Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3: In the icy arena of Nordic winter tires, a new gladiator has emerged to challenge a longstanding champion: Goodyear enters the fray with its UltraGrip Ice 3, a fresh combatant for 2023 that promises to take on the legendary Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. The Hakkapeliitta R5 stands tall with its remarkable grip and unparalleled legacy in the studless snow tire domain, while the UltraGrip Ice 3 boasts innovative technology aiming to redefine traction and control on treacherous winter roads. This is not just a battle of treads; it’s a showdown of winter warriors, each vying for the crown in the unforgiving Nordic cold. Prepare for a gripping duel where the rubber meets the ice – the ultimate test of winter supremacy!
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Results: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
Results below were taken from 2023 TESTIRENKAAT Snow/Nordic/Studless Tire Test with a total of 8 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 based on the relevant performance category. Being the front runner, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 215/65 R17 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai Grand Starex. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Tiguan.
Ice Ice Ice :
In the stark and demanding world of winter driving, performance on ice is the ultimate benchmark for tire excellence. Let’s delve into the icy grip battle between the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3.
When it comes to ice braking, the distance from 25 to 5 km/h is a critical measure of a tire’s ability to handle emergency situations. The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 edges out with a marginally shorter stopping distance at 14.75 meters, compared to the 15.02 meters of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. This slight advantage could be the difference in crucial split-second reactions on slick roads.
For ice traction, which is measured by the acceleration time from 5 to 25 km/h, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 demonstrates superior capability, completing the test in 6.39 seconds. This contrasts with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5’s time of 6.68 seconds, indicating that Goodyear’s latest tire provides better initial grip and quicker responsiveness when accelerating on ice.
Ice handling is yet another decisive factor, assessed here through lap times on an icy track. The competition tightens with the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 barely sneaking ahead, clocking a lap at 69.76 seconds against the Nokian’s still impressive 69.9 seconds. While virtually neck and neck, the Goodyear’s minuscule lead suggests it may offer a slightly more consistent handling experience on ice.
In sum, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 demonstrates a notable, though marginal, performance advantage over the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 in all the tested ice conditions. These results paint a picture of an intense rivalry where the newcomer, Goodyear, brings remarkable capabilities to the fore, potentially setting a new standard in the studless Nordic winter tire segment.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +2% in ice braking
- +5% in ice traction
- ~0% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow Performance Analysis:
When it comes to snow performance, both the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 exhibit impressive capabilities, but let’s break down how they fare against each other in the essential tests of braking, traction, and handling.
Snow braking is a vital safety metric, and in this measure, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 takes the lead with a stopping distance of 11.28 meters, which is slightly shorter than the 11.52 meters registered by the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. This indicates that the Goodyear tire may offer a little more confidence when it comes to making a sudden stop on snow-covered roads.
In terms of snow traction, the ability of a tire to gain speed on snow from 5 to 35 km/h is crucial, especially when maneuvering out of snow-ridden spots or climbing snowy slopes. The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 again shows a slender advantage, achieving this acceleration slightly faster in 4.39 seconds, compared to the 4.45 seconds of the Nokian tire. Though the difference is small, it suggests that Goodyear’s tire has a marginally better grip during acceleration on snow.
Snow handling, tested by lap times on a snowy circuit, flips the script, with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 regaining some ground. It completes a lap in 83.04 seconds, subtly outperforming the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3’s lap time of 83.28 seconds. This could imply that the Nokian tire offers a touch more precision and control while navigating through snowy twists and turns.
Overall, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 shows slight advantages in snow braking and traction, suggesting it has a bit of an edge in the initial interaction with snow. However, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 demonstrates better snow handling, potentially providing drivers with a more stable and controlled driving experience in snowbound conditions. This head-to-head comparison highlights a tightly contested space where both tires excel, each with its own strengths in the relentless snow performance arena.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +2% in snow braking
- +1% in snow traction
- ~0% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet Face-off :
The performance of winter tires on wet surfaces is critical, particularly in regions where the cold season is not just about snow and ice, but also about rain and slush. The differences in wet performance between the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 are quite pronounced.
Looking at wet braking, which is the ability of the tire to stop on a wet surface from 80 to 5 km/h, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 demonstrates a significant advantage. It comes to a stop at 38.49 meters, a considerable distance shorter than the 43.16 meters required by the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. This difference suggests that Goodyear’s tire offers markedly better performance in wet braking, which can be a crucial safety factor in rainy or slushy winter conditions.
In the realm of wet handling, which is assessed by lap times on a wet track circuit, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 stands out again with a lap time of 40.4 seconds. This is noticeably quicker than the Nokian’s 42.2 seconds. The shorter lap time indicates that the UltraGrip Ice 3 maintains better traction and control while cornering and maneuvering on wet roads, which can translate to a more responsive and confident driving experience in adverse weather conditions.
In summary, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 shows clear differences in wet performance, outpacing the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 in both wet braking and handling. These are important considerations for drivers who face a variety of wet and slushy conditions during the winter months, as the Goodyear tire’s superior wet performance could contribute to enhanced safety and driving dynamics.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +12% in wet braking
- +4% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry Performance Duel:
In dry conditions, the performance of winter tires is often overlooked, but it remains an important aspect, especially during cold but clear days. Comparing the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 in terms of dry braking:
Both tires exhibit strong dry braking capabilities, but the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 has a marginal edge over the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3. It stops slightly shorter, taking 31.12 meters to come to a halt from 80 to 5 km/h, while the Goodyear tire requires a touch more tarmac at 31.25 meters. This minimal difference suggests that in dry braking, the two tires are nearly equivalent, with the Nokian tire having a very slight advantage.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- ~0% in dry braking
Price
In the 205/55 R16 size, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 is priced at €159, which positions it as a more budget-friendly option compared to the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3, which costs €197. This makes the UltraGrip Ice 3 about 19% more expensive than the Hakkapeliitta R5. Consumers will have to weigh the Goodyear’s higher cost against its performance benefits to decide if the additional investment is justified for their winter driving needs.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- UltraGrip Ice 3 : € 197
Difference: +19% more expensive for UltraGrip Ice 3
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert with a comprehensive view of the latest winter tire offerings, it is my informed conclusion that the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 edges out the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 in overall performance. In key areas such as ice braking, ice traction, snow braking, and particularly wet conditions, the UltraGrip Ice 3 exhibits superior capabilities. Its enhanced grip and reduced stopping distances on both ice and wet surfaces suggest that Goodyear has invested heavily in advancing their winter tire technology to ensure drivers have the utmost control and safety during the challenging winter months.
Moreover, the UltraGrip Ice 3’s marginally better snow traction and markedly improved wet handling indicate that it is not just designed for the extremes of Nordic winters but also excels in the more temperate but still treacherous wet conditions. This versatility is crucial for drivers who encounter a mix of winter weather scenarios.
However, it is imperative to note that our analysis has not delved into factors such as rolling resistance and wear, which are often inversely related to wet performance enhancements. Higher rolling resistance can negatively impact fuel economy, while accelerated tire wear can affect the long-term value of the tire. These factors are essential when considering the overall cost of ownership and the environmental impact of the tires.
Given the data at hand, if you prioritize top-tier performance in the most demanding winter conditions, and especially if you drive frequently on wet roads, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 is the standout choice. Nevertheless, for the conscientious consumer, it’s important to consider that this superior performance comes at a premium not only in upfront cost but potentially also in terms of greater rolling resistance and faster wear, details that we have not measured but that warrant consideration before making your final selection.
Dr Edwin Pang