Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV vs Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3: In the world of Nordice/Studless tires, few names hold as much weight as Nokian and Bridgestone. Renowned for their superior performance and reliability, these brands have been at the forefront of tire innovation for decades. With the introduction of Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and Bridgestone’s Blizzak DM V3, the competition in the studless tire market for SUVs has never been fiercer.
Launched in 2022, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV has quickly made its mark as one of Nokian’s most advanced and capable Nordice/Studless tires. As part of the prestigious Hakkapeliitta family, the R5 offers the ultimate in winter performance, combining unparalleled grip, stability, and handling on snow and ice. The R5 SUV is specifically designed for larger, more powerful vehicles, promising a safe and comfortable driving experience even in the harshest winter conditions.
Introduced back in 2019, Bridgestone’s Blizzak DM V3 has solidified its reputation as a top contender in the SUV Nordice/Studless tire segment. Combining the latest advances in rubber compound technology and tread design, the DM V3 offers exceptional traction and control on snowy and icy roads. With its high performance, longevity, and robustness, this tire has become a favorite among SUV drivers seeking reliable winter performance.
Now, the battle is on as the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV faces off against the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 in the Nordice/Studless tire segment. Both of these titans bring their unique technologies, capabilities, and design to the table, promising an epic showdown. The winter roads await, and the ultimate winter driving experience is on the line. Who will come out on top? Let’s find out!
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Results: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV vs Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3
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 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV vs Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 based on the relevant performance category. The Hakkapeliitta R5 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
In the challenging world of ice performance, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 are both formidable contenders. Each tire is tested for its ability to brake, provide traction, and handle icy conditions effectively.
In terms of ice braking performance, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV showcases exceptional abilities, stopping in an impressive 12.89 meters on icy surfaces. On the other hand, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 offers reliable braking performance as well, although it takes a slightly longer 14.55 meters to come to a complete stop on ice. When it comes to ice traction, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV again comes out on top, accelerating from 5-15km/h in a swift 2.94 seconds. The Blizzak DM V3, while still providing solid traction, takes a bit longer to achieve the same speed, clocking in at 3.37 seconds.
As for handling on ice, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV excels, completing a lap in an impressive 39.97 seconds. The Blizzak DM V3 is no slouch either, finishing the lap in 41.83 seconds. While both tires offer commendable handling performance, the R5 SUV edges ahead in this category as well.
In summary, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV holds an advantage in all three aspects of ice performance: braking, traction, and handling. The Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 is a strong performer in its own right, but the R5 SUV’s exceptional performance makes it the standout option in the ice tire segment.
Blizzak DM V3:
- -11% in ice braking
- -13% in ice traction
- -4% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow
In this tire segment, snow performance is the second most important requirement, following ice performance. Both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 offer commendable performance on snow, but let’s compare their snow performance metrics more closely.
When it comes to snow braking, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is slightly ahead, coming to a complete stop in 10.94 meters on snow-covered surfaces. The Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 isn’t far behind, with a stopping distance of 11.4 meters on snow. Although both tires exhibit good braking abilities, the R5 SUV holds a small advantage. In terms of snow traction, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV excels again, accelerating from 5-25km/h in a quick 2.77 seconds. The Blizzak DM V3 offers strong traction performance as well, taking 2.86 seconds to reach 25km/h from 5km/h on snow. The difference is minimal, but the R5 SUV still edges ahead.
As for snow handling, both tires showcase their capabilities. The Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV completes a lap in 72.84 seconds on snowy surfaces, while the Blizzak DM V3 finishes the lap in 73.41 seconds. The R5 SUV has a slight advantage here, but the difference in lap times is quite small.
In summary, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 offer strong snow performance, with the R5 SUV holding a marginal edge in snow braking, traction, and handling. These minor differences might be attributed to the unique designs and rubber compounds of each tire. Both are excellent choices for snow performance, with the R5 SUV just nudging ahead in all three categories.
Blizzak DM V3:
- -4% in snow braking
- -3% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet
Nordic/ Studless tires, engineered for optimum performance on snow and ice, often face a trade-off when it comes to wet conditions. The unique design elements that make a tire excel on icy surfaces can sometimes lead to compromises in wet performance. Despite this, top tire manufacturers, like Nokian and Bridgestone, have developed innovative ways to strike a balance between wet and ice performance. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the wet performance of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3.
In the category of wet braking, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV exhibits a braking distance of 39.51 meters, which, although not ideal, is a natural consequence of its design for robust ice performance. In contrast, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 slightly outperforms the R5 SUV, coming to a halt at 38.86 meters on wet surfaces. The marginally shorter braking distance of the DM V3 showcases Bridgestone’s approach to balancing wet and icy performance.
When it comes to wet handling, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV completes a lap in 42.11 seconds, a respectable performance considering its focus on ice handling. On the other hand, the Blizzak DM V3 lags slightly behind with a lap time of 43.06 seconds. Although both tires exhibit similar wet handling characteristics, the R5 SUV holds a minor edge in this area. Lastly, in the realm of straight aquaplaning resistance, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV starts slipping at a speed of 60.3 km/h, indicating its ability to resist hydroplaning. The Blizzak DM V3 demonstrates slightly better performance in this category, with a slipping speed of 61.9 km/h. The DM V3’s superior resistance to hydroplaning hints at design features geared towards wet performance.
In conclusion, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 provide decent wet performance, given their strong emphasis on ice handling. The Blizzak DM V3 has a slight advantage in wet braking and hydroplaning resistance, while the R5 SUV leads in wet handling. Both tires reflect their manufacturers’ dedication to finding a balance between the diverse demands of winter driving.
Blizzak DM V3:
- +2% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (lap time)
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
When it comes to dry performance, it is important to note that the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 are specifically designed as Nordice/Studless tires. As such, they are optimized for cold weather conditions and not intended for optimal performance in summer conditions. However, let’s compare their dry performance characteristics.
In the category of dry braking, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV has a braking distance of 34.77 meters, which is longer than what you might expect from a summer tire but consistent with its Nordice/Studless tire design. In comparison, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 performs slightly better, with a braking distance of 33.29 meters. The shorter braking distance of the DM V3 suggests that it may have certain design elements that provide better performance on dry surfaces, despite both tires being primarily optimized for cold, icy, and snowy conditions.
As for subjective dry handling, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV received a score of 4 points out of 10, which indicates that its performance on dry surfaces may not be optimal but is understandable given its primary focus as a Nordice/Studless tire. The Blizzak DM V3 received a slightly lower score of 3 points out of 10, suggesting that it may struggle a bit more with dry handling compared to the R5 SUV. However, this is not surprising, as both tires are specifically engineered for winter conditions, and dry performance is not their primary strength.
In conclusion, while the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 has a slight advantage in dry braking, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV leads in subjective dry handling. It’s essential to remember that these Nordice/Studless tires are not expected to excel in summer conditions, and their dry performance characteristics are a natural trade-off for their optimized performance in cold weather conditions.
Blizzak DM V3:
- +4% in dry braking
- -5% in dry handling (subj)
Noise
When comparing the noise performance of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3, it’s essential to note that the measurements presented here are for exterior noise only. Both tires exhibit similar noise levels, which is not surprising considering their similar design and construction. It’s worth mentioning that softer compounds typically fare well in noise tests, as the soft tread acts as a damper, reducing the amount of noise generated.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV has an exterior noise level of 75.5 dB, which is quite reasonable for a Nordice/Studless tire with a soft compound. The soft rubber helps minimize the amount of noise generated, making for a relatively quiet ride.
In comparison, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 has an exterior noise level of 75.3 dB, slightly lower than that of the R5 SUV. This small difference in noise levels is negligible and unlikely to be noticeable to the average driver. The DM V3 also benefits from a softer compound, which helps dampen the noise produced by the tire.
In conclusion, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 exhibit similar noise levels, with the DM V3 having a marginal edge. The soft compounds used in both tires contribute to their relatively low noise levels, making them suitable options for drivers seeking a quieter winter tire experience. However, the difference in noise between these two tires is minimal and likely not a deciding factor in choosing one over the other.
Blizzak DM V3:
- +0.3% in exterior noise (-0.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When comparing the rolling resistance (RR) of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3, it is essential to consider the broader implications for sustainability and carbon neutrality. Rolling resistance, which is the force resisting the motion of a tire rolling on a surface, directly impacts fuel consumption and, consequently, carbon dioxide emissions. A lower rolling resistance improves fuel efficiency, reduces CO2 emissions, and contributes to the goal of achieving a carbon-neutral society.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV has a rolling resistance of 5.58 kN/N, indicating that it has a relatively low resistance to rolling. As a result, it provides better fuel efficiency and contributes to a lower carbon footprint when driving. The lower rolling resistance of the R5 SUV aligns well with global efforts to reduce emissions and move towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
In comparison, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 has a rolling resistance of 6.22 kN/N, which is slightly higher than that of the R5 SUV. Although it still offers reasonable fuel efficiency, the higher rolling resistance means that it may not be as efficient as the R5 SUV in reducing CO2 emissions. Nonetheless, the DM V3 still plays a role in sustainability efforts by providing a Nordice/Studless tire option with reasonable rolling resistance.
In conclusion, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 contribute to sustainability by offering Nordice/Studless tire options with relatively low rolling resistance. The R5 SUV has a slight edge in terms of lower rolling resistance, making it a more environmentally-friendly choice for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. However, both tires play a role in supporting global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and promote sustainable transportation.
Blizzak DM V3:
- -10% in rolling resistance
Price
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 are both high-quality Nordice/Studless tires. For the tire size 235/55 R18, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is priced at $228 per tire. In contrast, the Blizzak DM V3, priced at $212 per tire, is 8% cheaper than the R5 SUV. However, it’s important to note that the DM V3 is not yet available in the US, and the prices are sourced from Japan. Despite the price difference, both tires offer reliable winter performance.
Tire size: 235/55 R18
- Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV : $228
- Blizzak DM V3 : $212
Difference: -8% more cheaper for Blizzak DM V3.
Summary
In this comparison of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V3 Nordice/Studless tires, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV emerges as the clear winner. Both tires were assessed across various categories, including ice, snow, wet, dry, and noise performance, as well as rolling resistance and price.
The Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV excels in both ice and snow performance, providing shorter braking distances, faster traction times, and better handling. While the Blizzak DM V3 offers similar performance characteristics, the R5 SUV consistently outperforms it in these crucial winter tire categories. In wet conditions, both tires exhibit decent performance, but there are minor differences in braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance. As for dry performance, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV has a slight advantage in subjective dry handling, while the Blizzak DM V3 leads in dry braking. In terms of noise levels, both tires are similar, with only a marginal difference.
The Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV also has a lower rolling resistance compared to the Blizzak DM V3, which contributes to better fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. Although the Blizzak DM V3 is priced slightly lower, it is important to note that the prices are sourced from Japan and the tire is not yet available in the US. Overall, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV’s superior performance in ice and snow conditions makes it the winner in this winter tire battle. Despite the close competition, the R5 SUV stands out as a top choice for those seeking a reliable and safe winter driving experience.