Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 - Test Results

Test Statistics

7

Tests Completed

4^th

Average Position

1^st

Best Result

8^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 - Official Image

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 delivers consistently strong Nordic-winter performance with standout results on snow and competitive ice capability, translating into several top-three overall finishes including a win in 2020 and podiums in major Nordic friction tests. It frequently excels in snow handling and subjective winter control, with competitive rolling resistance and low noise. However, its wet braking and aquaplaning performance are recurrent weaknesses, and ice traction/braking vary by test context, occasionally lagging studded competitors and the very best friction rivals. Dry braking is generally mid-pack. Overall, it's a top-tier Nordic friction tire optimized for snow control and efficiency, with trade-offs in wet grip.

Performance Strengths

Snow Performance Strong Details
• 2nd place snow handling in 2020 Nordic & Studded test (48.4 s, +0.2% from best); 1st in subjective snow handling
• 1st place snow braking and traction in 2018 Vi studded test
Overall Nordic-Winter Competitiveness Strong Details
• 1st/19 overall in 2020 "Best Winter Tires"
• 2nd/8 overall in 2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic friction test; 3rd/16 overall in 2021 Tire Reviews Nordic test
Noise and Comfort Moderate Details
• 1st in subjective noise in 2020 Nordic & Studded test
• 2nd in subjective noise in 2021 Nordic test (9 points, +10% from best)
Rolling Resistance / Efficiency Strong Details
• 1st in rolling resistance in 2020 Nordic & Studded test
• 3rd in rolling resistance in 2020 Vi Bilagare (6.03 kg/t, +2.4% from best); 1st in 2018 Vi studded test (4.12 kg/t)
Ice Handling/Control (relative for friction tires) Moderate Details
• 6th place ice handling in 2020 Nordic & Studded test (+6.1% from best) with 4th in subjective ice handling
• 2nd place ice handling in 2020 Vi Bilagare (49.09 s, +0.6% from best)

Performance Weaknesses

Wet Braking and Aquaplaning Strong Details
• 6th/6 wet braking in 2019 comparison (+43.9% from best)
• 7th/8 straight aquaplaning in 2020 Vi Bilagare (+14.7% from best); 9th/20 wet braking in 2020 Nordic & Studded (+24.9% from best)
Ice Traction/Braking Variability Moderate Details
• 14th/16 ice traction and 14th/16 ice braking in 2021 Nordic test (+55.6% and +36% from best)
• 8th/20 ice traction in 2020 Nordic & Studded (+45.9% from best)
Dry Braking Moderate Details
• 11th/16 dry braking in 2021 Nordic test (+7.5% from best)
• 5th/8 dry braking in 2020 Vi Bilagare (+5.3% from best)
Wet Handling Consistency Minor Details
• 5th/6 wet handling in 2019 (+10.8% from best)
• 4th/8 wet handling in 2020 Vi Bilagare (+3.9% from best)

Performance Over Time

Test History

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2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test

2021
Winner: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

Strong:
Subj. Noise, Wet Braking

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of 17

2020 Consumer Reports North America Winter Tire Test

2020
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

This is one of the highest-rated winter/snow tires. It earns top marks for braking on ice and snow traction, and earns a better-than-average rolling resistance rating of Very Good. (Low rolling res...

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