Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 vs Michelin X Ice XI2 : Make the right choice

If you are looking for the best winter tires for your light duty truck, SUV or crossover, and want a more premium level winter tire that provides superb handling and performance, even in snow and ice, then you should compare the Michelin X Ice XI2 vs the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2. Both engineered and designed to tackle the worst winter conditions, and both tested on some of the most dangerous winter racing tracks in the world, the X Ice XI2 can stand its ground against the Hakka R2, in some of the toughest driving conditions.

The Michelin X Ice XI2 is a winter snow tire that was introduced by Michelin in 2020, and is suitable for light duty trucks, SUVs and crossovers. Sometimes referred to as the Latitude X Ice, the X Ice XI2, comes in 44 different sizes and when it was launched by Michelin in 2020, the manufacturer was looking to set the bar higher in its winter tire offerings. Now, in 2021, the Latitude X Ice XI2, is available in a grand total of 119 sizes, meaning anyone looking for a new winter tire for their light duty truck, SUV or CUV will be hard pressed to not be able to find a size to fit their exact vehicle.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 was launched in 2013 by Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian, and at that time was the company’s newest non-studded winter tire option. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 was introduced to replace the company’s first R version of the same model of tire, and was outfitted with significant improvements to the original version.

Designed specifically for light trucks, SUVs and crossovers (CUVs), the Michelin X Ice XI2 , which is sometimes referred to as the Michelin Latitude X Ice XI2, is a winter tire that has earned the SPMSF (Three Peak Mountain Badge), meaning this tire has been subjected to rigorous testing in snowy and icy road conditions, and then had its performance verified by a third party. This tire also has the benefit of being tested in both snowy and muddy conditions, and has passed both of these standard tests admirably, demonstrating excellent traction and grip.

If you are looking at the Michelin X Ice XI2 vs the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, it’s good to note the X Ice XI2 provides a long lasting winter tread – due to Michelin’s improvements that have been made to the rubber compound that makes up the tire. This rubber compound also helps improve fuel efficiency, by increasing rolling efficiency

Nokian tires have been in development in Finland since 1898, when the Suomen Gummitehdas Oy company was founded. This company has been singularly focused on creating winter tires to deal with the harsh rigours of Nordic winters, which can be similar to the conditions found in Canada. These tires are manufactured in Europe and Russia and are then shipped throughout the world for sale at selected dealers.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 was introduced in 2013 from Nokian, as a non-studded winter tire that is suitable for passenger cars and other light duty SUVs and CUVs. It has been designed to work well on slippery road conditions that are more common on urban highways and roadways, and also offers good handling on icy streets. The rubber compound that makes up the Hakka R2 has been enhanced with crystals to allow for a better grip on the icy roads.

• Wide tread contact patch that can help accentuate acceleration as well as braking power in snowy and icy conditions
• Great cornering traction leads to outstanding maneuvering in even the iciest conditions
• A special Flex Ice compound that makes up the tire rubber which has been created to maintain flexibility even in the coldest conditions where some other tire compounds become more inflexible
• Cross Z-Sipes Technology which uses a 3-Dimensional design that can lock the sipes in place, adding to traction
• Sipes work in tandem with micro-pumps to increase stability in all winter conditions. The micro-pumps are full depth in the tread, leading to long lasting durability and effectiveness
• Michelin Comfort Control Technology – designed by computer aided precision manufacturing – adds comfort and stability to your overall ride
• Reduced vibrations and road noise

• Strong and stable, reinforced sidewall with a special Aramid technology which help to protect the sidewall from cuts and punctures
• Additions to the rubber compound help to grip the roads in snowy and icy conditions
• Deep tread patterns that feature tread blocks that help to increase traction on ice and snow
• Tread claws help to evacuate ice and snow from in between the blocks – increasing traction
• Rubber compound has been designed to be eco-friendly

If you are looking for the best winter tires that both suit your budget and your vehicle, as well as your everyday driving habits and the winter conditions in your area, then it makes sense to take a look at a variety of well-proven winter tire brands before making a purchase.

For more information on the Michelin X Ice XI2 winter tires, it’s easy enough to look on the blackcircles.ca website, where you can check out all the features and benefits of this well rated, well priced winter tire. If you are looking for the Nokian, then you may need to dig a little deeper for the information on the internet, to get the information you need.

In terms of your choice, if you are looking at the Michelin X Ice XI2 vs the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, it may be the convenience, price and warranty on the Michelin brand that make it easy and convenient for you to get your vehicle outfitted for winter -which is quickly approaching. And, if you have any questions about what size you need for your vehicle, or other questions about treadlife or warranty, simply reach out to the tire expert team at blackcircles.ca by phone, email or online chat and a friendly and available team member will be happy to help you.