field
2018 AMS Winter Tyre Test
Highly recommended.
P7 of 9
Beat 25% of the field
P3 of 12
Beat 82% of the field
P9 of 20
Beat 58% of the field
P4 of 12
Beat 73% of the field
P10 of 16
Beat 40% of the field
P14 of 52
Beat 75% of the field
2017 6 tests
P1 of 8
Beat 100% of the field
P11 of 50
Beat 77% of the field
P14 of 20
Beat 32% of the field
2017 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
Average.
P4 of 16
Beat 80% of the field
P11 of 16
Beat 33% of the field
P5 of 8
Beat 43% of the field
2017 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test
The Nokian WRD4 proved to be extremely strong in the snow, but struggled in the wet testing. Third in dry handling and the best rolling resistance on test earnt the Nokian some points.
2016 7 tests
P2 of 10
Beat 89% of the field
P2 of 8
Beat 86% of the field
2016 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test
Like the test winning Continental, the Nokian WR D4 excelled in almost every test. It had the strongest snow braking and traction results, finished third and fifth in wet braking and handling tests, won dry braking and was within 1% of the best in dry handling. The main weakness of the Nokian was the rolling resistance, where it finished last, a full 15% behind the best in test.
P7 of 20
Beat 68% of the field
P7 of 49
Beat 86% of the field
P2 of 14
Beat 92% of the field
P3 of 15
Beat 86% of the field
P6 of 13
Beat 58% of the field
2015 4 tests
P5 of 10
Beat 56% of the field
P4 of 8
Beat 57% of the field
P5 of 7
Beat 33% of the field
2015 Sport Auto 19 Inch Winter Tyre Test
Recommended
P6 of 8
Beat 29% of the field
Back to the Nokian WR D4 overview
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tyre Reviews score. All Nokian tyres