Nokian is based in Finland, and Finland sees a lot of snow. Snow is kind of a way of life in Finland, really. Not surprisingly, Nokian’s strong suit is winter tires.
The Hakkapeliitta R3 (“Hakkapeliitta” is derived from the term for Finnish cavalry soldiers from the 17th century) from Nokian is one of their best offerings in winter tires. The Hakkapeliitta R3 is a studless winter tire that’s designed for a perfect balance of relentless winter traction with premium touring-tire comfort and handling. The result is a tire that delivers low rolling resistance for improved fuel economy, low noise, a comfortable, forgiving ride, and responsive handling – along with top-notch braking and performance in snow, slush, freezing rain and ice.
So does this tire from Nokian really live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look with this Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 review.
Features and Benefits
Nokian has a reputation for real innovation in winter tires; here’s some of the features and advantages you can expect to find with the Hakkapeliitta R3:
- Multifaceted Snow Claws embedded in the tread blocks and shoulders for extra grip in slush or loose snow
- Specialized rubber formulation stays pliable at subfreezing temperatures, yet reduces friction for low rolling resistance and improved fuel economy
- Tread is designed so that packed snow in tread grooves actually enhances traction
- Tread pitch is computer tuned to cancel road noise frequencies and deliver a quiet ride
- Rubber compound is infused with environmentally-friendly Crio Crystal 3 for improved grip on icy surfaces
- Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for severe winter service
- Aramid fiber-reinforced sidewall for durability and resistance to damage from potholes, curb scuffs
- Directional tread pattern with angled grooves diverts water and slush away from the tire’s footprint to resist hydroplaning
- Contact patch is optimized to put more rubber in contact with the road
Pros and Cons
So, is this the right tire for your budget and ride? Before you decide, let’s take a look at the Hakkapeliitta R3’s strengths:
PROS:
- Unbeatable traction in the roughest conditions
- Quiet and comfortable
- Handling is precise and responsive
- Excellent braking performance
- Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
Unfortunately, no tire is perfect and that’s true for this Nokian tire too:
CONS:
- Cannot be used when temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit
- Not pre-drilled for installation of studs
- Not backed by a limited manufacturer tread life warranty
- Not great on dry pavement
SimpleTire’s view on Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires
There are a lot of design considerations to be taken into account when it comes to winter tires. First and foremost, they need to offer traction and braking performance that outclasses all-season tires, but they also need to be civilized in terms of noise levels, ride quality, and handling. They also need to be durable enough to withstand rough roads or the occasional hit from a pothole without the tire failing.
Nokian has managed to hit all those performance targets with the Hakkapeliitta R3. Winter traction is second to none, even in deep snow and un-plowed or poorly-plowed roads, and it’ll get you to the top of a summit for a snowboarding excursion when other winter tires just can’t get the job done. Ride quality and noise levels are great, and the Aramid-reinforced casing is tougher than a lot of light truck tires. The Hakkapeliitta R3’s low rolling resistance makes it a good candidate for EV’s, and you have the peace of mind of knowing that the Hakkapeliitta R3 (like all Nokian tires) is made using sustainable, green materials for a lower carbon footprint.
As for the cons…no, it’s not pre-drilled for installation of studs, but honestly you don’t really need studs with this tire. A word about studs: studded tires are really hard on pavement surfaces, and aren’t legal in many states. The states where studded tires are legal usually restrict the months of the year when they can be used, so check local and state laws. No, it doesn’t come with treadwear warranty (most winter tires don’t), and no, the Hakkapeliitta R3 isn’t great on dry pavement or in warmer weather. Tire manufacturers advise against using winter tires if temperatures are above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, since the pliable, flexible rubber formulation will wear quickly in warmer weather.
The Hakkapeliitta R3 isn’t an inexpensive tire, but it’s really worth it if you need a 3PMS-rated winter tire that can get through deep snow or slush safely. It’s that good.
Vehicles the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 is a good replacement tire for
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 is a good fit for coupes, sedans, CUVs, and minivans such as the:
