Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 90%
Wet Conditions – 85%
Snow – 75%
Comfort – 80%
Noise Reduction – 85%
Durability – 85%
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The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a new tire that came out in October 2021. A luxury touring tire designed for driving on highways, it’s meant to be an improvement over its predecessor, the world-renowned and dependable Dueler H/L Alenza Plus.
Tests conducted by Bridgestone show that it has managed to do just that. For instance, the Alenza AS Ultra can brake 13% better on dry roads than its precursor. Additionally, it offers 13% improved traction on wet surfaces and gets going quickly on dry roads.
But the big question is, how does it compare to rivals from other brands? After all, if you’re going to spend nearly a grand to buy tires for your SUV, CUV, or light truck, you want to make sure you’re getting the best models on the entire market. That’s where we come in.
Read on for a full review of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra.
Pros
- Backed by a class-leading 80,000-mile limited warranty
- Offers remarkable dry, wet and light snow performance
- Provides a serene and noise-free ride
Cons
- Not the best for off-roading
The Features of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
To help this tire win over the trust of potential customers, Bridgestone has equipped it with every advanced constructional material and cutting-edge technology at its disposal.
Hence the high-silica tread compound, which has made this tire more flexible at lower temperatures, allowing for better grip and braking during wintry weather. Silica also has a second useful trait: improving the tire’s fuel economy by reducing its rolling resistance.
Next comes the symmetric, non-directional tread design. Like the tread pattern seen on competitors, it has multiple circumferential grooves and zigzag sipes. However, it also has something most rivals don’t: unique snow vices for added grip on light snow and ice.
Also, just like the Dueler H/L Alenza Plus, this model too features Bridgestone’s QuietTrack Technology. You can thus expect muted road noise at higher speeds. A class-leading 80,000-mile limited treadwear warranty further sweetens the deal for drivers.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra in Dry Conditions
The Alenza AS Ultra offers class-leading performance on dry roads.
Think of improved braking performance, enhanced acceleration from the stop, and dependable grip during high-speed cornering. Whatever it is that you associate with a tire that rules dry surfaces, the Alenza AS Ultra has it all and some more.
Another thing I appreciate about this tire is the steering. While most highway touring tires feel numb and are painfully slow to react to steering inputs, this tire is incredibly responsive. You can make quick lane changes while maintaining full control over your vehicle.
Sure, all the above qualities haven’t suddenly turned it into a performance tire. But if you’re a spirited driver fond of pushing all-season tires to their limits, the Alenza AS is the best you can get.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra on Wet or Slippery Roads
To give you a complete picture of how well this model does over slippery roads, I will compare its wet performance with that of its main competitors. Which are the Continental CrossContact LX25, Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, and Firestone Destination LE3.
Guess what? This tire has a number of all three on wet roads.
Not only does it boost shorter wet braking distances than the trio. The Alenza AS Ultra also resists hydroplaning far better than any of the other three tires. It also provides much improved traction, thanks mainly to the snow vices that its primary rivals lack.
So, opt for the Alenza AS Ultra if you want excellent wet performance.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra in Snow
The Alenza AS Ultra falls in the middle among its competitors in snow performance.
While its snow and ice grip is much better than the CrossContact LX25, this tire might take a few meters longer to come to a halt on snowy and icy roads than CrossClimate 2 SUV. Which isn’t the least bit surprising considering that the CrossClimate 2 is designed for all seasons.
That isn’t to say that it is unreliable in mild wintry conditions. Unless the temperature out there is several degrees below freezing, this model’s rubber won’t stiffen up. It would stay pliable to keep on offering dependable traction, letting you safely get to your destination.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra for Off-Roading
A reinforced sidewall to prevent the entry of sharp objects? Absent. Deep and aggressive tread blocks for adequate grip on loose surfaces? Nope. Small wonder, then, that I’d never recommend the Alenza AS Ultra for off-roading of any kind.
Now, saying this model wasn’t designed for off-roading is the same as saying that it cannot withstand a few miles on gravel and dirt every now and then. Unless the road is full of steep inclines, the Alenza AS Ultra might escape the trip with its tread unscathed.
However, if you want complete assurance that this tire will provide meaningful traction off the highway, nobody in their right mind could give it.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra for Sporty Driving
As always, three factors help us decide how well a tire performs when pushed to the limits:
- Steering response. As noted above, the Alenza AS Ultra quickly responds to steering inputs, giving you the confidence to attempt and complete lightning-fast lane changes while retaining full control over your vehicle. So, full marks here.
- Handling. A tire with good handling will respond accurately and quickly to your inputs, won’t let road contact break at any speed, and should provide a stable ride with minimal vibrations. On all three counts, the AS Ultra delivers.
- Traction. What do you expect from a tire that posts class-leading dry and wet grip numbers? Obviously, the model’s traction will be above-average too.
All in all, whether it isn’t a performance tire, the Alenza AS Ultra will still delight over-enthusiastic drivers with its road manners.
Does the Alenza AS Ultra Ride Comfortably?
Once again, this tire falls behind the CrossClimate 2 SUV.
While Bridgestone’s QuietTrack Technology has made its ride super-quiet, especially for a luxury highway touring tire. Larger road bumps can still get the better of this tire in a way they cannot do with the CrossClimate 2 SUV. So, you’re advised to slow down on bumpy roads.
Luckily, the difference only exists on broken roads. On the highway or paved surfaces, the Alenza AS Ultra offers plush ride quality. Even at speeds at which cheap touring tires growl, this model stays quiet, letting you and your fellow passengers enjoy a luxurious experience.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Warranty
Bridgestone backs the Alenza AS Ultra with an 80,000-mile limited warranty.
No matter how you slice the above number, it’s beyond exceptional. I have seen models costing more than this tire which failed to receive as much backing from their manufacturer.
Case in point: Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV and Continental CrossContact LX 25.
Both models cost as much or more than the Alenza AS Ultra (depending on wheel size). Yet, while the CrossClimate 2 comes with a 60,000-mileage warranty. Continental has backed the CrossContact LX25 with a warranty of up to 70,000 miles.
Thus, it can be said that the Alenza AS Ultra comes with a class-leading treadwear warranty.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Price: Is It Worth the Money?
At the time of writing, this model’s asking price kicks off from $175.00.
Even if not an outright bargain, the above asking price seems totally justified when juxtaposed with this tire’s above qualities.
After all, how many tires out there can claim to offer the perfect blend of dry performance, wet traction, and snow grip? That, too, while posting class-leading warranties. So, if you can afford to pay its asking price, don’t let anyone tell you that the Alenza AS Ultra isn’t worth it.
Should I Buy the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra?
The Alenza AS Ultra isn’t a perfect tire, but it comes pretty close.
This model combines excellent wet traction with dependable year-round performance. To further sweeten the deal, it offers a remarkably smooth ride (on paved roads) and features an extended treadwear warranty.
Considering all that is said above, it seems a no-brainer that the Alenza AS Ultra is a no-brainer for the SUV, CUV, or light truck driver looking for a premium all-season touring tire.
What Vehicles Will the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra Fit?
Here’s a sample list of vehicles that the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra will fit:
- Acura MDX, RDX
- Audi Q3, Q5, A7
- BMW X3, X5, X6
- Ford F150, Escape, Explorer, Ranger
- Hyundai Santa Fe, Palisade, Tucson
- Mercedes GLC, GLE, GLS, G-Class
- Subaru Forester, Outback, Ascent
- Toyota 4Runner, Rav4, Highlander, Hilux,
- Volkswagen Touareg, Tiguan, Amarok
Tire Sizes for Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
16 Inch
- 265/70R16
17 Inch
- 225/65R17
- 235/65R17
- 245/65R17
- 245/70R17
- 255/70R17
- 265/65R17
- 265/70R17
18 Inch
- 235/55R18
- 235/60R18
- 235/65R18
- 245/60R18
- 255/55R18
- 255/60R18
- 255/65R18
- 255/70R18
- 265/60R18
- 265/65R18
- 275/65R18
19 Inch
- 235/50R19
- 235/55R19
- 245/55R19
- 255/50R19
- 255/55R19
- 255/60R19
- 265/50R19
- 275/55R19
20 Inch
- 235/45R20
- 235/55R20
- 245/50R20
- 245/60R20
- 255/45R20
- 255/50R20
- 255/55R20
- 265/50R20
- 275/40R20
- 275/45R20
- 275/50R20
- 275/55R20
- 275/60R20
- 285/50R20
- 315/35R20
21 Inch
- 265/40R21
- 275/40R21
- 275/45R21
- 295/40R21
22 Inch
- 275/40R22
- 275/45R22
- 285/45R22