Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 4
- TR Score
- 8.7/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 17
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 finished ahead 7 times and the Hakkapeliitta R5 once. The UltraGrip Ice 3 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 10.3% higher speed; the Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped 2.5% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 for mixed/wet Nordic winters, slush-heavy commuting, and balanced safety across conditions. Choose Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 for predominantly cold, dry winter roads with frequent compact snow and ice where ultimate dry stops and ice bite matter most.
Where the UltraGrip Ice 3 is stronger
- Best-in-class aquaplaning resistance (e.g., +16% straight, +24% curved in 2025 test)
- Top-tier wet braking/handling consistency; multiple category wins
- Excellent all-round winter: strong snow braking/traction and competitive ice
Where the Hakkapeliitta R5 is stronger
- Shorter dry braking and surefooted dry feel
- Stronger pure ice performance in several tests (braking/traction)
- Engaging winter handling with stable behavior at the limit
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.
UltraGrip Ice 3 vs Hakkapeliitta R5 at a glance
| Category | UltraGrip Ice 3 | Gap | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won8 shared tests | 7 | 1 | |
| Dry12 measurements | 4 | The Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped 2.5% shorter in the dry (5 tests) | 7 |
| Wet21 measurements | 15 | The UltraGrip Ice 3 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 10.3% higher speed (5 tests) | 4 |
| Snow18 measurements | 11 | The UltraGrip Ice 3 was 1.9% quicker in the snow traction test (5 tests) | 3 |
| Ice17 measurements | 6 | The Hakkapeliitta R5 stopped 0.8% shorter on ice (5 tests) | 9 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 5 | The UltraGrip Ice 3 was 1 dB quieter (3 tests) | 1 |
| Value5 measurements | 4 | The UltraGrip Ice 3 used 1.3% less fuel (4 tests) | 1 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The UltraGrip Ice 3 by 0.7 | 8.7/10 |
| Owner rating4 and 17 reviews | 79% | The Hakkapeliitta R5 by 7 points | 86% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Hakkapeliitta R5 was dearer in 3 of 4 | +10.3% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 92 | 28 sizes made in both | 60 |
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 8 tests, 2023 to 2026
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 | UltraGrip Ice 3 | Field | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Teknikens Värld Studded, Nordic and Central European Winter Tire Test | P2 of 5 | P4 of 5 | |
| 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tire Test | P2 of 7 | P4 of 7 | |
| The Best Snow Tires for 2025/26 | P2 of 5 | P3 of 5 | |
| 2025 Friction and Studded Winter Tire Test | P3 of 7 | P2 of 7 | |
| 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P3 of 8 | |
| The Best Studded / Friction Winter Tires for 2024 | P2 of 6 | P4 of 6 | |
| 2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test | P2 of 8 | P3 of 8 | |
| 2023 Studless vs Studded Snow Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P2 of 8 |
Performance profile
17 measurements from the 8 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
UltraGrip Ice 3
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 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
UltraGrip Ice 3
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
UltraGrip Ice 3
Hakkapeliitta R5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the UltraGrip Ice 3 79% from 4 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 | UltraGrip Ice 3 | Gap | Hakkapeliitta R5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114 | 2.5% | 111 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 58.4 | 0.5% | 58.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 30.2% | scored | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 80% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 43.5 | 1.4% | 42.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 128 | 3% | 132 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.08 | 1.6% | 51.43 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.5% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.64 | 4.5% | 13.02 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 39.7 | 10.3% | 36 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.6 | 23.9% | 5.3 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 67 | 1.1% | 67 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4.39 | 1.9% | 4.47 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 79.61 | 0.1% | 79.72 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.9 | 1.8% | 10.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64 | 0.8% | 62 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.5 | 2.1% | 7.29 | 2-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59.35 | 1.4% | 58.59 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 1.8% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 21.4% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.6 | 1 dB | 72.57 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.59 | 1.4% | 7.48 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.4 | 1.3% | 5.47 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 UltraGrip Ice 3 scores 9.4 and the Hakkapeliitta R5 8.7 out of 10.
| UltraGrip Ice 3 | Category | Hakkapeliitta R5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | Dry | 56 | ||
| 81 | Wet | 33 | ||
| 94 | Comfort | 28 | ||
| 91 | Value | 88 | ||
| 91 | Snow | 88 | ||
| 74 | 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
| UltraGrip Ice 3 | Category | Hakkapeliitta R5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 8.3 | Wet Grip | 7.7 | ||
| 7 | Road Feedback | 8.7 | ||
| 7.3 | Handling | 8.6 | ||
| 7 | Wear | 8.3 | ||
| 9.5 | Comfort | 8.9 | ||
| 8 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.3 | Ice Grip | 8.5 | ||
Owners rate the UltraGrip Ice 3 79% from 4 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta R5 86% from 17. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
- 79%from 4 reviews
- 59,610 milesdriven by reviewers
All 4 UltraGrip Ice 3 reviewsVs the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 2024, Nokian has much better ice grip.
On snow its, ice, dry, wet. I think it's a good overall quality tire.
Tempratures is rising around + degrees, still a solid tire.
Comfort of the Goodyear is excellent.
I have around 3 mm left on the front and barley 5 mm on the back tires. (Top speed we have in this area is 62mph)
Competitive price my area.
It's a good overall nordic winter tire!
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
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 92 sizes of the UltraGrip Ice 3 and 60 of the Hakkapeliitta R5, 28 of them made in both.
| Category | UltraGrip Ice 3 | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 92 sizes, 15 to 22 inch | 60 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 28 sizes 185/65 R15195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16205/65 R16215/60 R16205/50 R17205/65 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17and 16 more | |
| EU label wet grip | E90%D10% | D100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | B54%C43%D3% | B76%C17%D5%A3% |
| EU label noise | 68-73 dB B64%A36% | 67-71 dB B71%A29% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 157 of 157 | 66 of 66 |
| On the market since | - | 2021 |
| Replaced | Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 (2021) | Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (2018) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Hakkapeliitta R5 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 10.3% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
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 two Nordic friction heavyweights-the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5-both premium touring winter tires aimed at passenger cars that deal with long, mixed-condition winters. Across seven shared professional tests from 2023-2025, both deliver serious winter credentials, but they take different routes to confidence.
Goodyear consistently blends strong snow/ice ability with class-leading wet-road reassurance and aquaplaning resistance-key for slushy, maritime winters. Nokian prioritizes classic Nordic winter grip and driver involvement, often feeling more agile on ice and strong in dry stops, but it pays with weaker aquaplaning and occasional stability compromises. The result is a clear pattern: Goodyear is the all-weather winter all-rounder; Nokian is the purist's winter specialist with standout dry and rough-ice feel.
Conclusion
Across the test set, Goodyear takes six overall wins to Nokian's one, driven by superior wet handling and braking, markedly better straight and curved aquaplaning (e.g., +16% and +24% advantages in key tests), and excellent snow metrics. It also tends to be quieter and a touch more fuel efficient. That balance makes it easier and safer to drive in variable winter weeks that swing from wet and mild to snowy and slushy.
Nokian counters with consistently shorter dry stops and a slight edge on ultimate ice traction/braking in several tests, plus very low rolling resistance in the 2025 snow tire test. If your winters are long, cold and predominantly on compact snow and rough ice-with less rain and standing water-the R5's winter-focused tuning and calm limit behavior on ice make sense. For mixed or wet Nordic climates, daily commuting, and highway slush, the UltraGrip Ice 3 is the safer, simpler recommendation.
UltraGrip Ice 3 vs Hakkapeliitta R5: your questions
Is the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 or the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 the better tire?
In the 8 independent tests that ran both tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 finished ahead 7 times and the Hakkapeliitta R5 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the UltraGrip Ice 3 scores 9.4 and the Hakkapeliitta R5 8.7 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the UltraGrip Ice 3 or the Hakkapeliitta R5?
The UltraGrip Ice 3 led 15 of the 21 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it resisted straight aquaplaning at a 10.3% higher speed across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Hakkapeliitta R5 led 7 of the 12 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.5% shorter in the dry across 5 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The UltraGrip Ice 3 led 11 of the 18 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it was 1.9% quicker in the snow traction test across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The UltraGrip Ice 3 used 1.3% less fuel (4 tests). Owners rate wear 7/10 for the UltraGrip Ice 3 and 8.3/10 for the Hakkapeliitta R5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The UltraGrip Ice 3 was 1 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 9.5/10 for the UltraGrip Ice 3 and 8.9/10 for the Hakkapeliitta R5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the UltraGrip Ice 3 79% from 4 reviews and the Hakkapeliitta R5 86% from 17.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Hakkapeliitta R5 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 10.3% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The UltraGrip Ice 3 is made in 92 sizes (15 to 22 inch) and the Hakkapeliitta R5 in 60 (14 to 20 inch). 28 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the UltraGrip Ice 3 is graded E for wet grip and B for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Hakkapeliitta R5 D and B.
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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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