Based in Nokia, Finland, Nokian Tyres began manufacturing passenger car tires way back in 1932 under the brand name Finnish Rubber Works Ltd. It is the only tire maker in the world to have its own dedicated winter tire testing facility. Famed for its superb winter tires, Nokian also produces all-season, all-weather, and all-terrain tires for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, light trucks, and cargo vans. Among its range of all-weather tires is the newly introduced Nokian Nordman Solstice Directional CUV designed specifically for utility vehicles.

The Nordman Solstice Directional CUV features sturdy rubber compounds, optimized all-weather tread pattern, confident handling that withstands snow, ice, and rain, three-peak mountain snowflake certification, low rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency, and enough channels to remove water and slush quickly from the surface in order to avoid the risk of hydroplaning. The Nokian tire comes with an excellent limited tread life mileage of up to 50,000 miles. It is available in a wide range of sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches. Let’s have a look at how it feels on the road in this Nokian Nordman Solstice Directional CUV review.

Features and Benefits

All-weather tires are made to handle changing weather better than all-season tires. Being an all-weather tire, the Nordman Solstice Directional CUV tires offer incredible grip and traction year-round. Let’s see how it is done.

• Superior grip and year-round traction – A directional tread pattern with solid center rib and lateral grooves removes water and slush from the tread to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Dense sipes and strategic cuts on the tread allow it to better interlock with the surface and provide improved grip and performance in dry, wet, and icy conditions.
• Longer wear life and high fuel efficiency – An optimized tread pattern promotes even wear while a special silica compound provides extra strength to the structure of the tire to protect the rubber from punctures, tears, and snags. At high speeds, the heat generation within the tire is lowered which results in low fuel consumption and hence, high fuel efficiency.
• Great handling and comfortable ride – The directional tread design helps in improving the handling and stability in dry, wet, and wintry conditions. Wide groove lifts provide a controlled and stable ride thanks to their stone ejecting abilities which do not let debris settle within grooves and disturb their functioning. The silent groove design reduces noise and returns a comfortable and quiet ride.

Pros and Cons

Every tire comes with its share of advantages and disadvantages. The Nordman Solstice Directional CUV too has its demerits. Let’s have a look at them before having our final word.

Pros

• Low rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency
• Longitudinal grooves to avoid aquaplaning
• 50,000 miles of limited tread life warranty
• Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for use in severe winter conditions
• Superior grip and traction in dry, wet, and icy conditions
• Directional tread for improved handling and stability
• Dense sipes provide enhanced grip and traction

Cons

• The tire is a bit noisy
• The durability of the tire is uncertain

SimpleTire’s view on Nokian Nordman Solstice Directional CUV tires

The Nokian Nordman Solstice Directional CUV (starts at around $117) is a new all-weather tire for CUVs and SUVs that promises to last long and provide enhanced grip and traction in dry, wet, and wintry conditions. It takes on the likes of General Altimax 365AW (starts at around $113), Firestone Weathergrip (starts at around $135), Kumho Solus HA31 (starts around $101), and Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (H750) (starts at around $111).

Vehicles the Nokian Nordman Solstice Directional CUV is a good replacement tire for

The Nokian Nordman Solstice Directional CUV is an excellent replacement tire option. It can be fitted on Chevrolet Equinox, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota RAV4, Ford Maverick, Honda CR-V, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and many more.