Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV Review
From the brand the literally invented the winter tire, the Hakkapeliitta SUV 8 will convince anyone that Nokian are the winter tire experts.
PROS
- Best-in-class grip
- Even holds up to extreme cold
- Numerous fitments in lots of sizes (even big ones)
CONS
- You’ll have to explain your decision to everyone (almost everyone)
Designed specifically for modern SUVs and crossovers, this version of the Hakkapeliitta 8 features a unique center tread block section designed to deliver stability on dry and snow covered roads, while deep channels push water and slush away.
In snow, the numerous sipes grip the snow, using it as a traction surface against itself. There’s even a unique “saw-tooth” design on the back of the tread blocks, which works to improve grip under braking, by applying more tire tread to the surface.
The edged saw-tooth pattern on the rear part of the tread blocks improves the grip of the tire.
One of the stand-out features of the Hakkapeliitta 8 tire is the Cryo-silane Gen 2 tread compound. A mixture of natural rubber, silica and rapeseed oil, it not only resists freezing at just below zero, it does so past when other tires give up. So if you live somewhere that’s truly frigid in the winter, we recommend this tire over anything.
That tread compound works so well because the natural rubber has a better equality of performance over wide temperature ranges, while the rapeseed oil is used to mix the natural rubber with the silica, which gives the overall compound more durability, so it doesn’t wear out quickly.
As an added benefit, this compound mixture allows the tire to deliver superior low rolling resistance over past versions of the Hakkapeliitta, so you can burn less fuel and emit fewer emissions.
Another key feature of this tire is the sidewall made using aramid fibres, which improves the tire’s ability to withstands cuts and scrapes, while also holding up against impacts over time. That’s a nice added feature for heavy SUVs that can test the sidewalls of most any tire.
Of note, the Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV is available as an optional fun-flat, which can travel up to 30 miles when punctured. And of course, it’s also studdable. It’s even available pre-studded.
As we’ve mentioned, the Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV is world-class. If there’s any down side, it’s that you’ll always have to explain to your friends why you bought these strange tires no one has ever herd of. That is, except if your friends have heard of them, and then you won’t have to explain anything at all.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV Price
Pricing for the Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 8 ranges from $125 to $270
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV Warranty
As with all snow tires, there’s no milage warranty on the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. It does, however, come with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your tires, just exchange them for another set at no cost.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 8 Sizes
16-inch sizes
215/65R16
215/70R16
245/70R16
265/70R16
17-inch sizes
215/60R17
215/65R17
225/60R17
225/65R17
235/55R17
235/65R17
245/70R17
255/65R17
265/65R17
265/70R17
18-inch sizes
225/55R18
225/60R18
235/55R18
235/60R18
245/60R18
255/55R18
255/60R18
265/60R18
275/65R18
285/60R18
19-inch sizes
225/55R19
235/50R19
235/55R19
245/55R19
255/50R19
255/55R19
265/50R19
275/50R19
20-inch sizes
235/55R20
245/50R20
255/45R20
255/50R20
265/45R20
275/40R20
275/45R20
275/50R20
275/55R20
285/50R20
295/40R20
315/35R20
21-inch sizes
265/40R21
275/45R21
295/35R21
315/40R21
Is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV worth the money?
Without a doubt, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV is worth its price. One of the absolute best winter tires money can buy, the added cost compared to many winter tires is nothing when you consider your safety and thee safety of your family. In addition, the confidence it gives you behind the wheel allows you to drive with less stress and avoid expensive and dangerous situations on winter roads.
Is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV noisy?
Nokian tires tend to be louder than the norm, particularly when driven on clear roads. They aren’t noisy per-say but they are noisier than some of the premium brand competition. Nokian chooses to favor ultimate grip over low noise levels.