Nokian Encompass AW01 Review: A Solid Year-Round Tire

Finding an all-weather tire that actually performs well in every season feels like searching for a unicorn. Most tires that claim year-round capability end up being mediocre in summer and terrifying in winter — or decent in cold weather but mushy and vague when the pavement heats up.

That’s exactly the problem I wanted to solve when I mounted a set of Nokian Encompass AW01 tires on my test vehicle.

Nokian has a storied reputation for winter tire engineering — they literally invented the winter tire back in 1934 — so I was genuinely curious whether that DNA would translate into a compelling all-weather option for American drivers.

If you’re weighing this model against other offerings from the brand, our full Nokian Tires Review guide covers every model side by side.

What Exactly Is the Nokian Encompass AW01?

Before I dive into my hands-on impressions, let me set the stage. The Nokian Encompass AW01 is an all-weather touring tire, which is different from a traditional all-season tire in one critical way: it carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, meaning it meets the industry’s minimum standard for snow traction.

That’s a big deal. Most all-season tires you’ll find at your local Discount Tire or Costco do not have that rating. They carry the M+S (Mud and Snow) marking, which is essentially self-certified by the manufacturer. The 3PMSF designation requires actual testing against a standardized reference tire.

Nokian positions the Encompass AW01 as a tire for drivers who want year-round convenience without sacrificing winter safety. It’s available in a wide range of sizes — from 185/65R15 all the way up to 245/45R19 — covering sedans, crossovers, and smaller SUVs.

First Impressions Out of the Box

When I first pulled the Encompass AW01 out of the packaging, a few things immediately stood out. The tread compound felt noticeably softer than your typical all-season tire, which made sense given Nokian’s focus on cold-weather flexibility. The rubber had a subtle tackiness to it that hinted at good wet grip.

The tread design itself is asymmetric with four wide circumferential grooves. I could see dense siping across the tread blocks — thin slits that open up in cold conditions to create biting edges on snow and ice. The outer shoulder blocks are larger and more rigid, which typically translates to better dry cornering stability.

One small detail I appreciated: Nokian includes their “Driving Safety Indicator” (DSI) on the tread. It’s a set of numbers molded into the center rib that gradually disappear as the tire wears. When the numbers are gone, it’s time to replace the tire. It’s a simple, visual way to monitor tread depth without needing a gauge.

The tires were manufactured in Nokian’s facility and the sidewall markings were clean and well-defined. Overall build quality felt premium for a tire in this price range.

Dry Performance: How Does It Handle on Warm Pavement?

I’ll be honest — my biggest concern with any all-weather tire is dry performance. Winter-oriented compounds and siping can make a tire feel vague and squishy when the temperature climbs. So I was paying close attention during my first few days of dry driving.

I was pleasantly surprised. The Encompass AW01 feels planted and composed on dry pavement. Steering response isn’t razor-sharp — this is a touring tire, not a performance tire — but it’s precise enough that lane changes and highway merging feel confident and controlled.

During spirited cornering on back roads, I noticed the tire communicates well through the steering wheel. There’s a progressive buildup of grip that lets you know where the limit is before you reach it. I never experienced any sudden breakaway or unsettling squirm from the tread blocks.

Braking distances on dry pavement felt average to slightly above average for this category. Nothing spectacular, but certainly nothing to complain about. The tire scrubs off speed in a linear, predictable fashion.

Where I did notice a slight compromise was in high-speed stability above 70 mph on the interstate. There’s a touch more compliance in the sidewall than you’d get from a dedicated summer or high-performance all-season tire. It’s not alarming — just a subtle softness that reminds you this tire was designed with winter capability as a priority.

Dry Performance Summary

• Steering response: Good — precise for a touring tire, not sporty
• Cornering grip: Above average with progressive feedback
• Braking: Average to slightly above average
• Highway stability: Solid, with minor sidewall compliance at high speed

Wet Performance: Where This Tire Really Shines

If there’s one area where the Nokian Encompass AW01 genuinely impressed me, it’s wet traction. During several days of driving through heavy rain and standing water, this tire felt remarkably confident.

The four wide circumferential grooves do an excellent job of channeling water away from the contact patch. I drove through some genuinely deep puddles at highway speed and never once felt the front end go light from hydroplaning. That’s a huge confidence booster, especially for drivers commuting on interstates during thunderstorms.

Wet braking is another standout. During my test period, I performed several hard stops on soaked pavement, and the Encompass AW01 consistently stopped shorter than I expected. The dense siping across the tread creates thousands of tiny biting edges that grab the wet surface effectively.

Cornering in the rain also felt secure. I took some of my usual test routes — winding suburban roads with painted lines, manhole covers, and patchy surfaces — and the tire maintained its composure throughout. There was minimal loss of grip transitioning from asphalt to painted surfaces, which is something that catches a lot of tires off guard.

I’d rank the wet performance of the Encompass AW01 among the top three or four tires I’ve tested in the all-weather touring category. It genuinely punches above its weight here.

Snow and Winter Performance

This is where the 3PMSF rating comes into play, and I was eager to see how the Encompass AW01 would perform when temperatures dropped and the roads got slippery.

I tested these tires during cold weather conditions including light snow, slush, and icy patches. On light snow — the kind of two-to-four-inch accumulation that most of the northern US deals with regularly — the Encompass AW01 is noticeably better than standard all-season tires. The dense siping opens up in cold conditions and provides genuine grip where all-season tires tend to spin and slide.

Acceleration from a stop on snow-covered roads was controlled and predictable. I didn’t experience excessive wheelspin, and the tire found traction quickly even on uphill grades. Braking on snow was also reassuring — the tire scrubs off speed without dramatic sliding or ABS intervention at moderate speeds.

Slush performance is another strong suit. The wide grooves evacuate slush effectively, and I didn’t experience the “swimming” sensation that plagues many all-season tires when you hit a deep slush puddle at speed.

A Word of Caution on Ice

Now, I want to be very clear about something: the Encompass AW01 is not a dedicated winter tire. On pure ice — like a parking lot covered in black ice — grip is limited. It’s better than a standard all-season tire on ice, but it’s nowhere close to a dedicated studded or studless winter tire like Nokian’s own Hakkapeliitta lineup.

If you live in an area where ice storms are a regular occurrence, I’d still recommend dedicated winter tires for the coldest months. But for the vast majority of US drivers dealing with occasional snow, cold rain, and the odd icy morning, the Encompass AW01 is more than capable.

Ride Comfort and Road Noise

For a daily driver and commuter tire, comfort matters as much as performance. The Encompass AW01 scores well here.

The ride quality is noticeably smooth. The tire does an excellent job of absorbing small bumps, expansion joints, and rough pavement. I drove over some truly terrible roads during my testing — crumbling suburban streets, patched-up highways, railroad crossings — and the Encompass AW01 soaked it all up without transmitting harsh impacts into the cabin.

Road noise is another area where this tire performs above expectations. At highway speeds, there’s a gentle hum that’s barely noticeable above the radio or a conversation. It’s quieter than many all-season tires I’ve tested at this price point, and significantly quieter than aggressive all-terrain tires that some crossover drivers might be coming from.

I did notice a slight increase in noise on coarse concrete surfaces, which is common for tires with dense siping patterns. But on standard asphalt, the Encompass AW01 is impressively hushed.

Treadwear and Longevity

Nokian backs the Encompass AW01 with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is competitive for the all-weather touring category. Some premium all-season tires offer 70,000 or even 80,000-mile warranties, but those tires typically lack the 3PMSF winter rating.

During my test period, I monitored the tread depth carefully using both the built-in DSI indicators and a traditional tread depth gauge. The wear pattern was even across the tread face, which suggests good engineering in terms of contact patch pressure distribution.

The tread compound, while softer than a typical all-season tire (necessary for cold-weather grip), didn’t show signs of accelerated wear during my evaluation. Based on the wear rate I observed, the 65,000-mile warranty seems achievable for drivers who maintain proper inflation pressures and keep up with regular rotations.

I’d recommend checking your tire pressures monthly and rotating every 5,000–7,000 miles to maximize the life of these tires. Nokian’s warranty does require proof of regular maintenance for any treadwear claims.

Nokian Encompass AW01 vs. the Competition

No tire review is complete without context. Here’s how the Encompass AW01 stacks up against its key competitors in the all-weather touring segment:

How I’d Summarize the Competitive Landscape

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is widely considered the gold standard in this category, and for good reason — it’s excellent across all conditions. But it’s also significantly more expensive than the Encompass AW01. If budget is a factor, the Nokian offers roughly 85–90% of the CrossClimate 2’s capability at 70–75% of the price. That’s a compelling value proposition.

The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is the closest competitor in terms of both price and performance. I found the Nokian to have a slight edge in wet grip and ride comfort, while the Goodyear is marginally better in deep snow. It’s a toss-up between these two, and you can’t go wrong with either.

The Continental TrueContact Tour is a different animal entirely. It’s a traditional all-season tire (no 3PMSF rating), so it’s not truly in the same category. It excels in dry comfort, road noise, and tread life, but it falls short in winter conditions. If you never see snow, the Continental might be the better choice. If you do see snow, the Nokian is the clear winner.

Who Should Buy the Nokian Encompass AW01?

Based on my testing, I think the Encompass AW01 is an excellent fit for several types of drivers:

• Commuters in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest — areas where you get genuine four-season weather but not extreme winter conditions. Think Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Virginia, and similar states.
• Drivers who don’t want to swap tires seasonally — the 3PMSF rating means you can legally drive on these tires year-round in states and provinces that require winter-rated tires.
• Budget-conscious shoppers who still want quality — at $100–$160 per tire, the Encompass AW01 undercuts most premium all-weather competitors while delivering comparable performance.
• Family vehicle owners — the combination of comfort, low noise, and dependable wet/winter grip makes this a reassuring choice for vehicles that carry your loved ones.
• Crossover and small SUV drivers — the available size range covers popular vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, and Mazda CX-5.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

The Encompass AW01 isn’t the right tire for everyone. I wouldn’t recommend it for:

• Performance-oriented drivers — if you want sharp, responsive handling and maximum dry grip, look at dedicated summer or high-performance all-season tires instead.
• Drivers in extreme winter climates — if you live in northern Minnesota, the mountains of Colorado, or upstate New York where heavy snowfall and ice are routine, you’ll still want dedicated winter tires for the cold months.
• Truck and full-size SUV owners — the Encompass AW01’s size range doesn’t extend to larger truck and SUV fitments. You’ll need to look at Nokian’s other offerings for those vehicles.

Real-World Value: What Are You Actually Paying For?

Let’s talk money, because that’s ultimately what drives most tire purchasing decisions.

At the time of this review, I’m seeing the Nokian Encompass AW01 priced between $100 and $160 per tire at major US retailers like Tire Rack, Discount Tire, and Costco (where available). That puts it in the mid-range for touring tires and at the low end for all-weather tires with a 3PMSF rating.

When I factor in the 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, the cost per mile is genuinely competitive. You’re getting winter-rated capability, excellent wet traction, good comfort, and a reasonable tread life guarantee for less than most premium alternatives.

There’s also a less obvious value proposition here: by running the Encompass AW01 year-round, you avoid the cost and hassle of buying a second set of winter tires and wheels, paying for seasonal tire swaps, and storing off-season tires. For many drivers, that savings adds up to hundreds of dollars over the life of the tires.

Installation and Break-In Notes

I had my test set installed at a local tire shop, and the process was straightforward. The tires mounted and balanced without any issues, and the bead seated cleanly on the first inflation attempt.

One thing I always recommend with new tires: give them a gentle break-in period. During my first few days of driving on the Encompass AW01, I avoided hard braking and aggressive cornering to let the mold release compound wear off the tread surface. After that initial period, the tires felt noticeably grippier, especially in wet conditions.

I also made sure to set the tire pressures to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specification (found on the driver’s door jamb sticker), not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. This is a common mistake that can hurt ride comfort and cause uneven wear.

Nokian’s Warranty and Customer Support

Nokian offers a solid warranty package with the Encompass AW01:

• 65,000-mile treadwear warranty — pro-rated credit toward replacement if the tires wear out before that threshold (with proof of regular rotation and maintenance).
• Pothole/road hazard warranty — Nokian provides a limited road hazard warranty during the first year, which is a nice touch that not all manufacturers offer.
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee — if you’re not happy with the tires within 30 days, Nokian will work with you on a resolution. Details vary by retailer, so check with your dealer.

I’ve had positive experiences with Nokian’s customer service in the past. They’re a smaller brand in the US market compared to Michelin or Goodyear, but their support team has been responsive and fair in my interactions.

Pros and Cons: The Bottom Line

After spending extensive time on the Nokian Encompass AW01, here’s my honest assessment:

Pros

• Excellent wet traction — genuinely one of the best in class
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for real winter capability
• Comfortable ride that absorbs rough roads well
• Impressively quiet for a tire with this much siping
• Competitive pricing that undercuts premium alternatives
• 65,000-mile treadwear warranty
• Built-in Driving Safety Indicator for easy tread monitoring
• Even tread wear pattern during my test period

Cons

• Dry handling isn’t as sharp as premium all-season competitors
• Slight sidewall softness noticeable at higher highway speeds
• Ice performance is limited compared to dedicated winter tires
• Brand availability can be spotty — not stocked everywhere in the US
• Size range doesn’t cover trucks or larger SUVs

My Final Verdict on the Nokian Encompass AW01

After thorough testing across dry, wet, and winter conditions, I come away genuinely impressed with the Nokian Encompass AW01. It’s not a tire that dominates any single category, but it delivers confident, reliable performance across all of them — which is exactly what an all-weather tire should do.

The wet grip, in particular, stands out as a real strength. If you live in a region where rain is a frequent companion — the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, or anywhere along the Eastern Seaboard — this tire’s hydroplaning resistance and wet braking alone justify consideration.

The winter capability is legitimate, too. It’s not going to replace a set of Hakkapeliitta R5s in a Minnesota blizzard, but for the kind of moderate winter weather that most Americans actually deal with, it’s more than adequate. Knowing that you can drive through an unexpected snow squall without white-knuckling the steering wheel is genuinely reassuring.

Factor in the competitive pricing and the 65,000-mile warranty, and you’ve got a tire that delivers excellent value for the money. I’d rate the Nokian Encompass AW01 an 8.2 out of 10 — a strong recommendation for everyday drivers who want year-round capability without breaking the bank.

If you’re on the fence, I’d suggest checking current pricing at Tire Rack or Discount Tire, where you can also verify fitment for your specific vehicle. And if you’re still exploring the broader Nokian lineup, there are options for nearly every driving need and budget within their catalog.

Stay safe out there, and happy tire shopping.

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