The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is a premium studded winter tire for SUVs and crossovers, built for the hardest winter conditions in North America. This is a highly specialized tire, not a compromise, and it must be run only during the winter season.
Nokian's Double Stud Technology uses two separate stud designs within the tread to maximize control. Center studs are specifically optimized to improve stability and grip during acceleration and braking on sheer ice, while specialized shoulder studs maximize lateral hold during cornering and changes of direction. That is what produces stopping distances on ice that no non-studded tire can match, and it is why this tire exists. Furthermore, the Eco Stud system cushions each stud so it does less damage to bare pavement and generates less noise than older studded designs, though any studded tire will be louder than a studless winter tire.
Beyond the ice, the tread is highly siped for extra grip in packed snow, and deep grooves quickly channel slush and water away to resist hydroplaning during winter thaws.
Two practical things to sort out before you order. First, check your state and local regulations. Studded tires are restricted, seasonally limited, or prohibited in a number of states. Second, plan the changeover. Install in late fall and remove in spring. Running studs on warm, dry pavement destroys the tread compound quickly, wears the studs down, and damages road surfaces. If your winters are cold and wet but rarely icy, a studless winter tire or an all-weather tire is the better and quieter choice. If you actually drive on ice, this is the tire that stops.
Best-suited for: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Tire Best Features:
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Double Stud Technology utilizes center studs for braking and shoulder studs for cornering grip on ice.
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Eco Stud cushioning reduces interior cabin noise and minimizes bare pavement wear.
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Highly siped tread and deep grooves provide exceptional snow traction and rapid slush evacuation.
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Cold-flexible winter compound built to remain pliable and grippy in extreme sub-freezing temperatures.
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Class-leading ice braking and acceleration, offering safety margins that non-studded tires cannot match.