Bridgestone Alenza As Ultra 1
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Upgrade Your Crossover/SUV with Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Tires: A Comprehensive Review of the All-Season Performer

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Bridgestone Alenza As Ultra 1
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra

Pros

  • Excellent lateral grip on dry roads
  • Exceptionally quick and direct response from the steering
  • Exceptional lateral grip even in rainy conditions and strong braking performance
  • A vehicle with good grip and the capacity to drive in mild snow.
  • Ride that is as smooth as butter across any terrain
  • Quiet over most surfaces
  • the best treadwear warranty in the industry

Cons

  • Braking distances that are marginally greater than those of its primary competitors in dry, wet, and snow conditions.
  • It is noisier than many of its premium contemporaries.

In recent months, Bridgestone has been selling the Alenza AS Ultra in place of its incredibly successful Dueler H/L Alenza Plus. The brand-new all-season touring tire for crossovers and SUVs boasts various improvements over its predecessor and wants to wrest the class laurels away from its two most significant competitors, Michelin and Continental.

In point of fact, every Bridgestone tire is met with a great deal of anticipation upon its release, and the Alenza AS Ultra is not an exception. As a result, the Japanese multinational corporation entirely rethought the design, and it applied every available cutting-edge technology to the production of this tire. Wet and snow traction were the areas that received the majority of Bridgestone’s attention during the development process; however, the Alenza AS Ultra also received an improvement in its wear life.

Putting aside the marketing rhetoric for a moment, is it worthwhile to purchase Bridgestone’s most recent offering in the fiercely competitive touring all-season crossover/SUV segment? In addition, how does it stack up against its most direct premium competitors? In this comprehensive evaluation of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra tire, in which I will discuss every facet of the product, I will do my best to answer the questions you have raised. Let’s get down to business without further ado, shall we?

What are the features of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra?

For the Alenza AS Ultra, Bridgestone developed a brand-new high-silica compound, which was then molded into a symmetric, non-directional pattern and given a generous amount of grooves and sipes so that it could tolerate adverse weather conditions.

Although the Japanese tire manufacturer doesn’t provide a lot of information on the components that are included in the rubber compound, I feel that it would perform quite well throughout a large temperature range.

Bridgestone Alenza As Ultra 4
Source: Bridgestone

However, Bridgestone was not successful in concealing the tread pattern, and it is clear that a significant amount of time was spent on its creation. The four circumferential grooves, multiple zig-zag sipes, and one-of-a-kind snow vices are just some of the features that are included in this modern premium tire’s design, which is symmetrical and non-directional at the same time. This enables for effortless rotation.

In addition to this, Bridgestone’s QuietTrack technology, which reduces noise from the road, is included in the Alenza AS Ultra. Bridgestone doesn’t specify what it comprises, but my best guess is that it has something to do with the meticulously planned tread pattern.

The structure on the inside is very comparable to that of other touring all-season crossover or SUV tires. It has twin steel belts and a two-ply polyester casing so that it can provide comfort on the road while also being stable at high speeds. Because of its design, the Alenza AS Ultra is not suited for use with heavy-duty equipment (there are no LT-metric sizes available), therefore if you intend to tow or load with your SUV, I suggest that you invest in a set of highway all-season tires instead.

What are the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra’s maintenance indicators?

Because Bridgestone tires are required to include frequent wear signs, it is more difficult for the driver to accurately gauge the amount of tread remaining on the tire over the course of its useful life.

To be more specific, the wear indicators are only able to provide accurate information until the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches (1.6 mm). They are thin rubber bars that are designed to fit into the circumferential grooves, but they project upwards by 2/32 inches from the base. Therefore, after the tread has reached that depth, it will be level with the surrounding surface.

Bridgestone Alenza As Ultra 5
Source: Bridgestone

The purpose of the wear bars that are embedded in every tire is to alert the driver when it is time to change the tires. This number has been determined to be the bare minimum need for adequate wet traction by a large number of road safety agencies from around the world.

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However, driving in the real world can involve snow, and 2/32 of an inch will not be nearly enough to provide you with reliable grip on roads that are blanketed with snow. Therefore, the minimum tread depth required during the winter is 5/32 of an inch, which is equal to 4 millimeters, but the Alenza AS Ultra does not have any indicators that would display you that value.

Choose the Continental CrossContact LX25 if you are looking for a tire that offers tread wear indications that are simple to read and beneficial to use. The tread grooves of the German tire have the letters D, W, and S stamped on them. These letters stand for dry, wet, and snow, respectively. Therefore, the letter “S” will no longer be visible on the tire once it loses the ability to offer safe traction in the snow, and the same will be true for the letters “D” and “W.”

What is the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra warranty?

The treadwear warranty that comes standard on all sizes and speed ratings of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is 80,000 miles long, which is the longest of any product in its category.

I still haven’t been able to confirm how long the tire will last in the real world because it won’t be available until 2021, but given how well its predecessor, the Dueler H/L Alenza Plus, performed, I have high hopes for this new model.

Alenza As Plus Fb 4
Source: Bridgestone

As a point of comparison, the warranties offered by Bridgestone’s most direct competitors are shorter. For example, the Continental CrossContact LX25 comes with a guarantee that covers 70,000 miles for H-T speed ratings and 65,000 miles for V-speed rated models. In the meanwhile, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV comes with a treadwear warranty that is good for 60,000 miles on all sizes.

Therefore, if it is important to you to get the maximum mileage out of each set of tires, you should give serious consideration to purchasing the Alenza AS Ultra.

How does the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra behave on dry roads?

On dry asphalt, the Alenza AS Ultra delivers outstanding performance across almost all performance metrics, making it one of the best dry tires in the touring all-season crossover/SUV category. Behind the wheel, one also gets the impression of a really pleasant experience.

Alenza As Ultra Ytb 3
Source: Bridgestone Tires (YouTube)

According to the figures, Bridgestone’s model achieves new heights of excellence in lateral grip. Even though it is not a performance tire, the Alenza AS Ultra is currently the best tire that can be purchased in its category for drivers who have a more aggressive style of driving. And while though the stopping distances aren’t quite as short as those of its pricier competitors, they are still fairly decent overall.

The Alenza AS Ultra is a wonderful traveling companion when you’re out on the open road. Even on rough terrain, it maintains an extraordinary level of stability at greater speeds and provides superb tracking in a straight line.

The steering, on the other hand, was the aspect of this tire that I appreciated the most. The Alenza AS Ultra is very responsive and straightforward, in contrast to its competitors, who come across as hazy and hesitant to react. And what separates Bridgestone’s most recent offering from the other products on the market is the subjective feel, which, in my opinion, is not something to be taken lightly.

How is the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra on wet and slippery roads?

Along with having excellent braking and accelerating grip, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra has some of the greatest lateral Gs in its category while it is raining, making it one of the most desirable tires in its class.

The Continental CrossContact LX25, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, and the Vredestein Quatrac Pro are three of this tire’s closest rivals, and I would be remiss if I did not mention them while discussing this tire’s wet performance. All of these tires are available in crossover and SUV size options.

Alenza As Plus Fb 2
Source: Bridgestone Tires (Facebook)

When it comes to lateral grip, the Alenza AS Ultra is positioned in the middle of these models; nonetheless, the differences between them are tiny and nearly impossible to detect on public roads. However, the most recent offering from Bridgestone has a touch more playfulness at the limit, which is something I enjoyed; however, I can see how this could be an issue for drivers who prefer more stable cornering. Despite this, it is quite unlikely that you will ever go above the speed limit while driving the Alenza AS Ultra on a public road.

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When it comes to braking, it is not as good as its competitors, although the gap is only a few feet wide when traveling at over 50 miles per hour. Because of this, it is superior to any low-cost crossover or SUV touring tire, and thus, it is not a concern for me. The resistance to hydroplaning is also very good, so even if it is raining outside, you won’t have any trouble keeping your vehicle on the road.

When everything is taken into account, the Alenza AS Ultra stands out as one of the best wet tires in its class, delivering outstanding overall performance.

With that being said, how is the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra on snowy roads?

The Alenza AS Ultra has a strong lateral grip and performs well in terms of braking on light snow, making it a fantastic performer during the winter months. Having said that, it is essential to highlight the fact that the CrossContact LX25 and the CrossClimate 2 SUV offer marginally improved traction.

That shouldn’t detract from the fact that the Alenza AS Ultra is a fantastic companion for people who live in places where winters aren’t particularly harsh. Because of the tire’s well-balanced handling and the front tires’ strong initial grip, it is a tire that is rather easy to live with. On snowy roads, even inexperienced motorists won’t have any trouble navigating, which, in my opinion, is a significant benefit.

Alenza As Ultra Ytb 2
Source: Bridgestone Tires (YouTube)

And it’s not like the traction is bad; the Alenza AS Ultra is still superior to the majority of other all-season tires on the market today. Even in deeper snow, it may provide you with some grip, although you should drive more carefully in those situations. Although its competitors from Continental and Michelin will be marginally superior, the gaps between them are quite narrow.

In terms of ice, Bridgestone’s crossover/SUV touring all-season tire again delivers decent traction for the category; nevertheless, if you frequently encounter icy circumstances, I strongly recommend going for a pair of professional winter tires. Bridgestone’s all-season tire for crossovers and SUVs tours well in all seasons.

Last but not least, the Alenza AS Ultra performs admirably in subzero temperatures and arid environments. The rubber compound maintains its pliability, which contributes to improved grip and allows you to maintain command of the situation.

Is the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra AT suitable for off-road driving?

The Alenza AS Ultra is not an off-road tire, despite the fact that it can be installed on the majority of contemporary crossovers and SUVs. This is due to the fact that it does not offer sufficient traction, and its casing is not as durable as it should be. The situation is the same with the company’s rivals, who all suffer from the same drawbacks.

This, however, does not mean that you are unable to go a few miles here and there on unpaved or gravel roads. If there aren’t too many hills, the Alenza AS Ultra should provide enough grip for you, and if you’re careful enough, the tread shouldn’t get damaged even if you go over some rough terrain.

Alenza As Plus Fb 3
Source: Bridgestone Tires (Facebook)

Nevertheless, highway all-season models are your best bet for finding a tire that can withstand the wear and tear of driving on surfaces that are densely packed. The tread patterns on these are very similar, which means you won’t be able to acquire traction, but the shell is significantly more rigid and long-lasting. In addition, if you are looking for increased traction, you should invest in a set of all-terrain tires.

Is the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra a run-flat tire?

There is no run-flat technology integrated into the Alenza AS Ultra tire. The Alenza Sport A/S RFT is a tire that Bridgestone manufactures specifically for owners of crossovers and SUVs that are equipped with run-flat tires. However, this model is only available in a limited number of sizes and can only be installed in a select few high-priced premium SUVs.

How are the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra’s road noise and comfort performance?

The Alenza AS Ultra is the most comfortable tire in its class when traveling over bumps since it is able to successfully smooth out both smaller and larger flaws. Additionally, it is silent when traveling on calm roads and is barely audible when traveling on bumpy tarmac.

The ride quality of a Bridgestone tire is noticeably superior to that of any of its competitors. As a consequence of this, the passengers will have a more opulent experience, as they will be able to detect fewer of the cabin’s tiny flaws.

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On the other hand, in contrast to other soft tires, the Alenza AS Ultra performs exceptionally well on cracked asphalt. This tire successfully manages repetitive impacts and makes things simpler for the suspension, in contrast to other models, which cause reverberations, which can severely unsettle the ride.

Alenza As Plus Fb 1
Source: Bridgestone Tires (Facebook)

In comparison to the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Vredestein Quatrac Pro, the Alenza AS Ultra does not perform as well as its competitors in terms of the amount of noise it generates. But despite this, it is still a very quiet tire, and I believe the vast majority of people won’t even give it a second thought. This is primarily due to the fact that crossovers and SUVs make more wind noise than ordinary automobiles. However, in terms of ride refinement, the Alenza AS Ultra is head and shoulders above its competitors, even though some of its competitors are noticeably less noisy at highway speeds.

Therefore, I believe that the Bridgestone tire is the ideal option for drivers who own a premium SUV or crossover and want the most pleasant experience possible while behind the wheel. A close second would be the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 tire. Oh, and let’s not forget that the Alenza AS Ultra manages to combine its smoothness with superb steering response, which is something that only a select few other touring all-season tires are capable of doing.

Should I buy the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra?

The Alenza AS Ultra is not a flawless tire, but it comes the closest to being one of those tires than any other product in its category. It boasts the longest treadwear warranty in its class in addition to having the smoothest ride possible and exceptional traction throughout the entire year. Therefore, if you are looking for a premium touring all-season tire for your crossover or SUV, you should unquestionably include the Alenza AS Ultra on your shortlist of potential purchases.

Alenza As Plus Fb 6
Source: Bridgestone Tires (Facebook)

However, if you want snow traction that is marginally better, you should also think about getting the Continental CrossContact LX25, the Michelin CrossClimate 2, or the Vredestein Quatrac Pro. In addition, the Pirelli Alenza AS Ultra provides a ride that is marginally less noisy, yet the Yokohama X-CV is more engaging to use while behind the wheel. Nevertheless, those shopping on a tighter budget should give some consideration to the Cooper Endeavor Plus and the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport LT.

What sizes does the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra come in?

Wheel diameters of 16 inches all the way up to 22 inches can be found among the 49 available sizes of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. As a result, it is compatible with the vast majority of contemporary compact, mid-size, and large crossovers and SUVs.

The following table provides a comprehensive summary of all of the sizes that are for sale from Bridgestone.

Tire Size Load/Speed Rating
265/70R16 112T
225/65R17 102H
235/65R17 104H
245/65R17 107H
245/70R17 110T
255/70R17 112S
265/65R17 112T
265/70R17 115T
235/55R18 100V
235/60R18 107V
235/65R18 106V
245/60R18 105V
255/55R18 109W
255/60R18 112V
255/65R18 111T
255/70R18 113H
265/60R18 110V
265/65R18 114H
275/65R18 116H
235/50R19 99V
235/55R19 105W
245/55R19 103V
255/50R19 107W
255/55R19 111W
255/60R19 109H
265/50R19 110W
275/55R19 111V
235/45R20 100W
235/55R20 102V
245/50R20 102V
245/60R20 107H
255/45R20 101W
255/50R20 109V
255/55R20 107H
265/50R20 107V
275/40R20 106W
275/45R20 110W
275/50R20 113W
275/55R20 113H
275/60R20 115H
285/50R20 112V
315/35R20 110W
265/40R21 105V
275/40R21 107W
275/45R21 110W
295/40R21 111W
275/40R22 107W
275/45R22 112V
285/45R22 110H

 

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