Toyo Extensa HP II vs Falken Azenis FK460 A/S: In the ultra-high performance all-season tire market, Toyo and Falken have been attracting attention with their excellent offerings. Toyo introduced its Extensa HP II and quickly received praise for its superb traction and outstanding performance in both wet and dry conditions. The Extensa HP II incorporated a refined design with cutting-edge materials, making it an attractive choice for automobile enthusiasts seeking a tire that could elevate their driving experience across various terrains and weather conditions.
Moving forward to 2022, Falken has made a grand entrance with its Azenis FK460 A/S. Falken’s latest creation is endowed with a state-of-the-art rubber compound created through the award-winning Advanced 4D Nano Technology. The Azenis FK460 A/S stands out with its impeccable balance of ultra-high performance capability, all-season grip, and a remarkable tread life. What differentiates this tire is the complex tread pattern featuring adaptive grooves and interlocking sipes, ensuring composed handling in adverse weather without sacrificing cabin comfort. Moreover, a 50,000-mile limited tread life warranty and Falken’s Road Hazard Protection offer an additional layer of reassurance to performance aficionados.
While the Toyo Extensa HP II had set a high benchmark in the ultra-high performance all-season tire category, Falken’s Azenis FK460 A/S takes it a notch higher. Falken’s new tire caters to motorists craving the exhilaration of a high-performance tire without giving up on safety and comfort, making it a remarkable option for driving enthusiasts. With its pioneering technology and design, the Azenis FK460 A/S is poised to make a substantial impact in the market. Let’s delve in and see how both the Toyo Extensa HP II and Falken Azenis FK460 A/S measure up in a head-to-head comparison!
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Results: Toyo Extensa HP II vs Falken Azenis FK460 A/S
Results below were taken from tire rack’s “Testing Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires 2023” test. A total of 4 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Toyo Extensa HP II vs Falken Azenis FK460 A/S based on the relevant performance category. The Extensa HP II was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has planned the snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling will be available only at the end of the 2023 winter season. The tire size of interest is a 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Wet
In wet conditions, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S outperforms the Toyo Extensa HP II in multiple aspects. When it comes to wet braking, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S demonstrates a significantly better performance, requiring only 88.9 feet to come to a complete stop, as compared to the 102.5 feet needed by the Toyo Extensa HP II. This suggests that the Falken tire offers superior grip and stability when braking in wet conditions.
Additionally, subjective evaluations of wet handling reveal that drivers rate the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S higher, with a score of 7.82 out of 10, compared to the 6.78 out of 10 awarded to the Toyo Extensa HP II. This indicates that drivers feel more confident and in control when navigating through wet surfaces with the Falken tire. In terms of objective measurements, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S also excels in wet handling lap times, clocking in at 31.15 seconds, whereas the Toyo Extensa HP II takes a slightly longer time of 33.05 seconds to complete a lap. This showcases the Falken tire’s ability to maintain higher speeds and better control during wet track conditions.
Below are an in depth look on wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
Extensa HP II:
The Toyo tire displayed a stark contrast in traction and driving dynamics compared to the other three tires. Its steering responsiveness was sluggish, particularly during slalom maneuvers, as it took noticeably longer to change direction while the front tires struggled to grip the surface. The brakes demanded extra foresight, as even applying them considerably sooner than with the other tires didn’t seem to reduce speed sufficiently, resulting in persistent understeer throughout the turns. Moreover, it was critical to ensure the steering wheel was aligned straight before fully accelerating to prevent the rear end from potentially swinging out into abrupt oversteer. Navigating with the Toyo tire necessitated the utmost focus from our drivers, as it registered the slowest lap times.
Test driver feedback on Extensa HP II
Azenis FK460 A/S:
Contrarily, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S retained its distinctive features in wet conditions, though they were somewhat less appealing due to the diminished grip on the wet surface. Despite good traction, its ultra-responsive steering called for careful handling to smoothly navigate turns without veering off course. Additionally, the rear axle required cautious throttle use to prevent it from becoming unstable. The Falken tire was quick and proficient but challenging to master, particularly with occasional slight errors.
Test driver feedback on Azenis FK460 A/S
In summary, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S emerges as the more capable tire in wet conditions, exhibiting better braking performance, higher driver-rated handling, and faster lap times compared to the Toyo Extensa HP II.
Azenis FK460 A/S:
- +15% in wet braking
- +5% in wet handling (subj)
- +6% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the Toyo Extensa HP II and Falken Azenis FK460 A/S perform quite closely, but there are still some differences worth noting.
When considering dry braking, the Toyo Extensa HP II has a slight edge, requiring 78.3 feet to come to a halt, while the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is nearly on par, needing just a hair more at 78.8 feet. This minuscule difference of half a foot indicates that both tires provide almost equally efficient braking performance in dry conditions.
For subjective dry handling, drivers have given the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S a marginally higher score of 7.72 out of 10, compared to the Toyo Extensa HP II, which received a 7.35 out of 10. This suggests that drivers feel a tad bit more confidence and control when handling the Falken tire on dry surfaces. Regarding the lap times in dry handling, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S once again takes a slight lead, clocking in at 29.26 seconds, whereas the Toyo Extensa HP II trails closely behind with a lap time of 29.60 seconds. This difference of around a third of a second demonstrates that the Falken tire can maintain marginally higher speeds and precision during dry track conditions.
Extensa HP II:
Behind the wheel of the Toyo, it became evident early on that it wouldn’t keep pace with the frontrunners. The traction lagged slightly, and the steering wasn’t as responsive or accurate for precise vehicle positioning. However, the tire did a commendable job of conveying its capabilities, making it quite effortless to drive with consistency. Among the tires tested, the Toyo stood out for its ability to be steered effectively using the throttle – a trait that was favorable, given its lackluster steering response. With proper technique, one could smoothly slide the vehicle around the track, gracefully transitioning from one section to another, achieving respectable lap times in the process. However, if a more aggressive approach was taken into turns, relying on the front tires for sharp cornering, it resulted in pronounced understeer.
Test driver feedback on Extensa HP II
Azenis FK460 A/S:
The Falken Azenis FK460 A/S displayed characteristics quite contrasting to the BFGoodrich. It was notably agile and seemed to glide effortlessly around the track. Its steering was remarkably responsive, necessitating only a light touch to alter direction, which proved to be an advantage in quick transitions such as in a slalom. Nonetheless, this required the drivers to adapt to its sensitivity to avoid overburdening the front tires. Moreover, the Falken tire was eager to rotate when exiting corners, but this could swiftly turn into oversteer if pushed slightly too far. Though this oversteer was manageable, the sharpness in handling made it challenging to maintain a flawless lap.
Test driver feedback on Azenis FK460 A/S
In a nutshell, both the Toyo Extensa HP II and Falken Azenis FK460 A/S exhibit impressive performance in dry conditions, with the Falken tire having a slight advantage in handling and lap times, and the Toyo tire barely edging out in braking.
Azenis FK460 A/S:
- -1% in dry braking
- +2% in dry handling (subj)
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the main deficit between the Toyo Extensa HP II and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S becomes apparent. The Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is rated noticeably higher, with a score of 6.96 out of 10, while the Toyo Extensa HP II lags behind with a score of 6.00 out of 10.
This gap in ratings suggests that the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S provides a more comfortable and quieter ride compared to the Toyo Extensa HP II. The higher score for the Falken tire indicates that it has been engineered to minimize noise levels and enhance ride comfort more effectively than its Toyo counterpart. For drivers who prioritize a serene and smooth driving experience, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S appears to be the superior choice, as the Toyo Extensa HP II falls short in this critical aspect of noise, comfort, and ride quality.
Azenis FK460 A/S:
- +5% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Ice & Snow
Stay tunned for more winter updates by the end of 2023 !
UTQG rating
Looking at the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) values for the Toyo Extensa HP II and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S, both tires have identical ratings for treadwear, traction, and temperature. Specifically, they both have a treadwear rating of 500, and a traction and temperature grade of A. This would imply that, in general terms, both tires are expected to perform similarly in terms of tread durability, traction, and temperature resistance.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyo | Extensa HP II | All | 500 | A | A |
| Falken | Azenis FK460 A/S | All | 500 | A | A |
However, when it comes to the mileage warranty, there is a noticeable difference between the two tires. The Toyo Extensa HP II comes with a warranty of up to 45,000 miles, whereas the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S offers a 50,000-mile Limited Tread Life Warranty. With a difference of 5,000 miles in favor of the Falken tire, this suggests that the Azenis FK460 A/S might provide longer tread life compared to the Extensa HP II.
While the UTQG values are similar, the extended warranty on the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S implies that Falken has more confidence in the longevity of their tire compared to Toyo’s offering. For consumers who value longer-lasting tread life, this additional 5,000 miles of warranty might make the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S a more appealing choice.
Price
When comparing the prices for the 225/40R18 tire size, the Toyo Extensa HP II is priced at $143, while the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S comes in slightly higher at $153. This represents a difference of $10, making the Azenis FK460 A/S approximately 6.5% more expensive than the Extensa HP II.
Tire size: 225/40R18
Extensa HP II: $143
Azenis FK460 A/S: $153
Difference: +6.5% more expensive for Azenis FK460 A/S
For budget-conscious consumers, this price difference might be a consideration. The Toyo Extensa HP II offers a more affordable option. However, for those who are looking for specific performance attributes, such as better noise comfort and handling as previously discussed, the additional 6.5% investment in the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S could be seen as justified. It is essential for consumers to weigh the price against the performance features and preferences to make an informed decision on which tire meets their needs and budget best.
Summary
Taking into consideration the various aspects discussed in the earlier prompts, it’s clear that the Toyo Extensa HP II and Falken Azenis FK460 A/S have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In wet conditions, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S demonstrated superior performance, with better braking distances, higher subjective handling scores, and faster lap times compared to the Toyo Extensa HP II. In dry conditions, both tires performed similarly, with the Toyo having a slight edge in braking and the Falken slightly ahead in handling and lap times. However, when it comes to noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S stood out significantly compared to the Toyo Extensa HP II. The Falken tire was rated noticeably higher in these aspects, indicating a quieter and more comfortable ride.BD
In terms of UTQG values, both tires were similar, but the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S offered an additional 5,000 miles in its warranty, which may indicate a longer tread life. Price-wise, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is slightly more expensive, but given its overall performance, comfort, and the additional mileage warranty, the investment could be justified for those seeking a balance of performance and comfort.
Conclusively, for those seeking an economical option and are not particularly concerned about ride comfort or wet performance, the Toyo Extensa HP II could be a suitable choice. However, for drivers looking for a more comprehensive package that excels in wet conditions, provides a comfortable ride, and potentially has a longer lifespan, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S appears to be the superior option despite being slightly more expensive.