Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 vs Nexen Winguard Snow G3: the full picture
This comparison is built only from published independent tests — no manufacturer claims and no sponsored reviews. Between them, the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 and Nexen Winguard Snow G3 appear in 6 tests, 2 of which put both tires on the same track on the same day. Head-to-head results carry the most weight here, because surface, weather and test car all change between events and make raw numbers from different tests hard to compare directly.
How the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 performs. It does not lead any single category outright in this matchup. Its overall Tire Lab Score is 79/100, based on 2 tests.
How the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 performs. It takes the win in wet, dry, snow, noise / comfort, mileage, efficiency. Its overall Tire Lab Score is 85/100, based on 4 tests.
What this means for you. Category wins matter more than the overall score when your driving is weighted toward one condition — a wet-climate commuter should follow the wet braking column, while a high-mileage driver should follow wear and rolling resistance. Also check that both tires are actually offered in your size and load rating: performance can shift between sizes, and availability differs between the European and North American markets.
Verdict
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 is the stronger all-round choice, leading in wet and Tire Lab Score. The Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 making it the right pick if that matters most to you.
Which one should you buy?
- You prefer the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2's brand, sizing or price
Choose Nexen Winguard Snow G3 if
- You prioritise wet
- You prioritise dry
- You prioritise snow
Test profile
| Metric | Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 | Nexen Winguard Snow G3 |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Winter | Winter |
| Type | Winter | Winter |
| Tests used | 2 | 4 |
| Best rank | #16 | #1 |
| Avg rank | 27.3 | 14.0 |
| Latest test | 2024 | 2024 |
| Tire Lab Score | 79.4 | 84.8 |
Tire Lab Score
Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2
Nexen Winguard Snow G3
Performance overview
Category-by-category results
| Category | Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 | Nexen Winguard Snow G3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧Wet | Avg rank 23.0 | Avg rank 13.5 1 | Nexen Winguard Snow G3 |
| ☀️Dry | No data | Avg rank 8.5 1 | Nexen Winguard Snow G3 |
| ❄️Snow | Avg rank 32.5 | Avg rank 16.5 | Nexen Winguard Snow G3 |
| 🔇Noise / Comfort | No data | Avg rank 8.8 1 | Nexen Winguard Snow G3 |
| 📏Mileage | No data | Avg rank 20.0 | Nexen Winguard Snow G3 |
| 🔋Efficiency | No data | Avg rank 6.5 | Nexen Winguard Snow G3 |
Tests used in this comparison
Both tires were measured head-to-head in these 2 independent tests:
💧 Wet: Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 vs Nexen Winguard Snow G3
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 wins this category with an average rank of 13.5, compared to 23.0 for the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
☀️ Dry: Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 vs Nexen Winguard Snow G3
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 wins this category with an average rank of 8.5, compared to no data for the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
❄️ Snow: Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 vs Nexen Winguard Snow G3
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 wins this category with an average rank of 16.5, compared to 32.5 for the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
🔇 Noise / Comfort: Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 vs Nexen Winguard Snow G3
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 wins this category with an average rank of 8.8, compared to no data for the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
📏 Mileage: Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 vs Nexen Winguard Snow G3
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 wins this category with an average rank of 20.0, compared to no data for the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
🔋 Efficiency: Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 vs Nexen Winguard Snow G3
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 wins this category with an average rank of 6.5, compared to no data for the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better in the wet, Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 or Nexen Winguard Snow G3?
Across independent wet-braking tests, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 ranks higher on average than the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
Which has shorter dry braking distance?
The Nexen Winguard Snow G3 averages a better dry-braking rank than the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 across the tests where both appeared.
Which tire is quieter and more comfortable?
On combined noise and comfort metrics, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 ranks better than the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
Which tire lasts longer?
Based on wear and abrasion testing, the Nexen Winguard Snow G3 shows better mileage performance than the Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2.
How many tests were used in this comparison?
Mastersteel WINTER Plus W2 appears in 2 independent tests, Nexen Winguard Snow G3 in 4, with 2 head-to-head tests where both were measured.
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Data aggregated from independent testing organizations including ADAC, Auto Bild, TCS, and Auto Motor und Sport. Read our methodology →