Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT

Nokian Tire and Goodyear Tire are both renowned tire manufacturers that deliver a wide variety of tires for a large range of vehicles. Both brands have state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and their own set of accolades accumulated over decades. While Goodyear has partnered with NASA to manufacture tires for space shuttles and rovers, Nokian was the first tire manufacturer to ever create a winter tire.

Understandably, Nokian and Goodyear offer high-quality tires and have a range of options to select from. Today we will compare two of the leading tires from the brands - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT. Both of these tires are exceptional winter tires with similar performance. Designed for use on passenger vehicles, such as sedans, coupes, CUVs, SUVs, and minivans, these tires are optimized for winter traction and deliver superior performance. However, there are key differences such as the Nokian is a studded tire, whereas the Goodyear is a studdable tire. We’ll be discussing these differences in this Nokian Hakkapeliita 10 vs. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT tire comparison.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 tires

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is a studded winter tire designed for use on passenger vehicles, such as coupes, sedans, and minivans, and offers drivers superior winter grip, enhanced ride comfort, and improved fuel efficiency. The tire is designed to provide next-generation reliability and combines excellent winter grip with driving comfort and eco-friendliness. The Double Stud Technology used ensures maximum safety on ice and snow, whereas the center studs improve acceleration and braking grip.

These features have helped Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 gain an excellent average SimpleScore of 9.1 out of 10.

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT tires

The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT is a studdable winter tire that’s designed for use on passenger vehicles, such as sedans, minivans, light trucks, and SUVs, and is designed to enhance traction when driving on ice and snow covered roads. The tire features a special rubber compound and tread pattern that enhances traction and grip. Moreover, this tire can be studded with 11mm (TSMI #12) studs, where permitted, for additional traction and grip in challenging conditions.

The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT boasts an excellent SimpleScore of 9.05 out of 10 and is one of the best winter tires from Goodyear.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT tires on traction

Traction is an important factor when considering a winter tire, as winter tires are driven on challenging surfaces, such as ice, snow, and slush. These surfaces can be slippery, and require a reliable tire that can deliver reliable and consistent traction on challenging terrains. Studded or studdable tires can offer additional traction and having a Three Peak Snowflake Certification depicts reliable traction in winter tires.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 boasts an excellent traction score of 9.9 out of 10 because of the Double Stud technology that helps maximize traction, acceleration, and braking on icy and snowy roads. Additionally, the tire features a winter-specific rubber compound that can maintain its flexibility for consistent traction.

On the other hand, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT also boasts an excellent traction score of 9.8 out of 10. The tire features a specialized ice tread compound that offers enhanced traction on ice and snow-covered roads. What’s more, the 3D TredLock technology blades placed in the shoulder also improve traction by locking together.

When it comes to winter weather traction, both tires offer excellent performance with the Hakkapeliitta 10 having a slight edge over the Ultra Grip Ice WRT tire. It is important to note here that both tires are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, and Hakkapeliitta 10 is a studded tire (can only be used where permitted), whereas, Ultra Grip Ice WRT is a studdable tire and can be studded with 11m (TSMI #12 studs).

ADVANTAGE: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT tires on handling

While traction is surely an important factor when considering a winter tire, handling is also an important one as the tire should be able to switch lanes comfortably and confidently. The handling of a tire can be influenced by various factors and is an important factor to consider.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 boasts an excellent handling SimpleScore of 9 out of 10 because of the stiff tread blocks that ensure precise handling. State-of-the-art studding technology is used to strategically place star-shaped studs for increased cornering, braking, and lane-changing performance.

The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT has a great handling score of 8.8 out of 10 because of the two-dimensional blades in the center zone that offer enhanced stopping and starting power. Additionally, the directional tread pattern helps channel water and slush for enhanced traction and handling capabilities.

When it comes to handling, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 again has a slight edge over Goodyear with a SimpleScore of 9 vs. 8.8.

ADVANTAGE: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT tires on longevity

We cannot ignore the longevity and durability of a tire, as no driver wants a set of tires that will wear out quickly.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 has a great SimpleScore of 8.5 out of 10 in longevity, and features an eco-friendly design that helps in improving mileage while significantly reducing fuel consumption because of the low-rolling design. As Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 is a studded tire, the studs are in constant contact with the road and will reduce uneven tread wear.

In longevity, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT shines with a great score of 8.6 out of 10, giving it a slighter edge over the Nokian tire. The tire’s directional tread pattern and optimized rubber compound help reduce uneven tread wear for better longevity.

ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Ultra Grip ICE WRT

When to use each

Both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 and Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT are winter tires and are not intended for use in temperatures that are consistently above 45 degrees. While you can use it on dry roads without ice, snow, or slush, the performance might differ. However, it should not be used in hotter temperatures as the rubber compound is solely designed for winter weather conditions.

Finally, Nokian is a studded tire and can only be used where studs are permitted. However, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT can be studded, where permitted, giving it more flexibility in use.

Which one should you choose?

So, which winter tire might be the better choice for you? Well, the answer is solely based on your personal preference. As stated earlier, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 and Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT offer similar performances. However, there are a few key differences that can help you make a decision. While the Nokian winter tire offers better traction and handling, the Goodyear tire offers more longevity for this tire. Additionally, Nokian is a studded tire and cannot be used in areas where studs are not permitted, whereas Goodyear is studdable and can be studded accordingly. That being said, Nokian has a better overall Simplescore of 9.1 v 9.0.

Finally, there is also a difference between the price of the two tires. While the Nokian Hakkapeliita 10 is priced at around $208.31 per tire with the set costing $833.24, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT is priced at $160.96 per tire with the set costing $643.84.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 if you:

• Drive a car like the 2017 Kia Optima, or a luxury car like the 2018 Audi A4.
• Want a tire with overall better SimpleScore (9.1 v 9.0)
• Want better traction (9.9 v 9.8) and durability (9 v 8.8)
• Live in an area where studded tires are permitted to be used.
• Are willing to pay a little bit more for a better set of tires

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT if you:

• Drive a car like the 2018 Lexus LS500, or a luxury SUV like the 2019 BMW X3.
• Want a tire with better longevity (8.6 v 8.5)
• Live in an area where studded tires are not permitted.
• Want a slightly more affordable tire.

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.