Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Review: The All-Season Tire That Does It All

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The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is an all-season touring tire designed for drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossovers. It combines advanced technology with a focus on comfort, handling, and year-round traction. Key features of the Alenza AS Ultra include:

• Optimized tread pattern with high-density siping for enhanced traction on wet and light snow surfaces
• Proprietary NanoPro-Tech compound that enhances grip and wear resistance
• Circumferential grooves and lateral notches for efficient water evacuation and hydroplaning resistance
• Symmetric tread design with continuous center rib for improved stability and responsiveness
• Twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon for durability and uniform ride quality

Bridgestone positions the Alenza AS Ultra as a premium all-season tire that delivers a sophisticated driving experience with confident control in varying weather conditions. Its blend of performance and comfort makes it a popular choice for drivers seeking a capable year-round touring tire.

Performance on Different Road Conditions

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is an all-season tire designed to provide reliable performance across a variety of road conditions. On dry pavement, the tire’s advanced tread compound and optimized tread pattern deliver excellent grip and responsive handling. The tread blocks are engineered to provide enhanced cornering stability and precise steering response, ensuring a confident driving experience.

In wet conditions, the Alenza AS Ultra’s advanced siping and circumferential grooves effectively evacuate water from the tread area, promoting hydroplaning resistance and maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. The tire’s wet braking performance is also impressive, providing shorter stopping distances and enhanced control during sudden maneuvers.

When it comes to winter performance, the Alenza AS Ultra’s specialized tread compound and sipe design offer improved traction on snow-covered roads. The tire’s biting edges and increased edge effect enhance grip, allowing for better acceleration, braking, and cornering on snowy surfaces. However, it’s important to note that while the Alenza AS Ultra provides capable snow traction for an all-season tire, dedicated winter tires are still recommended for optimal performance in severe winter conditions.

On icy surfaces, the Alenza AS Ultra’s performance is respectable for an all-season tire, but it may struggle to match the grip and control offered by dedicated winter tires. The tire’s compound and tread design provide some traction on ice, but caution and reduced speeds are advised when driving on icy roads.

Overall, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra delivers well-rounded performance across various road conditions, striking a balance between dry and wet traction, as well as providing capable handling in light winter conditions. Its versatility makes it a suitable choice for drivers seeking a reliable all-season tire for their vehicles.

Tread Life and Durability

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is designed to deliver excellent tread life and durability, thanks to its advanced tread compound and innovative design features. This tire is engineered to provide long-lasting performance, even under demanding driving conditions.

One of the key factors contributing to the tire’s impressive tread life is its high-density, silica-enriched tread compound. This compound is formulated to resist wear and tear, ensuring that the tire maintains its tread depth and grip for an extended period. Additionally, the tire’s optimized tread pattern and uniform wear characteristics help to prolong its lifespan.

Bridgestone backs the Alenza AS Ultra with a generous treadwear warranty, which is a testament to the company’s confidence in the tire’s durability. The warranty covers the tire for a specified number of miles, depending on the specific model and size. If the tire wears out prematurely, Bridgestone will replace it or provide a prorated credit towards a new set of tires.

Another factor that contributes to the tire’s durability is its resistance to various types of wear. The Alenza AS Ultra is designed to withstand the effects of heat buildup, which can cause premature tread wear and degradation. Its reinforced internal structure helps to dissipate heat effectively, ensuring that the tire maintains its structural integrity and performance over time.

Furthermore, the tire’s tread pattern is engineered to resist irregular wear patterns, such as cupping or feathering. These types of wear can lead to uneven tread depth and reduced traction, but the Alenza AS Ultra’s optimized design helps to minimize these issues, promoting even wear across the entire tread surface.

Overall, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a tire that delivers exceptional tread life and durability, backed by a comprehensive warranty and engineered to withstand the rigors of everyday driving. With its long-lasting performance and resistance to various types of wear, this tire offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for drivers seeking a high-quality all-season tire.

Ride Comfort and Noise Levels

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra delivers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride quality, thanks to its advanced tire construction and tread design. The tire’s internal structure, featuring twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon, provides excellent shock absorption capabilities, effectively dampening vibrations from the road surface.

On smooth highways and well-maintained city streets, the Alenza AS Ultra offers a luxuriously quiet ride, with minimal road noise penetrating the cabin. This quietness enhances the overall driving experience, making long journeys more enjoyable and reducing fatigue.

However, when driving on rougher surfaces, such as poorly maintained roads or gravel, the tire’s tread pattern can generate slightly more audible noise compared to its performance on pristine pavement. This is a common trade-off for all-season tires, which prioritize versatility over specialized performance in any single condition.

Despite the potential for increased noise on certain surfaces, the Alenza AS Ultra remains remarkably comfortable and composed, thanks to its advanced tread design and internal construction. The tire’s computer-optimized tread pattern effectively dissipates road vibrations, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride, even over rough patches or uneven terrain.

Overall, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and noise levels, making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a refined and enjoyable driving experience, regardless of the road conditions they encounter.

Sizing and Fitment Options

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs. Sizes range from 16-inch to 22-inch wheel diameters, with various section widths and aspect ratios to accommodate different vehicle specifications.

When selecting the right size for your vehicle, it’s essential to consult your owner’s manual or a professional tire installer to ensure proper fitment. Choosing the correct size is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, handling, and safety.

For those interested in plus-sizing, which involves fitting larger diameter wheels and tires than the vehicle’s original equipment, the Alenza AS Ultra offers several options. Plus-sizing can enhance your vehicle’s appearance and potentially improve handling and stability, but it’s essential to consider factors such as clearance, load-carrying capacity, and speedometer accuracy.

Bridgestone provides a comprehensive fitment guide on their website, allowing you to enter your vehicle’s make, model, and year to find the recommended tire sizes. Additionally, many tire retailers and installers can assist you in selecting the appropriate size based on your driving needs and preferences.

Pricing and Value for Money

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a premium all-season tire, and its pricing reflects that positioning. Depending on the size and retailer, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300 per tire. While this may seem steep upfront, the Alenza AS Ultra offers excellent value when considering its overall performance and longevity.

In terms of cost per mile, the Alenza AS Ultra shines. With its durable tread compound and advanced construction, this tire can easily deliver 60,000 to 80,000 miles of service life. When you break down the cost over that many miles, the price per mile becomes quite reasonable, especially for a tire in the ultra-high-performance all-season category.

Compared to its direct competitors from brands like Michelin, Continental, and Pirelli, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is priced competitively. In some cases, it may even be slightly more affordable than comparable models from those premium brands. Yet, the Alenza AS Ultra doesn’t sacrifice performance or quality, making it an excellent value proposition.

Furthermore, Bridgestone backs the Alenza AS Ultra with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, adding to its overall value. This warranty coverage gives you peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected against premature wear.

While the upfront cost may be higher than some budget-friendly all-season tires, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra’s exceptional performance, durability, and long-term value make it a worthwhile investment for drivers seeking a top-tier all-season tire solution.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

• Excellent all-season traction on dry, wet, and light snow conditions
• Impressive hydroplaning resistance and wet braking performance
• Long-lasting tread life backed by a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
• Comfortable and quiet ride quality, even at higher speeds
• Available in a wide range of sizes for various vehicle types

Cons:

• Not recommended for severe winter conditions or deep snow
• Slightly higher rolling resistance can impact fuel efficiency
• Premium pricing compared to some other all-season tire options
• Limited sizes available for larger trucks or performance vehicles
• Tread life may be shorter in harsher driving conditions or climates

Who Should Consider the Alenza AS Ultra?

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a high-performance all-season tire that excels in various driving conditions. This tire is particularly well-suited for those who frequently encounter wet or light snow conditions, as it provides outstanding traction and handling in these environments.

The Alenza AS Ultra is an ideal option for owners of sedans, coupes, crossovers, and SUVs. Its versatile design and capabilities make it a great fit for a wide range of vehicle types, ensuring a comfortable and confident driving experience regardless of the road conditions.

Drivers who prioritize safety and want a tire that can handle unexpected weather changes will appreciate the Alenza AS Ultra’s reliable performance. Its advanced tread compound and design ensure excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces, while its ability to handle light snow conditions adds an extra layer of confidence during the winter months.

Furthermore, the Alenza AS Ultra is a suitable choice for those who value a quiet and comfortable ride. Its advanced noise-canceling technology and optimized tread design contribute to a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, even on rough or uneven roads.

Overall, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded, high-performance all-season tire that can handle various driving conditions while providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

How Does It Compare to Other All-Season Tires?

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a premium all-season tire that competes with other top-tier options like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S, Continental CrossContact LX25, and Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring. In terms of performance, the Alenza AS Ultra holds its own against these rivals, offering excellent traction and handling on both dry and wet roads.

One area where the Alenza AS Ultra shines is its wet weather performance. Its advanced tread compound and design provide superior hydroplaning resistance and braking on slippery surfaces, outperforming many competitors in this regard. However, it may fall slightly behind the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in terms of overall wet traction.

On dry roads, the Alenza AS Ultra delivers responsive handling and cornering grip, making it a capable performer for spirited driving. Its steering responsiveness and stability at higher speeds are on par with the Continental CrossContact LX25, though the Michelin may have a slight edge in dry grip.

When it comes to value, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra strikes a good balance between performance and cost. While it may be slightly more expensive than some budget-friendly options, its combination of capabilities and expected tread life make it a worthwhile investment for many drivers. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S and Continental CrossContact LX25 tend to be priced higher, though they may offer marginally better overall performance.

Ultimately, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a well-rounded all-season tire that delivers excellent performance across various conditions. While it may not be the outright leader in every category, its blend of capabilities, durability, and value make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a high-quality, versatile tire for their vehicle.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra has received generally positive reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across various online retailers and forums. Many drivers praise the tire’s impressive performance in wet and snowy conditions, providing excellent traction and handling even in challenging weather.

Customers also commend the Alenza AS Ultra’s quiet and comfortable ride quality, with many reporting a noticeable reduction in road noise compared to their previous tires. The tire’s durability and tread life have also been highlighted, with several owners reporting excellent wear characteristics even after tens of thousands of miles.

On the other hand, some customers have criticized the tire’s performance on dry roads, stating that it may not provide the same level of grip and responsiveness as dedicated summer tires. Additionally, a few users have reported experiencing rapid wear or uneven tread wear, which could be attributed to improper tire maintenance or alignment issues.

Overall, the vast majority of customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many drivers praising the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra’s well-rounded performance, versatility, and value for money in the all-season tire category.

Conclusion and Overall Rating

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is an impressive all-season tire that delivers exceptional performance across various driving conditions. With its advanced tread compound and innovative design, it strikes a remarkable balance between dry, wet, and light snow traction, ensuring confident driving no matter the weather.

One of the standout features of the Alenza AS Ultra is its exceptional hydroplaning resistance. The wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches efficiently evacuate water from the tire’s footprint, providing a reassuring grip on wet roads. Additionally, the tire’s winter-ready capabilities make it a reliable choice for light snow conditions, eliminating the need for dedicated winter tires in milder climates.

Ride comfort is another area where the Alenza AS Ultra shines. Its sophisticated tread design and advanced construction minimize road noise, resulting in a smooth and quiet ride, even at higher speeds. Furthermore, the tire’s durability and tread life are impressive, ensuring long-lasting performance and value for your investment.

Overall, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra receives an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating. Its well-rounded performance, exceptional wet and light snow capabilities, comfortable ride, and long tread life make it an excellent choice for drivers seeking a versatile and reliable all-season tire. Whether you’re tackling daily commutes or embarking on long road trips, the Alenza AS Ultra is a tire you can trust to provide a confident and enjoyable driving experience.