Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5

If winter in your area is relentlessly harsh, experts recommend the studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 more than any other tire. Its metal teeth grab icy, snowy roads better than studless tires -- and most other studded tires -- in tests. However, critics note that the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 isn't the best snow tire for areas with milder winters; even without studs, its tread can't grip wet or dry asphalt as well as top-rated studless winter performance tires such as the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 (*Est. $145). The Hakkapeliitta 5 is also expensive. Less costly studded snow tires include the Gislaved NordFrost 5 (*Est. $80) and General Altimax Arctic (*Est. $65), both of which get satisfactory reviews. Be aware that some areas restrict the use of studded snow tires because they can damage road surfaces.

We found the best comparison test of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 at ConsumerReports.org. Norway's Motor magazine performs equally thorough testing, but its reviews are not available in English. Canada's Automobile Protection Association (APA) rates the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 alongside many other snow tires, but it doesn't review any of the tires in depth.