Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV vs Pirelli Ice Friction — this is the studless winter showdown we’ve been waiting for. Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV enters as the benchmark, backed by legendary Nordic winter DNA and class-leading ice/snow traction. But Pirelli just dropped the all-new Ice Friction in 2025, built specifically to take on this exact friction-tire segment. One is the established reference, the other is the hungry challenger with fresh tech. Let’s see if the newcomer can actually unseat the king of Nordic studless winter tires.
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Results: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV vs Pirelli Ice Friction
Results below were taken from 2025 Vi Bilägare Studless Tire Test with a total of 8 studless tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV vs Pirelli Ice Friction based on the relevant performance category. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 5%. So if tire A has a 4 point rating & tire B has a 3 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 5%. The tire size of interest is a 235/60 R18 which is a common tire size for Honda CR-V and Kia Sorento. The testing vehicle is a Volvo XC60.
Ice
On ice, Pirelli stops 0.05 m shorter than Nokian in ice braking with a 0% difference once rounded, Nokian hits back in ice traction by accelerating 0.21 s quicker with about 4% better performance, and Pirelli replies in ice handling with a 0.8 s faster lap at roughly 1% ahead, so in the end they trade small wins and remain essentially neck and neck as studless winter options.
Pirelli Ice Friction :
- ~0% in ice braking
- -4% in ice traction
- +1% in ice handling
Snow
On snow, Pirelli stops 0.03 m shorter in snow braking, which rounds to a 0% difference, so both tires behave almost identically. In snow traction, Pirelli is 0.02 s quicker, giving it about a 1% advantage in getting moving. For snow handling, Pirelli completes the lap 0.2 s faster, effectively a 0% difference once rounded. Overall, Pirelli stays just slightly ahead across the board, but both tires deliver nearly identical real-world snow performance.
Pirelli Ice Friction :
- ~0% in snow braking
- +1% in snow traction
- ~0% in snow handling
Wet
In wet braking, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV stops 2.36 m shorter than Pirelli Ice Friction, about a 5% advantage. In wet handling, Pirelli is 0.6 s quicker, roughly 1% better through the lap. In straight-line aquaplaning, Pirelli holds on until 4.0 km/h higher speed, around 6% stronger. Overall, Nokian is clearly better when you slam the brakes in the wet, while Pirelli feels a bit sharper and safer once you’re cornering or cutting through deeper water.
Pirelli Ice Friction :
- -5% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
- +6% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, Pirelli Ice Friction stops 1.99 m shorter than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV, giving it about a 4% advantage. In subjective dry handling, Pirelli also scores 2 points higher, showing noticeably sharper steering and better road feel. Overall, Pirelli is clearly the stronger performer on dry roads, both in stopping distance and driver confidence.
Pirelli Ice Friction :
- +5% in dry braking
- +10% in dry handling (subjective)
Noise
In noise, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV runs 0.7 dB quieter than the Pirelli Ice Friction, about a 1% advantage, giving Nokian a slightly calmer and more refined ride.
Pirelli Ice Friction :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.7 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In fuel consumption, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Pirelli Ice Friction return 6.4 L/100 km, resulting in a 0% difference — they’re effectively identical in efficiency.
Pirelli Ice Friction :
- 0% in full consumption
Price
For the 235/60R18 size, the Pirelli Ice Friction comes in at €238, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV costs €294, making the Pirelli €56 cheaper, which is roughly 24% lower in price.
Tire size: 235/60R18
- Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV : € 294
- Pirelli Ice Friction : € 238
Difference: -24% more cheaper for Pirelli Ice Friction
Conclusion
From my perspective as a tire engineer, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is the more refined Nordic specialist: quieter, clearly stronger in wet braking, and it also delivers better ice traction, which gives you that extra bite on polished surfaces. The Pirelli Ice Friction, meanwhile, feels sharper to drive, with small gains in ice and snow handling, stronger aquaplaning resistance, and a much lower price. If you value calm comfort, wet-braking safety, and strong ice traction, I’d lean Nokian; if you want a more dynamic feel and better value for money, Pirelli is the smarter pick.
Dr Edwin Pang