Michelin X Ice Snow SUV vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV: In the frost-kissed realms of the North, where winter reigns with an unyielding grip, tires aren’t just tires – they’re lifelines. Enter the titans of the Nordic studless segment: the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV. Each claims dominion over the snow-swept terrains, but which stands as the true champion?
The Michelin X Ice Snow SUV is built on years of Michelin’s expertise, promising uncompromising grip on both ice and snow. This ensures drivers remain firmly grounded even in the most treacherous conditions. Michelin’s reputation for durability is evident in the X Ice Snow SUV, meaning drivers can expect less frequent replacements and more seasons of top-tier performance. Moreover, even on the iciest roads, this tire delivers a ride as smooth as a Nordic lullaby, proving that winter driving can be both safe and comfortable.
On the other side, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is a testament to the legendary Finnish engineering. The Hakkapeliitta legacy is one of triumph over the harshest Nordic winters, and the R5 stands as the latest in this proud lineage, boasting innovations only Nokian can deliver. Beyond its raw power, the R5 is conscious of its environmental impact, offering low rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint. What truly sets the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV apart is its responsiveness. Whether navigating tight turns or sudden stops, this tire reacts with the precision of a winter predator.
The stage is set, and the icy arena awaits. With the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV’s long-standing reputation and innovative technology pitted against the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV’s Finnish mastery over winter, the cold has never been this hot! Prepare for the ultimate Nordic studless battle.
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Results: Michelin X Ice Snow SUV vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV
Results below were taken from the “2022 Vibilagar Best Studless Winter Tire Test” test. A total of 8 SUV specific tires were tested this time around with ice & snow testing included. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin X Ice Snow SUV vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV based on the relevant performance category. The X Ice Snow SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for the handling evaluation, lap times were used as an objective gauge to determine how well the tire performs while a subjective rating was only provided for dry handling.
The tire size of interest is 235/55 R18 which is a common tire size for Jeep Grand Cherokee and Kia Sorento. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volvo XC40.
Ice
When it comes to the crucial element of icy performance, both the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV prove their worth, but distinct differences emerge from the frost.
- Ice Braking:
Safety during winter driving often boils down to how quickly a tire can bring a vehicle to a standstill. In this category, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV edges out slightly. While the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV halts from speed in 13.37 meters, the Nokian tire requires a slightly shorter distance of 12.89 meters.
- Ice Traction:
Acceleration is equally important, especially when needing to gain speed safely on icy patches. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV demonstrates a modest lead here too. It accelerates from 5-15km/h in just 2.94 seconds, whereas the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV takes a tad longer at 3.05 seconds.
- Ice Handling:
Navigating curves and maintaining control during icy conditions can be a true testament to a tire’s capability. Once again, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV exhibits superior performance. It completes an icy lap in 39.97 seconds, while the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV trails slightly behind with a lap time of 40.95 seconds.
In summary, while both tires offer commendable performances on ice, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV consistently outperforms the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV across these tests. However, it’s worth noting that the differences, though consistent, are minimal, emphasizing the high-quality engineering of both these winter tire giants.
Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV:
- +4% in ice braking
- +4% in ice traction
- +2% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow
While icy conditions often pose the gravest risks to motorists, snow-covered roads are the most visually recognizable aspect of winter driving for many users. Snow provides that quintessential winter image that is both awe-inspiring and daunting. Therefore, how a tire performs on snow, though not as paramount as ice, is highly significant from a user’s perspective. Let’s delve into how these two winter titans fare against each other on a snowy battleground.
- Snow Braking:
Every meter counts when it comes to stopping a moving vehicle on a snow-clad road. In this test, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV exhibits a slight advantage, bringing a vehicle to a complete stop in 10.94 meters. The Michelin X Ice Snow SUV, while still commendable, takes a marginally longer distance of 11.25 meters.
- Snow Traction:
The ability to accelerate efficiently on snowy terrain without slipping can make all the difference in many driving scenarios. Here, the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV has the upper hand. It accelerates from 5km/h to 25km/h in a brisk 2.74 seconds, just edging out the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV which takes 2.77 seconds for the same task.
- Snow Handling:
For many, handling on snow embodies the true essence of winter driving. Mastery in turns, grip, and control are all in play. In this contest, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV claims the victory with a lap time of 72.84 seconds, whereas the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV is slightly behind, completing the lap in 74.01 seconds.
To sum it up, both the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV showcase strong performances on snow. While the Nokian edges out in braking and handling, Michelin claims the crown in traction. It underscores that both these tires are top-tier choices, ensuring that drivers don’t just see the beauty of a snow-covered landscape but experience it safely and confidently.
Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV:
- +3% in snow braking
- -1% in snow traction
- +2% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet
Navigating wet terrains requires optimal tire performance. Even as winter tires, the manner in which they handle wet conditions can be crucial for ensuring safety during those transitional seasons or unexpected rain showers. Here’s how the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV squares off against the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV on damp roads.
- Wet Braking:
The ability to decelerate rapidly on wet roads can be a lifesaver, literally. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV demonstrates a superior stopping power in this area, with a braking distance of 39.51 meters. In comparison, the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV requires slightly more room, stopping at 40.76 meters.
- Wet Handling:
Wet roads can be treacherous, with unexpected puddles or patches causing potential hazards. Handling prowess in these conditions is paramount. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV exhibits a marginally better grip and maneuverability, completing a lap in 42.11 seconds. The Michelin X Ice Snow SUV isn’t far behind, with a lap time of 42.4 seconds.
- Straight Aquaplaning (Slipping Speed):
Aquaplaning, where tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water, is a significant concern on wet terrains. The speed at which this occurs can indicate a tire’s resistance to such conditions. The Michelin X Ice Snow SUV proves slightly more adept at handling aquaplaning, maintaining grip until 61.9 Km/H. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV begins to slip at a slightly lower speed of 60.3 Km/H.
In the wet terrain face-off, both the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV display impressive capabilities. While Nokian has an edge in braking and handling, Michelin emerges superior in aquaplaning resistance. It’s evident that both these tires are engineered with meticulous precision, ensuring drivers navigate wet conditions with confidence.
Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV:
- +3% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
- -3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
When considering winter tires, especially those in the Nordic/studless category, dry performance isn’t their prime forte. While they are meticulously engineered to dominate cold, icy, snowy, and wet terrains, summer roads are not where they typically shine the brightest. However, understanding how they behave on dry surfaces is still important for those transition seasons or unexpected dry spells. Here’s how the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV measure up on dry tarmac:
- Dry Braking:
Braking on dry roads is relatively straightforward for most tires, but the differences can be telling for winter-specific ones. The Michelin X Ice Snow SUV has a marginally shorter stopping distance of 34.46 meters, compared to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV which halts at 34.77 meters. The difference is minuscule, but Michelin gets the slight edge here.
- Subjective Dry Handling:
Handling on dry roads can be quite subjective, depending on various factors including road conditions, driver experience, and vehicle dynamics. In this case, both the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV score an identical 4 out of 10 points. This suggests that while neither tire excels in summer-like conditions, they offer comparable and decent handling performance.
In summary, while both the Michelin and Nokian tires demonstrate adequate performance on dry terrains, it’s essential to remember that these are winter tires. Their true prowess is showcased on icy, snowy, and wet terrains. Dry performance, though decent, isn’t the main arena for these Nordic warriors, and it’s always advisable to switch to summer or all-season tires when warmer conditions prevail for extended periods.
Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV:
- -1% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling (subj)
Noise
Tire noise is a vital consideration not only for the driver but also for the environment, especially in urban settings. Exterior tire noise, in particular, impacts passersby, other road users, and residents of the area, influencing the overall noise pollution of an environment. Here’s a comparison of the exterior noise performance between the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV:
- Noise Levels:
The Michelin X Ice Snow SUV registers a noise level of 74.9 dB, which is slightly quieter than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV’s 75.5 dB. While this difference is minimal, it indicates that Michelin has a marginally lower contribution to exterior noise pollution, potentially offering a slightly quieter passage for pedestrians and other road users.
In conclusion, while both tires fall within a similar noise range, the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV edges out with a bit quieter performance. It’s essential for manufacturers and users to be mindful of exterior noise, especially as urban centers increasingly emphasize creating quieter and more pedestrian-friendly environments. Both tires showcase their commitment to reducing noise pollution, with Michelin offering a touch more tranquility to the external world.
Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV:
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.6 dB)
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance is a critical factor when evaluating the sustainability and environmental impact of tires. In essence, a lower rolling resistance translates to higher fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, making it a cornerstone topic in sustainability discussions for the automotive industry.
- Rolling Resistance Values:
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV exhibits a rolling resistance of 5.58 kN/N, a touch better than the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV’s 5.79 kN/N. This slight difference suggests that the Nokian tire might offer marginally better fuel efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint in comparison to the Michelin, assuming all other factors are constant.
Sustainability Overview:
As concerns about global climate change grow, there’s a concerted push towards more sustainable practices across industries. For the automotive and tire sectors, this translates into producing vehicles and tires that are more fuel-efficient, reducing emissions, and using sustainable materials. Rolling resistance is at the forefront of this discussion, as tires that exhibit lower rolling resistance values can significantly enhance the fuel efficiency of vehicles, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, with the rise in electric vehicles, which benefit from improved range with better rolling resistance, this metric becomes even more crucial.
In conclusion, while both the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV demonstrate commitment to sustainability through their rolling resistance values, the Nokian has a slight edge in this department. Investing in tires with improved rolling resistance not only benefits the environment but also translates into cost savings for drivers due to reduced fuel or energy consumption.
Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV:
- +4% in rolling resistance
Price
For the specified tire size of 235/55 R18, the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV is priced at $216. On the other hand, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV from Nokian, a premium niche player in the winter tire market, comes in at $228. This makes the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV approximately 5% more expensive than its Michelin counterpart. The slightly higher price point for the Nokian tire underscores its position as a premium offering in the winter tire segment.
Tire size: 235/55 R18
Difference: +5% more expensive for Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV.
Summary
In this head-to-head comparison between the Michelin X Ice Snow SUV and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV, results were notably closer than in prior evaluations. Both tires showcased commendable performances across various metrics. However, with its robust outcomes in ice and snow tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV slightly edged out its competitor, emerging as the winner in this face-off. The prowess of the R5 solidifies Nokian’s reputation as a premium niche player in the winter tire market.