Toyo Extensa A/S ii Review: Founded in 1945, Toyo Tires is a globally recognized name in the automotive industry. Known for their innovative design and superior technology, the company is renowned for producing some of the most reliable tires on the market. One of their latest offerings that has caught the attention of car enthusiasts worldwide is the Toyo Extensa A/S ii.
The Toyo Extensa A/S ii is an all-season tire designed to deliver optimal performance in a variety of conditions, be it wet, dry, or snowy roads. Building upon the foundation laid by its popular predecessor, the Extensa A/S, this tire promises enhanced durability, better ride comfort, and superior handling. In this review, we’ll delve into the specifics of the Toyo Extensa A/S ii, examining its features, performance, and value for money, to help you decide whether it’s the right tire for your vehicle.
Table of Contents
Features of the Toyo Extensa A/S ii
The Toyo Extensa A/S ii boasts a number of key features that contribute to its superior performance. At the heart of its design is the advanced all-season tread compound. This material is engineered to provide increased durability and longevity, as well as improved traction on both wet and dry roads.
The tread pattern of the Extensa A/S ii also plays a pivotal role in its performance. The symmetric tread design, accompanied by multi-wave sipes, ensures excellent traction, particularly in wet conditions. The presence of four circumferential grooves further assists in water evacuation, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning. When it comes to ride comfort, the Extensa A/S ii doesn’t disappoint. Toyo Tires has incorporated their Silent Wall Technology into the tire’s design. This feature works by reducing pipe resonance, resulting in a quieter ride.
Comparing the Extensa A/S ii to its predecessor, one can see that Toyo Tires has retained the features that made the original Extensa A/S popular, while making key improvements to enhance performance and durability. The Extensa A/S ii showcases the continued commitment of Toyo Tires to evolve and meet the demands of the modern driver.
Performance Analysis
Based on consumer reports and various tests, the Toyo Extensa A/S ii offers commendable performance across several important categories. Here’s a more detailed look at how this tire fares in different performance tests:
- Dry Braking (Rating: 4/5) The Extensa A/S ii performed impressively in dry conditions. The advanced tread compound and unique design of the tire ensure that drivers have the stopping power they need when the roads are dry.
- Wet Braking (Rating: 3/5) While not exceptional, the Extensa A/S ii provides adequate performance in wet braking. The four circumferential grooves in the tread design help with water evacuation, contributing to its satisfactory wet braking capabilities.
- Wet Handling (Rating: 3/5) The Extensa A/S ii handles satisfactorily in wet conditions. The multi-wave sipes in the tread design offer added traction, helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles on wet roads.
- Hydroplaning (Rating: 4/5) This tire performs admirably when it comes to resisting hydroplaning. Again, the four circumferential grooves play a crucial role, providing effective water evacuation and helping to keep the tire in contact with the road.
- Snow Traction (Rating: 3/5) The Extensa A/S ii provides moderate performance in snowy conditions. While it’s not the highest-rated tire for snow traction, it offers adequate performance for drivers in regions where heavy snowfall is not a common occurrence.
- Ice Braking (Rating: 2/5) This tire struggles a bit when it comes to stopping on icy surfaces, which is not unusual for all-season tires. For environments with regular icy conditions, drivers might consider winter-specific tires.
- Noise (Rating: 4/5) The Silent Wall Technology incorporated into the Extensa A/S ii design significantly reduces noise, contributing to a quieter, more comfortable ride.
- Ride Comfort (Rating: 3/5) While not at the top of its class, the Extensa A/S ii offers acceptable ride comfort. This makes it a decent choice for everyday commuting or longer journeys.
- Rolling Resistance (Rating: 4/5) The Extensa A/S ii excels in rolling resistance, which contributes to the tire’s fuel efficiency. The lower the rolling resistance, the less energy the vehicle needs to move, which can help drivers save on fuel costs over the long run.
This performance analysis shows that the Toyo Extensa A/S ii provides balanced performance across a range of conditions, making it a versatile option for drivers.
Comparative Analysis – Toyo Extensa A/S ii vs. Falken Azenis FK460 A/S
The tire market boasts a plethora of options, with each product offering unique performance attributes. In this chapter, we examine the Toyo Extensa HP II and its competitor, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S, to aid consumers in making an informed decision.
In wet conditions, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S exhibits superior capabilities. It offers better braking distances, higher subjective handling scores, and faster lap times compared to the Toyo Extensa HP II. Both tires showcase comparable performance in dry conditions, with the Toyo slightly outperforming in braking while the Falken takes a slight lead in handling and lap times.
However, the real divergence surfaces in aspects such as noise, comfort, and ride quality. Here, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S distinctly outshines the Toyo Extensa HP II. Test result ratings for the Falken tire are significantly higher in these areas, indicative of a quieter, more comfortable ride. As for Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) values, both tires are in a similar ballpark. Nevertheless, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S offers a 5,000-mile additional warranty. This extended warranty suggests a longer tread life, which could be an essential factor for consumers seeking longevity from their investment. When it comes to pricing, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is slightly pricier. However, its overall performance, comfort, and the extra mileage warranty justifies the elevated cost for those seeking a harmonious blend of performance and comfort.
In conclusion, the choice between Toyo Extensa HP II and Falken Azenis FK460 A/S will come down to individual preferences and requirements. For those hunting for an economical option and are not highly concerned about ride comfort or wet performance, the Toyo Extensa HP II presents a suitable choice. However, for drivers seeking a comprehensive tire package that excels in wet conditions, ensures a comfortable ride, and possibly enjoys a longer lifespan, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S emerges as a superior option despite its slightly higher price tag. Check out in depth comparison of the both tires here !
Durability and Longevity
One of the crucial considerations when purchasing a tire is its tread life. The tread life essentially dictates how long a tire will last before needing to be replaced, and it has a significant impact on the overall value and cost-effectiveness of the tire. The Toyo Extensa A/S ii boasts a tested tread life of 65,000 miles. This mileage indicates a good level of durability, suggesting that the tire will be able to handle daily wear and tear well over an extended period.
To provide customers with further assurance of the tire’s durability, Toyo Tires offers a generous treadwear warranty. For the Extensa A/S ii models that are T and H speed rated, the warranty covers up to 75,000 miles. Meanwhile, V speed rated models of the tire come with a treadwear warranty that covers up to 65,000 miles.
This distinction is important because different speed ratings can impact the overall longevity and performance of the tire. T and H speed rated tires are typically designed for normal, everyday driving conditions, while V speed rated tires are designed for higher speeds and more performance-oriented vehicles. Therefore, the respective treadwear warranties reflect these differences in expected use and wear.
In conclusion, with its robust tested tread life and comprehensive warranty, the Toyo Extensa A/S ii offers buyers confidence in its durability and longevity. These attributes, combined with its balanced performance across various conditions, make it a reliable choice for drivers seeking a long-lasting all-season tire.
Value for Money
When considering the purchase of a new tire, one of the main factors to consider is the price. Not only does it affect your immediate budget, but when combined with other factors such as performance, durability, and comfort, it helps determine the overall value for money.
Price:
Tire size: 215/50R17
- Toyo Extensa A/S ii : $140
- Michelin CrossClimate 2 : $210
The Toyo Extensa A/S ii, with the tire size of 215/50R17, is priced at $140. When we compare this to other tires in the market, such as the Michelin CrossClimate 2 priced at $210, we can see that the Extensa A/S ii provides a more affordable option. However, it’s important to remember that price alone does not determine the value. It’s about how well the tire meets your specific needs and expectations. When you consider its tested tread life of 65,000 miles, the generous treadwear warranty, and its overall performance ratings across various conditions, the Extensa A/S ii proves to be a cost-effective choice.
While it might not match up in every performance category against more expensive alternatives, it offers reliable performance, good comfort, and durability, making it a worthy consideration for drivers looking for a budget-friendly all-season tire. In conclusion, the Toyo Extensa A/S ii offers significant value for money, especially for drivers who need an all-season tire capable of delivering balanced performance without breaking the bank.
Reviews and Reactions
The grand touring tires by Toyo were an instant success. They held a reputation for high quality, being labeled as the best tires in the market for high power applications. Below are some of the real life reviews taken from Tire Rack about the Toyo Extensa A/S ii. Enjoy !
In Belfast, ME, a spirited driver found these tires to be perfect for his ’99 Aurora. He felt the car rode as it was supposed to, with the tires providing the best tread wear and traction in its category. He proudly exclaimed, “the Aurora has the greatest ride quality of any car built in the last 25 years.” Another customer from Golden Hills, CA, having bought the tires for his daughter’s Toyota Yaris, shared similar sentiments. Still, he added a note of caution and pragmatism. “We’ll see if she can tear them up. Ask again in six months.”
Fast delivery, excellent price, and high-quality performance were among the praises from a driver in Arena, WI. A motorist in Fort Collins, CO, found the tires exceptional in handling, stability, and quietness. He was astounded by the significant increase in gas mileage, remarking, “my gas mileage was averaging 8 mpg more than the last set of tires! Excellent, I love fuel efficiency!”
Although the reviews were generally positive, some drivers highlighted areas where there was room for improvement. An Acura owner from Milford, PA, was not entirely satisfied with the steering response. He said, “I have to add 3-6 degrees more steering lock than the Continental DWS 06s during high load cornering.” Yet, he praised the tires for their low rolling resistance, which enhanced the car’s highway MPG.
In Freehold, NJ, a Subaru Outback owner praised the tires for handling the state’s four seasons without any issues, adding “so far so good, no problems in light snow or heavy rains.” The tires were also praised for their affordable price point, quick shipping, and enhancing the comfort of the drive in reviews from New Ipswich, NH, and East Stroudsburg, PA.
However, not all reviews were glowing. A Mazda Miata driver from Ashland City, TN, was less than thrilled with the Kumho tires on his car and expressed interest in a set of Toyo tires designed specifically for his car model.
Still, the overall reception to the Toyo tires was overwhelmingly positive. A spirited driver from Lenexa, KS, who had tested the tires on his 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T for 2,000 miles on mostly highways, was so satisfied with the performance that he was planning to buy two more tires in a few months.
As the reviews came in, it was clear that Toyo’s grand touring tires had made a significant impact. While there were a few areas for improvement, the general consensus was that the tires provided excellent performance, improved fuel efficiency, and offered value for money. As more and more drivers added their thoughts, the reputation of Toyo’s grand touring tires continued to grow, establishing them as a reliable choice for a wide range of vehicles.
Conclusion
Summary of the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Toyo Extensa A/S ii
The Toyo Extensa A/S ii demonstrates itself as a noteworthy choice in the world of all-season tires. Its strengths lie in dry road handling, ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and durability. These factors make the Extensa A/S ii a reliable option for consumers seeking a balanced performance tire that promises longevity.
However, like any product, the Extensa A/S ii is not without its flaws. The two primary areas of concern identified through customer reviews are the tire’s performance in harsh winter conditions and the noise levels at high speeds. Although these factors do not undermine the tire’s overall capability, they suggest a potential opportunity for Toyo Tires to enhance its product offerings further.
Verdict on Who Should Consider Buying This Tire
The Toyo Extensa A/S ii is ideal for everyday drivers looking for a durable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable all-season tire. It’s well-suited for those residing in areas where weather conditions are predominantly mild to moderate. Given the tire’s performance characteristics, drivers of sedans, minivans, and crossover vehicles might find this tire particularly beneficial.
However, for drivers who live in regions with harsh winter weather, a dedicated set of winter tires might be a better choice. It should be noted that all-season tires, including the Extensa A/S ii, are designed to perform reasonably well in light winter conditions but may not provide optimal grip and handling in severe winter weather.
Final Thoughts on the Overall Value of the Extensa A/S ii
In conclusion, the Toyo Extensa A/S ii presents strong value for its price point. Its performance in various key areas, coupled with its durability, makes it a compelling option for a large segment of drivers. While there are areas for potential improvement, the overall positives of this tire seem to outweigh its negatives.
The overall value of the Extensa A/S ii extends beyond just the tire’s physical aspects. The positive customer service experiences reported by many users further contribute to its value proposition, indicating that Toyo Tires cares about their customer base and strives for high customer satisfaction.
The Extensa A/S ii, therefore, stands out as a worthy investment for drivers seeking reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. The opportunity for Toyo Tires lies in addressing the minor shortcomings of this otherwise impressive product, which can help them attract a broader customer base and retain their current users’ loyalty. With continued commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Toyo Tires can solidify its position in the competitive tire industry.