Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 review
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What is it?
Finland is a country of only about 5.4 million people (65% of New York City's population), but in certain disciplines the Finns are unquestionably effective on a worldwide basis. They represent a disproportionate number of the world's professional hockey players and top level racing drivers, and they certainly know how to make superb winter tires as well. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is the latest in a long, and successful line of winter/snow tires from Nokian. The Hakkapeliitta R2 is designed for use on a wide variety of everyday vehicles, including coupes and sedans, as well as sports/performance cars, and fuel efficient vehicles. As the world's northernmost tire manufacturer based in Nokia, Finland, Nokian has consistent access to severe winter road conditions. Nokian's efforts (since 1932) to develop tires that facilitate safe travels in their Nordic environment translate to real world capability in winter climates everywhere. |
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
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Nokian makes no secret of its tire development priorities:
"Nokian tyres is the only tyre manufacturer in the world that focuses on products and services that facilitate safe transportation in Nordic conditions."
As compared to winter tire alternatives, e.g. Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires, Nokian snow tires are relatively rare in the U.S.
But the reasons for their lesser popularity have absolutely nothing to do with winter performance, and the Hakkapeliitta R2 is a reminder of just how effectively the Finns can make rubber stick to treacherous winter roads.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 strengths and weaknesses?
The Hakkapeliitta R2 is a "studless ice & snow" tire, meaning that it is engineered to perform as is, and not designed to be augmented with studs. (Nokian makes studded snow tires as well.)
In lieu of studs, Nokian designed the Hakkapeliitta R2 with unique snow tire technologies that work to provide superior grip on snow and ice. The "diamond tough grip particles" (illustrated below) are just one example.
"Nokian tyres is the only tyre manufacturer in the world that focuses on products and services that facilitate safe transportation in Nordic conditions."
As compared to winter tire alternatives, e.g. Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires, Nokian snow tires are relatively rare in the U.S.
But the reasons for their lesser popularity have absolutely nothing to do with winter performance, and the Hakkapeliitta R2 is a reminder of just how effectively the Finns can make rubber stick to treacherous winter roads.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 strengths and weaknesses?
The Hakkapeliitta R2 is a "studless ice & snow" tire, meaning that it is engineered to perform as is, and not designed to be augmented with studs. (Nokian makes studded snow tires as well.)
In lieu of studs, Nokian designed the Hakkapeliitta R2 with unique snow tire technologies that work to provide superior grip on snow and ice. The "diamond tough grip particles" (illustrated below) are just one example.
Hakkapeliitta R2 performance in wintry road conditions is as close to a sure thing as you'll find. Snow, ice, slush and everything in between, the Hakkapeliitta R2 will provide as much or more grip than any other studless ice and snow tire on the market. Our own blizzard experience with the Hakkapeliitta R2's predecessor, the Hakkapeliitta R, demonstrated Nokian "Hakkapeliitta" winter aptitude. And the Hakkapeliitta R2 has only improved upon the excellent wintertime capabilities of the previous iteration.
So with wintry condition performance a given, what else does the Hakkapeliitta R2 deliver?
It's the first dedicated snow tire to achieve "class A" rolling resistance. This is an objective EU rolling resistance scale that indicates the tire's energy efficiency.
The result of that energy efficiency is that the Hakkapeliitta R2 provides up to a 30% efficiency improvement (and therefore superior fuel economy) over alternative snow tires that often fall into classes C and E. The Hakkapeliitta R2 was actually originally designed for use on BMW "i" electric vehicles, so efficiency was a top priority. That Nokian has managed to merge such efficiency technology with its typical wintertime traction is a notable accomplishment indeed. Learn more about the Hakkapeliitta R2's energy efficiency in this video: Nokian Tyres - The world's first winter tyre with an A energy rating
Data indicates that the Hakkapeliitta R2 also provides a quiet and comfortable ride, as well as sufficient handling and traction on dry and wet winter roads. The Hakkapeliitta R2 is not a performance snow tire like the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4, but it offers sufficient handling and feedback to satisfy most drivers. (You really shouldn't be canyon carving in sub-freezing temperatures anyways, right?)
So with wintry condition performance a given, what else does the Hakkapeliitta R2 deliver?
It's the first dedicated snow tire to achieve "class A" rolling resistance. This is an objective EU rolling resistance scale that indicates the tire's energy efficiency.
The result of that energy efficiency is that the Hakkapeliitta R2 provides up to a 30% efficiency improvement (and therefore superior fuel economy) over alternative snow tires that often fall into classes C and E. The Hakkapeliitta R2 was actually originally designed for use on BMW "i" electric vehicles, so efficiency was a top priority. That Nokian has managed to merge such efficiency technology with its typical wintertime traction is a notable accomplishment indeed. Learn more about the Hakkapeliitta R2's energy efficiency in this video: Nokian Tyres - The world's first winter tyre with an A energy rating
Data indicates that the Hakkapeliitta R2 also provides a quiet and comfortable ride, as well as sufficient handling and traction on dry and wet winter roads. The Hakkapeliitta R2 is not a performance snow tire like the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4, but it offers sufficient handling and feedback to satisfy most drivers. (You really shouldn't be canyon carving in sub-freezing temperatures anyways, right?)
How does the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 compare?
Nokian tires have a very loyal, enthusiastic customer base. In fact, some of those Nokian users are eager to proclaim winter performance superiority at just about any opportunity…
Thing is though, the Nokian legend is real; most often the test data supports the boasting.
In a very credible 2015 Car and Driver snow tire test, the Hakkapeliitta R2 swept the field in every winter performance category. It logged the best lap time (snowcross), snow acceleration, snow braking, ice acceleration, and ice braking. So… that just about does it.
The Hakkapeliitta R2 also received the highest subjective rating. Overall the Hakkapeliitta R2 placed first in the test, just ahead of the outstanding Michelin X-Ice Xi3.
In a 2013 test conducted by the Finnish publication Tekniikanmaailma.fi, the Hakkapeliitta R2 finished nearly even with the aforementioned Michelin. Here's a comparison chart of those test results:
Nokian tires have a very loyal, enthusiastic customer base. In fact, some of those Nokian users are eager to proclaim winter performance superiority at just about any opportunity…
Thing is though, the Nokian legend is real; most often the test data supports the boasting.
In a very credible 2015 Car and Driver snow tire test, the Hakkapeliitta R2 swept the field in every winter performance category. It logged the best lap time (snowcross), snow acceleration, snow braking, ice acceleration, and ice braking. So… that just about does it.
The Hakkapeliitta R2 also received the highest subjective rating. Overall the Hakkapeliitta R2 placed first in the test, just ahead of the outstanding Michelin X-Ice Xi3.
In a 2013 test conducted by the Finnish publication Tekniikanmaailma.fi, the Hakkapeliitta R2 finished nearly even with the aforementioned Michelin. Here's a comparison chart of those test results:
Want to go full nerd? Read the full Tekniikanmaailma.fi test article, translated to English, via this link: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 comparison testing.
So all of the data suggests the Hakkapeliitta R2 is at the very top of the snow tire class in terms of performance. But outside of the magazine testing realm, snow tire buyers make purchase decisions based upon more than strictly performance. Price and value also have to be right, and that's where the Hakkapeliitta R2 isn't a clear winner (more info below).
So all of the data suggests the Hakkapeliitta R2 is at the very top of the snow tire class in terms of performance. But outside of the magazine testing realm, snow tire buyers make purchase decisions based upon more than strictly performance. Price and value also have to be right, and that's where the Hakkapeliitta R2 isn't a clear winner (more info below).
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tread
Anything else to know?
The primary impediments to your becoming a Hakkapeliitta R2 user are:
1. Limited size availability and fitment. Sizes range from 14" to 19", but only 11 sizes in total are available at the time of this article (via Discount Tire).
2. Price. Like any of the finest imported goods, you're going to have to pay a premium for the Hakkapeliitta R2. We'd argue that the Hakkapeliitta R2 performs up to and beyond its price point, but the fact is it's a notably more expensive tire than some of the very best alternatives. The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is some $125 less per set than the Hakkapeliitta R2 (235/45-18 tire size), for example.
Expect about the same sort of price differential between the Hakkapeliitta R2 and Bridgestone Blizzak WS80.
For more information, visit the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 product page here, and check out this Hakkapeliitta R2 brochure scan.
To explore winter tire options, including our snow tire recommendations, check out the MinimumTread winter/snow tires section.
If Hakkapeliitta R2 sizing and economics work out for you, Discount Tire is perhaps the foremost Nokian tires provider in the States. Find a link to their website below the video.
Above all else, remember that just about any snow tire is better than no snow tires (see Snow Tire Information & Perspective for more information). Stay safe out there.
Before you buy...
Jump over to our Tire Deals section to take advantage of available tire coupons and rebates. Also, review our important Pre-Purchase Checklist for Tires to make sure you purchase a tire that fits your needs.
The primary impediments to your becoming a Hakkapeliitta R2 user are:
1. Limited size availability and fitment. Sizes range from 14" to 19", but only 11 sizes in total are available at the time of this article (via Discount Tire).
2. Price. Like any of the finest imported goods, you're going to have to pay a premium for the Hakkapeliitta R2. We'd argue that the Hakkapeliitta R2 performs up to and beyond its price point, but the fact is it's a notably more expensive tire than some of the very best alternatives. The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is some $125 less per set than the Hakkapeliitta R2 (235/45-18 tire size), for example.
Expect about the same sort of price differential between the Hakkapeliitta R2 and Bridgestone Blizzak WS80.
For more information, visit the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 product page here, and check out this Hakkapeliitta R2 brochure scan.
To explore winter tire options, including our snow tire recommendations, check out the MinimumTread winter/snow tires section.
If Hakkapeliitta R2 sizing and economics work out for you, Discount Tire is perhaps the foremost Nokian tires provider in the States. Find a link to their website below the video.
Above all else, remember that just about any snow tire is better than no snow tires (see Snow Tire Information & Perspective for more information). Stay safe out there.
Before you buy...
Jump over to our Tire Deals section to take advantage of available tire coupons and rebates. Also, review our important Pre-Purchase Checklist for Tires to make sure you purchase a tire that fits your needs.
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