12 April 2025 (updated)

Nexen Winguard Sport 2 Review

Table of Contents

Snow Performance
Performance on wet roads
Dry handling
Braking performance
Cost-effectiveness
Noise development
Price-performance ratio
Nexen Winguard Sport 2 experience: advantages and disadvantages
Nexen Winguard Sport 2 Review Results
1. Popular tyre sizes for the Nexen Winguard Sport 2
2. Source list

The Nexen Winguard Sport 2 is a mid-priced winter tyre that offers good value for money. Since its market launch in March 2017, the tyre has established itself in various tests as a solid option for price-conscious drivers.

Test organisation	Year	Dimension	Test result
Auto Bild	2022	215/55 R17	Good
Auto Bild	2021	225/45 R18	Satisfactory
ÖAMTC	2021	225/50 R17	Satisfactory (3.0)
ADAC	2021	225/50 R17	Satisfactory (3.0)

Snow Performance

Nexen Winguard Sport 2 shows an average to good performance on snow. The tread pattern design provides acceptable traction in winter conditions. The lateral grip on snow offers sufficient control and stability. The handling on snow-covered roads conveys a fundamentally safe driving experience. The stability in bends is satisfactory, even if occasional corrections are necessary. The sipes in the profile ensure sufficient interlocking with the snow surface. The snow performance is in the middle range of the test field. The controllability is maintained even in the event of sudden steering manoeuvres. Traction when pulling away is acceptable. Its winter properties were rated as satisfactory in tyre reviews.

In the Auto Bild Test 2022, the tyre received a grade of 2 for its snow properties.

The ÖAMTC test 2021 gave its snow properties a grade of 2.6.

In the Auto Bild test 2021, the snow performance was rated 2-.

Performance on wet roads

The Nexen Winguard Sport 2 performs averagely on wet roads. There are clear weaknesses in terms of wet grip, especially in terms of aquaplaning. The deceleration values on wet asphalt are below average. Handling on wet roads gives an unsafe driving experience. The aquaplaning properties are particularly critical with a grade of 4.0 for lateral aquaplaning. Stability when changing lanes is limited. Increased attention is required to control the tyre in critical situations. The wet properties are among the tyre's weaknesses. The cornering forces are reduced in the wet. The precision when turning in wet conditions leaves something to be desired.

In the ÖAMTC test 2021, the tyre only achieved a grade of 2.8 for wet grip.

The ADAC test 2021 confirmed the weaknesses with an overall grade of 2.8 for wet roads.

Dry handling

The Winguard Sport 2 shows average handling on dry roads. The tyre construction offers a limited balance between comfort and handling properties. The steering response is less precise and requires frequent corrections. The cornering forces are reduced when driving dynamically. Feedback on the road surface is poor. The tyre shows below-average stability when changing lanes. Braking performance on dry roads is a bright spot, with a grade of 2.0. Cornering stability is not convincing. Steering precision deteriorates significantly at higher speeds. Driving stability requires constant corrections.

In the 2021 ÖAMTC test, the dry performance was rated 2.8.

The 2021 ADAC test gave a grade of 3.3 for handling.

Driving safety was rated as satisfactory in the test with a grade of 2.8.

Nexen Winguard Sport 2 Review

Braking performance

Based on tyre reviews, the Nexen Winguard Sport 2 presents a mixed picture in terms of braking. Its braking performance on a dry road is average, with the car coming to a stop from 100 km/h in 36.8 metres. At 37.9 metres, its braking distance on a wet road is clearly too long. The braking performance on snow is convincing with a grade of 2.6. Stability during braking is not always optimal. The sensitivity of the braking force requires increased attention. ABS support does not work optimally with the tyre profile. The braking force distribution shows weaknesses under different road conditions. Braking performance varies greatly depending on temperature. The directional stability during braking is in need of improvement. The overall deceleration values are only satisfactory.

The ÖAMTC test 2021 rated the braking behaviour on wet roads with a grade of 2.38.

Cost-effectiveness

The Winguard Sport 2 impresses with its good economy in everyday use. The predicted mileage is around 35,000 kilometres. At an average of 82 mg/km/tonne, tyre abrasion is still acceptable. The tyre weight has been optimised, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption. At 6.4 l/100 km, consumption is in the medium range. Durability is in line with expectations for a tyre in this price range. The rubber compound exhibits average wear resistance. Even wear ensures a reasonable service life. The environmental balance is average. The total costs per 1000 kilometres are attractive.

In the ADAC test 2021, the tyre achieved a grade of 3.0 for wear.

Noise development

The Nexen Winguard Sport 2 has average noise characteristics in everyday use. The tread design results in clearly audible tyre noise. At 72 dB(A), the measured noise emission is in the mid to high range of the test field. The interior acoustics are still acceptable at normal speeds. The frequency distribution of the rolling noise shows clear weaknesses at higher speeds. The noise level varies greatly depending on the road surface. The coordination of the profile elements could be more harmonious. The noise increases significantly at higher speeds. The vibration damping is below average. The acoustic performance is in line with the price range.

In the ÖAMTC test 2021, the noise development was rated with a grade of 2.7.

The ADAC test confirmed the increased noise level with a grade of 2.7.

Price-performance ratio

The Nexen Winguard Sport 2 is a budget winter tyre with an acceptable cost-performance ratio. The moderate mileage and average wear are acceptable in relation to the low purchase price. The overall performance meets the expectations of a budget tyre. Durability is reasonable for the price. The materials used offer a solid quality. Although the technology is significantly behind that of premium tyres, it is justified in terms of price. The total cost over the lifespan is attractive. The efficiency of the tyre is reasonable for the price. Price stability is good compared to other tyres in this class. It is worth the investment for very price-conscious drivers.

Nexen Winguard Sport 2 experience: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages	Weaknesses
Favourable purchase price	Poor wet handling
Good value for money	Long braking distances in wet conditions
Acceptable snow properties	Increased noise
Solid dry braking performance	Below-average driving dynamics
Economical operation	Poor hydroplaning resistance

Nexen Winguard Sport 2 Review Results

According to tyre reviews, the Nexen Winguard Sport 2 is a typical budget winter tyre with some good and some bad points.Its strengths lie in its low price and solid cost-effectiveness, while it shows significant weaknesses, especially in wet conditions. It may be an option for price-conscious drivers with moderate demands and a careful driving style, but sporty drivers should choose higher-quality alternatives.