Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 Tire Review & Rating

Nokian has long been a world leader in winter tires, and their Hakkapeliitta R2 is considered by many to be one the company’s best models in their tire lineup. Designed for use on all types of coupes, sedans and other vehicles, the R2 features the latest in advanced winter tire technology.

Created using a high-silica tread compound and Cryo crystal technology, the R2 promises a grip like no other in even the most slippery, snowy conditions. It is also the first winter tire in the world to receive an A energy rating.

The rubber used to create this tire is a large contributor to its ability to grip icy road surfaces. Natural rubber is known to remain stable when exposed to a wide variety of temperatures. That combined with the low volatile oils and cryogenic silane ensure excellent handling and grip. Cryo Crystal Technology added to the tread compound further benefits the tire’s grip, performing just like grit. It is this unique, enhanced design that has improved the R2’s stopping distance by 10 feet compared to the last model at speeds of 70 mph.

A variety of sipes are included in the tire’s design including pump and angled Hakka sipes. The pump sipes have been made larger to the ones featured on the standard R tires and they help to channel away water from the tread; ensuring the tire gets a better grip of the surface.

Angled Hakka sipes are unique to Nokian and they feature a jagged pattern. These too have been improved upon since the R model, with the shoulder tread block siping also being more sharply angled.

The Slush-planing issue, which often plagues drivers throughout the winter months, has also been addressed with triangular slush penetrators included in the shoulder area. These not only ensure maximum grip, but they also prevent slush from building up within the gaps of the tread blocks. All of this results in safer braking and predictable acceleration.

While traction and handling is where the Hakkapeliitta R2 excels, it also provides a pretty comfortable ride. The tread design is such that it keeps out the unwanted road noise. Nokian offers sizes ranging from 13″ to 21″ and most feature an R speed rating.

Pros

• Exceptional handling in all winter conditions
• Cuts through deep snow easily
• Comfortable driving experience

Cons

• Hard to find a serious fault with this tire

Overall Thoughts

It’s easy to see why the R2 has won so many awards and became the industry leader in winter tires. It offers outstanding winter handling and performance. Considering it includes numerous patented advanced technologies, this tire is also available at a very reasonable cost. We especially like the Cryo Crystal Technology. The small grit-like particles ensure the tire delivers extraordinary grip in icy conditions. It is also one of the few tires to successfully address the issue of slush-planing.

Not only does the tire perform extremely well in wet and wintry conditions, but it also helps to lower fuel consumption and offers a very comfortable drive. There are no real downsides to this model that we can find. Reviews from other drivers only confirm this. If you’re looking for a quality, safe and efficient winter tire that provides exceptional overall performance, there really isn’t anything better than the Hakkapeliitta R2.

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What Vehicles Will The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 Fit?

Fits these vehicles and many others:

• Acura TL, CL, ILX
• Audi A4
• BMW 135i, 323i, 330i, 530i
• Chevrolet Cobalt, Malibu, Cruze, Impala, Sonic LTZ, Cavalier
• Dodge Neon, Grand Caravan, Avenger, Dart
• Ford Focus, Mustang GT, Taurus, Fusion, Flex
• Honda Civic, CR-V, Insight, Accord
• Hyundai Genesis, Sonata, Elantra
• Infiniti G35x
• Kia Optima, Rondo, Forte, Soul
• Lincoln MKZ
• Mazda6, 929, Mazda3, Mazda5
• Nissan Altima, Maxima, Versa, Leaf, Cube, Sentra
• Pontiac Vibe, Grand Am, Grand Prix, G5
• Scion xB
• Subaru Legacy, Impreza Outback
• Toyota Camry, Prius, RAV4, Avalon, Solara, Sienna, Corolla
• Volkswagen Jetta, Passat, Touareg, Beetle, Golf
• Volvo S60, V70

Tire Sizes

13″

175/70R13 82R BSW

14″

155/65R14 75R BSW
175/65R14 86R BSW
185/65R14 90R BSW

15″

165/60R15 95R BSW
175/65R15 88R BSW
185/55R15 86R BSW
185/60R15 88R BSW
185/65R15 92R BSW
195/55R15 89R BSW
195/60R15 92R BSW
195/65R15 95R BSW
205/65R15 99R BSW

16″

195/50R16 88R BSW
195/55R16 87R RF BSW
195/55R16 91R BSW
195/60R16 93R BSW
205/55R16 91R RF BSW
205/55R16 94R BSW
205/60R16 92R RF BSW
205/60R16 96R BSW
205/65R16 99R BSW
215/55R16 97R BSW
215/60R16 99R BSW
225/50R16 96R BSW
225/55R16 99R BSW
225/60R16 102R BSW
235/60R16 104R BSW

17″

205/50R17 89R RF BSW
205/50R17 93R BSW
205/55R17 95R BSW
205/55R17 95R RF BSW
215/45R17 91R BSW
215/50R17 95R BSW
215/55R17 98R BSW
225/45R17 91R RF BSW
225/45R17 94R BSW
225/50R17 94R RF BSW
225/50R17 98R BSW
225/55R17 101R BSW
225/55R17 97R RF BSW
235/45R17 97R BSW
235/50R17 100R BSW
235/55R17 103R BSW
245/45R17 99R BSW

18″

225/40R18 92R BSW
225/45R18 95R BSW
225/45R18 95R RF BSW
225/50R18 99R BSW
235/40R18 95R BSW
235/45R18 98R BSW
235/50R18 101R BSW
245/40R18 97R BSW
245/45R18 100R BSW
245/45R18 100R RF BSW
245/50R18 100R RF BSW
245/50R18 104R BSW
255/45R18 103R BSW

19″

155/70R19 84Q BSW
225/40R19 93R BSW
225/45R19 96R BSW
245/35R19 93R BSW
245/40R19 98R BSW
245/45R19 102R BSW
255/35R19 96R BSW
255/40R19 100R BSW

20″

215/45R20 95R BSW
245/40R20 99R BSW
255/35R20 97R BSW
285/30R20 99R BSW

21″

245/35R21 96R BSW

Price Range

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 prices range from approximately $117 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.

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Warranty

Nokian provides a limited tread warranty on the Hakkapeliitta R2. Materials and workmanship are backed for 5 years.