Comparison: Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW-6 vs. GoodYear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

All-season tyre comparison: Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW-6 (manufacturer: Nankang) vs. Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 (manufacturer: Goodyear). Both are current models with no official successor announced at the time of writing.

Overall ratings and positioning
Our aggregate rating reflects the gap between these two all-weather tyres: Goodyear: 79% vs. Nankang: 31%. This is reinforced by head-to-head test results. In the ADAC comparative test (16 tyres), Goodyear finished 1st while Nankang placed 10th. In Autobild’s large all-season test (32 tyres), Goodyear ranked 4th and Nankang 30th. Across mutual tests, Goodyear consistently leads by a significant margin.

What the tests say

• Wet and safety performance: Goodyear is repeatedly praised for secure wet grip, short wet braking, and high aquaplaning reserves. Best-in-test highlights include snow braking, snow traction/handling, wet handling, dry braking/handling, aquaplaning (longitudinal and cross), exterior noise, mileage, and rolling resistance. Nankang, by contrast, shows limited wet grip, delayed steering response, and dangerously extended wet braking distances in Autobild 2022 notes.


• Winter capability: Both tyres are competent in snow, but Goodyear stands out with “best snow qualities” and convincing performance in all wintry conditions across 2020–2022 updates. Nankang earns credit for very good winter properties for its price class, yet struggles when the surface turns wet.


• Dry handling: Goodyear offers stable, dynamic dry handling with precise steering; minor weaknesses on dry roads were noted but did not affect its top placements. Nankang is reported as weak on dry roads with understeer tendencies.


• Efficiency and wear: Goodyear combines high predicted mileage with often low weight, though some tests mention an increased rolling resistance. Nankang’s strengths include low abrasion (wear) and low fuel consumption in earlier testing, albeit the tyre is relatively heavy.

Manufacturer and model context
Goodyear’s Gen-3 succeeds a proven line (Gen‑2 and the original Vector 4Seasons) and is produced in Europe (SI; FR). It regularly achieves “test winner” or podium-level results thanks to its balanced performance in snow, wet, and dry. Nankang’s CROSS SEASONS AW‑6 targets value-focused drivers: it delivers credible winter traction at a budget-friendly price but remains compromised on wet and dry safety margins.

Strengths and weaknesses at a glance

• Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen‑3: class-leading wet safety, snow performance, aquaplaning resistance, precise steering, and high mileage. Minor trade-off: occasionally higher rolling resistance and a higher purchase price than budget rivals.


• Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW‑6: very good winter traction for the money, low wear, and low fuel use. Key drawbacks: weak wet grip, long wet braking, muted steering, and subpar dry handling.

Verdict: which tyre is better overall?
If your priority is all-round safety and consistency across seasons, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen‑3 is the clear winner, dominating mutual tests (ADAC and Autobild) and earning a markedly higher overall rating. The Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW‑6 can be a cost-effective choice for drivers who value winter grip and low running costs, but its wet-road shortcomings make it less suitable for regions with frequent rain or for safety‑focused buyers. For most drivers, especially those facing varied European weather, Goodyear is the safer, more balanced all-season option.