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Winter tire Winter Premium Touring tires Updated May 2026

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV review

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV is widely regarded as a premium winter tire, praised for its exceptional traction on snow and ice. Users consistently report high levels of confidence in severe weather conditions, noting that the tire offers a superior balance of safety and comfort compared to competitors.

Relative score
92/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
93/100
41 reviews
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 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

92.7%
Would buy again 82%
Dry
Overall dry
89.5%
Wet
Overall wet
92.9%
Snow & ice
Overall snow & ice
98.6%
Comfort
Overall comfort
91.4%
Noise
Overall noise
87.4%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
90.7%
Handling
Overall handling
90.7%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 41 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV is widely regarded as a premium winter tire, praised for its exceptional traction on snow and ice. Users consistently report high levels of confidence in severe weather conditions, noting that the tire offers a superior balance of safety and comfort compared to competitors.

Pros

  • Outstanding grip and braking performance on snow and ice
  • High level of driver confidence in severe winter conditions
  • Impressive longevity and tread life across multiple seasons
  • Quiet operation compared to studded alternatives

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to many competitors
  • Softer sidewall feel can lead to less precise handling in corners
  • Average performance in slushy or heavy wet conditions compared to specialized wet-weather tires
  • Occasional resonance noise reported at specific speed ranges

Worth knowing

  • Subaru Outback owners frequently report the tire as an ideal match for mountain driving and variable winter climates.
  • Users noted that the tire provides excellent stability for heavier SUVs like the Volvo XC90 and Kia Telluride, even in challenging terrain.
  • Performance remains consistent across various vehicle types, from daily commuters to performance-oriented vehicles.