Here’s how the studless tire performed when matched against studded tires in the same tests. On rougher ice surfaces, the soft studless tire demonstrated higher cornering grip than studded competitors, but it struggled to regain traction once it lost grip. Ice performance fluctuates with weather conditions. When testing starting and braking on smooth, polished ice, it couldn't match the best studded tires. However, it stands among the top performers on snow. Its soft construction results in a pronounced understeering balance across all surfaces. On asphalt, it feels "sluggish" with reduced lateral stability in driving tests. The dense tread pattern leads to early hydroplaning and extended braking distances on wet roads. This studless tire holds its own on winter roads but loses significant points on asphalt tests.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 secured its spot thanks to the driving pleasure it delivers on icy roads, a rare feature among non-studded tires, according to drivers. Its excellent grip on snow makes it a perfect fit for harsh winter conditions. However, the steering feel on bare roads was somewhat inconsistent, which cost it some crucial points. Produced in Finland in the first week of 2024, this tire offers a tread depth of 8.2 mm, a Shore hardness of 52 units, and weighs 9.6 kg. Priced at 2332 NOK, with a load and speed index of 94T, the Hakkapeliitta R5 remains a strong contender for winter performance.

Following close behind, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 delivers impressive control and a high level of safety on both ice and snow. Known for its low noise levels, this tire also boasts the best fuel efficiency in the test, making it a smart choice for drivers focused on cost-effective winter driving. However, the R5 shows some limitations on wet roads, where steering response can feel less precise, and braking distances are relatively long. Still, with its superior grip in true winter conditions, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 is a top pick for those facing ice and snow throughout the season.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 clinches fourth place with its sharp focus on winter performance, showing just why it’s a standout in icy conditions. It achieved a flawless score in snow braking (20/20) and handled snow-covered roads with unmatched stability, scoring 18/20 in ice handling. A major leap forward for Nokian, this model now offers solid hydroplaning resistance, an area previously lacking in the Finnish lineup. With these enhancements, the Hakkapeliitta R5 brings impressive control and resilience to the table, making it a go-to tire for winter warriors who demand unwavering grip and confidence on treacherous roads.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 finishes strong in second place for the 205/55 R16 winter tire category of 2024. It ranks highly across the board, excelling in both snow and ice performance. On snow, it takes 1st place for acceleration and 3rd place for braking, showing excellent balance in tough winter conditions. The handling on snow is also impressive, with a 2nd place finish in subjective handling tests.

On ice, the Nokian holds up well, ranking 4th in braking and 3rd in acceleration. Its handling on ice is solid, securing 2nd place overall, showing the tire's versatility on different winter surfaces.

However, on wet roads, the Hakkapeliitta R5 faces some competition, taking 5th place for braking and 3rd place for handling. On dry asphalt, it ranks 5th in braking but still provides good comfort and low noise levels, making it a well-rounded tire for a wide range of conditions.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, ranking second, showcases exceptional traction and handling on ice, as well as impressive snow handling and braking capabilities. Its performance in snowy and icy conditions is noteworthy. However, its performance on wet pavement is less commendable, particularly with increased braking distances, indicating a need for cautious driving in such conditions.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, ranking third, excels in ice performance and snow handling, ensuring a secure and responsive driving experience in harsh winter conditions. Its proficiency in wet handling is also notable, providing confidence in rainy or slushy environments. Additionally, this tire is characterized by its economic efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for winter driving.

Nokian offers a seamless drive on icy landscapes with its commendable lateral stability. Snowy roads? It's got you covered. Just be wary on wet asphalt.

• Pros: Praiseworthy performance on ice and snow; energy efficiency with low rolling resistance.
• Cons: Slips on wet terrains.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 excels in winter conditions, especially on snow, achieving a perfect score in snow braking and high scores in snow handling and ice handling. This indicates its strong performance and reliability in snowy and icy environments. However, the tire underperforms significantly in wet conditions, with low scores in braking on wet pavement and poor resistance to straight aquaplaning, which led to a substantial penalty. Its performance on dry pavement is moderate, and it has some limitations in course stability, though it offers decent comfort and fuel efficiency.

On ice, the Nokian tire ensures excellent handling response and helps maintain control in any situation (even though in tight corners some understeer may pop up), and on snow this tire also behaves in a logical and confident way. On wet pavement, the tire has a delayed steering response, and the front wheels may lack grip during a high-speed maneuver. The braking distance is also rather long. On dry pavement, the tire behaves in a dependable way, even though its grip is slightly weaker than that of some of the competitors. This Nokian tire is rather quiet; in addition, it has a very low rolling resistance.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 is perfect to drive on ice and snow, it has very good dry and wet braking performance, smooth ride, and low rolling resistance. At the same time, there are critical issues with hydroplaning resistance.

Good handling and overall good grip on snow. High level of comfort. Average wet grip. Good traction in deep snow.

Very strong traction, excellent handling response, and a short braking distance on snow and ice. Good handling response in the wet. Short braking distance on dry pavement. Relatively long braking distance on wet pavement.