Need a tire that can handle your crossover or SUV with comfort and confidence in all seasons? The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is one option worth examining. But how does it compare to other crossover touring options, and what compromises should you consider?
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra brings sharp dry road grip, strong wet road grip, and a smooth and quiet cabin experience to the table, making it a compelling choice in the crossover/suv touring all-season segment. That said, quicker tread wear and modest snow grip may factor into your decision.
Here, we break down everything you need to know about the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. Along the way, we compare it to the high-end Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, the moderately priced Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, and the budget-conscious Continental CrossContact LX25. We’ll also highlight potential drawbacks and provide the key stats to guide your decision.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | Premium |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | Premium |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | Mid-Priced |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | Budget |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.1 | 9.2 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.1 | 9.2 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | 9.1 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.4 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | 8.2 | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.2 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 8.7 | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 7.9 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | 8.7 | 8.3 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.2 | 8.9 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | 7.8 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 8.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 8.9 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.1 |
Detailed Review
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
Customer Ratings
Overall Rating
7.4 of 10
Wet Weather
8.8 of 10
Winter Weather
7.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.5 of 10
Tread Wear
7.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 800
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B-A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 80,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.4 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.7 of 10
Road Noise: 8.3 of 10
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra competes in the crossover/suv touring all-season segment but falls short of top performers in key areas. It may suit budget-conscious drivers willing to accept trade-offs in grip, comfort, or longevity compared to higher-rated alternatives.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra shows exceptional grip and responsive steering. Its excellent corner stability and dry traction give you a solid, confident feel behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising on highways or winding through country roads, you’ll enjoy steady handling and precision. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger dry traction and handling than most of the competition.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In wet conditions, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra provides reliable traction and good hydroplaning resistance. The tread design effectively evacuates water, giving you confidence during rainstorms. Most drivers will appreciate the predictable wet weather behavior. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger wet traction and hydroplaning resistance than most of the competition.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra offers a comfortable ride that most drivers will appreciate. Road imperfections are absorbed well, and noise levels remain subdued even at highway speeds. Long drives become more enjoyable with this level of refinement. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger ride comfort and noise control than most of the competition.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In snowy conditions, the tire does well, especially in light to moderate snow where it shows decent traction. However, its performance on ice isn’t as robust, and you might experience occasional slipping during cornering. If you often drive in mild winter conditions with icy patches, extra caution is advised. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for winter and snow traction.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Treadwear is respectable for this tire category. With proper maintenance including regular rotations and correct inflation, you can expect reasonable longevity. Driving style and road conditions will naturally affect how long the tires last. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger tread life and longevity than most of the competition.
Pros
- Strong dry road performance
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality
- Adequate all-around performance
Cons
- Slightly elevated road noise on paved surfaces
- Less effective traction in light snow and icy conditions
- Tread life may be shorter than touring alternatives
- Higher price point than budget alternatives
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra offers good value as a premium tire. Its performance in key areas is stronger than most of the competition at a similar price, and reasonable longevity when properly maintained rounds out the package. While some rivals may edge it out in specific metrics, the overall balance of performance and cost makes it a worthwhile consideration for crossover/suv touring all-season drivers.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a budget option with notable trade-offs in comfort and all-season versatility. It excels on dry roads and wet conditions and shows good overall balance. However, if you have very specific performance requirements, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire may leave you wanting more. Consider the alternatives discussed above before committing, especially if well-rounded performance is a priority.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Problems
While the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a capable tire, real-world feedback from drivers has highlighted a few areas of concern. These include faster than expected tread wear, challenges in light snow, ice, or slush, and a bit more road noise. It’s important to note that many of these issues are reported by a minority of owners and can often be mitigated with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment.
Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.
Tread Wear Patterns
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Several reviews mention faster than expected tread wear or uneven wear patterns on the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. Some drivers report cupping or feathering, particularly when alignment or rotation schedules aren’t maintained.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Some drivers have noted that the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra can feel less confident in light snow, slush, or on icy surfaces. While deep snow traction is generally adequate, packed snow, slush, and glazed or black ice conditions can be more challenging compared to dedicated winter tires.
Road Noise
Typical
While many say the tire is quiet for its design, a few drivers have reported that it makes more road noise than factory tires or some premium options. This can be especially noticeable on paved roads.
Premium Pricing
Typical
As a premium-tier tire, the Alenza AS Ultra comes with a higher price tag than budget alternatives. While the quality and performance generally justify the cost, budget-conscious buyers should weigh this against their specific needs and driving habits.
The Bottomline
While the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as shorter tread life, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush, higher road noise have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Alternatives
While the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its extra road noise and lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall: A premium crossover/suv touring all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the Alenza AS Ultra’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the Alenza AS Ultra’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the Alenza AS Ultra’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Alenza AS Ultra’s winter capability.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the Alenza AS Ultra.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Overall: The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the Alenza AS Ultra’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the Alenza AS Ultra’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Alenza AS Ultra’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the Alenza AS Ultra.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Continental CrossContact LX25 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the Alenza AS Ultra in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the Alenza AS Ultra’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the Alenza AS Ultra’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Alenza AS Ultra’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the Alenza AS Ultra.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra falls short of category leaders, with its strongest showing in strong dry, wet traction, and comfortable ride. Drivers on a tight budget may find it serviceable, but those who prioritize all-around dependability should weigh the trade-offs carefully.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. Some drivers have also reported increased road noise Less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads. While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra sits near the bottom of its category in overall ratings. Consider alternatives like the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, and the Continental CrossContact LX25 before committing, as they offer meaningfully better performance in key areas. If budget is the deciding factor, this tire may still work for light-duty use — but go in with realistic expectations about the issues mentioned above.
Good luck and happy motoring.
