Falken Azenis FK460 AS vs Falken Wildpeak AT Trail–> UHP all season vs All Terrain: The showdown between the Falken Azenis FK460 AS and the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail is a riveting battle in the world of tires, pitting ultra-high performance all-season capabilities against all-terrain prowess. This clash is particularly intriguing for those with crossover vehicles who find themselves in a dilemma, choosing the tire that best fits their needs. The Azenis FK460 AS represents the peak of all-season performance, offering exceptional grip and handling in various conditions.
On the other side, the Wildpeak AT Trail brings rugged, all-terrain durability, ready to tackle off-road adventures with ease. This comparison is an unseen battle of two titans in the tire world, each with its unique strengths, making the decision a thrilling challenge for crossover owners. Get ready for an epic showdown that will decide which tire reigns supreme for your specific requirements!
Table of Contents
Results: Falken Azenis FK460 AS vs Falken Wildpeak AT Trail
Results below were taken from Tyre Reviews “Goodyear Eagle F1 vs Falken Azenis FK460 vs Wildpeak AT Trail” test. A total of 3 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Falken Azenis FK460 AS vs Falken Wildpeak AT Trail based on the relevant performance category. The Azenis FK460 AS was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires have winter capabilities, snow testing including traction, braking & handling were tested. The tire size of interest is a 255/40 R20 which is a common tire size for Tesla Model S & Y. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a Tesla Model Y.
Wet
In wet conditions, the Falken Azenis FK460 AS and the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail exhibit clear differences in performance. When it comes to wet braking, the Azenis FK460 AS demonstrates superior capability, stopping at 43.8 meters (143.7 feet), which is significantly shorter compared to the 52.6 meters (172.6 feet) required by the Wildpeak AT Trail. This difference of nearly 9 meters (29.5 feet) in wet braking distance highlights the Azenis FK460 AS’s enhanced grip and control in wet conditions.
Similarly, in wet handling, the Azenis FK460 AS outperforms the Wildpeak AT Trail. It completes a wet lap in 47.41 seconds, whereas the Wildpeak AT Trail takes a longer time of 50.25 seconds. This difference of about 2.84 seconds in lap times further underscores the superior wet handling of the Azenis FK460 AS. Overall, in wet conditions, the Azenis FK460 AS consistently shows a noticeable advantage over the Wildpeak AT Trail.
Wildpeak AT Trail:
- -17% in wet braking
- -6% in wet handling (lap time)
Snow
In snowy conditions, the performance of the Falken Azenis FK460 AS and the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail shows a significant contrast, with the Wildpeak AT Trail excelling, largely due to its 3-peak mountain snowflake certification. When comparing snow braking, the Wildpeak AT Trail stops at 13.1 meters (43 feet), outperforming the Azenis FK460 AS which stops at 15.9 meters (52.1 feet). This difference of 2.8 meters (9.1 feet) highlights the superior snow braking capability of the Wildpeak AT Trail.
Furthermore, in snow traction tests, the Wildpeak AT Trail completes a course in 21.6 seconds, faster than the Azenis FK460 AS, which takes 23.1 seconds. This time difference of 1.5 seconds demonstrates the Wildpeak AT Trail’s better traction in snowy conditions. Similarly, for snow handling, the Wildpeak AT Trail records a faster lap time of 82.5 seconds compared to the 85.8 seconds taken by the Azenis FK460 AS. This difference of 3.3 seconds further emphasizes the Wildpeak AT Trail’s superior handling in snow.
Overall, in snow performance, the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail shows a clear advantage over the Azenis FK460 AS, making it a more suitable choice for snowy conditions.
Wildpeak AT Trail:
- +21% in snow braking
- +7% in snow traction
- +4% in snow handling
Dry
In dry conditions, the Falken Azenis FK460 AS demonstrates its superiority over the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail, which isn’t surprising considering its higher contact area and lower tread depth. When we look at dry braking, the Azenis FK460 AS comes to a stop from a set speed at 37.1 meters (121.7 feet), whereas the Wildpeak AT Trail takes longer, stopping at 41 meters (134.5 feet). This difference of 3.9 meters (12.8 feet) showcases the Azenis FK460 AS’s enhanced stopping power in dry conditions.
Similarly, in terms of dry handling, the Azenis FK460 AS again outperforms the Wildpeak AT Trail. It completes a dry lap in 42.79 seconds, compared to the 44.35 seconds taken by the Wildpeak AT Trail. This time gap of 1.56 seconds indicates better handling and agility of the Azenis FK460 AS on dry tracks.
Overall, the Falken Azenis FK460 AS being in the UHP all season segment clearly has the edge in dry performance, making it a more suitable choice for those prioritizing dry road conditions.
Wildpeak AT Trail:
- -10% in dry braking
- -4% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance, the comparison between the Falken Azenis FK460 AS and the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail yields some unexpected results. Contrary to typical expectations where all-terrain tires like the Wildpeak AT Trail are presumed to be louder, the outcomes are quite different.
For subjective comfort, which assesses the overall ride quality including how smooth and comfortable the tire feels, the Wildpeak AT Trail scores slightly higher with 10 points compared to the 9.5 points of the Azenis FK460 AS. This suggests that the Wildpeak AT Trail, despite its all-terrain design, offers a marginally more comfortable ride.
When it comes to subjective noise, which evaluates the perceived sound level produced by the tires, both tires perform closely. The Azenis FK460 AS scores 9.6 points, only slightly surpassing the 9.5 points of the Wildpeak AT Trail. This minimal difference indicates that the Wildpeak AT Trail is nearly as quiet as the Azenis FK460 AS, which is somewhat surprising given its all-terrain nature.
Overall, these results show that the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail, despite being an all-terrain tire, competes closely with the Azenis FK460 AS in terms of ride comfort and noise levels, challenging the usual expectation of all-terrain tires being significantly louder or less comfortable.
Wildpeak AT Trail:
- -2.5% in subjective comfort
- -0.5% in subjective noise
Rolling Resistance
In the Rolling Resistance (RR) comparison between Falken Azenis FK460 AS and Falken Wildpeak AT Trail, it’s surprising to see the all-terrain Wildpeak AT Trail with lower RR than the UHP all-season Azenis FK460 AS. Lower RR is vital for fuel efficiency and EV battery range. The Azenis FK460 AS has a RR of 9.38 N/kN, higher than the Wildpeak AT Trail’s 8.3 N/kN. This suggests the Wildpeak, despite its rugged design, is more energy-efficient, potentially enhancing fuel or battery efficiency.
This points to a trade-off: the Azenis FK460 AS excels in wet braking but has higher RR, likely due to its grip-focused design. The Wildpeak AT Trail, less effective in wet braking, offers lower RR, beneficial for energy efficiency. With the rising importance of EVs and battery range, the Wildpeak AT Trail’s lower RR is a key consideration for those prioritizing vehicle efficiency.
Wildpeak AT Trail:
- +13% in rolling resistance
UTQG rating
The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings for the Falken Azenis FK460 AS and the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail reveal differences in their expected longevity and performance characteristics. UTQG ratings provide insights into tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance of tires.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falken | Azenis FK460 AS | All | 500 | A | A |
| Falken | Wildpeak AT Trail | All | 680 | A | A |
For the Azenis FK460 AS, an ultra-high performance all-season tire, the UTQG tread wear rating is 500. This rating suggests a moderate level of tread longevity. It’s consistent with its 50,000-mile warranty, indicating an expectation of good durability for a performance-oriented tire.
In contrast, the Wildpeak AT Trail, an all-terrain tire, has a higher UTQG tread wear rating of 680. This higher rating reflects its increased durability and aligns with its longer 65,000-mile warranty. Such a rating is impressive for an all-terrain tire, often expected to wear faster due to their rugged design.
Both tires have the same traction and temperature ratings of “A”, indicating excellent performance in these areas. However, the notable difference in tread wear ratings and the corresponding mileage warranties between the two tires suggests that the Wildpeak AT Trail may offer better longevity and could be a more cost-effective choice over time, especially for drivers prioritizing mileage over high-performance features.
Price
For the tire size 255/55 R20, the Falken Azenis FK460 AS is priced at $207, while the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail is slightly more expensive at $219. This makes the Wildpeak AT Trail about 5% more expensive than the Azenis FK460 AS.
Tire size: 255/55 R20
- Azenis FK460 AS : $ 207
- Wildpeak AT Trail : $ 219
Difference: +5% more expensive for Wildpeak AT Trail
Summary
As a tire expert, I can confidently conclude that the duel between the ultra-high performance (UHP) all-season Falken Azenis FK460 AS and the all-terrain Falken Wildpeak AT Trail showcases clear differences suited for different needs. The Azenis FK460 AS clearly dominates in wet and dry conditions, offering superior grip and handling that is crucial for those prioritizing performance on standard roads.
On the other hand, the Wildpeak AT Trail, with its 3-peak mountain snowflake certification, excels in snow conditions and has a lower rolling resistance, which is beneficial for fuel efficiency and particularly advantageous for electric vehicle owners. This makes it a more suitable option for drivers who face snowy conditions regularly or those who are conscious about energy efficiency.
The trade-offs between these tires are evident. Choosing the Azenis FK460 AS means opting for better performance in wet and dry conditions but at the cost of slightly less efficiency and snow capability. Conversely, opting for the Wildpeak AT Trail offers better snow performance and efficiency but with a slight compromise in wet and dry handling.
Dr Edwin Pang