Nokian

Nokian is a Finnish tyre manufacturer with a long heritage in demanding Nordic conditions, and that background shapes its summer tyre range in subtle but consistent ways. The brand's summer lineup spans everyday passenger sizes, performance-oriented UHP fitments and commercial van tyres, and we have selected a handful of models featured in recent independent tests — covering the range from mid-range touring through to ultra-high performance — rather than attempting to catalogue every option the brand offers.

**Nokian Powerproof 2**

The Powerproof 2 is the current flagship of Nokian's summer UHP range, replacing the earlier Nokian Powerproof and its immediate successor, the Nokian Powerproof 1. The generational upgrade brought meaningful improvements, and the Powerproof 2 has now accumulated enough test data across multiple independent evaluations to form a reliable picture of its character.

Its outstanding strength lies unambiguously in wet conditions. In the 2026 Die Reifentester comparison in 235/55 R18, it achieved the best lateral aquaplaning result in the group — a 10% advantage over the next tyre — and backed that up with excellent wet handling and a strong wet braking distance of 34.0 m. That aquaplaning performance is not just a test-track number; it reflects real reserves in standing-water situations that matter most in motorway conditions. In the same test, ACE's 2026 evaluation in 225/40 R18 confirmed a second-place wet handling result and awarded the Powerproof 2 the best rolling resistance in the entire group, a useful finding for everyday running costs.

The ACE test did, however, flag an earlier loss of contact in longitudinal aquaplaning at 80.1 km/h compared to leading rivals, and noted weaker rear-axle support during lane changes — a nuance relevant to drivers who push harder in dynamic situations. Autobild's large 2026 UHP group in 245/45 R19 placed it eleventh overall but was positive about its braking credentials on both surfaces and its dynamic dry handling character.

The consistent weakness across all tests is dry braking. Die Reifentester recorded 35.7 m — notably behind the test winners in that group — and interior noise was singled out as above average for the segment. Drivers who spend most of their time on smooth motorways and value refinement alongside wet-weather confidence may find the comfort trade-off worth noting. For those who prioritise aquaplaning safety and low rolling resistance in a UHP fitment, the Powerproof 2 is a genuinely competitive option with a strong independent test foundation.

**Nokian WetProof**

The WetProof is aimed at the mainstream passenger-car market, covering popular touring sizes rather than the wider, lower-profile fitments of the UHP segment. Its name signals its intent clearly, and the test record broadly supports it — though the picture across its test history is more varied than the brand positioning might suggest.

The high point came early: a second-place finish out of the entire GTÜ 225/45 R17 group in 2021, earning a "highly recommended" rating and indicating that in that size and competitor set, the WetProof was genuinely class-competitive. ADAC's 2023 evaluation in 205/55 R16 rated it "good" and described it as balanced on both dry and wet surfaces with efficient rolling resistance. Autozeitung in 2022 rated it "good" in 215/55 R17 as well.

The picture becomes more cautious in other evaluations. ADAC's earlier 2022 test in 215/60 R16 returned only a "satisfactory" rating, and ADAC has consistently noted weaknesses in mileage and abrasion — an important practical consideration for a touring tyre where cost-per-kilometre matters. Sustainability metrics also fell short in ADAC's assessment. These findings mean the WetProof's overall rating is more moderate, and buyers covering high annual mileage should weigh tread life carefully against the wet-weather credentials.

**Nokian Cargoproof C**

The Cargoproof C is Nokian's entry into the summer van segment, and its performance in the 2026 Promobil motorhome tyre test in 225/75 R16 was impressive. It finished second overall with a "recommended" rating, and its standout result was braking: shortest dry stopping distance in the entire test at 41.0 m, and a strong 27.4 m on wet — both figures that significantly exceed average for a van-category tyre. Above-average cornering stability in loaded conditions added further weight to its safety credentials.

The trade-offs are limited. Promobil noted reduced reserves at large steering angles — relevant for tighter manoeuvres in campsite or urban environments — and pass-by noise was comparatively loud at 71.7 dB. For motorhome and van operators who prioritise braking safety above all other criteria, those compromises are likely acceptable; for those sensitive to noise on long touring journeys, it is worth being aware of.

**Further models**

Beyond the tyres covered in detail above, Nokian's summer range also includes the Nokian Hakka Blue 3, which extends the brand's options for drivers seeking alternatives in sizes or priorities not fully addressed by the Powerproof 2 or WetProof.