Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV, presented in 2018, is a studless Nordic-type winter SUV tire, in which the Finnish manufacturer utilized the innovative proprietary technology Arctic Sense Grip, improving the tire’s handling response and ice grip compared to the previous-generation model. The friction winter tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV came to replace Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV, which back in its time established itself as a fuel-efficient model, which was repeatedly confirmed by various independent tire tests. The manufacturer claims that the Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV rolling resistance is lower than that of some summer tires, being 5% lower than the rolling resistance of the previous-generation model.

The key feature of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV is the balance between comfort and safe winter driving. Thanks to excellent longitudinal and transverse grip, it makes the driver feel confident in any winter conditions. This is achieved due to the use of an optimized tread pattern, as well as other time-tested technologies, already used in other Nokian models. The Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV tread pattern turned out to be more aggressive than that of its predecessor, with a large number of V-shaped grooves on both sides of the central stiffness rib, and a denser sipe network. Combined with a frost-resistant and supple tread compound, it dampens shocks and vibrations caused by potholes and ruts. The key advantage of this passenger-car studless tire model is the cutting-edge Arctic Sense Grip technology that ensures superior traction on “white” winter roads and clear pavement alike. The comfortable and precise handling response is the results of combining three innovations: functional sipes in the central section of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV, Cryo Crystal 3 particles, and adaptive blocks that quickly adapt themselves to weather variations. As for time-tested solutions, one must note the pump sipes, which are much more numerous in the R3 model. They effectively dispel water and melted snow from the contact area, thus ensuring stable wet traction. The tire’s acceleration and braking performance on wet pavement is improved by a dense sipe network that enshrouds the shoulder areas. In addition, just like the Nokian WR SUV 3 model, the new tire utilizes the so-called Snow Claws. They are extremely efficient on loose snow and other kinds of soft terrain, improving the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 “bite” on the road surface. The tread of this model consists of two layers of rubber. The rigid basic layer ensures stability of handling response, while the softer upper layer improves traction and resistance to wear in any operating conditions. The minute Cryo Crystal 3 particles, included in the Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV tread compound, function pretty much like anti-skid studs. This is why the reliability of longitudinal and transverse grip delivered by this model does not cause any doubt. The uniform distribution of these particles in the tread compound serves to keep up the traction delivered by the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV as the tire wears.