The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires receive overwhelmingly positive reviews for their performance in winter conditions, particularly on snow and ice.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires are highly regarded as top-performing winter tires. They excel in snowy and icy conditions, providing drivers with confidence and safety during harsh winter weather. While there are some minor concerns about road noise and dry pavement performance, the overwhelming majority of users praise these tires for their exceptional winter handling characteristics and overall quality.
Positive highlights
Excellent traction and grip on snow, ice, and wet roads. Quiet ride for winter tires, especially on dry pavement. Smooth handling and stability in various winter conditions. Superior braking performance on icy and snowy surfaces. Low rolling resistance, beneficial for electric and hybrid vehicles. Improved fuel economy compared to some other winter tires. Progressive and predictable behavior when approaching traction limits.
Negative highlights
A few mentions of slight performance issues on dry pavement at highway speeds. Occasional reports of hydroplaning on very wet surfaces.
Scorecard
Dry
4.5
Wet
4.9
Winter
5
Comfort
4.7
Noise
4.1
Treadwear
4
23 SimpleTire reviews
George
4
Fiat 500L 2014 Easy
Verified Customer
Feb 3, 2025
Tires are great road hazard warranty is bad
I like the tires but on a previous purchase I opted for the road hazard warranty. I've been over a month trying to get it taken care of. I keep getting asked for the same things I sent them. Would not recommend the road hazard warranty warranty
Would you buy again?No
Miles driven on tires10k - 14k
Scorecard
Dry
4
Wet
4
Winter
5
Comfort
4
Noise
3
Roger
5
Toyota Camry 2018 XLE
Verified Customer
Jul 21, 2023
Worked great in 6" snow, excellent on ice.
Almost put on studs I have, but found these worked great, just had to brake sooner.
Would you buy again?Yes
Miles driven on tires5k - 9k
Scorecard
Dry
4
Wet
5
Winter
5
Comfort
5
Noise
5
Treadwear
5
Dan
4.5
Volkswagen Jetta 1998 TDI
Verified Customer
Jul 21, 2023
Best snow and rain tires I've ever used
I lived at the Alpental ski area while communiting to Seattle for 8 years and drove up to 40,000 a year for 8 years so I've tried lots of snow tires on 2 wheel drive cars where you need all the help you can get. I pooh-poohed the fancier snow tires because they mostly looked alike and I was convinced studded tires fixed everything. But in my quest to keep successfully commuting up mountian passes in my 2 wheel drive diesel car I tried the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3's and am Super Impressed and they are the best rain tire ever also. They even will take more power than my good summer tires that would spin the during roll on power in 1-3rd gears in my moded Jetta TDI, but they didn't corner or brakes as well when pushed but in rain or snow they were unmatched. Plus they lasted way longer than I expected.
Would you buy again?Yes
Miles driven on tires10k - 14k
Scorecard
Dry
4
Wet
5
Winter
5
Comfort
4
Noise
4
Treadwear
4
Neil
5
Subaru Outback 2005 i
Verified Customer
Jul 21, 2023
Nokian Hakkapeliitta, THE best tires I've ever had
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires are THE best I've ever had. They are fantastic on dry, wet, snowy/icy roads. I've marveled at the quiet, comfortable ride and the treadwear has been minimal. I am thoroughly satisfied with them.
You will not find a better tire out there. I've tried more than a few different tires and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3s are far and away the best. Do yourself a favor and invest in the best -- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3.
Would you buy again?Yes
Miles driven on tires20k - 29k
Scorecard
Dry
5
Wet
5
Winter
5
Comfort
5
Noise
5
Treadwear
5
Timothy
5
Tesla Model S 2016 90D
Verified Customer
Jul 15, 2023
Best snow tires, bar none.
Would you buy again?Yes
Miles driven on tires5k - 9k
Scorecard
Dry
5
Wet
5
Winter
5
Comfort
5
Noise
4
Treadwear
5
Eric
4
Tesla Model Y 2022 Long Range
Verified Customer
Jul 10, 2023
Fantastic in the snow, which is why you buy them
Loud compared to all seasons, as expected. Soft so wear faster than all seasons, also expected for a winter tire.
But damn if these don't get you through a blizzard confidently and safely.
Love 'em.
Would you buy again?Yes
Miles driven on tires5k - 9k
Scorecard
Dry
4
Wet
4
Winter
5
Comfort
4
Noise
4
Treadwear
4
Devin
4.5
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2017 S
Verified Customer
Dec 8, 2022
Simply the best
Better than any other winter tire I've tried. They are noticeably softer. So they may not last as long as blizzaks or similar. But they will be better throughout their life.
Would you buy again?Yes
Miles driven on tires10k - 14k
Scorecard
Wet
4
Winter
5
Comfort
5
Noise
4
Michael
5
Hyundai Elantra 2022 Limited
Verified Customer
Feb 21, 2022
Great winter tires. Driving in mid-Michigan, between two small cities with semi-rural country in the middle. City streets are usually plowed and salted, but the county road in between sometimes has hard-packed snow. Weather is usually between 0 and 20F, but occasionally in the 30-40F range, just long enough to create water puddles.
These tires have performed well in all those conditions: dry (bare, salted pavement), hard-packed snow, and wet. Acceleration, turning, and braking all feel crisp and confident in all conditions.
Have not yet driven at highway speeds. My top speed has been 55 mph on county roads. Have only owned for 2 months, so cannot comment on treadwear.
Would you buy again?Yes
Miles driven on tires5k - 9k
Scorecard
Dry
5
Wet
5
Winter
5
Comfort
5
Noise
5
Mike
4.5
Nissan Altima 2012 S Coupe (CVT)
Verified Customer
Feb 8, 2022
Tires arrived 4 years old, would like to see them newer if possible. Maybe this is an old model.
Would you buy again?Yes
Miles driven on tires5k - 9k
Scorecard
Dry
5
Wet
5
Winter
5
Comfort
5
Noise
3
Treadwear
5
Joe
5
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2019 S 4Motion
Verified Customer
Feb 5, 2022
I am writing this review after driving in some hardpack snow and slush after our recent storm in the northeast. The best way to describe these tires in bad winter weather conditions is like a high-performance summer tire in the rain. I can break them loose, but only for a moment, and I have to try. I've driven on older WinterForce 2's, and those were great. However, these Nokians are an entirely different league. Suppose you want a comfortable, predictable, confidence-inspiring tire to get you through winter weather and even cold, dry roads. Look no further. Acceleration, cornering, and braking are all phenomenal in harmful conditions. Minimal noise for a snow tire, and they ride better than my dealer installed Ironmans. 5/5 would buy again and recommend everyone else too as well
A winter tire, Nokian's Hakkapeliitta R3 is designed for use on passenger cars and offers drivers excellent grip and handling on ice and snow.
Features & Benefits
Winter tread design
Black sidewall
Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol means this tire is certified to perform in severe winter conditions
Winter weather tends to bring ice, slush, and snow with it, and these elements along with lower temperatures can make driving more difficult than it needs to be. Fortunately, winter tires are designed to remain flexible at lower temperatures so that drivers receive consistent grip on cold roads. Built for use on passenger cars, Nokian's Hakkapeliitta R3 offers drivers relentless grip thanks to its flexible sipes. Snow Claws between the tread blocks and shoulders offer balanced grip on ice and snow, and the Hakkapeliitta R3's tread pattern improves ride comfort while also enhanced fuel efficiency to save drivers money at the pumps.
Have a question about Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires?
Yes, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires are a great choice for drivers of coupes, sedans, and minivans who want strong traction and handling performance in ice, slush, snow, and lower temperatures. The Hakkapeliitta R3 also offers drivers improved ride comfort and better fuel efficiency.
Hakkapeliitta R3 tires could be made at the brand's plant in Nokia or Ivalo, Finland, Dayton, Tennessee, Oradea, Romania, or Santa Cruz de la Zarza, Spain. That said, some Hakkapeliitta R3 tires could be made in other parts of the world.
No, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires are not noisy. The computer optimized tread pattern of the Hakkapeliitta R3 reduces road noises and vibrations to create a quiet, comfortable ride for drivers and passengers.
No, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 cannot be used year-round. A winter tire, the Hakkapeliitta R3 utilizes a flexible rubber compound that will quickly wear when the tire is used in temperatures that are consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires are directional for better traction and performance on wet, icy, slushy, and snowy roads. As a directional tire, the Hakkapeliitta R3 must be rotated from back to front or from front to back.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires are made by Nokian Tyres, who is based in Nokia, Finland.
Yes, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires are fuel efficient. The low rolling resistance design of the Hakkapeliitta R3 enhances fuel efficiency, lowers environmental impact, and promotes a longer tread life
No, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 cannot be pinned with studs.