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Nokian PowerProof

The Nokian PowerProof is a Max Performance Summer tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

8.3
Tyre Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
87%
Wet Grip
89%
Road Feedback
80%
Handling
75%
Wear
67%
Comfort
85%
Buy again
77%
24 Reviews
80% Average
164,570 miles driven
19 Tests (avg: 6th)
Nokian PowerProof

Nokian PowerProof

Summer Mid-Range
BETA
8.3 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tyre Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tyre scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Off road
77.9
0.53x / 4 tests
Wet
73.4
2x / 57 tests
Dry
71
1.8x / 35 tests
Value
68.1
0.42x / 30 tests
Comfort
61.3
0.32x / 18 tests

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Braking
78.5
32 tests
Handling
70.2
38 tests
Traction
69.3
3 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 19
Publications: 12
Period: 2019 - 2022
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 24
Avg Rating: 79.8%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.34
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tyre tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2022 245/45 R19 6/10 10 metrics
2022 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2022 215/55 R17 21/22 12 metrics
2022 Summer Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild 2022 215/55 R17 6/44 2 metrics
2021 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test Auto Express 2021 225/45 R17 7/10 0 metrics
2021 Motor Summer Tyre Test Motor 2021 225/55 R17 3/10 10 metrics
2021 Tyre Reviews UHP Summer Tyre Test Tyre Reviews 2021 225/40 R18 8/14 9 metrics
2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2021 235/35 R19 12/15 9 metrics
2021 Auto Zeitung Summer UHP Tyre Test Auto Zeitung 2021 225/40 R18 6/10 11 metrics
2020 EVO UHP Summer Tyre Test EVO 2020 235/35 R19 4/7 11 metrics
2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test Sport Auto 2020 245/35 R19 3/10 12 metrics
2020 AMS 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2020 225/45 R18 7/11 11 metrics
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 8/20 10 metrics
2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test ADAC 2020 225/40 R18 9/16 1 metrics
2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 2/49 2 metrics
2019 EVO Summer Tyre Test EVO 2019 225/40 R18 4/7 9 metrics
2019 Auto Express SUV Tyre Test Auto Express 2019 235/50 R18 1/8 0 metrics
2019 Auto Bild Sports Car Tyre Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2019 245/45 R18 7/11 9 metrics
2019 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild Allrad 2019 225/55 R17 2/10 12 metrics
2019 Gute Fahrt Summer 18 Inch Tyre Test Gute Fahrt 2019 225/40 R18 5/12 4 metrics
19
Tests
6th
Average
1st
Best
21st
Worst
Latest Tyre Test Results
6th/44
21st/22
Very good dry braking, good aquaplaning resistance, dynamic wet handling.
Slow steering and low stability in the dry, very high wear, very low value.
6th/10
Neutral to understeer balance in the wet, precise steering and easy to control in the dry.
Low aquaplaning resistance, noisy.
Good for every day summer weather, deficits only in heavy rain.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
17 inch
215/55R17 98 W XL C A 69
205/50R17 93 Y XL B A 69
225/50R17 94 W D A 68
225/50R17 98 Y XL C A 69
225/50R17 98 W XL C A 69
215/45R17 91 Y XL C A 69
225/45R17 91 W D A 68
225/45R17 94 Y XL C A 69
225/45R17 91 Y C A 68
225/45R17 91 Y D A 68
18 inch
245/45R18 96 Y D A 71
245/45R18 100 Y XL C A 72
225/40R18 92 Y XL C A 69
245/40R18 97 Y XL C A 72
255/35R18 94 Y XL C A 72
19 inch
235/35R19 91 Y XL C A 72
20 inch
245/35R20 95 Y XL C A 72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Nokian PowerProof >>

Questions and Answers for the Nokian PowerProof

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October 15, 2022

I am interested in Nokian Powerproof 225/45 ZR 17 91Y tires. I would like to know the tread wear value or the UTGQ value

Sorry, we don't have the UTQG values as the tyre isn't sold in North America. You can contact Nokian directly to find out.
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Review Summary

Based on 21 user reviews

Most drivers rate the Nokian PowerProof positively, highlighting confident wet and dry grip, low noise, and comfortable ride, especially for daily/touring use. High-scoring reviews often praise stability at speed and balanced handling, though several note softer sidewalls and less precision versus top UHP rivals (e.g., Michelin PS4/PS4S). A minority report faster wear and some noise when worn, with a few low-score outliers citing poor durability. Overall, the PowerProof delivers strong everyday performance, but hardcore spirited drivers may find lateral stability and steering precision lacking.

Strengths
  • Wet grip
  • Dry grip
  • Low noise
  • Ride comfort
  • High-speed stability
  • Balanced daily driving performance
Areas for Improvement
  • Soft sidewalls/reduced precision
  • Faster wear than premium rivals

Top 3 Nokian PowerProof Reviews

Given 84% while driving a Opel insignia (215/55 R17) on mostly motorways for 30,000 average miles
My Nokians are now down to 4 mm of tread depth, after 30000km of driving, mostly highways. Previously I had Michelin Premacy 3 tyres fitted.
Nokians are very well-balanced tyre with great grip on dry and wet roads. During long high-speed driving (over 150 km/h) tyres are very safe with precise steering. Noise level are on the low side, not intrusive in any way even when worn. Wear is higher than my previous tyres Michelin Premacy 3, but this was expected for UHP tyres.
Fuel consumption is Ok, I did not notice some differences compared to Premacy 3. For perfect experience I believe that ride comfort should be little bit better with better dumping capabilities.
If I could find these 20% cheaper than other premium brands (as I did last time), I would buy them again for sure.
May 26, 2023
Given 54% while driving a Renault (205/50 R17) on mostly motorways for 10,000 easy going miles
Corners well and wet handling is nice but horrible wear during under sun. As a finnish tyre it wore rapidly at summer during pandemic. First spiderweb appearence at all sides. Then sidewalls began to separate and wires become visible...
December 15, 2023
Given 64% while driving a Kia Motors Stinger 2.0 RWD (255/35 R19) on mostly motorways for 20,000 spirited miles
In short, I think these are jus awful UHP tires. Maybe they would be fine as touring tires, I'm not sure. I went from Continental ContiSport 5 to the Nokians to Michelin Pilot Sport 4. The difference is just immense. The Nokians are rougher than the Michelins and also feel worse to drive than winter tires (Conti Wintercontact TS 860 S). There is zero progressiveness. It's either grip or no grip. Also, initial turn-in is very, very bad. The only pluses are ok fuel economy and low noise.
December 15, 2022

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Latest Nokian PowerProof Reviews

Given 71% while driving a Renault (225/45 R17) on mostly town for 10,000 average miles
First two years doing fain, good grip, good comfort, but the handling could be better (soft side). My big problem is the wear, i mean the tyres have only 3 years and rubber have many cracks, need to change them because seems not safe to ride.
April 8, 2023
Given 77% while driving a Renault Megane II 1.5dci @ 125hp (205/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
After months of indecision, I settled on these PowerProof Nokians at a great price. Tyrereviews.com has been an incredible source of information in this process. In regards to these tires, I'm a little bit disappointed, to be honest. They are not bad tires, and do everything as advertised. They just don't FEEL like a Max Performance tire. The feel exactly like a premium TOURING or comfort tire, such as a Michelin primacy something. Grip is great in all conditions, but the lateral stability is questionable when pushing the limits. In long sweeping turns at speed, any bumps in the road surface cause a sense of "swimming" from the tyre sidewalls. This can be described as splashy, squirmy, unstable, indecisive, un-nerving, un-settling, or flighty. This is really only experienced at considerable side-G forces at high speed in the corners, especially while on the gas. One can easily just ignore this and push on, but this is not necessarily wise to do and the experience is simply not confidence-inspiring.

It is worth noting that such driving is never done by the average driver, but then again, this tyre is sold as a "MAX PERFORMANCE PREMIUM TYRE", so it simply MUST be expected to keep up with the competition in that category. It really feels like they are using the same tyre carcass as is used in their great winter or rain tires, it just feels basic and uninspired as a sports tyre. Not at all sharp in the carcass, and it's increasingly noticeable as you get the carcass flexing in the turns. This is genuinely only going to be noticed by those who know what they're doing behind the wheel, and push the limits in the process.

Also worth noting is that this "squirmy" feeling is most notable on mountain roads(uphill and downhill, likely because weight is shifted off of one axle), and is only experienced when the road is uneven/bumpy. Even at the pace of 100% scramble, these tyres were stable on the smooth German Autobahn until about 180kmh, so they meet the expectations there. From 180kmh up, the lateral stability issue starts to show itself incrementally.

I'm genuinely missing the all-out confidence of the Continental SportContact2's which these replaced. Those just felt absolutely planted in any corner, as if the car was "squat and scoot" like a race car: "Grip it and rip it", "point and squirt": That's the feeling I need in premium sport tires, and these Nokians simply do not have that feeling. A superb touring tire, sure, but with reports of high wear rates. We will see.

I believe Nokian can work on tyre carcass structure and sidewall integrity to improve the second generation of this tyre so that it shows better lateral stability at speed on uneven surfaces. Don't simply stiffen the sidewalls, actually do the work to make the carcass stabilise itself under side-load. This is done in the belts, not the sidewall. A tighter belt-pack in the carcass would do wonders for this tyre. Maybe something like the 0-degree steel radial belt that is used by Metzler (and Pirelli... and Conti...) in motorcycle tires can help with this. Then you can run very tight belts at the tyre shoulder for stability, but leave the middle looser for warm-up, comfort, aqua and noise. Then these tires will be highly competitive as a max performer!
November 2, 2022
Given 83% while driving a Volkswagen Passat estate 2.0 TDI 110 kW (245/45 R18) on mostly motorways for 2,000 average miles
Impressive comfort. Very good tyre for daily, relaxing driving. More touring tyre than UHP.
July 25, 2022
Given 57% while driving a Audi A6 Avant 2tdi (245/45 R18) on mostly motorways for 15,000 miles
These have only lasted 15k I was expecting more if honest. Handling was okay, decent it wet but I got a spongy boring feel to these tyres especially on corners. Not sure but I found them just about adequate but nothing special which was a bit disappointing. The wear on these was a huge disappointment and they hum like mad when they are down to the bars .
June 2, 2022
Given 71% while driving a Lexus GS 250 Luxury (235/45 R18) on mostly country roads for 15,500 spirited miles
Bought the PowerProof as soon as they were released. Since they were replaced by the Nokian ZLine i thought i'd give them a shot. Excellent handling, breaking in the wet. All 4 Tyres had 2mm left after 25,000km. Overall an excellent tyre, especially in the rain, it's like you're driving in the dry weather.
March 26, 2022
Given 96% while driving a BMW X3 2.0d Sport (245/45 R20) on mostly motorways for 8,000 average miles
Very good and safe feeling while driving. They replaced the initials Bmw approved Pirelli P Zero RunFlat. I drive now a very different and comfortable SUV ... The Nokian company promises extra safe driving, due to the aramid sidewall . I hope to be totally true ! Until now no worry for their wear which seems to be very normal although this summer was terribly hot .
September 5, 2021
Given 83% while driving a Alfa Romeo Giulietta (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
Good wet grip, good dry grip, quick handling around roundabouts, good ability to absorb potholes and bumps. Good comfort, low noise level.
May 25, 2021
Given 77% while driving a Alfa Romeo Giulietta (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 500 spirited miles
Just replaced my worn Michelin ps4 fronts on my Alfa Giulietta(940) 170bhp 1.4 multi air in size 225/45r17. Noise in the cabin is reduced in compared to the ps4’s, wet grip and muddy road grip is good. Dry grip in corners when driving sporty and giniving it all over a longer period gives me the impression that they are a little but not far behind the ps4. Difference in grip levels between dry and wet is limited, so no sudden surprises. Time will tell about the wear, price is good ( € 66) Nice feature is the sidewall that gives you small circles in which you can point out your tyre pressure, wheel bolt torque value and where the tyre is placed( left front, rear, etc) I will post more when I know more about wear and behavior. Tread mm to start with are only 7.4 mm!! I was used to getting 8mm on all new tyres
May 16, 2021
Jaguar (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 1,000 spirited miles
I fitted a set of these (255/35x20)to my 2015 Jaguar XFS 3.0 Sportbrake, to replace the existing Dunlops, (which were cracking, as they tend to do! ) Having had some winter Nokians on a previous XF I owned, I was impressed with them, so thought I'd try these. So far I've only covered about 1000 miles, so can't really comment on wear, but the grip on these is excellent, both in the wet, and the dry. There is a roundabout near where I live, which leads straight onto a dual carriageway, and has a left-hand bend on it, coupled with adverse camber, and is very often with greasy/ diesel deposits on it. This bend has always been very tricky to negotiate, especially in the wet, and with the added bonus that if you do lose grip, you and your car are heading straight for the scene of a very big accident once you've skidded over the (barrier free) central grassy section! However, with these tyres, I feel much more confident than I have on previous tyres, with various cars I've previously owned (namely 530 BMWs, Accord Type R, and a Jaguar E type plus several other less powerful cars) To sum up, I don't think you can better these tyres for the price, and can't see that spending a load more on Michelins etc would make a lot of difference to grip.
April 18, 2021
Given 83% while driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 (235/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
Very good in the wet, hugely comfortable for the sector, seem to be wearing ok, but they're not as good handling as the Goodyears I had before.
April 4, 2021
Given 94% while driving a Opel Astra J Sports Tourer (225/55 R17 W) on a combination of roads for 2,400 average miles
Chose these after reading a lot of reviews, and taking into consideration that my local tire shop had a good enough price for a set of 4. Initially they were rather hard, every pothole and crack could be felt. Turns out it was the shop who overinflated them to an absurd amount, so after correction: these are quiet and iron out bumps nicely. Drove them for about 2400 miles since, no noticeable wear. The Astra J is NOT a lightweight car, being a diesel adds additional weight to the front, that said these are more than capable of dealing with the torque produced, which cannot be said for the Firestones they replaced. With those, constant ESC was the name of the game whenever a few drops of rain hit the road. Overall, am very happy with them, and will fit a new set once the current ones have run their course.
August 14, 2020
Given 91% while driving a Mercedes Benz C300 (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 4,070 spirited miles
I bought these tires for my 2012 Mercedes C300 4MATIC Sport. It's the first time I buy Nokian Tires as they were highly recommended by the tire shop I deal with. So far, their dry and wet performance has been great and the car's handling is definitely superior to the Continental OEM tires it came with. I'm really happy with them especially with the tread depth indicator (3 to 8 mm) that comes engraved on them. After 6,550 km on them, the 8 mm tread depth indicator disappeared meaning 1 mm wore out. If the wear is linear and I extend it to 4 mm which is when the droplet symbol disappears meaning an increased risk of aquaplaning, then my calculations say that this will happen at the 26,000 km mark; which I think would be too much wear and they wouldn't last long. The full 8 mm would be gone by 52,000 km. Maybe this is normal because they're a soft compound, but I was hoping they'd last a bit more. I will update this review as time goes, but again I am very happy with their performance.
April 5, 2020
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