You’re ready to invest in new tires, but choosing between the Bridgestone Alenza 001 and the Continental CrossContact UHP feels like a head-scratcher. Both are popular options for high-performance SUVs, but each has unique features that could tip the scales one way or the other. Whether you’re cruising on smooth highways, tackling wet roads, or prioritizing comfort, it’s crucial to find the tire that suits your driving style.
The Bridgestone Alenza 001 is best for drivers who want top-notch dry traction and a quieter, more comfortable ride. The Continental CrossContact UHP is better suited for those seeking reliable wet performance and balanced versatility at a potentially lower price point.
In this article, we’ll compare the Bridgestone Alenza 001 and Continental CrossContact UHP in wet and dry conditions, comfort, and treadwear. We’ll also look at other popular competitors and give you practical advice for choosing the perfect tire.
Bridgestone Alenza 001
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
8.3 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
7.5 of 10
Dry Weather
8.9 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.5 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 300
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.3 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.0 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.5 of 10
Road Noise: 8.4 of 10
If you’re in the market for a reliable tire that handles well and hugs the road, the Bridgestone Alenza 001 might have already caught your eye. This all-season performer is built for SUVs and luxury crossovers, offering a solid combination of grip, comfort, and longevity.
Key Performance Measurements
Wet: Overall score: 8.3
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.3
- Wet Traction: 8.3
Bridgestone didn’t skimp on wet performance. While it might not be the king of wet grip, it’s certainly no slouch. Its resistance to hydroplaning ensures you won’t feel like you’re driving a slip ‘n slide. The Alenza 001 holds its own on slick roads, providing confident traction.
Dry: Overall score: 8.9
- Corner Stability: 8.9
- Dry Traction: 9.0
- Steering Response: 8.9
This tire’s forte really shines in the dry department. Like an athlete gripping the track, the Alenza 001 is known for stellar dry traction and corner stability. You can feel the precision in the steering response too. It’s the kind of performance that makes winding roads enjoyable.
Comfort: Overall score: 8.5
- Ride Quality: 8.5
- Noise: 8.4
Smooth rides are the name of the game here. Bridgestone’s efforts in the comfort department mean you get a cushy ride, even over bumpy terrain. Noise levels are kept in check, which means conversations or road trip playlists won’t compete with an annoying drone.
Treadwear: Overall score: 7.5
Treadwear could use a little extra mileage, but the tire should still see you through multiple seasons if you’re not pushing it too hard. It’s a trade-off for the impressive traction.
Pros
- Outstanding dry performance
- Good handling in wet conditions
- Comfortable and relatively quiet ride
Cons
- Treadwear isn’t its strongest suit
- Wet grip could be better compared to the competition
Continental CrossContact UHP
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.9 of 10
Wet Weather
8.2 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
6.6 of 10
Dry Weather
8.7 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.2 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 420
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.3 of 10
Cornering: 8.5 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.9 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.6 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.2 of 10
Road Noise: 8.2 of 10
Designed for high-performance SUVs, the Continental CrossContact UHP promises both sportiness and versatility. But does it deliver? Let’s find out.
Key Performance Measurements
Wet: Overall score: 8.2
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.1
- Wet Traction: 8.3
The Continental CrossContact UHP knows how to handle itself on wet roads. While it won’t make you feel like Aquaman gliding through puddles, it holds the fort with reliable hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. It’s capable of keeping you safe on those rainy days.
Dry: Overall score: 8.7
- Corner Stability: 8.5
- Dry Traction: 8.9
- Steering Response: 8.6
When the sun’s shining and the roads are clear, the CrossContact UHP steps up its game. The dry traction score of 8.9 speaks for itself. Cornering stability and steering response are right up there too, giving you confidence when zipping through bends or cruising on highways.
Comfort: Overall score: 8.2
- Ride Quality: 8.2
- Noise: 8.2
Continental aimed for a balanced blend of performance and comfort here. The ride quality is pretty smooth, and noise levels are reasonable, even on rougher surfaces. You might not float on a cloud, but it’s definitely not a bone-shaker either.
Treadwear: Overall score: 6.6
Here’s where the tire could use a little love. With a treadwear score of 6.6, you might find yourself heading to the tire shop a bit sooner than expected. It prioritizes performance, but that means longevity takes a back seat.
Pros
- Impressive dry traction
- Handles wet conditions with ease
- Provides a comfortable ride
Cons
- Treadwear leaves much to be desired
- Comfort levels are good but not stellar
Comparative Analysis
When deciding between the Bridgestone Alenza 001 and the Continental CrossContact UHP, it’s all about digging into the details. Both tires have their strengths and weaknesses, appealing to different drivers with unique priorities. Let’s break down the scores and see which tire might be best for your SUV.
Performance in Wet Conditions
| Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Continental CrossContact UHP | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroplaning Resistance | 8.3 | 8.1 |
| Wet Traction | 8.3 | 8.3 |
Both tires deliver reliable wet performance, with the Bridgestone Alenza 001 edging out the Continental CrossContact UHP in hydroplaning resistance. Both score evenly in wet traction, so they’re equally capable of gripping the pavement in rainy weather. If you’re the type who deals with frequent downpours, the Alenza 001’s slight lead in hydroplaning resistance could be the deciding factor.
Dry Traction and Handling
| Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Continental CrossContact UHP | |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Stability | 8.9 | 8.5 |
| Dry Traction | 9.0 | 8.9 |
| Steering Response | 8.9 | 8.6 |
When it comes to dry roads, the Bridgestone Alenza 001 has the edge in corner stability and steering response. The Continental CrossContact UHP isn’t far behind, but the Alenza 001’s superior scores mean more confidence in those tight turns and swift maneuvers.
Comfort and Noise
| Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Continental CrossContact UHP | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Quality | 8.5 | 8.2 |
| Noise | 8.4 | 8.2 |
If comfort is key for your long drives, the Bridgestone Alenza 001 pulls ahead with a quieter, smoother ride. The Continental CrossContact UHP scores well, but the Alenza 001’s ability to dampen bumps and minimize road noise makes it more pleasant for extended trips.
Treadwear and Durability
| Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Continental CrossContact UHP | |
|---|---|---|
| Treadwear | 7.5 | 6.6 |
Durability is where the Continental CrossContact UHP stumbles with a treadwear score of 6.6 compared to the Alenza 001’s 7.5. Both tires may require relatively frequent replacements if driven aggressively, but the Bridgestone Alenza 001 should last a bit longer before it wears thin.
The Verdict
- Go for the Bridgestone Alenza 001 if: You want excellent dry traction, cornering stability, and a quieter, more comfortable ride. It’s perfect for drivers who love sporty driving on dry pavement and seek a longer tread life.
- Pick the Continental CrossContact UHP if: You’re looking for a versatile performer that handles wet and dry conditions well, and you don’t mind sacrificing some treadwear for affordability. It’s a solid all-rounder for those balancing performance with cost.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Bridgestone Alenza 001 and Continental CrossContact UHP are strong contenders, the market has plenty of other summer tire options that might just be what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick rundown of three more tires that hold their own.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Performance Ratings:
- Wet: 8.9 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.8, Wet Traction: 8.9)
- Dry: 9.3 (Corner Stability: 9.3, Dry Traction: 9.4, Steering Response: 9.3)
- Comfort: 8.9 (Ride Quality: 9.1, Noise: 8.8)
- Treadwear: 7.7
Pros:
- Unbeatable dry traction and handling
- Exceptional comfort for long drives
Cons:
- Wet performance, though solid, is not the best
- Slightly shorter treadwear lifespan
Ideal Usage: The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is great for drivers who want a sporty, agile tire that excels on dry pavement while providing a smooth, quiet ride.
General Grabber UHP
Performance Ratings:
- Wet: 8.7 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.7, Wet Traction: 8.8)
- Dry: 8.8 (Corner Stability: 8.7, Dry Traction: 9.1, Steering Response: 8.7)
- Comfort: 7.9 (Ride Quality: 8.2, Noise: 7.6)
- Treadwear: 7.9
Pros:
- Reliable traction in both wet and dry conditions
- Affordable all-around performance
Cons:
- Comfort ratings lag behind competitors
- Noise levels are slightly higher than average
Ideal Usage: A solid choice for varied weather and road conditions, particularly if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that’s reliable.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV
Performance Ratings:
- Wet: 7.3 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 7.1, Wet Traction: 7.6)
- Dry: 8.1 (Corner Stability: 8.1, Dry Traction: 8.3, Steering Response: 8.0)
- Comfort: 7.3 (Ride Quality: 7.5, Noise: 7.1)
- Treadwear: 5.0
Pros:
- Reasonable dry handling and traction
- More affordable price point
Cons:
- Lowest treadwear score of the bunch, meaning frequent replacements
- Wet traction leaves much to be desired
Ideal Usage: Ideal for budget-conscious drivers who mostly stick to dry roads and can tolerate frequent tire changes.
- Balanced Performance: The General Grabber UHP balances value and performance for drivers who need reliable wet and dry traction at a lower cost.
- Comfort and Long Drives: If your priority is comfort for family trips or road warriors, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV stands out with its high ratings for ride quality and noise.
- Affordable Option: Those seeking the most budget-friendly option will find the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV appealing, though it comes at the expense of tread life and wet performance.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
- Bridgestone Product Page
- Continental Product Page
- Street/sport truck summer performance tire consumer ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
If you prioritize handling on dry roads and comfort for long drives, the Bridgestone Alenza 001 is your tire. It performs exceptionally well in dry conditions and offers a quieter, more comfortable ride, though tread life could be better. The Continental CrossContact UHP excels at balanced wet and dry performance, making it an attractive all-rounder, even though it may wear out sooner.
Ultimately, the right choice boils down to your driving habits and what you value most. The Alenza 001 and CrossContact UHP are both solid options, but picking the right one ensures you enjoy the best driving experience.
Good luck and happy motoring.
