Nokian Tyres invented the first winter tire in 1934.
The Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV delivers exceptional grip, comfort, and durability for modern electric and hybrid vehicles.
Arctic Grip Crystals and Aramid Strong Sidewalls ensure long-lasting traction, protection, and confidence in harsh winter conditions.
If you live where snow, slush, and black ice are as common as a morning Tim’s run, you know that a good set of winter tires can make or break a drive. For Nokian Tyres, that truth has defined nine decades of innovation. The Finnish company invented the world’s first winter tire back in 1934, a revolutionary piece of safety equipment called the Kelirengas (“Weather Tire”).
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV Tire | Photo: Matt St-PierreIn order to celebrate with Nokian, well mark the winter tire’s 91st anniversary at the very least, I opted to try out a set of ELECTRIC FIT Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV tires on my 2025 Kia EV9.
Today, the name Hakkapeliitta is synonymous with winter performance and safety. It’s a brand that’s evolved from simple tread blocks into an intricate mix of roughly 100 materials, many of them renewable or recycled. Nokian Tyres still builds its products in Finland, one of the world’s toughest winter testing grounds (though Montreal in late January can be quite the frozen hell), and continues to set the benchmark for grip, durability, and eco-friendly mobility.
Enter the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV
The latest evolution of this storied lineage is the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV, a non-studded winter tire built for modern crossovers, SUVs, and electric vehicles. It’s the direct descendant of that original 1934 invention, but engineered for a completely different world, one where over 6,000 lbs electric SUVs like my Kia EV9 rely on advanced compounds and silent traction rather than brute-force studs.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV Tire | Photo: Matt St-PierreThe R5 SUV’s secret weapon is its Arctic Grip Crystals. They consist of microscopic, diamond-hard particles mixed into the tread rubber that act like built-in studs. As the tire wears, new crystals emerge, preserving ice grip over time. Nokian calls it a “grip reserve,” and it’s nothing short of an understated Finnish touch that can make all the difference on a snow- or ice-covered road.
Strength Beneath the Surface
Underneath that clever tread, the R5 SUV hides Nokian’s Aramid Strong Sidewalls. They use the same synthetic fibre found in aerospace and defence applications. The result is a sidewall that shrugs off pothole impacts, sharp ice ruts, and the occasional curb kiss. This extra strength is said to also deliver more precise handling, especially important on heavier EVs, without ever compromising comfort.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV Tire | Photo: Matt St-PierreBuilt for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
The added weight of a battery pack increases stopping distances, while the instant torque of an EV can severely accelerate tread wear. To meet those challenges, the R5 SUV is optimized for low rolling resistance, extending range and saving energy without sacrificing grip. The company’s ELECTRIC FIT emblem certifies that the tire meets the required performance and efficiency standards, and more importantly, driver expectations.
Quiet Confidence and Green Thinking
The Double Block Grip tread design and carefully tuned pattern are designed to reduce noise while enhancing stability. At the same time, Nokian’s engineers have been mindful of sustainability. More than a third of the R5 SUV’s Green Trace compound comes from renewable and recycled materials such as natural rubber, plant-based oils, pine resin, and recycled steel. Its lighter, low-friction design should save fuel and boost range in EVs.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV Tire | Photo: Matt St-PierreSafety That’s Always Visible
Nokian even builds peace of mind into the tread itself. One of my favourite features is the Winter Safety Indicator (WSI). It is moulded into the tire to show both the remaining tread depth and a small snowflake symbol. When that snowflake disappears, it’s the tire’s subtle way of telling you it’s time for a new set.
A Legacy Still Rolling Strong
Ninety years after Nokian Tyres changed the course of winter driving, the Hakkapeliitta name still stands for one thing above all: trust. It’s obvious then that my expectations for the tires and how they’ll handle the EV9’s power and weight are very high.
Like you, I’m in no rush to see the first of the season, but I’ll be ready when it does come. Because no matter how hard we wish for it to skip Canada this year, brace yourselves, winter IS COMING.
