Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Nokian Hakka Black 3 – It’s a battle in the touring summer segment. On one side, the PremiumContact 7—Continental’s benchmark for safety and comfort. On the other, the all-new Nokian Hakka Black 3, aiming to challenge the very best. Can Nokian’s latest contender take the fight to one of the most complete touring tires on the market? Let’s find out.
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Results: Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Nokian Hakka Black 3
The results featured here are from the 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tire Test, with 7 tires tested. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Nokian Hakka Black 3 across various performance categories, with the Continental PremiumContact 7 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 4 while tire B is graded 3, A is better than B by 5%.
The tire size of interest is the 235/55R19 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard KIA EV6 as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Nokian Hakka Black 3 stopped 2.3 meters earlier than the Continental PremiumContact 7, which is a 6% advantage. On the wet handling lap, the Nokian was 0.3 seconds faster, giving it a negligible 0% edge in lap time. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the Nokian maintained grip until 84.9 km/h—3.3 km/h higher than the Continental’s 81.6 km/h, a 4% difference.
Despite Continental’s strong reputation, the Nokian Hakka Black 3 clearly outperforms it in all wet conditions, proving it’s a serious contender in the premium touring segment.
Hakka Black 3 :
- +6% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
- +4% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Nokian Hakka Black 3 stopped 0.9 meters shorter than the Continental PremiumContact 7, a 2% advantage. However, when it comes to subjective dry handling, the Continental scored 1 point higher, marking a 20% difference in driver-rated performance. While Nokian shows slightly better straight-line braking, the PremiumContact 7 still delivers a noticeably more confident and precise driving feel in dry conditions.
Hakka Black 3 :
- +2% in dry braking
- -5% in dry handling (subjective)
Noise & Comfort
In terms of subjective comfort, the Nokian Hakka Black 3 scored 1 point higher than the Continental PremiumContact 7, a 5% improvement. For subjective noise, the Nokian was rated significantly better, scoring 3 points higher—an impressive 15% difference. The Hakka Black 3 clearly prioritizes ride comfort and noise isolation, offering a noticeably quieter and smoother experience compared to the PremiumContact 7.
Hakka Black 3 :
- +5% in subj comfort
- +15% in subj noise
Battery Range
In battery range testing, the Continental PremiumContact 7 allowed the EV to travel 24 km farther than the Nokian Hakka Black 3, which is a 6% advantage in range. This shows that while the Nokian may excel in comfort and wet grip, the Continental remains more efficient when it comes to energy consumption and maximizing driving distance.
Hakka Black 3 :
- -6% in battery range
Price
For the 235/55R19 size, the Nokian Hakka Black 3 is priced at €192, which is €23 more than the Continental PremiumContact 7 at €169—a 14% higher price.
Tire size: 235/55R19
- PremiumContact 7 : € 169
- Hakka Black 3 : € 192
Difference: +14% more expensive for Hakka Black 3
Summary
As a tire expert, I see clear strengths on both sides. The Nokian Hakka Black 3 impresses with excellent wet grip, superior comfort, and low noise—perfect for relaxed everyday driving. On the other hand, the Continental PremiumContact 7 delivers sharper dry handling and better energy efficiency, making it ideal for drivers who value precision and range. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize comfort or dynamic performance.
Dr Edwin Pang