If you are looking for an all-season tire that has the right balance of year-round traction, ride quality, and tire longevity, the top contenders include Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Michelin Crossclimate 2.
Let’s take a closer look into their features to see if their cost difference makes much of a difference.
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra performs closely to Michelin’s Crossclimate 2 in wet, dry and snowy conditions.
Despite having a higher treadwear warranty, it cannot defeat the durability, high level of comfort, less road noise, and impressive usability of the Michelin Crossclimate 2 in wintry conditions.
These dependable features explain why the Crossclimate 2 demands a higher price tag.
| Factors |  |
 |
| Wet | Competitive | Winner |
| Dry | Competitive | Winner |
| Snow and Ice | Non-snow rated tire | 3PMSF-certified |
| Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality | Noisy but steady | Mild noise but relaxed |
| Price | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Mileage Warranty | Higher | Lower |
Table of Contents
What Are They?
1. Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is an all-season touring tire built for sports utility vehicles, crossovers, and light duty trucks. It was launched in 2021 to replace Bridgestone’s Dueler HL Alenza Plus.
It features Quiettrack technology and a silica-rich compound that promises a quiet and luxury driving experience. The tire has the right mix of comfort, wet, winter, and wear performance.
Compared to other Alenza tires, this model has a shorter braking distance on dry pavements and in snow review.
Read more: Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Michelin Defender: Which is better?
2. Michelin Crossclimate 2
Michelin Crossclimate 2 is a grand touring all season tire introduced in 2020 for sedans, coupes, crossovers, and SUVs. It replaced the Michelin Crossclimate Plus.
This tire features a grooveless pattern in a V-shaped tread design. It has:
- V Ramp chamfers for increased road contact and enhanced braking,
- Piano Noise Reduction Tuning for noise reduction,
- A fusion of thermal adaptive tread compound and 3D Sipelock technology for dry, wet, and winter traction.
Read more: Michelin Crossclimate 2 vs Crossclimate Plus.
Differences: Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra vs Michelin Crossclimate 2
1. Specifications
For the size chosen here, both tires have the same maximum carrying capacity and speed rating, but the Michelin Crossclimate 2 is a heavier tire.
When it comes to UTQG rating, both tires have the same temperature grade (A), but the wet braking power (A) and treadwear rating (800) of the AS Ultra are higher than those of the Crossclimate 2 (640 B).
Despite these stats, Michelin impresses more in tests and user ratings.
| Specifications | Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | Michelin Crossclimate 2 |
| Brand | Bridgestone | Michelin |
| Tire Size Inspected | 225/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Tire Weight | 25 pounds | 27 pounds |
| Max Load | 1874 pounds | 1874 pounds |
| Tread Depth | 10/32 in. | 10/32 in. |
| Max PSI | 44 psi | 51 psi |
| UTQG | 800 A A | 640 B A |
| Speed rating | 130 mph ( H) | 130 mph (H) |
| Mileage Warranty | 80,000 | 60,000 |
2. Warranties
Bridgestone’s Alenza AS Ultra has a treadwear warranty of 80,000 miles or a projected wear life that could last up to 5 years. It comes with a 90-day trial.
On the other hand, the Crossclimate 2 promises a wear life of 6 years or treadwear warranty support of 60,000 miles. Additional benefits include a 60-day road test and 3 years worth of flat tire changing assistance.
3. Consumer reviews
Based on consumer feedback, the Michelin Crossclimate 2 beats the Alenza AS Ultra in dry, wet and snow performance. It also excelled in providing comfort and wear life.
Although the Alenza AS Ultra offers a mileage promise of 80,000 miles, some drivers claim that its actual wear life can be compared to a 600-rated tire.
| Tires | Wet | Dry | Winter/Snow | Comfort | Treadwear |
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | 9.0 | 9.1 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.4 |
| Michelin Crossclimate 2 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 8.8 | 8.9 | 9.1 |
4. Wet and Dry Performance
Bridgestone’s Alenza AS Ultra has superb handling on dry and wet roads. It doesn’t skid in the rain because it has reliable hydroplaning resistance through wide vertical grooves and full-depth small horizontal grooves. It is easy to maneuver when you attack corners and curves.
On the other hand, Michelin’s Crossclimate 2 has superior dry and wet performance. It delivers short dry braking distances, high grip on dry corners, and good safety reserves. On wet roads, it also stops about 5 feet quicker, so I have no problem using it during storms.
5. Noise/Ride Quality/ Comfort
The AS Ultra delivers a smooth riding experience at highway speeds. It can tackle wet, light snowed roads, steep and slightly rugged terrains without strong feedback.
However, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra noise is noticeable, a hum similar to an all-terrain tire. Another thing to watch out for is that this tire feels sluggish when starting.
Meanwhile, the Crossclimate 2 delivers an excellent ride in any weather and road conditions. It provides smooth drives on rough pavements with pothole cracks. The feel and handling is comfortable in rain and snow.
The tire produces low noise at high speeds and eliminates feedback through its chamfers. It is noiseless on city roads and relatively quiet on the highway.
6. Snow and ice
The Alenza AS Ultra doesn’t carry a snowflake symbol, so its deep snow traction is average. The tread stiffens in heavy snow. On the bright side, it has silica-infused biting edges that can pass thin layers of snow with ease.
When it comes to ice-covered areas, its ice grip is dependable in accelerating, braking, and cornering.
The Bridgestone tire is predictable. You can easily regain control when it loses its grip and slides, but you have to wait for the tire to slow down instead of making any sudden correction. Nonetheless, this ice traction is inferior to what a true winter tire can offer.
Meanwhile, Michelin’s Crossclimate 2 is a severe snow-rated tire. It has superior snow and ice traction compared to the AS Ultra.
In light snow, the tire delivers terrific control in acceleration and braking. It displays stable handling in snow and slush. It will not spin or get you stuck in heavy snow.
7. Cost
Using the 225/65R17 tire size, Bridgestone’s Alenza AS Ultra costs $195.99 while Michelin’s Crossclimate 2 is sold at $213.99. The Michelin tire is more expensive.
Pros and Cons
- More affordable
- Higher mileage promise
- Competitive wet, dry, and light snow performance
- Unusable in severe snow conditions
- Noisy
- With snowflake symbol
- Low noise and comfortable ride
- Superior performance no matter the season or road condition
- More attractive warranty package
- Expensive
Conclusion
This comparison of the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra vs Michelin Crossclimate 2 proves why Michelin is the all-weather tire to beat. It is expensive, but it can do pretty much everything you expect from an all-season option.
The Alenza AS Ultra is one of the strongest tires in the all-season category, and if you’re in an area where snow is not your biggest concern, it is a dependable practical choice to enjoy a pleasant ride year round.
Nevertheless, don’t skip checking Tire rack test results and Reddit because users offer Crossclimate and Alenza AS Ultra review that might be specific to your needs.
