Nokian Introduces the Next-Generation Hakkapeliitta R5 Winter Tire

• Nokian is the creator of the winter tire.

• The Hakkapeliitta is one of the best winter tires available for sale.

• The new R5 will cater to cars, SUVs, and EVs.

We’ve reviewed Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires on a number of occasions over the years and every time, they’ve impressed us. The last time around, we tested the Hakkapeliitta R3 and they provided the driver with unflappable confidence in all driving conditions. Now, Nokian has introduced the all-new Hakkapeliitta R5 and it is, to quote them, revolutionary.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 Winter Tire Test Wrap-up

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

The new Hakkapeliitta R5 is designed to answer all calls for more safety, better grip, without ever setting aside sustainability. As always, the new R5 has been developed and tested in Ivalo to ensure that this new tire will take winter driving performance to the next level.

The list of updates made to the new Hakkapeliitta R5 is all-encompassing.  As stated, the R3 was phenomenal but the R5’s specifications read as though it’s the winter tire reinvented.

The first element is the new tread pattern. The double block grip design, on its own, improve wet, ice, and dry performance handling performance. This is made possible by the new smaller blocks of which there are 40% more than the R3. One of the results is a larger contact patch – more rubber on the ground means more grip.

The Hakka R5’s tread features unique Arctic Grip Crystals. The microscopic crystals, now in their third generation, are blended into the tread compound and they act much like tiny studs. Their ability to grip on ice means that they perform 4% better on ice and snow over the R3. These same “studs” actually emerge as the tires wear down delivering constant adherence over time. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that they’re responsible for trimming stopping distances by a considerable 5.6 metres, or well more than the average length of a vehicle.

We’re not done with the new tread compound and pattern. The R5’s main groves are designed to evacuate water and slush, helping to maintain control and avoid “slushplaning”. As well, the R5’s pattern includes 10% more sipes which, on-road contact, lock up and improve responsiveness and handling. Surprisingly, the reviewed R3 performed admirably well on dry surfaces, better than any other winter tire ever tested.

Comfort is also extremely important for customers and Nokian saw to this as well. Many winter tires can be noisy when rolling but not so with the new R5. Nokian has conceived a new Silent touch tread design that, thanks to the strategic block distribution, nearly eliminates all noises that penetrate into the cabin. This is especially relevant for EV drivers.

Nokian’s nowhere near done. The new Hakkapeliitta R5 offers even less rolling resistance than the R3 to the tune of 4.4%. If this isn’t impressive enough, The R5 has up to 15.5% better rolling resistance compared to its main competitors. Based on Nokian’s testing, the R5 can help lower fuel consumption by about 2.8%.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV

The R5’s quietness and impressive efficiency are optimal features for electric vehicles. This is why the R5 required only a few changes in order to become the R5 EV. To further muffle noise, Nokian injected a layer of acoustic foam into the inner liner of the tire called SilentDrive Technology. As well, to cope with the higher outputs from electric motors, the R5 EV comes with a stronger structure and reinforced tread with additional rubber.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

Nokian put an equal amount in these tires dedicated for SUVs and CUVs. For these applications, the tread compound is stiffer and capable of handling a wider range of temperatures to meet the extra demands.

Standard with all Hakkapeliitta R5 winter tires, the R5 SUV tires feature Aramid sidewall technology. For the SUV version, the sidewalls are further reinforced for extra durability and protection against demanding road conditions.

Finally, all Hakkapeliitta R5 winter tires are built with Green Trace compound. It consists in a large amount of renewable natural rubber and more than one-third of all the materials used are renewable and recycled.

Based on all this, the all-new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 winter tires read as though they will redefine winter driving safety through its various and innovative technologies.

The new Hakka R5 will be available this fall. They will be available in a comprehensive selection of over 160 sizes from 14 to 22 inches.