Comparison: Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW-6 vs. Vredestein Quatrac

Comparing the Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW-6 and the Vredestein Quatrac reveals two very different takes on the all-season concept. With our overall ratings of 31% for the Nankang and 92% for the Vredestein, the Quatrac clearly stands out as the more accomplished tyre for year-round use.

Across mutual independent tests, the Vredestein Quatrac consistently outperforms the Nankang. In ADAC’s all-season comparison (16 tyres), Quatrac ranked 6th while AW-6 finished 10th. In Auto Bild’s large group test (32 tyres), the gap widened even further: Quatrac took an excellent 2nd place with standout scores in wet handling, wet circle cornering, wet braking, dry braking and comfort, whereas AW-6 languished in 30th place.

Test summaries echo these positions. Auto Bild (2022) praised the Quatrac’s balanced performance, short wet and dry braking distances, agile handling, direct steering and low rolling resistance; the only caveat was a moderate mileage estimate. Auto Bild (2021) also called it an exemplary all-season tyre with strong snow/ice performance and high aquaplaning safety. ADAC noted good efficiency and low wear, with only minor weaknesses on dry, wet and winter roads. The Quatrac we tested was made in HU (Hungary).

The Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW-6 shows a different profile. Auto Bild highlighted very good winter properties and a budget-friendly price, but flagged limited wet grip, delayed steering response, understeer in wet and dry handling, and—most critically—dangerously extended wet braking distances. ADAC similarly found low wear and low fuel consumption, but reported weaknesses on dry, wet and wintry surfaces and a relatively high weight. These findings explain its much lower overall score in our database.

• Vredestein Quatrac – Key strengths: excellent wet braking and handling, very good dry braking, confident snow/ice behavior, precise steering, low rolling resistance, solid aquaplaning safety. Weakness: only average projected mileage.


• Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW-6 – Key strengths: strong winter traction for the price, low wear, good fuel efficiency. Weaknesses: wet grip and braking, slower steering response, handling understeer on wet and dry, overall safety margin in rain.

Overall verdict: If you prioritize safety and balance in all conditions, the Vredestein Quatrac is the superior all-season tyre by a clear margin, dominating mutual tests and scoring near the top in large comparative reviews. The Nankang CROSS SEASONS AW-6 can make sense for drivers seeking a low-cost, winter-leaning option with decent efficiency, but its wet-road compromises are significant in the context of modern all-season tyres.

Replacement status: At the time of writing, neither tyre has been officially replaced by a newer model in our database.

Learn more about the brands: visit Vredestein’s manufacturer page on our site, or the official Nankang website.