Nokian Rotiiva AT Review

Designed for true on and off-road performance, it should come as no surprise that the Nokian Rotiiva AT is also a certified winter tire.

PROS

  • Heightened on-road responsiveness
  • Durable
  • Winter certified

CONS

  • Not as off-road capable as some competitors
  • Mileage guarantee could be better

   

This all-terrain tire is even described by the manufacturer as more of a light off-roading option, which is surprisingly honest, as most brands like to tout that they’re the best at everything. While its certainly beyond the capabilities of a conventional all-season, we’d recommend it more for occasional off-road use. And obviously for those who need winter grip too.

In case you’re new to the Nokian brand, they hail from Finland and are experts at making some of the world’s best winter tires.

The Rotiiva AT’s tire tread features tread blocks that are much larger than you’d typically find on an AT tire. While this hints at less-capable off-road performance, it’s also a nod to the tire’s on-road manners. The large center tread blocks give superior on-road stability and responsiveness, while the larger shoulder tread blocks also help in cornering.

If you look closely at the tread those center blocks have little bumps at the ends of them, meaning that under hard braking or accelerating they butt up against the other tread blocks, giving increased stability and performance.

With a UTQG rating of 700, the tread itself is already designed to resist wear, while Nokian has also equipped the exterior tread blocks with “cooling ribs” that are designed to dissipate heat and prolong tread life.

Still, we’re not overly impressed with the tread-life guarantee of this tire (see below).

While the tire’s off-road capability might not be world-class, it is a true all-terrain tire in the sense that it’s built tough and to withstand the abuse of off-road driving as well as the weight of heavier vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks.

The sidewalls are made with aramid fibres (similar to what is used in aerospace and defence industries) to help keep the tire’s shape over time and resist chips, cuts and punctures.

While a more-than-capable winter performer, it’s certified for true year-round use with the three peak mountain snowflake logo on the sidewall. Of note, the Rotiiva is also studdable for more extreme winter use.

Nokian Rotiiva AT Price

Pricing for the Nokian Rotiiva AT ranges from $130 per tire for a 15-inch size up to $250 per tire for a 22-inch tires.

   

Nokian Rotiiva AT Warranty

Depending on the specific tire, the Nokian Rotiiva gets anywhere from a 30,000 mile guarantee to a 50,000 mile tread life guarantee. That’s quite low for an all-terrain tire.

Nokian Rotiiva AT Sizes

15-inch sizes
235/75R15
31×10.50R15
LT235/75R15

16-inch sizes
215/65R16
215/70R16
225/70R16
235/70R16
245/70R16
245/75R16
255/70R16
265/70R16
265/75R16
LT215/85R16
LT235/85R16
LT285/75R16

17-inch sizes
215/60R17
235/65R17
235/70R17
245/65R17
245/70R17
255/70R17
265/65R17
265/70R17
LT235/80R17
LT245/75R17

18-inch sizes
255/60R18
255/70R18
265/60R18
265/65R18
275/65R18

20-inch sizes
275/55R20
275/60R20

22-inch sizes
285/45R22

Is the Nokian Rotiiva Good in Snow?

You bet it is! Just a you’d expect from the winter-tire experts at Nokian, their all-terrain tire is certified for true winter use and wears the three-peak mountain snowflake logo on its sidewall with pride. The tread compound is sturdy enough to resist off-road use while compliant enough to remain soft in winter conditions. At the same time, plentiful siping and lots of jagged edges helps give impressive traction on snow-covered roads.