When it comes to all-season tires, two heavyweights stand out in the market: the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin CrossClimate 2. These premium offerings have captured the attention of drivers seeking year-round performance and versatility. In this comprehensive comparison of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Michelin CrossClimate 2, we’ll delve into the key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of each tire.
Both tires boast advanced technologies designed to tackle a wide range of weather conditions, from scorching summer heat to light winter snow. The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra showcases a unique tread compound and design aimed at delivering excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces, while also improving snow and ice traction compared to traditional all-season tires. On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 introduces an innovative V-shaped tread pattern and advanced silica-based compound, promising superior performance across various weather conditions and bridging the gap between all-season and winter tires.
As we explore these two exceptional tires, we’ll examine their construction, dry and wet road performance, winter capabilities, ride comfort, and overall value. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend adventurer, or somewhere in between, this comparison will help you determine which tire best suits your driving needs and preferences. So, buckle up as we take a deep dive into the world of premium all-season tires and uncover the strengths of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Introduction: All-Season Tire Showdown
All-season tires are a popular choice for drivers seeking a versatile and reliable tire that can handle a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Unlike dedicated summer or winter tires, all-season tires are designed to provide a balanced performance across dry, wet, and light snow conditions, making them a convenient option for those who don’t want to swap tires with the changing seasons.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll be pitting two of the most popular and highly-regarded all-season tires against each other: the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin CrossClimate 2. Both tires are known for their exceptional performance and durability, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a premium all-season tire that boasts advanced technologies for enhanced traction, handling, and comfort. It features a unique tread compound and design that aims to provide excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces, while also offering improved snow and ice traction compared to traditional all-season tires.
On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a game-changer in the all-season tire market. Michelin’s innovative V-shaped tread pattern and advanced silica-based compound are designed to deliver superior performance in various weather conditions, including light snow. The CrossClimate 2 aims to bridge the gap between dedicated winter and all-season tires, offering a true four-season capability.
As we delve deeper into this comparison, we’ll evaluate these two exceptional tires across various performance metrics, including dry and wet road handling, winter and snow traction, ride comfort, noise levels, treadwear, and overall value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tire best suits your driving needs and preferences, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience all year round.
Tire Construction and Design
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 features distinct construction and design elements contributing to their overall performance characteristics.
Casing: Both tires employ a reinforced casing with high-strength steel belts for enhanced durability and stability. However, Bridgestone’s proprietary TurnIn Ply casing design optimizes the contact patch for improved cornering and responsiveness.
Belt Package: The Alenza AS Ultra utilizes a twin steel belt package with spirally wrapped nylon for increased strength and reduced tread movement at higher speeds. In contrast, the CrossClimate 2 features Michelin’s EverGrip technology, which combines two different compounds in the tread for enhanced grip and wear resistance.
Tread Design: The Alenza AS Ultra’s symmetric tread pattern with wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches promotes efficient water evacuation and wet traction. Conversely, the CrossClimate 2 boasts Michelin’s unique V-shaped tread design with deep, interlocking sipes and biting edges for enhanced snow and ice performance.
Compounding: Bridgestone employs a specialized silica-enriched compound in the Alenza AS Ultra, improving traction on wet surfaces while maintaining low rolling resistance. Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 features a proprietary silica-based compound with high-density 3D interlocking sipes, providing exceptional grip in various weather conditions.
These distinct construction and design elements contribute to the unique performance characteristics of each tire, catering to specific driving needs and preferences.
Dry Road Performance
When it comes to dry road performance, both the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 deliver impressive capabilities. However, there are some notable differences between the two.
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra excels in dry grip, thanks to its advanced silica-enhanced tread compound and optimized tread pattern. This tire provides excellent traction on dry surfaces, ensuring confident handling and responsive steering. During hard acceleration or emergency braking situations, the Alenza AS Ultra maintains its composure, delivering reliable grip and shorter stopping distances.
On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is no slouch in the dry. Its unique tread design, featuring deep grooves and biting edges, provides exceptional dry road traction. While the CrossClimate 2 may not match the outright dry grip of the Alenza AS Ultra, it offers a well-balanced performance, combining dry road capability with impressive wet and winter traction.
In terms of handling and steering response, both tires perform admirably on dry pavement. The Alenza AS Ultra’s responsive nature and precise steering feel make it a favorite among driving enthusiasts, while the CrossClimate 2’s predictable handling characteristics inspire confidence in various driving situations.
When it comes to dry braking performance, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra has a slight edge. Its tread compound and pattern work in tandem to provide shorter stopping distances, especially in emergency situations. However, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is no slouch in this regard, offering reliable and consistent braking performance on dry roads.
Overall, while the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra holds a slight advantage in outright dry grip and braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 delivers a well-rounded dry road performance that should satisfy most drivers’ needs.
Wet Road Performance
Both the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 are designed to provide reliable wet road performance, but they achieve this through slightly different approaches.
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra features a full-depth siping pattern and advanced silica-enriched tread compound that work together to evacuate water from the tire’s footprint and enhance wet traction. Its unique tread block geometry and biting edges help the tire maintain grip on slick surfaces, improving braking and handling in rainy conditions. Additionally, the Alenza AS Ultra has earned strong ratings for hydroplaning resistance, allowing it to plow through deep standing water with confidence.
On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 employs a combination of 3D interlocking sipes and deep circumferential grooves to effectively channel water away from the contact patch. Its proprietary EverGrip compound enhances traction on wet roads, while the tire’s rigid tread blocks provide stability and control during hard braking or sudden maneuvers. Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 has also demonstrated excellent hydroplaning resistance, thanks to its specially designed tread pattern that helps disperse water efficiently.
In real-world wet driving scenarios, both tires perform admirably, offering reliable grip and short stopping distances on rain-soaked surfaces. However, some independent tests suggest that the Michelin CrossClimate 2 may have a slight edge in terms of outright wet traction and braking performance, particularly on flooded roads or during heavy downpours. Nonetheless, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is no slouch in these conditions and provides a confident, surefooted driving experience in wet weather.
Winter/Snow Performance
Both the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and Michelin CrossClimate 2 are branded as all-season tires, but their performance in winter and snowy conditions is a crucial factor for many drivers. In this section, we’ll dive into how these two tires fare when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Snow Traction
When it comes to snow traction, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a distinct advantage. Its unique tread pattern, featuring deep grooves and biting edges, is designed to bite into snow and provide reliable grip. The CrossClimate 2 also incorporates Michelin’s proprietary silica-based tread compound, which remains pliable in cold temperatures, further enhancing its snow performance.
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra, while capable in light snow, may struggle to match the CrossClimate 2’s snow traction in deeper or more challenging conditions. Its tread pattern, while effective for all-season use, is not optimized specifically for severe winter weather.
Ice Braking
When it comes to braking on icy surfaces, both tires perform reasonably well for their all-season category. However, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 again has an edge due to its specialized tread compound and design. Its ability to maintain flexibility in cold temperatures translates to better grip on icy roads, resulting in shorter braking distances.
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra’s ice braking performance is decent, but it may not inspire the same level of confidence as the CrossClimate 2 in extreme icy conditions.
Cold Weather Pliability
One of the key factors in winter tire performance is the ability of the tread compound to remain pliable in cold temperatures. A pliable tread ensures better grip and traction, while a stiff tread can lead to reduced performance and potential safety issues.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 excels in this area, thanks to its advanced silica-based tread compound. This compound is engineered to maintain its flexibility and grip even in sub-freezing temperatures, providing consistent performance throughout the winter months.
While the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is designed for all-season use, its tread compound may stiffen more in extreme cold compared to the CrossClimate 2. This could potentially impact its winter performance, especially in prolonged cold snaps or in regions with particularly harsh winters.
Ride Comfort and Noise
Both the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 are designed to provide a comfortable and quiet ride, but they achieve this in slightly different ways.
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra features a unique tread pattern and advanced compound that helps absorb road impacts and vibrations, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride. The tire’s internal construction also contributes to its ride quality, with a polyester casing that helps minimize road noise and vibrations from entering the cabin.
On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 employs Michelin’s EverGrip technology, which uses a special tread compound and design to enhance grip and traction while also improving ride comfort. The tire’s tread blocks are designed to interlock and provide a stable footprint, reducing the amount of noise and vibration transmitted to the cabin.
In terms of cabin noise, both tires perform well, but the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra has a slight edge. Its advanced tread design and construction help to minimize the amount of noise generated by the tire, resulting in a quieter ride overall. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is also relatively quiet, but some drivers have reported slightly more road noise, particularly on rougher surfaces.
Overall, both tires offer a comfortable and relatively quiet ride, but the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra may have a slight advantage in terms of overall ride smoothness and noise reduction due to its advanced construction and design features.
Treadwear and Durability
Treadwear is a crucial factor when evaluating the long-term performance and value of a tire. Both the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offer impressive treadwear warranties, with the Alenza AS Ultra boasting a 70,000-mile warranty and the CrossClimate 2 offering a 60,000-mile warranty. These warranties provide peace of mind and demonstrate the manufacturers’ confidence in their products’ durability.
However, real-world mileage reports often paint a more accurate picture of a tire’s longevity. According to user reviews and independent tests, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra tends to deliver on its promised treadwear, with many owners reporting achieving the full 70,000 miles or more before needing a replacement. The Michelin CrossClimate 2, while still performing well, may fall slightly short of its 60,000-mile warranty in some cases, with some users reporting needing replacements around the 45,000-50,000 mile mark.
Another crucial factor in durability is a tire’s resistance to cuts, chips, and other forms of damage from road hazards. Both tires feature robust construction and reinforced sidewalls, but the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra’s proprietary NanoPro-Tech technology gives it an edge in this area. This advanced compound enhances the tire’s resistance to cuts and punctures, reducing the risk of premature failure due to road debris or other hazards.
Overall, while both tires offer impressive treadwear warranties and durability, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra appears to have a slight advantage in terms of real-world mileage and resistance to damage, potentially providing a longer lifespan and better value for money in the long run.
Price and Value
When it comes to pricing, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 typically carries a premium over the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. Retail prices for the CrossClimate 2 can range from $150 to $300 per tire, depending on the size and retailer. In contrast, the Alenza AS Ultra is often priced slightly lower, with costs ranging from $130 to $250 per tire.
However, it’s important to consider potential promotions and rebates, which can significantly impact the overall cost. Both Michelin and Bridgestone frequently offer seasonal rebates, which can reduce the per-tire price by $50 or more. Additionally, many tire retailers and auto service centers provide their own discounts and package deals, further increasing the value proposition.
Despite the higher upfront cost, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers a compelling value proposition for drivers seeking a versatile all-season tire with exceptional performance across a wide range of conditions. Its advanced tread compound and design deliver excellent traction and handling on dry, wet, and even light snow-covered roads, potentially extending the usable life of the tires and reducing the need for dedicated winter tires in milder climates.
On the other hand, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra presents a more budget-friendly option for drivers prioritizing affordability without sacrificing all-season capabilities. While it may not match the CrossClimate 2’s performance in extreme conditions, the Alenza AS Ultra still delivers reliable performance and a smooth, comfortable ride, making it a solid value choice for everyday driving.
Ultimately, the decision between the two tires will depend on individual driving needs, budget considerations, and the desired balance between performance and value. For those willing to invest in the premium price tag, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers a high-performance all-season solution, while the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra provides a more cost-effective alternative without compromising on essential all-season capabilities.
Warranty and Customer Support
When it comes to warranties and customer support, both Bridgestone and Michelin offer comprehensive coverage for their all-season tires. However, there are some notable differences in their offerings.
Bridgestone’s Alenza AS Ultra tire comes with a 6-year/60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is a decent coverage period for an all-season tire. Additionally, the tire is backed by Bridgestone’s workmanship and materials warranty, which covers defects in materials or manufacturing for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership.
On the other hand, Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 tire boasts an impressive 6-year/60,000-mile treadwear warranty, matching Bridgestone’s offering. However, Michelin takes it a step further with their industry-leading workmanship and materials warranty, covering defects for an impressive 6 years from the date of purchase, regardless of mileage.
Both manufacturers also offer road hazard warranties, which provide coverage for damage caused by potholes, nails, or other road debris. Bridgestone’s road hazard warranty covers the first year or first 2/32″ of treadwear, whichever comes first. Michelin’s road hazard warranty, on the other hand, covers the first 3 years or first 2/32″ of treadwear, making it a more generous offering.
In terms of customer support, both Bridgestone and Michelin are known for their excellent service and responsiveness. However, Michelin’s reputation for customer satisfaction and handling of warranty claims tends to be slightly better than Bridgestone’s, according to various customer reviews and ratings.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and Michelin CrossClimate 2 are both excellent all-season tires, but they excel in different areas. Here’s a summary of their strengths and weaknesses, along with recommendations for their best use cases.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
- Strengths: Exceptional dry road handling, responsive steering, impressive treadwear and durability, comfortable and quiet ride.
- Weaknesses: Average performance in deep snow and on icy surfaces.
- Best for: Drivers who prioritize dry road performance, handling, and long tread life over extreme winter capabilities. Ideal for warmer climates with occasional light snow.
- Strengths: Outstanding winter traction on snow and ice, reliable wet road performance, long treadwear.
- Weaknesses: Slightly noisier ride, not quite as responsive on dry roads as the Alenza AS Ultra.
- Best for: Drivers who experience harsh winter conditions and need reliable snow and ice traction without compromising all-season capabilities. Ideal for colder regions with frequent snowfall.
If you live in an area with mild winters and occasional light snow, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is an excellent choice, offering exceptional dry road performance, responsive handling, and a comfortable, quiet ride. However, if you frequently encounter heavy snow and icy conditions, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the better option, providing superior winter traction while still delivering reliable all-season performance.
Ultimately, both tires are outstanding choices, and your decision should be based on your specific driving needs, climate, and priorities. If you value dry road performance and long tread life above all else, the Alenza AS Ultra is hard to beat. But if winter traction is your top concern, the CrossClimate 2 is the clear winner.
