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I just switched over to my brand new, 3 season Michelin Premier LTX tires so I thought I'd share my impressions of the non-studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV's we installed in mid-November and drove for 5,500 kms. (about 3,400 mi.) until mid-March. Our MidWest Ontario Canada winter was relatively tame compared to last year and what we are normally used to. However, we experienced just about every kind of foul winter weather that exists here in Ontario ... only in shorter, smaller doses.
I've driven on winter (not all season) tires since my youth on both rear and front wheel drive vehicles. Recent tires included the Goodyear Nordics (very good in snow, fair on ice) and the 1st generation Michelin Xi Ice tires (only fair in snow and fair on ice). I downsized to 225/70R/16's mounted on steel rims for the winter. If I had my choice, I would have preferred a 215/78R/16 winter tire size but these Hakkas are not offered in that size. I would describe our driving style as moderate or average and we drive according to weather and road conditions.
When driving in snow, these Hakka's are simply amazing. We had a couple of 6" snow storms with drifts going up to about a foot+ deep. Honestly, our RAV didn't even know it was in snow with these tires. I couldn't believe how effortlessly the vehicle pulled through the snow without any kind of push back or strain. Our AWD never engaged all winter and only once did the traction nanny light appear for the briefest moment.
On ice, these tires exude confidence ... whether it be from a standing start position, driving down the road or while braking. Only once did I feel the grip "break" on the front and that was on a very slick, downhill right hand turn from a standing stop and it was only for a brief moment before the tires regained their composure. The back end never broke loose ... even in moderately aggressive driving.
On wet roads, these Hakka's really perform. Not once a slip, tire spin or shimmy. They are sticky, responsive and I never felt close to hydroplaning or being out of control. On one occasion, I drove faster than I should have in a driving rain storm and these tires handled (steering and braking) like they were on dry pavement. I knew they were special as for once, I was the guy clipping along in the passing lane while others stayed out of my way and fought to keep control of their cars.
The dry road experience is just as positive. For winter (severe service) rated tires, they are quiet and responsive. I can't comment on whether our gas mileage was different with them but the Hakka's didn't appear to cost us any more to run on.
I did a ton of reading and research before buying these winter tires. As you can infer, I could not be happier with my choice. I only wish we had more inclement weather so I could have enjoyed their mountain goat like sure footedness more often. I highly recommend these tires for their overall quality and great handling characteristics whether it be in snow, on ice, on wet or dry winter roads.
Edit Note: Price wise, they came in at CDN $907 pretax for the set of four (about USD $670 at current exchange rates). This included balancing, mounting, and our provincial tire collection fee of $17. I had a shop coupon for $100 off plus I received the Nokian rebate of $70 which combined, lowered my investment significantly. I also get lifetime balancing, seasonal changeovers, free rotation and flat repairs and would you believe it, free air! I bought them at Kal Tire in Waterloo ON and would highly recommend them. I am not affiliated with either Kal Tire or Nokian ... I'm just a happy camper!
I've driven on winter (not all season) tires since my youth on both rear and front wheel drive vehicles. Recent tires included the Goodyear Nordics (very good in snow, fair on ice) and the 1st generation Michelin Xi Ice tires (only fair in snow and fair on ice). I downsized to 225/70R/16's mounted on steel rims for the winter. If I had my choice, I would have preferred a 215/78R/16 winter tire size but these Hakkas are not offered in that size. I would describe our driving style as moderate or average and we drive according to weather and road conditions.
When driving in snow, these Hakka's are simply amazing. We had a couple of 6" snow storms with drifts going up to about a foot+ deep. Honestly, our RAV didn't even know it was in snow with these tires. I couldn't believe how effortlessly the vehicle pulled through the snow without any kind of push back or strain. Our AWD never engaged all winter and only once did the traction nanny light appear for the briefest moment.
On ice, these tires exude confidence ... whether it be from a standing start position, driving down the road or while braking. Only once did I feel the grip "break" on the front and that was on a very slick, downhill right hand turn from a standing stop and it was only for a brief moment before the tires regained their composure. The back end never broke loose ... even in moderately aggressive driving.
On wet roads, these Hakka's really perform. Not once a slip, tire spin or shimmy. They are sticky, responsive and I never felt close to hydroplaning or being out of control. On one occasion, I drove faster than I should have in a driving rain storm and these tires handled (steering and braking) like they were on dry pavement. I knew they were special as for once, I was the guy clipping along in the passing lane while others stayed out of my way and fought to keep control of their cars.
The dry road experience is just as positive. For winter (severe service) rated tires, they are quiet and responsive. I can't comment on whether our gas mileage was different with them but the Hakka's didn't appear to cost us any more to run on.
I did a ton of reading and research before buying these winter tires. As you can infer, I could not be happier with my choice. I only wish we had more inclement weather so I could have enjoyed their mountain goat like sure footedness more often. I highly recommend these tires for their overall quality and great handling characteristics whether it be in snow, on ice, on wet or dry winter roads.
Edit Note: Price wise, they came in at CDN $907 pretax for the set of four (about USD $670 at current exchange rates). This included balancing, mounting, and our provincial tire collection fee of $17. I had a shop coupon for $100 off plus I received the Nokian rebate of $70 which combined, lowered my investment significantly. I also get lifetime balancing, seasonal changeovers, free rotation and flat repairs and would you believe it, free air! I bought them at Kal Tire in Waterloo ON and would highly recommend them. I am not affiliated with either Kal Tire or Nokian ... I'm just a happy camper!
