Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 75% · 10
- TR Score
- 8.7/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 17
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 finished ahead 2 times and the Hakkapeliitta R5 not once. The Hakkapeliitta 10 stopped 31.8% shorter on ice; the Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped 4.9% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Hakkapeliitta 10 for regions with persistent ice and packed snow or for maximum safety margin in extreme winter. Choose Hakkapeliitta R5 for mixed winter with frequent dry/wet asphalt, prioritizing comfort, efficiency, and everyday drivability.
Where the Hakkapeliitta 10 is stronger
- Dominant ice braking and traction (often 25-45% advantage)
- Consistently strong snow braking and stability
- Improved wet braking versus past studded generations
Where the Hakkapeliitta R5 is stronger
- Better dry braking and more precise on-road manners
- Competitive wet handling with lower noise and higher comfort
- Lower rolling resistance and typically better fuel consumption
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Hakkapeliitta R5 at a glance
| Category | Hakkapeliitta 10 | Gap | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 2 | 0 | |
| Dry4 measurements | 1 | The Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped 4.9% shorter in the dry (2 tests) | 3 |
| Wet8 measurements | 4 | The Hakkapeliitta 10 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 5.5% higher speed (2 tests) | 2 |
| Snow6 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Ice6 measurements | 6 | The Hakkapeliitta 10 stopped 31.8% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 0 |
| Comfort3 measurements | 0 | 3 | |
| Value2 measurements | 0 | The Hakkapeliitta R5 used 3.8% less fuel (2 tests) | 2 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.8/10 | The Hakkapeliitta 10 by 0.1 | 8.7/10 |
| Owner rating10 and 17 reviews | 75% | The Hakkapeliitta R5 by 11 points | 86% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 70% | The Hakkapeliitta R5 by 18 points | 88% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +3.4% | The Hakkapeliitta 10 was dearer in 2 of 2 | Cheaper |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 4 tests, 2024 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Hakkapeliitta 10 | Field | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire Test | P2 of 8Studded Winter Tires | P4 of 7Nordic Friction Winter Tires | |
| 2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tire Test | P1 of 7Studded Winter Tires | P2 of 7Nordic Friction Winter Tires | |
| 2024 Studded Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P7 of 8 | |
| The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 | P2 of 6Studded Winter Tires | P4 of 6Nordic Friction Winter Tires |
Performance profile
11 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Hakkapeliitta 10
Hakkapeliitta R5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 80%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 7 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Hakkapeliitta 10
Hakkapeliitta R5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Hakkapeliitta 10
Hakkapeliitta R5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Hakkapeliitta 10 75% from 10 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta R5 86% from 17. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Hakkapeliitta 10 | Gap | Hakkapeliitta R5 | Wins | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 108 | 4.9% | 102 | 0-2 | |||||||||
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| scored | 18.8% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 122 | 2.3% | 125 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 41.7 | 1.1% | 41.25 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | 10% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 37.5 | 5.5% | 35.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 103 | 0.4% | 102 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 5.16 | 2.5% | 5.05 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 75.2 | 0.5% | 75.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||
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| 75 | 31.8% | 108 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 5.09 | 35.6% | 8.06 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 47.8 | 0.4% | 48 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 42.9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 20% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | 42.9% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 75.5 | 4 dB | 71.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 5.75 | 3.8% | 5.54 | 0-2 | |||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Hakkapeliitta 10 scores 8.8 and the Hakkapeliitta R5 8.7 out of 10.
| Hakkapeliitta 10 | Category | Hakkapeliitta R5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Dry | 56 | ||
| 22 | Wet | 33 | ||
| 47 | Comfort | 28 | ||
| 61 | Value | 88 | ||
| 86 | Snow | 88 | ||
| 89 | Ice | 81 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Hakkapeliitta 10 | Category | Hakkapeliitta R5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 7.1 | Wet Grip | 7.7 | ||
| 6.5 | Road Feedback | 8.7 | ||
| 7.8 | Handling | 8.6 | ||
| 7.4 | Wear | 8.3 | ||
| 6.3 | Comfort | 8.9 | ||
| 9.2 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.8 | Ice Grip | 8.5 | ||
Owners rate the Hakkapeliitta 10 75% from 10 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta R5 86% from 17. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
- 75%from 10 reviews
- 70%would buy again
- 83,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally describe the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 as a top-tier studded winter tire, delivering outstanding traction and confidence on hard-packed snow and ice, with several owners calling it “bulletproof” in harsh conditions. The most consistent drawback is noticeable road noise on dry pavement, and multiple users also report weaker dry/wet handling feel or wet braking compared with premium studless alternatives. A smaller subset report that winter performance can drop off markedly after 2-3 seasons/around 20k miles despite remaining tread, which hurts perceived value for some.
- Exceptional snow and ice traction (braking, acceleration, cornering)
- High confidence and stability in severe winter conditions
- Strong performance in deep snow vs studless competitors
- Good tread life/low wear reported by several owners
- Noticeable road noise/“racket” on dry pavement (typical of studded tires)
- Dry/wet handling feel and wet braking not as strong as some premium alternatives (less feedback, can feel wobbly)
Summarised by AI from 9 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 10 Hakkapeliitta 10 reviewsBought these for northeast winter and 2025/26 was a bear (2023 CX-5). I travel over High Point mountain NJ up and down and Wurtsboro mountain NY up in morn down at end of day daily over 40 miles one way (look them up, not fun). NJ does a great job clearing the roads NY O boy not so much. These were bullet proof unplowed NY roads no problem up the mountains and down I drank my coffee calmly. Held the track on one lane each way country road unplowed while crazy trailer driver flying in from the other way (had me checking my life ins. in my head) but no problem the Hakka's and CX-5 just did their thing despite his stupidity. Never a slip never a slit slide never a wheel spin. My buddies and I refer to them as the beasts, loud in the dry yea couples miles less MPH (2) yup , who cares!
Bought a set of sharp alloy rims for them to boot no tire changes, bad for your tires.My one friend going to take them for 400 USD (a gift after one season) and I am going for the Hakka 01 with new retractable stud tech, we shall see........yes I am a rubber head I have tire problem!
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
- 86%from 17 reviews
- 88%would buy again
- 117,745 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers largely praise the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 for exceptional winter capability, with standout grip and braking on snow and strong confidence on ice, plus a very quiet and comfortable ride. A minority report weaknesses in wet conditions and aquaplaning resistance, and some note slush performance can be shaky around 0°C. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most users finding it a top-tier studless winter tire for harsh climates.
- outstanding snow traction and handling
- strong ice grip and braking for a studless winter tire
- very quiet and comfortable ride
- confidence-inspiring winter performance
- wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- slush performance around 0°C
Summarised by AI from 13 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 17 Hakkapeliitta R5 reviewsGood Tires in almost all conditions. Feels better in try and wet than previous version r2 or r3. Good on wear. Could be better on ice and snow braking. Continental vikingcontact 7 feels better on ice and snow braking.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | Hakkapeliitta 10 | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (2018) |
| Replaced by | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Hakkapeliitta 10 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 3.4% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits Nokian's flagship studded winter tire, the Hakkapeliitta 10, against its Nordic friction counterpart, the Hakkapeliitta R5. Both target premium-touring winter use on passenger cars, but they approach grip very differently: the Hakka 10 leans on studs for maximum ice security, while the R5 prioritizes refinement, rolling efficiency and all-round road manners without studs.
Across six shared tests, a clear pattern emerges. The Hakkapeliitta 10 repeatedly crushes ice metrics (often by 25-45% in braking and traction) and is consistently strong on snow, while the R5 counters with better dry/wet road behavior, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Overall placings reflect this trade: the studded Hakka 10 takes more overall wins and higher winter scores, but the R5 is frequently the nicer tire to live with on bare pavement.
Conclusion
If your winter reality is frequent smooth ice and hard-packed snow, the Hakkapeliitta 10 is the safer, more decisive choice. It posts dominant margins in ice braking and traction (often ~30-45% better) and regularly tops snow braking, translating into shorter stops and easier getaways when roads are glassy. The trade-offs are familiar to studded tires: more noise, higher rolling resistance, weaker aquaplaning resistance, and less precision on dry asphalt.
For mixed Nordic use with long stretches of cleared, wet, or dry roads, the Hakkapeliitta R5 is the smarter daily companion. It typically brakes shorter in the dry, steers more cleanly in the wet, rides quieter, and uses less fuel. While its rough-ice and snow performance is competitive, it gives up meaningful grip on smooth ice versus the studded 10. Choose it if comfort, efficiency, and balanced on-road manners matter more than ultimate ice bite.
Bottom line: pick Hakkapeliitta 10 for maximum safety margin on ice-first climates; choose Hakkapeliitta R5 for civil, efficient winter driving where bare and wet roads are common.
Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Hakkapeliitta R5: your questions
Is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 or the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 the better tire?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 finished ahead 2 times and the Hakkapeliitta R5 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Hakkapeliitta 10 scores 8.8 and the Hakkapeliitta R5 8.7 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Hakkapeliitta 10 or the Hakkapeliitta R5?
The Hakkapeliitta 10 led 4 of the 8 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 5.5% higher speed across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Hakkapeliitta R5 led 3 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.9% shorter in the dry across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
Across the shared tests the snow measurements are split 2-2 between the Hakkapeliitta 10 and the Hakkapeliitta R5.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Hakkapeliitta R5 used 3.8% less fuel (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.4/10 for the Hakkapeliitta 10 and 8.3/10 for the Hakkapeliitta R5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 6.3/10 for the Hakkapeliitta 10 and 8.9/10 for the Hakkapeliitta R5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Hakkapeliitta 10 75% from 10 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta R5 86% from 17. 70% of Hakkapeliitta 10 owners would buy it again, against 88% for the Hakkapeliitta R5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Hakkapeliitta 10 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 3.4% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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