Which non-studded Nokian winter tires?

[dsimonl]

I bought a set of Trail wheels to use for dedicated winter tires. I want to install non-studded Nokians for North Idaho winters (deep snow, packed snow, slush)

My choices:
1)Hakka R2 in 265/70R17
2)Hakka LT2 in 245/75r17 (same circumference but an inch narrower) or 265/70r17

Any thoughts or recommendations?

We have the R2 on our Eurovan. They are fine, but hydroplane easily. I wonder if the 4/32 thicker tread depth of the LT2 would be better in deep snow/wet pavement...

 

[T4R_Canuck]

I bought a set of Trail wheels to use for dedicated winter tires. I want to install non-studded Nokians for North Idaho winters (deep snow, packed snow, slush)

My choices:
1)Hakka R2 in 265/70R17
2)Hakka LT2 in 245/75r17 (same circumference but an inch narrower) or 265/70r17

Any thoughts or recommendations?

We have the R2 on our Eurovan. They are fine, but hydroplane easily. I wonder if the 4/32 thicker tread depth of the LT2 would be better in deep snow/wet pavement...

I personally have the Hakapaletta R2 in 265/70r17 on mine. I've got no complaints mid way through my first winter. No noticeable hydroplaning on slush covered or wet roads. Good performance in deep snow. A noticeable improvement over the Michelin X-ice Xi2 I had on my Pathfinder last winter.

 

[delloro]

Kinda digging those steelies. Looks all-business.

 

[T4R_Canuck]

Kinda digging those steelies. Looks all-business.

Thanks, I almost prefer it over the stock 20's. Haha

 

[MtlT4R]

I'm from Montreal, Quebec and we get some of the most brutal winter conditions here. I've got a 2011 trail edition and I'm running 2014 trail edition wheels for winter with studless Nokian Hakkapelliita SUV 8's. They're great tires and I see them on a lot of the high end SUV's up here.

 

[Peyto]

I'm from Montreal, Quebec and we get some of the most brutal winter conditions here. I've got a 2011 trail edition and I'm running 2014 trail edition wheels for winter with studless Nokian Hakkapelliita SUV 8's. They're great tires and I see them on a lot of the high end SUV's up here.

Go with R2s unless you actually need an LT tire.

Also worth looking at Blizzaks or X-Ice. Each one excels in different areas but will all serve you well in whatever north Idaho throws your way.

 

[MtlT4R]

Go with R2s unless you actually need an LT tire.

Also worth looking at Blizzaks or X-Ice. Each one excels in different areas but will all serve you well in whatever north Idaho throws your way.

The Hakka 8 SUV isn't an LT tire.

 

[Peyto]

The Hakka 8 SUV isn't an LT tire.

My choices:
1)Hakka R2 in 265/70R17
2)Hakka LT2 in 245/75r17 (same circumference but an inch narrower) or 265/70r17

I'm aware, just answering the question the OP asked.

 

[Cheers!]

either looks good. But I'd go with a 245 section width. You want skinny tires for snow so it cuts through it.

 

[dsimonl]

I've been to 2 dealers, and they claim there is no studless Hakka 8, only R2. Maybe only in Canada?

 

[dsimonl]

I think I'll go with thr R2. Discount tire has 6 in stock with a $100 end of season rebate. Thanks!

 

[MtlT4R]

I'm aware, just answering the question the OP asked.

Ah ok, looked like you were answering me cause of the quote.
Either way I agree any dedicated winter Nokian would be a great choice. I went with the SUV 8 cause the tire shop said they were more all around winter as the R2's were a more dedicated ice tire. The Blizzak DM-V1's were my second choice. This year I didn't even take off my KO2's and even they kicked a$$!

 

[vjack]

In case anyone is curious, Consumer Reports has done testing on truck / SUV winter tires and this is their ranking. Scores in [brackets]. Their testing includes performance tests (snow traction, ice braking, dry braking, wet braking, handling, hydroplaning) as well other factors (ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance).

Michelin Latitude X-Ice XI 2 [68]
Continental ExtremeWinterContact [66]
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV [66]
Yokohama iceGUARD iG51v [64]
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 [64]
Nexen WINGUARD winSpike SUV [62]
Firestone Winterforce UV [58]
Cooper Discoverer M+S [52]

For what it's worth, according to CR's test the Nokia Hakkapeliitta excelled at hydroplaning resistance but does less well at snow and ice traction than the Michelin.

 

[MtlT4R]

In case anyone is curious, Consumer Reports has done testing on truck / SUV winter tires and this is their ranking. Scores in [brackets]. Their testing includes performance tests (snow traction, ice braking, dry braking, wet braking, handling, hydroplaning) as well other factors (ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance).

Michelin Latitude X-Ice XI 2 [68]
Continental ExtremeWinterContact [66]
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV [66]
Yokohama iceGUARD iG51v [64]
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 [64]
Nexen WINGUARD winSpike SUV [62]
Firestone Winterforce UV [58]
Cooper Discoverer M+S [52]


For what it's worth, according to CR's test the Nokia Hakkapeliitta excelled at hydroplaning resistance but does less well at snow and ice traction than the Michelin.

Consumer reports has also done testing on SUV's and doesn't recommend buying a 4Runner! Lol

 

[vjack]

Consumer reports has also done testing on SUV's and doesn't recommend buying a 4Runner! Lol

Yeah I don't think Consumer Reports is a perfect source of information by any means. But there aren't that many neutral organizations that do large-scale testing so I thought it was worth posting the info. Also it is interesting that the best-rated SUV/truck tires are *not* the same as the best car tires.

(For what it's worth, even though CR doesn't specifically recommend the 4Runner overall, they do have a huge amount of data about customer satisfaction and reliability, both of which the 4Runner scores very high on [not surprisingly]. They also do testing on emergency maneuvering / braking, ride comfort, etc. So while we may disagree with their conclusions, it is nice that they also let you see the data.)

 

[MtlT4R]

Yeah I don't think Consumer Reports is a perfect source of information by any means. But there aren't that many neutral organizations that do large-scale testing so I thought it was worth posting the info. Also it is interesting that the best-rated SUV/truck tires are *not* the same as the best car tires.

(For what it's worth, even though CR doesn't specifically recommend the 4Runner overall, they do have a huge amount of data about customer satisfaction and reliability, both of which the 4Runner scores very high on [not surprisingly]. They also do testing on emergency maneuvering / braking, ride comfort, etc. So while we may disagree with their conclusions, it is nice that they also let you see the data.)

Well said!

 

[dsimonl]

That went well. Discount tires matched Tiresbyweb $199/each price for the Hakka R2 SUV, plus got a $100 rebate for a total of $696 plus mount/balance.

Thanks all for your help.

 

[Jogi Riley]

I also have set of Trail rims dedicated to winter tires for my 2014 Limited. I am very happy with the Nokian Hakka R2 SUV. They have been great both in the city (slush, slick roads) and out in cottage country (snow, hard-packed icy roads etc.).

 

[yukonTrail]

Hakka

I am getting a set of Nokian Hakka R2 for my new Trail Edition. Can't wait for the snow to start falling here in the Yukon! I will let you know how they perform!

 

[NorthwoodsRunner]

I am getting a set of Nokian Hakka R2 for my new Trail Edition. Can't wait for the snow to start falling here in the Yukon! I will let you know how they perform!

I am not in a hurry for snow but I too bought a dedicated set of wheels with Nokian Hakka R2 SUV 265-70-17 tires in preparation for winter.