Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Bridgestone WeatherPeak: In the automotive world, the duel between Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and Bridgestone WeatherPeak is a fascinating battle of innovation and performance. The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra stands as a quintessential all-season tire, meticulously designed with longevity and mileage as its core focus. It embodies the essence of versatility, promising drivers a smooth and efficient ride across a myriad of road conditions.
On the other side of the ring, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak steps in with a robust all-weather capability, boasting the prestigious Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification. This accolade signifies its superior performance in snow conditions, making it a formidable contender for drivers who demand reliability and safety in the harshest of winters.
This duel represents not just a choice between two tires but a decision between prioritizing enduring mileage or embracing exceptional snow and ice performance. Bridgestone, with these two offerings, showcases its commitment to catering to diverse driver needs and preferences. The battle between the Alenza AS Ultra and WeatherPeak isn’t just a comparison; it’s a statement of Bridgestone’s mastery over tire technology, promising a solution for every season and every reason.
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Results: Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Bridgestone WeatherPeak
Ideally you would like to have a 1 v 1 test results to show its clear performance difference. However this time around as there is clear segmentation, there are no test results which ran these 2 products simultaneously. Lucky for us, consumer report has tested both tires separately and we would be able to use their ratings to judge how well both tires fared. Do note that the consumer report uses a maximum rating of 5 which means that a rating of 5/5 is the best possible achievement.
The graph above shows the comparison between Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Bridgestone WeatherPeak based on the relevant performance category. The tire size of interest for this test is a 245/60R18 which is a common tire size for Ford Explorer. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table.
Wet
When comparing the wet performances of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and Bridgestone WeatherPeak tires, it’s clear that each has its strengths and nuances. In terms of wet braking, the Alenza AS Ultra scoring 3/5 slightly outperforms the WeatherPeak’s 2/5 score, offering a more reliable stop with a notable difference that could be as discernible as a two-meter shorter stopping distance from 60 to 0 mph. This edge in stopping performance underlines the Alenza AS Ultra’s design for efficiency and safety in diverse conditions.
Wet Braking:
- Alenza AS Ultra : 3/5
- WeatherPeak : 2/5
Moving on to wet handling, both tires achieve an equal footing, rated at 3 out of 5. This suggests that drivers can expect a similar level of control and responsiveness when navigating through wet roads, regardless of which tire they choose. The subjective nature of handling performance means that both tires provide a balanced experience, ensuring confidence during maneuvers in rainy weather.
Handling (Wet) :
- Alenza AS Ultra : 3/5
- WeatherPeak : 3/5
Hydroplaning resistance is another critical factor where both the Alenza AS Ultra and WeatherPeak stand equally strong, each with a rating of 4 out of 5. This parity indicates that both tires are very capable of maintaining traction and minimizing the risk of hydroplaning on wet surfaces, which is vital for maintaining control during heavy rains.
Hydroplaning :
- Alenza AS Ultra : 4/5
- WeatherPeak : 4/5
In summary, while both tires demonstrate commendable wet performance characteristics, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra slightly edges out the WeatherPeak in wet braking, offering a safer and more efficient stop. However, in wet handling and hydroplaning resistance, both tires promise a secure and reliable driving experience, showcasing Bridgestone’s commitment to safety and performance in all conditions.
Dry
In the realm of dry performance, when we look at dry braking, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra edges ahead of the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. The Alenza AS Ultra achieves a score of 4 out of 5, indicating a strong and reliable stopping capability on dry roads. In contrast, the WeatherPeak trails slightly with a score of 3 out of 5. This gap highlights a discernible difference in performance, where the Alenza AS Ultra might offer a shorter stopping distance from 60 to 0 mph in dry conditions, potentially making it a safer choice for drivers who prioritize braking efficiency on dry pavements.
Dry Braking :
- Alenza AS Ultra : 4/5
- WeatherPeak : 3/5
MIleage
When it comes to mileage performance in relation to their respective treadwear warranties, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and the Bridgestone WeatherPeak present an interesting comparison. Both tires are tested to achieve an actual mileage of 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, their guaranteed treadwear warranties tell a slightly different story.
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak comes with a treadwear warranty of 70,000 miles, while the Alenza AS Ultra boasts a higher warranty of 80,000 miles. This discrepancy highlights that, although both tires provide the same actual tested mileage, the Alenza AS Ultra is positioned by Bridgestone as the more durable option, with a warranty that promises an additional 10,000 miles over the WeatherPeak.
Despite this warranty difference, the actual tested mileage indicates that drivers can expect similar longevity from both tires under typical usage conditions. The contrast between the warranty and the tested mileage suggests that the Alenza AS Ultra might offer a slight edge in terms of expected durability, reflecting its design focus on mileage and longevity. However, both tires perform commendably, ensuring reliability and performance for a significant duration of road use.
Actual tested mileage:
- Alenza AS Ultra : 60,000 miles
- WeatherPeak : 60,000 miles
Snow
In terms of snow performance, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak takes the lead over the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra, which aligns with expectations given their respective designs. The WeatherPeak, an all-weather tire, boasts the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, a testament to its superior capabilities and focus in snow conditions. It scores a perfect 5 out of 5 in snow traction, underscoring its exceptional performance and reliability when navigating snowy roads.
The Alenza AS Ultra, while primarily an all-season tire with a focus on mileage, still performs admirably in snow, achieving a score of 4 out of 5. This indicates that, despite not being specifically designed for snow like the WeatherPeak, the Alenza AS Ultra still offers commendable snow traction. It’s capable of handling winter conditions fairly well, although it naturally falls short of the WeatherPeak’s specialized performance.
The difference in snow traction performance is a clear reflection of each tire’s design intentions and certifications. The WeatherPeak’s lead in snow conditions is not surprising, considering its all-weather classification and emphasis on snow performance. Nonetheless, the fact that the Alenza AS Ultra, an all-season tire, manages to hold its ground fairly well in snow conditions is noteworthy, offering drivers a reliable option for light to moderate winter driving.
Snow Traction :
- Alenza AS Ultra : 4/5
- WeatherPeak : 5/5
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
When assessing NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) characteristics between the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and Bridgestone WeatherPeak tires, we observe a balanced trade-off in terms of noise and ride comfort.
The Alenza AS Ultra takes the lead in noise reduction, scoring a 4 out of 5. This suggests that it offers a quieter ride, reducing the amount of road noise that reaches the cabin compared to the WeatherPeak, which scores a 3 out of 5. The lower noise level of the Alenza AS Ultra makes it particularly suitable for drivers who prioritize a serene driving experience, especially during long journeys or on highways.
Noise :
- Alenza AS Ultra : 4/5
- WeatherPeak : 3/5
On the other hand, the WeatherPeak shines in ride comfort, where it scores a 4 out of 5, surpassing the Alenza AS Ultra’s score of 3 out of 5. This indicates that the WeatherPeak provides a smoother and more comfortable ride, absorbing road irregularities and vibrations more effectively than the Alenza AS Ultra. The enhanced ride comfort offered by the WeatherPeak might appeal to drivers who value a plush driving experience, especially in urban settings or on rough roads.
Ride Comfort :
- Alenza AS Ultra : 3/5
- WeatherPeak : 4/5
In summary, the choice between the two tires comes down to what aspect of NVH performance the driver values more. If a quieter ride is preferred, the Alenza AS Ultra is the better choice. Conversely, for those who prioritize ride comfort and a smoother driving experience, the WeatherPeak emerges as the more suitable option.
Rolling Resistance
Between the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and Bridgestone WeatherPeak, the key difference lies in their rolling resistance. The WeatherPeak, scoring 4 out of 5, offers greater fuel efficiency and a lighter environmental footprint due to its optimized design to reduce energy loss. This makes it an ideal choice for drivers prioritizing eco-friendliness and cost savings. On the other hand, the Alenza AS Ultra, with a score of 3 out of 5, shows slightly higher rolling resistance, possibly leading to increased fuel consumption.
Rolling Resistance :
- Alenza AS Ultra : 3/5
- WeatherPeak : 4/5
Price
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak is priced at $236 for the size 245/60R18, making it approximately 7% more affordable than the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra, which is available at $252 for the same size. This price difference highlights the WeatherPeak as a cost-effective option without compromising on performance, appealing to budget-conscious drivers seeking value.
Tire size: 245/60R18
- Alenza AS Ultra : $252
- WeatherPeak : $236
Difference: -7% more cheaper for WeatherPeak.
Summary
In conclusion, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra and Bridgestone WeatherPeak tires offer distinct advantages, tailored to different driving needs and preferences. The Alenza AS Ultra shines in dry/wet braking and mileage, providing a durable and reliable option for those prioritizing longevity and performance on dry roads. Its slightly superior noise performance also makes it a good choice for drivers who value a quieter ride.
On the other hand, the WeatherPeak stands out in snow traction and rolling resistance, making it the ideal choice for drivers who face diverse weather conditions, including snow, and who value fuel efficiency. Its better ride comfort further enhances its appeal for those looking for a comfortable driving experience in all weather conditions.
If your priority is enduring wet/dry braking performance and a quieter ride, the Alenza AS Ultra is your go-to tire. However, if you’re seeking versatility, especially in snowy conditions, with the added benefits of fuel efficiency and comfort, the WeatherPeak will serve you best. Ultimately, the choice between these two tires depends on your specific driving conditions, preferences, and priorities. Both options uphold Bridgestone’s reputation for quality and performance, ensuring that whichever you choose, you’re making a solid decision for your vehicle.
Dr Edwin Pang