How do Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 vs Michelin X-Ice Snow tires compare?
Two tire models for touring cars, two winter tires without studs, two tires with a directional tread: both of these models obviously do share some features in common.
On the one hand, the Nokian winter tire is offered in dimensions ranging from 14- to 20- inches for a total of 62 dimensions with an R or T speed rating. The Hakkapeliitta R5 has come to replace the R3 on the market in 2022, and aims at improving winter performance to make it even more competitive.
On the other hand, the Michelin model offers an even wider range of dimensions: there are 144 in total! It comes in diameters ranging between 15- and 22- inches and in an H and T speed rating.
Introduced in 2020 as a replacement for the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 and Latitude X-Ice Xi2, it was also designed to provide you with the best possible levels of performance in colder temperatures.
Moreover, these two modern models stand out for the fact that they are compatible with electric and hybrid vehicles. Made to be able to withstand heavy loads and to offer optimal energy efficiency, they are perfectly suited to these types of cars and come strongly recommended. As a bonus, Nokian focuses on utilising the most eco-friendly materials.
The use of a directional tread gives us a hint as to the high levels of performance the tire offers on snow covered and wet road surfaces. In fact, the design is mostly known for the great aquaplaning resistance it provides.
What about actual performance? We will help you tell them apart better but first, let’s dive deeper into their respective specs to understand why each design is unique
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: Specs
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire is still very recent, but already stands out from its rivals. It relies on advanced technologies such as:
- Arctic Grip Crystals
In order to grip fiercely onto the road surface, the tire relies on 3rd generation microscopic crystals, designed for even more efficiency. They act like studs by creating sharp edges that bite into the ice. These crystals begin to appear as the tire begins to wear in order to provide you with superior performance levels for several winters to come.
- The Double Block Grip Design
The tire has a row of rigid blocks that stem from the center and splits into two, to then reach the shoulder. The shoulder is also more rugged than for previous generations and so is the middle zone. This creates a wider contact surface over these zones in order to provide you with better grip.
- The Green Trace Compound
Your footprint will definitely be greener in more ways than one when opting for a tire made from recycled and renewable materials like recycled steel, vegetable oil and pine resin. Moreover, the compound is made to last longer and provides you with a lower rolling resistance. This is an excellent choice both for your wallet and for the environment.
- The Silent Touch Technology
Blocks are not only more rigid, they have also been laid out in a new way, in order to improve comfort levels and promote a quieter driving experience.
- Winter Safety Indicators
These patented indicators on the tread will let you know how thick the tread is in millimeters, and the snowflake symbol will disappear once thickness reaches less than 4 mm. It becomes much easier for you to know when the time has come for you to change or rotate your tires!
Winter safety takes center stage with this tire that also focuses on greener and more durable features.
Michelin X-Ice Snow: Specs
With the Michelin X-Ice Snow tire, you will be dealing with a model that has made its way to the top of many lists of best winter tires without studs. It offers a cutting-edge design:
- An aggressive V-shaped design
Redesigned and more aggressive than its predecessors, the X-Ice Snow has grooves with wider openings. This also allows the tire to provide you with better aquaplaning resistance, by evacuating snow and water.
- Full-depth 3D sipes
By combining two types of sipes, the tire ensures a claw-like effect that provides you with more grip and allows you to brake even more quickly. On snow and ice, it will provide you with high traction levels as well.
- EverGrip Technology
With the EverGrip technology, you will enjoy great traction during your tire’s entire lifespan, thanks to added sipes that only come to the surface as the tire begins to wear. Thanks to the maximum grip levels, the tire will provide you with good traction on snow.
- The Flex-Ice 2.0 Rubber Compound
This unique silica based rubber compound will provide the tire with maximum flexibility while also improving block rigidity. This means that you will be able to face extreme temperatures without having to fear for your safety.
- The Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology
Thanks to a polyurethane foam, the manufacturer manages to reduce vibrations and noise from forming within the tread, for a more quiet and enjoyable driving experience.
All in all, the tire focuses on traction and short braking distances, but also on comfort and a quiet ride.
Choosing between the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 and the Michelin X-Ice Snow
Between these two premium winter tires that both critics and drivers love, it can be hard to make a choice! It will essentially depend on your preferences, since both the Michelin X-Ice Snow and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 provide you with solid performance!
First and foremost, you might want to find out a bit more about the manufacturer’s warranties. With the Michelin tire, you will enjoy a 60- day satisfaction guarantee and a 60,000 km limited warranty on tread life.
With the Nokian tire, a 30- day satisfaction guarantee and a regular warranty for up to 5- years after purchase or 6- years after manufacturing date is offered. No matter what, you will have access to two durable choices that you can feel confident about.
Let’s now take a closer look at their respective performance on typical winter road conditions: snow and ice.
Even though they are neck and neck, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta does come out on top when it comes to snow, while the Michelin X-Ice Snow is fiercer on ice.
So, on snow covered roads, the Nokian will offer a maximum of traction and provide you with shorter braking distances; it also offers slightly superior maneuverability.
On ice covered road surfaces, the Michelin is superior and stands out from its rivals with the feeling of control behind the wheel, especially during turns. Let’s not forget, however, that both tires regularly compete for first place and both stand out significantly on snow and ice.
Another type of road surface that is part of winter driving is when the snow begins to melt and the roads become wet. The Michelin’s wide grooves are perfect in this case, offering better aquaplaning resistance in straight lines. The steering response is also extremely precise according to Tyre Reviews experts.
Nevertheless, the Nokian tire comes out on top when it comes to the shortest braking distances on wet roads! It also offers the shortest braking distances and great performance on dry roads as well.
Comparing comfort and rolling resistance
Given that they are two premium tires that focus on high-end qualities like comfort, a quiet ride and a low rolling resistance, let’s take a closer look at these aspects.
Once more, your preferences will guide you toward the tire that is best for you. The Hakkapeliitta R5 tire model is the one that will provide you with the most comfort on the road; both models offer a very quiet driving experience.
The Michelin tire, however, does offer a slight advantage in terms of rolling resistance, allowing you to optimize your energy consumption.
In short, both tires will provide you with a driving experience that is both safe and enjoyable. Choose the Nokian for greater performance on snow covered roads or dry roads, and opt for the Michelin if you want ultimate performance on ice and wet roads. No matter your selection, you can count on blackcircles to provide you with the perfect tires at the best price!
