2021 NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta LT3 Studded Tire review

After spending many months reading and cultivating some good info from Tacoma World, I wanted to join the posting community and give back some helpful input. I purchased my first truck in the summer of 2019 - a used 2016 model 4x2 SR Access Cab with low miles, a simple and smooth 2.7L four cylinder engine, coupled to a 6-spd auto transmission. Mainly intending to use it on weekend missions to fetch lumber and large parcels and such when needed. I've grown to like the truck so much since, it has become my main conveyance. Living in the Ohio snowbelt, I was skeptical about the Tacoma's winter drivability. I made the following changes and have found the simple rear-driver to be really more than just OK.

I first shod the wheels with General Arctic Grabber winter tires in the OEM size 245/75R16 and added a ShurTrax bed weight (40 gallons for about 320 lbs) over the drive axel. This worked generally great in most conditions, but left me wheel-spinning to climb my steep driveway after 4-6" snowfalls. Just not enough grab when ice formed on the incline. This winter, I decided to go with something even more toothy:

NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta LT3 studded winter tires. Same OEM size of 245/75R16. Cost for a set of four with installation came to about $850 at my local dealer. It's a large amount of money to get me from November 15 through April 15, but I think they will last me several seasons. Here's my experience with the setup after driving through this winter:

Really impressive traction in all road conditions with moderate driving. The smaller engine is well-suited to the 4x2 drivetrain because it doesn't over torque the rear footprint with each press of the gas pedal. The truck pulls forwards without much suggestion of slippage. The braking feels assured, the Tacoma feels balanced and planted when rolling through corners. I've been able to crawl it up and down my driveway without drama in the unplowed snow and have traversed several snow-covered dirt park roads without spin or drama. The LT3s are built with heavier carcasses than the Generals for heavy load applications and rough road protection and they ride correspondingly stiffer, but just a bit more. The stainless steel Nokian studs are factory set into the tread pattern with a twist resistant rubber "socket" that allows the stud to retract a bit into the tire as it rolls against the ground. This preserves the shape of the stud pin and allows it to push into the road surface or ice more efficiently and quietly than the typical studded tire. They "sizzle" slightly on dry roads but a not terribly loud when droning down a highway. It's been a good trade-off to make my truck stable and comfortable to drive in all the conditions that have been thrown at us this winter. I have a painted cement garage floor and cement drive surface, by the way. You can see small tattoo patterns in these surfaces where the studs have spun a bit on the steering tires. These are far from gouges, but I would caution those with fancier surfaces in their garage lifestyles.

I had been considering the option of trading my Tacoma for a newer 4x4 model if all was not so well, but I don't think I will. I really like the simple solid build of my 4x2, its done everything I've asked it too, and it feels good to drive now in all seasons.

 

I almost went with these tires but because of the short winter season I decided to spend a little less and went with general grabber artic tires. Fairly quiet, comfortable ride, I feel like they got a work out this winter with all the snow we've gotten so far. Rarely used 4x4 too. Maybe next time I'll try some Nokian rubber.

 

I would encourage you to remove them once its above freezing for a few weeks. Nokians are amazing but get angry and feather with warmer temps.

The Generals are fairly middle of the road tire, I agree with putting the best winter on a 4x2. Were the generals studded?

 

Is it a Finnish or Swedish tire ?

 

They weren't studded. I didn't think about doing that to be honest. I would if I lived in alaska or a place with more frigid weather.

 

Company headquarters in Nokia, Finland.

 

I checked my sidewalls and they are manufactured in Russia for the Finnish company NOKIAN. There is little or no wear showing on the tread or studs from the recent months and I'll be swapping them very soon for the warming weather in Ohio.

Just a side note regarding a concept often repeated on this site about studded tire performance - "the studs skate on dry or wet pavement and reduce traction". I have never encountered this phenomenon with studded tires on any vehicle I have ever owned through many years. Well maybe a couple times when I floored the pedal on my '71 Impala bolting out my high school drive to impress friends, but that was from me being an idiot, not the studs. (shower of sparks were pretty impressive though)

 

I've run Nokian Happies in upstate NY winters. for many years. All the snow removal tractors in Europe run them. Yes, you can even buy Nokian Happy farm tractor tires! Legend has it that there are special groves of rubber trees that they crossed with white pine to produce the stickiest rubber around. Just don't get the stuff on your hands. Hankook makes a Nokian knock off (I-Pike) which is about 80 percent as goods 75 percent of the cost. Lotta penny pinchers buy them.