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Bridgestone Blizzak LT vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV tires
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Last updated 9/18/2023 - Originally published 9/11/2023
Written by SimpleTire
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Bridgestone and Nokian are two of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, and their Blizzak tires and Hakkapeliitta tires are considered by many to be the gold standard for winter tires.
Each brand devotes a ton of time, effort, and research into their winter tires to ensure that customer’s expectations are exceeded, and that’s true with the Bridgestone Blizzak LT and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV. Both of these tires are meant for use on SUVs and light trucks and are built to perform in the worst ice, slush, and snow. While both tires offer great performance, one has to be better than the other, right? Let’s compare Bridgestone Blizzak LT vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV tires using SimpleScore to show where each tire excels and which one might be right for you.
Introduced back in 2018, the Bridgestone Blizzak LT is a studless, symmetrical winter tire that can be used on SUVs, light trucks, and cargo vans. Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, the Blizzak LT’s tough rubber compound keeps the tire flexible in sub-freezing temperatures while also increasing strength and durability for a higher load carrying capacity. In addition to traction and durability, the Blizzak LT is surprisingly fuel efficient thanks to its computer optimized design that reduces rolling resistance.
On average, the Blizzak LT sports an excellent SimpleScore of 9.1 thanks to its superb handling, longevity, and traction.
Nokian might not be as well known as their Japanese competitor, but the Finnish tire manufacturer knows a thing or two about cold weather and even has their own dedicated winter tire testing facility in Ivalo, Finland, which is north of the Arctic Circle.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV debuted in 2021 and is a studded winter tire with a directional tread pattern that’s primarily meant for CUVs and SUVs, and has some light truck fitment. Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV incorporates Nokian’s Double Stud Technology and Eco Stud 10 concept, and was built while adhering to the brand’s sustainability and eco-friendly guidelines.
On average, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV boasts an excellent SimpleScore of 9.2 thanks to its great handling, impressive longevity, and excellent traction.
Ice, slush, snow, and colder temperatures make it difficult for most tires to grip the road. Fortunately, winter tires are engineered to perform in these conditions to help prevent drivers from losing traction.
Boasting a score of 9.9 out of 10 in traction, the Blizzak LT’s zigzag center groove and straight outer grooves promote self-cleaning which reduces the risk of hydroplaning on wet and slippery roads. Additionally, these grooves pack snow into the tire for snow on snow contact, which actually further increases traction. Finally, the Blizzak LT has thousands of sipes within its tread pattern that expand and “bite” into the road to increase grip.
The Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, on the other hand, has a score of 9.8 out of 10 in traction. This is thanks to the tire’s Double Stud Technology, which rotates the studs 180 degrees to ensure that the stud is always in the best position to meet the road for excellent traction and grip on icy and snowy roads. As mentioned above, the tire also features Nokian’s Eco Stud 10 concept to prevent each stud from wearing irregularly, meaning that drivers can expect consistent, long-lasting performance from the tire’s studs.
When it comes to winter weather traction, the Blizzak LT has a very slight edge over the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV.
ADVANTAGE: Blizzak LT
While traction is vital in winter weather, handling is a close second as drivers need to be able to confidently turn and change lanes. Fortunately, Bridgestone and Nokian both know this and ensured that their tires didn’t sacrifice handling for traction.
The Blizzak LT sports a 9.4 SimpleScore for handling, which is largely driven by the tire’s tied shoulder lugs that put more rubber on the road to boost handling and stability. Remember the sipes we mentioned earlier? Those do more than just increase traction, as their ability to expand (coupled with the tire’s angled tread blocks) boosts grip and allows the tire to handle quicker and better.
On the flip side, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is slightly behind the Blizzak LT for handling as the tire comes in with a SimpleScore of 8.9. The tire utilizes a directional tread pattern that boosts handling, and the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV’s Double Stud Technology boosts grip to help drivers confidently change lanes or make turns.
While great, the handling of the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is slightly behind the Blizzak LT.
ADVANTAGE: Blizzak LT
No driver wants to purchase a tire that wears out quickly, meaning that longevity is important. Based on SimpleScore, this was the biggest gap between the two tires.
Starting with the Blizzak LT, the tire offers a good SimpleScore of 8 out of 10 on the longevity front. The tire’s tough, rugged rubber compound and reinforced construction work together to increase durability which allows for a longer tread life. Outside of that, the tire’s optimized design and tied shoulders put more rubber on the road which prevents irregular wear by evenly distributing road forces (in addition to boosting handling).
Conversely, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV’s 9.1 SimpleScore in longevity shows that its the more long-lasting of the two tires. Like the Blizzak, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV features a reinforced construction, but the Nokian winter tire utilizes Aramid Sidewall technology to guard it against cuts, chips, curbing, and other damage. As a reminder, Aramid fibers are used in bulletproof vests so this tire packs serious durability in its sidewall.
Apart from Aramid Sidewall technology, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV’s rubber compound contains a sustainable mixture of pine resin, canola oil, and bio-based oils (among others) that lower rolling resistance. The idea here is that drivers receive better fuel efficiency while also preventing irregular wear to help them get more miles out of their purchase.
The Bridgestone winter tire might be better in traction and handling, but when it comes to longevity, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is the stronger of the two tire
ADVANTAGE: Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV
As winter tires, both the Blizzak LT and Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV are not intended for use when temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason for this is because winter tires use a flexible rubber compound that will quickly wear when temperatures are above that threshold.
The main difference between the two tires, then, is that the Blizzak LT can be used everywhere as it’s a studless tire. The Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV, on the other hand, can only be used in certain locations and/or during certain months as studs are prohibited in certain areas and months.
So, which winter tire is the right option for you? When looking at SimpleScore, the Hakkapeliita 10 SUV actually comes out slightly ahead of the Blizzak LT with an overall score of 9.2 versus 9.1. As noted above, there are key differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), pricing on these two tires is close as Blizzak LT tires cost at least $211.19 per tire while Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV tires cost at least $208.99 per tire. That means a set of four Bridgestone Blizzak LT snow tires will cost you at least $850 for a set of four, while a set of four Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV tires will cost you at least $840.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Bridgestone Blizzak LT if you:
Conversely, you should choose the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV if you:
Blizzak vs Hakkapeliitta tires might not seem a close comparison on the surface, but the above clearly shows that either is a great option. Remember, Blizzak and Hakkapeliitta winter tires have long been viewed as some of the best tires on the market, and that tradition continues with the Blizzak LT and Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV. At the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, handling, longevity, and price.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.
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