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Winter tire Premium Touring Winter tire Updated May 2026

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV review

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV is widely regarded as a premier winter tire, offering exceptional traction and confidence on snow and ice. Users consistently praise its ability to handle severe winter conditions, noting that while the studded versions produce expected road noise, the performance benefits in safety and grip make them a top-tier investment for challenging climates.

Relative score
94/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
95/100
36 reviews
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV
Scores

Two scoring systems, side by side

Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.

By owner reviews

94.9%
Would buy again 100%
Dry
Overall dry
92.2%
Wet
Overall wet
96.6%
Snow & ice
Overall snow & ice
99.4%
Comfort
Overall comfort
93.3%
Noise
Overall noise
87.4%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
92.5%
Handling
Overall handling
96.5%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 36 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV is widely regarded as a premier winter tire, offering exceptional traction and confidence on snow and ice. Users consistently praise its ability to handle severe winter conditions, noting that while the studded versions produce expected road noise, the performance benefits in safety and grip make them a top-tier investment for challenging climates.

Pros

  • Outstanding traction and braking performance on ice and packed snow
  • High level of driver confidence in severe winter weather
  • Superior durability and longevity over multiple winter seasons
  • Reliable handling on mixed surfaces including mud and dirt roads

Cons

  • Increased road noise due to the studded design
  • Premium price point compared to competitors
  • Firm ride quality compared to softer winter tire compounds

Worth knowing

  • Owners of RWD vehicles, such as the Ford Mustang, reported significant improvements in drivability during heavy snow.
  • Drivers of modern SUVs like the Kia Telluride and Subaru Outback noted that the tires complement advanced AWD systems, providing a secure feel in sketchy conditions.