New winter tyre for 2026: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 introduces adaptive stud technology

For the 2026 winter season, Nokian Tyres has launched a new generation of studded winter tyre — the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01.

It replaces the Hakkapeliitta 10, but this is more than a routine model update. The most interesting part of the new tyre is the way the studs are designed to react to changing winter conditions.

That makes a lot of sense in Estonia, where winter roads can change quickly from ice and snow to wet or even dry asphalt.

A stud system that reacts to conditions

The core feature of Hakkapeliitta 01 is called Double Action Stud Technology.

A special rubber compound surrounds the stud base. In colder conditions it becomes firmer, giving the stud stronger support and allowing it to work more effectively on ice. In milder conditions the compound becomes softer, reducing the effect of the stud against the road surface.

Nokian calls this concept On-Demand Grip.

There is nothing for the driver to activate. The system works automatically as the temperature and road conditions change.

Different studs for braking and cornering

Hakkapeliitta 01 does not rely on one stud design alone.

Studs in the centre area are focused mainly on acceleration and braking, while shoulder studs are designed to improve cornering and lateral grip.

The idea is to give each part of the tyre a more specific job and improve stability on icy roads.

Up to 10% better ice grip, according to Nokian

Nokian Tyres states that Hakkapeliitta 01 offers up to 10% better grip on ice than the outgoing Hakkapeliitta 10.

The company also claims up to 30% less road wear from the studs and around 5% better wet grip.

These figures come from the manufacturer, but the direction is relevant for Northern European winters. A modern studded tyre is no longer used only on snow and ice — it also has to perform well during long periods of wet and bare asphalt.

Lower noise for a studded tyre

Studded tyres are rarely associated with quiet driving, but Nokian has also worked on noise reduction.

The stud arrangement has been designed to reduce repeating sound frequencies, while selected sizes use SilentDrive Technology to lower tyre cavity noise.

According to Nokian, the new model can be up to 1 dB quieter than its predecessor.

Early tests show strong ice performance

The first independent 2026 tyre tests have already produced some useful results.

In a Vi Bilägare test, Hakkapeliitta 01 performed especially well in ice braking, acceleration and lateral grip. It also received strong marks for noise.

Other tests have been less uniform. Some have pointed to weaker asphalt handling, higher rolling resistance or wear around the studs in specific test sizes.

That is worth keeping in mind: one size and one test do not tell the whole story.

Designed for Nordic winter conditions

Hakkapeliitta 01 is clearly aimed at Nordic winter use.

The tread includes deep snow channels and a large number of sipes, while selected sizes also use Aramid Strong Sidewalls to improve resistance against pothole and kerb damage.

The tyre is available for passenger cars and SUVs and is also suitable for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Advanced technology, but also a premium price

From a technical point of view, Hakkapeliitta 01 is one of the most interesting new studded winter tyres introduced in 2026.

It is also expensive.

More affordable Nordic studded tyres have arrived on the market at the same time, including the new Landsail IceDragon. Depending on size, the difference in price can be very significant.

So the real question is not whether Nokian has developed something technically impressive — it clearly has.

The question is whether the technology will justify its premium price over several winters of real-world use.

The first test results are promising, particularly on ice. Long-term use in changing Estonian winter conditions will show how much of that advantage remains after several seasons.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 is already available from the Rehvid Pluss online store. Choose your tyre size to see current pricing and availability.

---