Are you torn between the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2? These two tires cater to different needs and driving conditions, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra excels in providing a quiet, comfortable ride for SUVs and crossovers, while the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 offers superior durability and performance for trucks in various conditions, including light off-roading.
In this article, we’ll compare the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 in terms of their performance in wet and dry conditions, comfort, treadwear, and off-road capabilities to help you decide which tire is the best fit for your driving 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 crafted for drivers who need an all-season tire that offers a balanced mix of performance, comfort, and longevity. Designed specifically for SUVs and crossovers, this tire promises a smooth and quiet ride, along with reliable handling in various weather conditions.
Key Features
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is your reliable partner for year-round driving. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a family trip, this tire is built to provide consistent performance, safety, and comfort. Its ability to handle various weather conditions makes it a dependable choice for SUV and crossover drivers.
- All-Season Performance: The Alenza AS Ultra’s tread design and compound provide solid traction in wet, dry, and light snowy conditions.
- Comfort and Quiet Ride: Featuring Bridgestone’s QuietTrack technology, this tire minimizes road noise, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
- Durability: Constructed with a robust design and advanced materials, this tire offers a long tread life.
- Enhanced Wet Performance: The tire’s circumferential grooves help channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
Performance Breakdown
Wet Performance (8.9)
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.9
- Wet Traction: 9.0
In wet conditions, the Alenza AS Ultra holds its own. While its scores are slightly lower than the top competitors, it still offers dependable traction and resistance to hydroplaning, keeping you secure on rainy days.
Dry Performance (9.2)
- Corner Stability: 9.1
- Dry Traction: 9.3
- Steering Response: 9.1
On dry roads, this tire excels with strong corner stability and responsive steering. Driving feels controlled and confident, making it a joy to navigate highways and city streets alike.
Winter/Snow Performance (7.9)
- Light Snow Traction: 8.2
- Deep Snow Traction: 7.9
- Ice Traction: 7.5
The Alenza AS Ultra performs adequately in light snow but struggles more with deep snow and ice. It’s like having decent winter boots—they work well for moderate conditions but aren’t ideal for extreme winter weather.
Comfort (8.6)
- Ride Quality: 8.7
- Noise: 8.4
This tire provides a comfortable and relatively quiet ride, thanks to its noise-reducing technology. It’s designed to smooth out the bumps, making your drive more pleasant.
Treadwear (8.2)
The Alenza AS Ultra is built for durability, but it doesn’t quite match the leaders in tread life. It still offers good value over time but might wear out a bit sooner compared to top-tier options.
Pros
- Excellent dry performance
- Good wet traction
- Comfortable and quiet ride
Cons
- Mediocre performance in deep snow and on ice
- Slightly lower treadwear compared to leading competitors
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a solid choice for SUV and crossover drivers who prioritize a comfortable, quiet ride and reliable performance in most conditions. However, if you often drive in harsh winter conditions or need maximum tread life, you might want to consider other options.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.1 of 10
Wet Weather
9.3 of 10
Winter Weather
8.7 of 10
All Terrain
8.0 of 10
Tread Wear
9.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.7 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 820
UTQG Traction Rating: B
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 8.4 of 10
Mud Grip: 7.8 of 10
Sand Grip: 7.8 of 10
Rock Grip: 8.2 of 10
Hydroplaning: 9.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.4 of 10
Cornering: 9.7 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.7 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.6 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.4 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.6 of 10
Road Noise: 9.3 of 10
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is engineered for truck owners seeking a tire that offers superior durability, comfort, and performance on the highway. Designed to handle the demands of light trucks, SUVs, and crossover vehicles, this tire delivers excellent traction, longevity, and a smooth ride.
Key Features
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is your go-to tire for highway driving and light off-road adventures. Whether you’re hauling a heavy load or cruising on the interstate, this tire is designed to provide safety, reliability, and comfort. Its ability to handle various weather conditions makes it a versatile choice for truck and SUV owners.
- Highway All-Season Performance: The Defender LTX M/S2 features a tread design and compound that provide exceptional traction in wet, dry, and light snowy conditions.
- Comfort and Quiet Ride: This tire is crafted to reduce road noise and vibrations, ensuring a comfortable and quiet driving experience.
- Durability and Long Tread Life: With Michelin’s MaxTouch Construction, the Defender LTX M/S2 is built to last, offering a long tread life and even wear.
- Enhanced Wet Performance: The tire’s advanced tread pattern and sipes enhance grip and reduce the risk of hydroplaning, offering excellent performance in wet conditions.
- Off-Road Capability: While primarily a highway tire, the Defender LTX M/S2 can handle light off-road conditions such as dirt, sand, and gravel.
Performance Breakdown
Off-Road Performance (8.4)
- Dirt: 8.7
- Sand: 8.2
- Mud: 8.0
- Rock: 8.7
The Defender LTX M/S2 handles light off-road conditions with ease. While it’s not designed for extreme off-roading, it performs well on dirt roads and gravel paths, offering decent traction and stability.
Wet Performance (9.4)
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.4
- Wet Traction: 9.4
In wet conditions, this tire excels. Its high hydroplaning resistance and wet traction scores ensure you stay secure and in control, even during heavy rain.
Dry Performance (9.6)
- Corner Stability: 9.6
- Dry Traction: 9.7
- Steering Response: 9.5
On dry roads, the Defender LTX M/S2 is outstanding. It offers excellent corner stability, dry traction, and steering response, making highway driving smooth and confident.
Winter/Snow Performance (8.7)
- Light Snow Traction: 8.9
- Deep Snow Traction: 8.8
- Ice Traction: 8.5
This tire performs well in winter conditions, particularly in light and deep snow. Its ice traction is also commendable, though not as high as its other winter scores. It’s like having a reliable winter coat—good for most cold weather but not the absolute best for icy conditions.
Comfort (9.4)
- Ride Quality: 9.5
- Noise: 9.3
The Defender LTX M/S2 offers a very comfortable and quiet ride. It’s designed to minimize road noise and provide a smooth driving experience, making long trips more enjoyable.
Treadwear (9.5)
This tire is built to last. With a treadwear rating of 9.5, you can expect it to deliver excellent mileage, providing great value over time.
Pros
- Outstanding dry and wet performance
- Excellent treadwear and longevity
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Good light off-road capability
Cons
- Slightly lower ice traction compared to other winter performance metrics
- Not ideal for extreme off-road conditions
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is a top choice for truck and SUV owners who need a durable, reliable tire for highway driving and occasional light off-roading. Its excellent performance in wet and dry conditions, combined with its comfortable ride and long tread life, make it a standout option. However, if you frequently encounter icy roads or need a tire for extreme off-roading, you might want to explore other alternatives.
Comparative Analysis
When choosing the right tire for your SUV or truck, the devil is in the details. Both the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 offer robust features for the discerning driver, but their strengths cater to slightly different driving preferences and priorities. Let’s break it down to help you decide which tire might be the best fit for your ride.
Performance in Wet Conditions
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroplaning Resistance | 8.9 | 9.4 |
| Wet Traction | 9.0 | 9.4 |
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 takes the lead in wet conditions with higher scores in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. This means the Michelin offers better performance in rainy conditions, making it more suitable for areas prone to heavy rains or for drivers who prioritize safety and control on wet roads.
Dry Traction and Handling
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Stability | 9.1 | 9.6 |
| Dry Traction | 9.3 | 9.7 |
| Steering Response | 9.1 | 9.5 |
Both tires perform excellently on dry roads, but the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 slightly outperforms the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra with higher scores in corner stability, dry traction, and steering response. If you enjoy a spirited drive and need a tire that responds well to aggressive steering, the Michelin might be your best bet.
Comfort and Noise
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Quality | 8.7 | 9.5 |
| Noise | 8.4 | 9.3 |
On the comfort front, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 excels with higher scores in ride quality and noise reduction. If you spend significant time in your vehicle and prefer a tranquil journey, the Michelin provides a more comfortable and quieter ride.
Treadwear and Durability
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Treadwear | 8.2 | 9.5 |
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 leads in treadwear and durability, making it a longer-lasting option compared to the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. For those who rack up high mileage or prefer a tire that offers excellent longevity, the Michelin is a superior choice.
Overall Recommendation
- Choose Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra if: You prioritize a balanced all-season performance for your SUV or crossover, and comfort and quietness are crucial for your regular driving experience. This tire is ideal for drivers who seek a reliable all-rounder without the need for extreme winter or off-road performance.
- Opt for Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 if: You need top-notch performance in both wet and dry conditions, superior comfort, and long-lasting durability. This tire suits drivers who frequently encounter rainy conditions, enjoy a spirited drive, or demand a quiet and comfortable ride for their truck or SUV.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 are strong contenders, the tire market is bustling with alternatives that might better align with specific needs or budgets. Let’s explore a few other players in the all-season SUV/crossover and highway all-season truck tire categories and see how they stack up.
All-Season SUV/Crossover Tires
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Performance Ratings:
- Wet: 9.5 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.4, Wet Traction: 9.5)
- Dry: 9.5 (Corner Stability: 9.5, Dry Traction: 9.6, Steering Response: 9.4)
- Winter/Snow: 9.1 (Light Snow Traction: 9.4, Deep Snow Traction: 9.2, Ice Traction: 8.7)
- Comfort: 9.2 (Ride Quality: 9.3, Noise: 9.1)
- Treadwear: 9.2
Pros: Exceptional performance in wet and dry conditions, excellent winter capability, and high comfort levels.
Cons: Higher price point.
Ideal Usage: Perfect for drivers in areas with varied weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow.
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Performance Ratings:
- Wet: 9.1 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.0, Wet Traction: 9.1)
- Dry: 9.2 (Corner Stability: 9.1, Dry Traction: 9.3, Steering Response: 9.1)
- Winter/Snow: 8.2 (Light Snow Traction: 8.6, Deep Snow Traction: 8.2, Ice Traction: 7.9)
- Comfort: 8.8 (Ride Quality: 9.0, Noise: 8.6)
- Treadwear: 9.0
Pros: Solid all-around performance, good comfort, and quiet ride.
Cons: Average winter performance.
Ideal Usage: Great for drivers seeking a reliable, comfortable all-season tire without extreme winter driving needs.
Highway All-Season Truck Tires
Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT
Performance Ratings:
- Offroad: 8.2 (Dirt: 8.4, Sand: 8.1, Mud: 8.1, Rock: 8.2)
- Wet: 9.3 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.3, Wet Traction: 9.3)
- Dry: 9.4 (Corner Stability: 9.3, Dry Traction: 9.6, Steering Response: 9.3)
- Winter/Snow: 8.7 (Light Snow Traction: 8.9, Deep Snow Traction: 9.1, Ice Traction: 8.2)
- Comfort: 9.1 (Ride Quality: 9.2, Noise: 9.0)
- Treadwear: 9.1
Pros: Excellent performance in wet and dry conditions, good off-road capability.
Cons: Slightly lower ice traction.
Ideal Usage: Ideal for drivers needing a balance of highway performance and light off-road capability.
Continental TerrainContact H/T
Performance Ratings:
- Offroad: 8.3 (Dirt: 8.5, Sand: 8.2, Mud: 8.0, Rock: 8.4)
- Wet: 9.2 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.1, Wet Traction: 9.2)
- Dry: 9.3 (Corner Stability: 9.3, Dry Traction: 9.4, Steering Response: 9.2)
- Winter/Snow: 8.2 (Light Snow Traction: 8.7, Deep Snow Traction: 8.2, Ice Traction: 7.9)
- Comfort: 9.1 (Ride Quality: 9.1, Noise: 9.1)
- Treadwear: 9.0
Pros: Strong performance across various conditions, good comfort and noise levels.
Cons: Lower performance on ice.
Ideal Usage: Best for drivers seeking a versatile tire for both highway and light off-road use.
Each of these alternatives offers a unique set of features that cater to different driving styles and priorities:
- For Exceptional All-Season Performance: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive offers top-notch performance in all weather conditions, making it ideal for drivers who encounter heavy rain and snow.
- For Balanced Value: The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 offers a reliable all-around performance at a reasonable price, perfect for drivers who want a good balance of comfort and traction without needing extreme winter capabilities.
- For Highway and Light Off-Road Use: The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT provides excellent highway performance and decent off-road capability, making it suitable for drivers who need versatility.
- For Versatile Performance: The Continental TerrainContact H/T is great for those who need a tire that performs well on both highways and light off-road conditions.
All-Season vs Highway Tires
When choosing tires, it’s crucial to understand that different types of tires are designed to meet specific vehicle and driving needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and the pros and cons of all-season SUV/crossover tires and highway all-season truck tires.
All-Season Tires
Pros
- Quiet and Comfortable Ride: These tires are designed to minimize road noise and provide a smooth driving experience, making them ideal for long highway drives and daily commutes.
- All-Season Performance: They offer reliable traction in wet, dry, and light snowy conditions, providing versatility for year-round use.
- Handling and Stability: Excellent corner stability and steering response ensure safe and controlled driving on city streets and highways.
Cons
- Winter Performance: While adequate for light snow, these tires may struggle in deep snow and icy conditions, making them less suitable for harsh winters.
- Treadwear: Their treadwear rating is decent but not exceptional, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan compared to some competitors.
Highway Tires
Pros
- Durability and Longevity: These tires are known for their long tread life, making them a cost-effective choice over time for high-mileage drivers.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Superior traction and stability in both wet and dry conditions make these tires reliable in various weather scenarios.
- Off-Road Capability: Although primarily designed for highway use, they can handle light off-road conditions such as dirt and gravel, providing added versatility.
Cons
- Noise Levels: While quieter than many truck tires, they may not be as silent as some all-season SUV/crossover tires.
- Cost: Typically, these tires come at a higher price point, reflecting their premium features and long-lasting performance.
Comparing the Two Types
When deciding between these two types of tires, consider the following factors:
- Vehicle Type: All-season SUV/crossover tires are tailored to the needs of SUVs and crossovers, offering a balance of comfort and performance. Highway all-season truck tires are built to handle the heavier loads and occasional off-road adventures of trucks.
- Driving Conditions: All-season SUV/crossover tires excel in providing a quiet, smooth ride, perfect for urban and highway driving. Highway all-season truck tires are better suited for diverse conditions, including light off-roading and wet weather.
- Longevity and Cost: Highway all-season truck tires typically offer greater durability and a longer tread life, which can justify their higher initial cost. All-season SUV/crossover tires, while offering good performance, may require more frequent replacements, impacting long-term cost efficiency.
Understanding these differences helps you choose the tire that best aligns with your driving habits and needs, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
- Bridgestone Product Page
- Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season Tire Consumer Ratings – Tire Rack
- Michelin Product Page
- Highway All-Season Truck Tire Consumer Ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 depends largely on your specific driving needs. The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is an excellent choice for SUV and crossover drivers who value a quiet, comfortable ride and reliable all-season performance. On the other hand, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 offers superior durability, excellent wet and dry performance, and a quiet ride, making it ideal for truck owners who drive in various conditions, including light off-roading.
Ultimately, both tires are excellent in their respective categories, and understanding your driving habits and priorities will help you make the best decision.
Good luck and happy motoring.
