Are you a truck or SUV owner looking for versatile tires? Different models on the market offer both off-road performance and a quality driving experience on regular roads. Amongst these, today we are looking into the Nokian Outpost AT vs Falken Wildpeak AT3W in greater detail.
Are you looking for the best possible choice? Find out more in this detailed comparison of both tires, offered to you by blackcircles Canada.
How do the Nokian Outpost AT vs Falken Wildpeak AT3W compare
As we have mentioned, both of these tires are specially made to provide you with a confident driving experience off the beaten path, while still offering you a comfortable ride on the highway. Here are the two tires in greater detail so that you can understand their similarities and differences.
The first of the two, the Wildpeak AT3W, is a more recent version of the Wildpeak family, offering even more solidity. It provides you with excellent all-terrain skills and can withstand heavy loads. The different qualities brought forth by the manufacturer are, first and foremost:
- Even wear
- Good performance on wet road surfaces
- Winter driving
As you will see, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W tire presents even more advantages. With a vast selection between 81 different dimensions, which range between 15- and 22- inches, it is specially made for different types of vehicles. It is a great model for, among others:
- Chevrolet Colorado and Silverado
- RAM trucks
- Ford F series trucks
- The Jeep Cherokee
- The Toyota 4Runner
- And so many more!
The Nokian Outpost tire is also a great choice for SUVs, crossovers and light trucks. It also comes in dimensions ranging between 15- and 22- inches, for a total of 64 options.
Another element that both tires have in common are the fact that the two are winter certified, both with the three peak mountaintop and snowflake logo, certifying that they are safe to drive during the cold season. However, this does not mean that performance levels are equal in these conditions; we will get back to these!
The two tires do share some similar specifications, with R, S or T speed ratings. Particularly rugged, the Falken tire still offers generally superior load indexes. Several dimensions have a maximum load index that can reach over 3,750 pounds, and even up to 4,080 pounds!
As for the Nokian tire, maximum load index can reach up to 3,748 pounds for two dimensions, but most dimensions reaching mostly a maximum of 3,640 pounds.
This is explained, among other things, due to the fact that the Outpost is a little lighter than the Wildpeak. The latter is thus a sturdier tire, although this also comes with some disadvantages.
With Nokian, the focus in mainly placed on a quiet driving experience, along with a low rolling resistance, thanks to the tire’s lighter weight.
Finally, in both cases, we are dealing with brands that have not been specializing in the off-road up until very recently. Falken changed this tendency in the last few years thanks to the Wildpeak model, which has definitely proven its worth.
Nokian, the Finnish manufacturer, has mostly be known, up to now, for its winter tires, but now wishes to branch out and offer a quality alternative in the all-terrain tire category. The Nokian Outpost AT is new in the industry, only revealed last year. It is here to replace the Rotiiva, from which it is completely different.
Nokian Outpost AT: Specs
The all-new Nokian Outpost offers the following features:
- An aramid composition
- Rugged Summit flanks
- Canyon cut-outs
- Notched shoulders
- Gravel protection
- 3D sipes
The aramid fibers have been utilized here with a technology called the Aramid Tough Shield. It is a component found on Nokian models that improves the compound’s resistance. With the Outpost, the aramid has also been added to the tire’s structure as well, all for optimal durability.
For even more resistance, the tire is equipped with rugged flanks called “Summit”. As the name indicates, they allow the tires to tackle mountaintop road conditions, which include rocks and gravel. They provide you with added peace of mind by also resisting to flats.
Moreover, other features also reinforce this aspect, like protection from gravel and notches on the shoulders. The latter also provide you with greater lateral grip levels.
Between the blocks that make up the tread, you will also find “Canyon” cut-outs. These X-shaped grooves have been designed to trap mud and snow. They also contribute to the tire’s grip levels on this type of surface.
On the blocks, you will also find 3D sipes to better grip onto the road surface and provide you with a maneuverable tire, even on rougher road surfaces.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W: Specs
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a model that was specially designed for optimal strength, while also offering a quality driving experience. In order to achieve this, it integrates features such as:
- 3D Canyon sipes
- A new inferior flank
- Full depth sipes and grooves
- Rugged and rigid blocks
- Offset shoulder blocks
This is not a mistake: both brands do use the name Canyon! However, with Nokian, it refers to grooves, while with Falken it refers to an exclusive sipe technology. These 3D sipes provide you with added traction, especially for winter driving.
This technology blocks the shoulder in order to provide you with added stability and maneuverability, but also greater resistance to wear with a higher maximum torque.
The new inferior flank, along with the superior flank with an aggressive design provides the tire with added protection from sharp objects like rocks and debris.
Moreover, the stair like design slides between the tread blocks in order to prevent stones from getting stuck in the grooves! The blocks are robust and ensure good maneuverability.
On the sides, you will also find offset shoulder blocks for added off-road traction and greater stability, especially in lower pressures.
The full depth sipes and groove provide the tire with maximum performance and mostly durability. With the LT dimensions, it is actually the deepest tread of its category!
Deep grooves and tread also means that even when it is used, the tire maintains its performance levels. Moreover, it also prolongs the lifespan! This also means that it offers excellent resistance to aquaplaning.
How to choose between the Nokian Outpost AT and the Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Now that you know a little more about both models, you probably want to identify which is the best tire for you. So, we will compare performance levels in several types of situations, to help you see more clearly.
On the one hand, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W stands out positively according to several critics. In order to outrank its competitors when it comes to winter performance, wear and performance on wet road surfaces, it provides you with even more qualities.
Alvin Reyes, a Driving Press journalist, has tested it out and given it the global rating of 91 %. Here are a few of the qualities that stand out the most:
- A controlled driving experience on wet road surfaces
- Excellent resistance to aquaplaning
- A quality driving experience on icy or snowy roads
- A precise direction
- A comfortable driving experience
The journalist also mentions that they are the most comfortable all-terrain tires that he has tried to date! The Falken Wildpeak’s flexible silica compound also helps provide you with a rather quiet drive for a tire of its category.
On the other hand, the Nokian is also a tire that focuses on a comfortable and quiet driving experience. The groove design also provides you with a stable drive on wet road surfaces, which means that both are safe options in this type of weather!
On the other hand, we cannot say the same about the winter driving experience. Although agile on melted snow, performance levels on hardened snow and ice are not superior to those of the Falken tire.
According to TractionLife, the tire does lack in precision. It is also less reactive during braking and less easy to maneuver than the Toyota 4Runner original tires, a vehicle on which it has been tested by journalists.
It is important to recognize, however, that its light weight does allow for greater fuel efficiency thanks to a low rolling resistance.
In short, if you are looking for a stable tire in all conditions, including in winter, and which offers a superior driving experience, the Falken tire is definitely made for you. If you are looking, first and foremost, for a light tire with a low rolling resistance, then you should opt for the Nokian Outpost.
Comparing Durability
Given that the Nokian Outpost is still new to the market, it is difficult for the moment to speculate on its actual durability. The manufacturer still offers a 100,000 km limited warranty on tread life.
As for the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, if offers a 90,000 km limited warranty. It might be slightly inferior, but actual lifespan is estimated to 70,000 miles, which means over 112,600 km, according to Consumer Reports!
As for the rest, both brands offer a 30- day satisfaction guarantee, during which you can replace the tire if you are not satisfy with it.
So, which tire should you choose between the Nokian Outpost AT vs Falken Wildpeak AT3W? It is a question of preference, but the blackcircles Canada team is convinced that Falken tires will definitely bring you satisfaction on all levels. If you want to see this for yourself, take a look at our customer reviews, which also mention an excellent price-quality ratio!
