Introducing the 2023 Nokian Encompass AW01 – A Challenger to the Reigning Michelin CrossClimate 2?
Nokian Encompass AW01 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2: As we usher in the year 2023, we find ourselves in a fascinating period of tire technology innovation. Among the newcomers making waves this year is the Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01. Exclusive to Discount Tire and Tire Rack, this tire is pushing boundaries and aiming high, targeting nothing less than the coveted title of the ultimate all-season tire – a position currently held by the renowned Michelin CrossClimate 2.
The Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 is touted as a tire that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of season-specific tires. It brings with it a promise of year-round peace of mind, able to withstand and deliver performance across a range of conditions, from scorching summer heat to the chill of winter snow and ice. One of the key strengths of the Nokian Encompass AW01 is its Aramid Strong Sidewalls. These are composed of powerful fibers woven into the tire’s sidewalls to offer enhanced protection against various road hazards, such as potholes. This unique feature not only bolsters the tire’s durability but also lends a significant safety advantage to the driver. The tire’s year-round utility is amplified by its innovative Dual Zone Asymmetric Tread Design. This characteristic has been engineered with the aim of ensuring optimal performance under both wet/snow and dry conditions. This design allows for excellent water and slush evacuation to prevent hydroplaning while maintaining strong dry road handling.
On the other side of the arena stands the Michelin CrossClimate 2, the reigning king of 3 Peak Mountain all-season tires. We have written quite extensively about Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 as the gold standard for all season tires with an incredible all round balance portfolio. The CrossClimate 2 boasts its own impressive set of features, including V-Formation tread patterns for enhanced grip and full-depth 3D sipes for consistent performance throughout the tire’s life. It is renowned for its ability to deliver excellent traction across different weather conditions, be it rain, snow, or a sunny day. But the question at the forefront of everyone’s minds is – can the Nokian Encompass AW01 challenge the Michelin CrossClimate 2? Is this newcomer tire capable of taking the throne from a product widely considered the pinnacle of all-season tires?
Table of Contents
Nokian Encompass AW01: New Feature Highlights
ADAPTABLE FOR ALL TERRAINS
The Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 is an adaptable tire crafted to provide drivers with security in all climatic conditions, whether they’re dealing with sweltering summer heat, spring showers, or the frosty chill of winter snow and ice. As pioneers in the winter tire domain, the creators have infused this all-weather tire with their Arctic know-how, outfitting it with numerous features that optimize it for snowy roads. However, this inventive product is equally proficient in navigating the rest of the seasons, courtesy of its unique technology that facilitates excellent performance on both wet and dry surfaces.
KEVLAR SIDEWALL TECHNOLOGY
The Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 comes fortified with Nokian Tyres’ acclaimed Kevlar Sidewall technology. Beneath the tire’s sidewall, Kevlar fibers enhance its resilience when faced with road hazards, thus minimizing the potential for punctures and tire blowouts. The robust Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 offers a substantial 60,000-mile tread life warranty.
Tread pattern : Nokian Encompass AW01 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
As we explore the depths of tire technology, one strategy becomes evident in the design of the Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 – the utilization of a traditional high siping strategy. This strategy equips the tire with eight sipes per block, a feature that undoubtedly enhances the tire’s performance on snowy and icy terrain.
The abundance of sipes allows the tire to grip the road better in frigid conditions by creating additional biting edges, thereby increasing traction. However, this high siping strategy comes with a potential downside. While it excels on snow and ice, it may compromise the tire’s performance under wet and dry conditions. The abundance of sipes could potentially reduce the contact area with the road, a factor that could negatively impact grip and handling on wet or dry asphalt.
Contrast this with the Michelin CrossClimate 2, which offers a more elegant solution to the problem of balancing performances in different conditions. The CrossClimate 2 uses a unique design that includes just one sipe per block. However, this sipe is set at a steep angle, an innovation that aids in preventing aquaplaning by effectively channeling water away from the contact patch.
Furthermore, the blocks in the CrossClimate 2 are stiff, an attribute that boosts its performance in wet and particularly dry conditions. The increased stiffness allows for greater contact with the road, improving traction and handling under these conditions. Consequently, the CrossClimate 2 is widely recognized for its dominance in wet and dry performance.
Thus, in the battleground of tread designs, we have two differing strategies. On one side is the Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 with its high siping strategy, designed for superior performance in harsh winter conditions. On the other, the Michelin CrossClimate 2, with its elegant, single-sipe design and stiff blocks, which seem to offer a more balanced performance across different conditions. As our examination of these tires continues, we will delve further into the practical implications of these design choices.
The 3-Peak Mountain Logo – The Emblem of True All-Season Capability
Both the Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 carry a coveted mark on their sidewalls: the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. This emblem is not merely decorative. Instead, it is an important certification that speaks to the tire’s capabilities under severe snow conditions.
- Encompass AW01: Yes
- CrossClimate 2: Yes
To earn the 3PMSF symbol, a tire must pass a standardized traction test on medium-packed snow. The tire must attain a level of performance at least 110% of a reference tire in acceleration testing. This ensures that any tire carrying the 3PMSF symbol is adequately equipped to handle winter driving conditions. Being a specialist in winter tire technology, Nokian knows a thing or two about manufacturing tires that can handle severe cold, snow, and ice. The presence of the 3PMSF symbol on the Encompass AW01 is a testament to Nokian’s expertise and reputation in the field.
On the other hand, Michelin was the pioneer in introducing a 3PMSF-certified all-season tire to the market. This groundbreaking move set the industry abuzz, elevating Michelin to a new level of recognition. Their CrossClimate 2 is a prime example of their innovation, carrying the 3PMSF symbol as a mark of its all-season, winter-ready capabilities. It’s safe to say that Michelin has rightly earned its place at the peak of the “mountain” in the all-season, 3PMSF-certified tire realm.
Both the Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2, through their shared 3PMSF certification, promise consumers all-season capability with proven winter performance. Whether they can deliver on that promise, and how they stack up against each other, is a question we will continue to explore.
UTQG rating & Mileage warranty
Chapter 5: Diving into UTQG Values and Mileage Warranties
To further our comparison of the Nokian Tyres Encompass AW01 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2, we delve into their respective UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) values. These values provide us with an insight into the expected treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance of each tire.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nokian | Encompass AW01 | All | 600 | A | A |
| Michelin | CrossClimate 2 | All | 640 | B | A |
The Nokian Encompass AW01 comes with a treadwear rating of 600, a traction grade of A, and a temperature grade of A. On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 showcases a treadwear rating of 640, a traction grade of B, and a temperature grade of A. Treadwear is a comparative rating, with higher numbers indicating longer expected tread life. In this aspect, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a slight edge over the Nokian Encompass AW01 with a treadwear rating of 640 compared to Nokian’s 600. Not too mentioned CrossClimate 2 has a 85,000 miles actual tested mileage !
Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. They represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. Here, the Nokian Encompass AW01 pulls ahead with a traction grade of A compared to the B grade of the CrossClimate 2. As for temperature grades, they are categorized as A, B, and C, with A being the highest. This represents the tire’s resistance to heat buildup under controlled indoor test conditions. Both the Nokian Encompass AW01 and Michelin CrossClimate 2 earn an A grade in this aspect, demonstrating their excellent heat resistance capabilities.
When it comes to mileage warranties, both the Nokian Encompass AW01 and Michelin CrossClimate 2 offer a generous 60,000-mile warranty. This warranty provides buyers with an assurance of the durability and longevity of these tires. Therefore, from a UTQG and warranty standpoint, both the Nokian Encompass AW01 and Michelin CrossClimate 2 present strong attributes, with each having its own slight advantages. The CrossClimate 2 shines in the treadwear category, while the Encompass AW01 stands out for its superior traction grade. Both tires promise an equal balance of mileage assurance, making them noteworthy contenders in the all-season tire market.
For more in depth information about UTQG, please check out this article here. We even have a free download on the latest UTQG values from the leading tire manufacturers.
Price
In the world of tires, price often plays a key role in making a decision. Looking at our two contenders for the tire size of 205/55R16, we find that the Nokian Encompass AW01 is priced at $135, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 comes in at a higher $174. This places the CrossClimate 2 at a premium of 22% over the Encompass AW01.
Tire size: 205/55R16
Encompass AW01: $135
CrossClimate 2 : $174
Difference: +22% more expensive for CrossClimate 2.
However, cost is just one aspect of the bigger picture. Each tire brings unique features to the table: the Encompass AW01 offers high siping, Aramid Sidewall Technology, and superior traction at a lower cost, while the CrossClimate 2, with its balanced performance and better treadwear rating, is a bit more expensive. In the end, choosing between these two tires involves balancing budget with driving needs and typical weather conditions, while taking into account the different features each tire offers for its price.
Summary
Choosing the right all-season tire is a complex task, one that requires a deep understanding of the balance between cost, performance, and longevity. In our comparison of the Nokian Encompass AW01 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2, it’s clear that both tires bring a unique set of strengths to the table.
The Nokian Encompass AW01 shines with its high siping strategy and Aramid Sidewall Technology, which are well-suited to snowy and icy conditions. Its superior traction grade and competitive price point make it an attractive option for those prioritizing winter performance and budget-friendly options.
On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers a more balanced performance across various weather conditions, thanks to its unique tread design. While it commands a higher price, its slightly superior treadwear rating might justify the additional cost for some drivers, particularly those who frequently navigate wet and dry terrain.
At the end of the day, the best tire for you will depend on your specific needs, driving habits, and the typical weather and road conditions you encounter. Whether you choose the Nokian Encompass AW01 or the Michelin CrossClimate 2, both tires offer a combination of features designed to deliver reliable all-season performance.