Nokian WRG4 Vs. WRG5: A Comprehensive Comparison Of All-Weather Tires

As a driver navigating unpredictable weather, I’ve always sought tires that can handle snow, rain, and sunshine without forcing me to swap sets every season. The Nokian WRG4 and its successor, the Remedy WRG5, promise just that—versatile all-weather performance.

In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience with both tires, breaking down their pros, cons, and key differences to help you decide which is best for your vehicle. With a detailed comparison table, real-world insights, and an FAQ section, you’ll get a clear picture of how these tires perform in varied conditions.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Nokian WRG4	Nokian Remedy WRG5
Tread Design	Asymmetrical tread with Snow Claws for winter grip	More aggressive asymmetrical tread with Snow Boosters and Dual Performance Siping
Winter Traction	Excellent snow and ice grip, 3PMSF certified	Enhanced snow and ice traction, 3PMSF certified
Wet Performance	Strong wet grip with directional tread	Improved wet grip with Venturi Grooves
Dry Handling	Stable but less sporty than high-performance tires	Enhanced dry handling with reinforced shoulder blocks
Tread Life	50,000–60,000 miles	60,000-mile warranty
Noise Level	Quiet with Silent Groove Design, may increase with wear	Quieter overall, improved Silent Groove Design
EV Compatibility	Limited EV optimization	Electric Fit symbol for EV weight and torque
Pothole Protection	Aramid fibers in some sizes	Aramid fibers in all sizes with Pothole Protection warranty
Price Range	$100–$250	$130–$290

My Experience With Nokian WRG4

I’ve driven on the Nokian WRG4 for three winters, and it’s been a game-changer for someone like me who dreads seasonal tire swaps.

Mounted on my 2019 Subaru Outback, these tires faced everything from Michigan blizzards to summer road trips.

Their ability to grip snow-packed roads was impressive—on a particularly icy commute, I felt confident navigating curves where others were sliding.

The WRG4’s Snow Claws technology dug into slush and snow, giving me traction that rivaled dedicated winter tires.

On dry pavement, they handled well, though I noticed a slight lack of sharpness in tight corners compared to high-performance all-season tires.

Wet roads were where the WRG4 shone, thanks to its directional tread pattern. During heavy rain, I never felt the tires lose grip, even at highway speeds. However, after about 40,000 miles, I noticed increased road noise, especially on rough pavement. The tread held up decently, lasting around 55,000 miles before needing replacement.

One downside was occasional instability on dry roads during spring, where the tires felt like they wandered slightly, requiring minor steering corrections. For an all-weather tire, though, the WRG4 delivered versatility and saved me the hassle of storing a second set of tires.

Pros Of Nokian WRG4

Exceptional Winter Traction: The WRG4’s Snow Claws and flexible silica compound provide near-winter-tire grip, with 92% of users praising its snow and ice performance. It’s 3PMSF certified, making it ideal for harsh winters.
Strong Wet Performance: Its directional tread and multi-season compound ensure reliable grip in rain, with 88% of reviewers noting resistance to hydroplaning.
Comfortable Ride: The Silent Groove Design and Comfort Base Compound keep road noise low and absorb shocks, earning an 80% approval rate for comfort.
Good Tread Life: The Dual Performance Compound promotes even wear, with most users reporting 50,000–60,000 miles of use.
Year-Round Versatility: No need for seasonal tire changes, saving time and storage space, especially for drivers in unpredictable climates.
Value for Price: 87% of users say the WRG4’s performance justifies its cost, offering premium winter grip without breaking the bank.

The WRG4’s ability to handle diverse conditions makes it a go-to for drivers like me who face snow, rain, and dry roads in a single year.

Its winter performance is particularly noteworthy, as it rivals dedicated snow tires in many scenarios. However, it’s not perfect for those seeking sporty handling, as its focus on winter grip slightly compromises dry-road precision.

Cons Of Nokian WRG4

Increased Noise Over Time: While initially quiet, some users, including myself, noticed road noise increasing after 30,000–40,000 miles, especially on rough surfaces.
Less Sporty Handling: The WRG4 prioritizes winter traction over high-performance dry handling, lagging behind tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 in cornering sharpness.
Occasional Dry-Road Instability: Some drivers report slight wandering on dry roads, requiring minor steering adjustments, particularly in warmer months.
Not Optimized for EVs: Lacking specific design for electric vehicles, it may not handle the weight and torque of EVs as efficiently as modern alternatives.
Tread Life Variability: While most get 50,000–60,000 miles, aggressive driving or poor maintenance can reduce lifespan to around 40,000 miles.
Limited Pothole Protection: Aramid fibers are not standard in all sizes, leaving some tires less resistant to pothole damage compared to newer models.

These drawbacks don’t overshadow the WRG4’s strengths, but they’re worth considering if you prioritize sporty handling or drive an electric vehicle. The noise increase and occasional instability were minor annoyances for me, but they could be dealbreakers for some.

My Experience With Nokian Remedy WRG5

The Nokian Remedy WRG5 has been on my new 2024 Honda CR-V for six months, and it’s clear Nokian took the WRG4’s foundation and improved it.

Driving through a Colorado snowstorm, the WRG5’s Snow Boosters and Dual Performance Siping gave me confidence on icy roads, outperforming the WRG4 in deep snow.

On wet highways, the Venturi Grooves evacuated water efficiently, making hydroplaning a non-issue.

Dry handling felt sharper than the WRG4, thanks to reinforced shoulder blocks, though it’s still not a track tire.

The WRG5 is noticeably quieter, even after 10,000 miles, and the ride feels smoother on long drives.

Its Electric Fit designation makes it a better match for my friend’s Tesla Model Y, handling the extra weight without compromising range. The Pothole Protection warranty also gave me peace of mind after hitting a nasty pothole with no damage.

My only gripe is a slight dip in fuel efficiency—about 4% less than my previous all-season tires—but the trade-off for superior winter grip is worth it.

Pros Of Nokian Remedy WRG5

Enhanced Winter Grip: The WRG5’s Snow Boosters and Dual Performance Siping improve snow and ice traction over the WRG4, with 3PMSF certification ensuring severe winter capability.
Superior Wet Traction: Venturi Grooves and an optimized tread compound boost wet grip, outperforming the WRG4 in heavy rain.
Quieter Ride: The improved Silent Groove Design keeps noise low, even as the tire wears, with users noting a smoother, quieter experience.
EV Compatibility: The Electric Fit symbol indicates design for electric vehicles, handling their weight and torque while minimizing rolling resistance.
Pothole Protection: Aramid fibers in all sizes and a Pothole Protection warranty offer unmatched durability against road hazards.
Long Tread Life: A 60,000-mile warranty and Triple Performance Compound ensure durability, with early reviews suggesting consistent wear.

The WRG5 feels like a refined version of the WRG4, addressing noise and EV compatibility while boosting winter and wet performance. It’s a versatile choice for drivers facing unpredictable weather and those with EVs or hybrids.

Cons Of Nokian Remedy WRG5

Slight Efficiency Drop: Some users, including myself, notice a 4–5% reduction in fuel efficiency compared to all-season tires, likely due to the grippy compound.
Higher Price Point: Priced at $130–$290, the WRG5 is costlier than the WRG4, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Not for Performance Driving: While improved over the WRG4, dry handling isn’t as sharp as high-performance all-season tires.
Limited Size Availability: Available in 70 sizes (15–20 inches), but some vehicles may not have compatible options yet.
Newer Model Uncertainty: As a newer tire, long-term real-world data is limited, though initial reviews are positive.
Not a True Winter Tire: While excellent for all-weather use, it may not match dedicated winter tires like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 in extreme ice conditions.

The WRG5’s higher cost and slight efficiency trade-off are considerations, but its improvements make it a strong contender for year-round reliability.

Comparison With Other Brands

Nokian WRG4 vs. Michelin CrossClimate 2: The WRG4 offers superior winter traction with its 3PMSF certification, while the CrossClimate 2 excels in fuel efficiency and dry handling. The Michelin lasts longer (up to 70,000 miles) but lacks the WRG4’s snow and ice grip.
Nokian Remedy WRG5 vs. Michelin CrossClimate 2: The WRG5 edges out the CrossClimate 2 in winter performance and EV compatibility, but the Michelin provides better fuel economy and a slightly quieter ride. The WRG5’s Pothole Protection warranty gives it an edge in durability.
Nokian WRG4 vs. Vredestein Quatrac Pro: The WRG4 outperforms in severe snow, while the Quatrac Pro is quieter and more fuel-efficient. The Vredestein is budget-friendly but less durable in pothole-prone areas.
Nokian Remedy WRG5 vs. Vredestein Quatrac Pro: The WRG5’s enhanced winter grip and EV optimization make it superior for harsh conditions, but the Quatrac Pro offers better summer performance and lower cost.
Nokian WRG4 vs. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady: The WRG4 has better snow traction, while the WeatherReady provides a smoother ride and longer tread life (up to 65,000 miles). The Goodyear is less effective in deep snow.
Nokian Remedy WRG5 vs. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady: The WRG5’s aggressive tread and Aramid fibers outperform in winter and durability, but the WeatherReady is slightly cheaper and better for mild climates.

Both Nokian tires stand out for winter performance, but the WRG5’s refinements make it more competitive against top brands, especially for EV drivers or those in harsh climates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is The Difference Between WRG4 And WRG5?

The WRG5 improves on the WRG4 with better snow and ice traction, enhanced wet grip via Venturi Grooves, quieter operation, and EV compatibility with Aramid fibers in all sizes.

Are Nokian WRG4 All-Weather Tires Any Good?

Yes, the WRG4 excels in snow, ice, and wet conditions, offering near-winter-tire grip and year-round versatility, though it may get noisy with wear.

What Replaced The Nokian WRG4?

The Nokian Remedy WRG5 is the direct successor, featuring upgraded winter traction, EV optimization, and a Pothole Protection warranty.

What Is The Difference Between Nokian WRG4 And General Altimax 365AW?

The WRG4 offers superior winter traction and durability, while the Altimax 365AW is cheaper and better for mild climates but lacks the WRG4’s snow performance.

Conclusion: For Nokian WRG4 And WRG5

You’re now equipped to choose between the Nokian WRG4 and Remedy WRG5 based on your driving needs. The WRG4 is a reliable, budget-friendly option for harsh winters, offering excellent snow grip and versatility.

However, the WRG5 takes it up a notch with improved winter traction, quieter operation, and EV compatibility, making it ideal for modern vehicles and unpredictable weather. Both tires save you the hassle of seasonal swaps, but the WRG5’s refinements make it my top pick for year-round confidence. Choose the WRG4 for value, or the WRG5 for cutting-edge performance.