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Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV - Test Results

Test Statistics

2

Tests Completed

3rd

Average Position

1st

Best Result

4th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV - Official Image

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV demonstrates outstanding ice and snow capability across tests, repeatedly topping braking, traction, and handling in Nordic winter conditions and even serving as the reference benchmark in an all weather comparison. This cold-surface dominance is tempered by recurring weaknesses in wet and dry performance metrics and aquaplaning, plus middling noise/efficiency, leading to mixed overall placements despite a test win.
Overall, it excels as a specialist Nordic friction tire delivering class-leading safety on ice and strong snow performance, but shows clear trade-offs in wet braking and aquaplaning, and only average dry braking and comfort/efficiency, which pull down its average finishing positions.

Performance Strengths
  • Ice Performance Strong
    • 1st place ice braking, traction, and handling in 2022 (best in all three)
    • 1st place ice braking and traction in 2025 AW reference (1/8 in both)
    • 1st place ice traction in 2025 winter test (1/8)
  • Snow Performance Strong
    • 1st place snow braking and snow handling in 2022 (traction 2nd, +1.1% from best)
    • 1st place snow braking, traction, and handling in 2025 AW reference (1/8 in all three)
    • 2nd place snow braking in 2025 winter test (+0.2% from best)
  • Wet Handling Stability (relative) Moderate
    • 3rd place wet handling in 2022 (+0.5% from best)
    • 3rd place wet handling in 2025 winter test (+1.6% from best)
  • Rolling Resistance/Efficiency Moderate
    • 1st place rolling resistance in 2022
    • Fuel consumption 2025 winter: 5/8 (+2.4% from best) indicating acceptable efficiency
Performance Weaknesses
  • Wet Braking & Aquaplaning Strong
    • 7th place wet braking in 2022 (+8.5% from best)
    • 8th place straight aquaplaning in 2022 (+14.6% from best)
    • 4th place straight aquaplaning in 2025 winter (+5.7% from best)
  • Dry Braking & Subjective Dry Moderate
    • 7th place dry braking in 2022 (+4.4% from best)
    • 5th place dry braking in 2025 winter (+4.6% from best)
    • Subjective dry handling: 3rd best in 2025 winter (5/8, +40% from best) and 2/8 in 2022 (+20% from best) showing inconsistency
  • Ice Handling Consistency Moderate
    • 6th place ice handling in 2025 winter (+5.4% from best)
    • "Lost some of the sharp, predictable ice handling" noted in 2025 article despite strong traction/braking
  • Noise/Comfort & Price Sensitivity Minor
    • Noise 2022: 6/8 (+2.7% from best)
    • Price 2022: 7/8 (+52.9% from best)

Test History

4
of 8
2025 Friction Winter Tire Test

2025
Winner: Continental VikingContact 8

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV has been criticized in previous tests for weak wet grip, and now comes the R5 with an update and new rubber compound intended to improve wet characteristics - but pe...
Strong:
Ice Traction, Snow Braking, Wet Braking
View Test
1
of 8
2022 ViBilagare Nordic SUV Winter Tire Test

2022

This year's big news in the segment is the Hakkapeliitta R5, which replaces the R3. Then newcomer immediately becomes the new yardstick for winter grip. The Nokian takes home all the available poi...
Strong:
Subj. Dry Handling, Ice Braking, Ice Handling, Ice Traction, Snow Braking, Snow Handling, Snow Traction, Rolling Resistance
Weak:
Dry Braking, Price, Straight Aqua, Wet Braking
View Test