Considering the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra for your SUV or crossover? You’ve likely heard mixed opinions and want to know if it’s really worth your money. Stick around, because we’re diving into everything you need to know about this tire – the good, the bad, and the in-between.
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is on par with the leading competition in most areas, though it slightly lags in winter performance and treadwear. It excels in dry handling and provides a comfortable ride, making it a solid all-season option.
In this article, we’ll break down the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra’s performance, highlight its strengths and weaknesses, compare it to top competitors, and help you decide if it’s the right tire for your needs.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
7.9 of 10
Tread Wear
8.2 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 800
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 80,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.0 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.9 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.7 of 10
Road Noise: 8.4 of 10
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire designed to deliver a balanced performance for a variety of driving conditions. Bridgestone has crafted this tire to provide dependable traction, comfort, and durability, making it a solid choice for everyday driving.
Performance Features
- Wet Traction: The Alenza AS Ultra performs well in wet conditions, thanks to its advanced tread design that helps with hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. With a wet traction rating of 9.0, it provides reliable grip on rainy days, though it may not match the top competitors who excel slightly more in this area.
- Dry Handling: In dry conditions, the Alenza AS Ultra stands out with a dry performance rating of 9.2. Its corner stability and dry traction are impressive, giving drivers confidence during turns and quick maneuvers. The steering response is also commendable, making it a reliable choice for daily commutes and long drives.
- Winter/Snow Performance: When it comes to winter conditions, the Alenza AS Ultra is decent but not exceptional. With a winter/snow rating of 7.9, it handles light snow adequately, but deep snow and icy conditions might pose a challenge. Drivers in regions with harsh winters might want to consider dedicated winter tires for better performance.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: Comfort is one of the strengths of the Alenza AS Ultra. It provides a smooth and quiet ride, with a comfort rating of 8.6. While it’s not the quietest tire available, it still manages to keep road noise to a minimum, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating of the Alenza AS Ultra is 8.2, indicating good durability. This tire is built to last, though it might not offer the longest lifespan compared to some leading competitors. It’s a good balance of performance and longevity, suitable for drivers looking for a reliable all-season option.
Comparison to Leading Competitors
- Wet Performance: The Alenza AS Ultra offers good wet traction and hydroplaning resistance but falls slightly short of the top performers in this category.
- Dry Performance: In dry conditions, this tire holds its own with strong corner stability and traction, comparable to the best in the market.
- Comfort and Noise: It provides a comfortable and relatively quiet ride, though some competitors might offer a slightly quieter experience.
- Treadwear: While not the most durable, its treadwear is respectable and competitive among all-season tires.
Pros
- Excellent dry traction and corner stability
- Reliable wet traction with good hydroplaning resistance
- Comfortable ride with minimal noise
- Good overall durability for an all-season tire
Cons
- Winter performance could be better, especially in deep snow and ice
- Treadwear is good but not the longest-lasting among competitors
- Slightly noisier than the quietest options available
The Verdict
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a well-rounded tire that delivers solid performance across various driving conditions. It shines in dry handling and offers good comfort and wet traction. While its winter performance and treadwear aren’t the best in class, it’s still a dependable choice for drivers seeking a balanced, all-season tire for their SUV or crossover.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Problems
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a solid performer in many respects, but like any tire, it has its share of potential issues. Being aware of these drawbacks can help you make a more informed decision based on your specific driving needs and preferences.
- Increased Road Noise: One of the more frequent complaints about the Alenza AS Ultra is the level of road noise, especially at highway speeds. Although it’s designed to balance performance and comfort, some users find it noisier than expected for a touring tire.
- Ride Comfort: While generally providing a smooth ride, some drivers feel that the ride quality isn’t as soft as they would like, especially on rougher roads. This firmer feel can be attributed to the tire’s construction aimed at enhancing durability and handling.
- Varied Tread Life: The Alenza AS Ultra is built to last, but user experiences with tread life vary. Some drivers report that the tire wears out faster than anticipated, particularly under heavier vehicles or more aggressive driving conditions. Proper tire maintenance is crucial to getting the most out of its lifespan.
- Warranty Concerns: There have been instances where users felt that the treadwear warranty did not fully meet their expectations, especially when the tire wore out sooner than the warranty period. Ensuring regular maintenance and proper driving habits can help mitigate this issue.
- Ice Traction: While the Alenza AS Ultra handles light snow reasonably well, its performance on ice isn’t as strong. This tire might struggle in severe winter conditions compared to dedicated winter tires, which could be a concern for drivers in icy climates.
- Comparison to Alternatives: When compared to other leading tires in the Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season category, the Alenza AS Ultra performs admirably in many areas but may fall short in comfort and noise reduction. If you prioritize a quieter, more comfortable ride, there might be better options available.
The Bottomline
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra offers many benefits, including good dry and wet performance, and a comfortable ride. However, potential buyers should be aware of its road noise, variable tread life, and limitations in severe winter conditions. By considering these factors, you can better determine if this tire aligns with your driving needs.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Alternatives
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a strong contender in the Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire category. However, if you’re considering other options, here are three top alternatives that offer different strengths and might better suit your driving needs.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a versatile all-season tire that excels in a variety of conditions, making it a strong competitor to the Alenza AS Ultra.
Wet and Dry Performance
- Wet Traction: With a wet traction rating of 9.5, the WeatherActive outperforms the Alenza AS Ultra, providing superior grip in rainy conditions.
- Dry Handling: It also excels in dry conditions, with a dry traction rating of 9.6, offering better corner stability and steering response compared to the Alenza AS Ultra.
Winter Performance
- Snow and Ice Traction: The WeatherActive performs admirably in winter conditions, with excellent traction in light and deep snow, and decent ice traction. This makes it a better choice for drivers who frequently face harsh winter weather.
Comfort and Noise
- Ride Quality: With a comfort rating of 9.2, the WeatherActive offers a smoother and quieter ride compared to the Alenza AS Ultra.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall Rating
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is another strong alternative, balancing performance, comfort, and durability.
Wet and Dry Performance
- Wet Traction: With a wet traction rating of 9.2, the CrossContact LX25 is slightly better in wet conditions than the Alenza AS Ultra.
- Dry Handling: Its dry traction and corner stability ratings are on par with the Alenza AS Ultra, ensuring reliable performance on dry roads.
Winter Performance
- Winter Traction: The CrossContact LX25 performs adequately in light snow, but its deep snow and ice traction are similar to the Alenza AS Ultra, making it suitable for moderate winter conditions.
Comfort and Noise
- Ride Comfort: The CrossContact LX25 provides a comfortable and quiet ride, with a noise rating of 9.1, slightly better than the Alenza AS Ultra.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is designed for drivers seeking excellent all-season performance with a focus on safety and comfort.
Wet and Dry Performance
- Wet Traction: With a wet traction rating of 9.4, it offers better wet performance than the Alenza AS Ultra.
- Dry Handling: The CrossClimate SUV excels in dry conditions, with superior dry traction and corner stability.
Winter Performance
- Winter Capability: It handles light snow well but may not be as effective in deep snow or icy conditions compared to dedicated winter tires. Still, it’s comparable to the Alenza AS Ultra in most winter scenarios.
Comfort and Noise
- Ride Quality: The CrossClimate SUV provides a smooth ride with low noise levels, although it might be slightly less comfortable than some competitors due to its performance-oriented design.
Each of these alternatives offers unique strengths, from superior wet and dry performance to better comfort and winter capabilities. Depending on your driving conditions and preferences, these options might provide the specific benefits you’re looking for in an all-season tire.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra stands out with its excellent dry handling, solid wet traction, and comfortable ride. It’s a dependable choice for those who prioritize a smooth driving experience and good overall performance in most conditions. However, it does fall short in severe winter conditions, and its treadwear isn’t the longest-lasting among its peers.
While the Alenza AS Ultra may not be the absolute best in every category, it holds its own as a well-rounded, all-season tire. If you’re looking for a reliable tire for your SUV or crossover that performs well in various conditions, this tire is a strong contender.
Good luck and happy motoring.
