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Last updated 10/28/2024 - Originally published 10/28/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Bridgestone and Toyo are both Japanese tire manufacturers and are highly admired by American drivers for their performance and quality. Bridgestone was established in 1931 and is among the top two tire brands globally. On the other hand, Toyo debuted in 1945 and has continuously kept enthusiasts and drivers engaged with its innovative and high-quality range of tires. Their Alenza and Open Country are well-known all-season touring tires that we will compare here.
Specifically, we will compare the Alenza A/S Ultra vs Open Country Q/T tires. While the Alenza A/S Ultra is a capable year-round performing designed for use on CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks, the Open Country Q/T is an all-season touring tire suitable for use on CUVs and luxury SUVs. The commonality between the two is that they both can be used in dry, wet, and light winter conditions.
So, using our proprietary advanced tire rating system, SimpleScore, we compare the Alenza vs Open Country tires and evaluate their performance in traction, handling, and longevity areas. In addition, we also take a look at their vehicle compatibilities, prices, and other factors that are crucial for a comparative analysis.
Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra tires
Starting with the Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra, the tire was launched in October 2021 and as we mentioned above, is suitable for use on CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. Bridgestone has optimized the tire to offer noise-free rides, raised comfort, and longer service life. Improved braking performance and confident traction are also the areas where this premium highway touring tire is absolutely strong. Additionally, a generous tread life warranty by the leading tire giant ensures additional convenience to the drivers.
All credit to the excellent tread life, outstanding traction performance, and superior handling, the Alenza A/S Ultra scores a higher overall SimpleScore rating of 9.6 on a scale of 10.
Toyo Open Country Q/T tires
The second tire in this comparison, the Toyo Open Country Q/T is an all-season touring tire designed for use on CUVs and SUVs, and was launched much earlier than the Alenza A/S Ultra in August 2016. The tire has been admired for its durability, style, and performance, and also boasts features and technologies that enhance ride comfort, reduce tread noise levels, improve traction, and offer lasting tread life. There’s also a warranty coverage that results in a great ownership experience, which we will discuss later in detail.
Overall, the Open Country Q/T scores a great 8.6 SimpleScore rating, thanks to its impressive tread life, responsive handling, and reliable traction performance.
Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra vs Toyo Open Country Q/T tires on traction
Traction performance directly relates to year-round use in the case of all-season tires, and that’s why it’s important to know which out of the two tires is better when it comes to performing in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. When we compared both tires we found there was a big gap in their scores.
First, let’s talk about the traction performance of the Alenza A/S Ultra. It scores an outstanding 9.7 SimpleScore rating in traction and features a high silica compound that ensures increased traction and grip in wet and light winter conditions. The tire sports snow vices for confident driving and grip in light snow conditions. The four circumferential grooves present on the tread optimize water channeling and ensure hydroplaning resistance. There are sipes present across the tread for additional traction and grip in wet and snow conditions.
On the other hand, the Toyo Open Country boasts an 8.2 out of 10 SimpleScore rating in traction, which indicates the tire is capable of offering dependable grip and surefootedness in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. While the four wide circumferential grooves evacuate water to increase wet traction, the multi-wave sipes enhance light snow traction. The open lateral slits improve water drainage for better wet performance and sharper tread block edges of the tread blocks allows the tire to bite the surface better for enhanced traction performance.
The Open Country Q/T is a reliable choice when it comes to traction performance, but the Alenza A/S Ultra is way more excellent with a higher SimpleScore rating and leads in this area.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra
Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra vs Toyo Open Country Q/T tires on handling
Handling relates to steering response, ride quality, and the tire’s ability to promptly corner, remain stable, or abide by the in-time lane changes. When we compared the Bridgestone and Toyo tires, we found that the gap between the scores of both tires varied a lot.
Securing a 9.5 SimpleScore rating in handling, the Alenza A/S Ultra establishes itself as an excellent and highly responsive tire. Some outstanding features and technologies help in achieving the same. The construction of the tire utilizes a silica-rich tread compound for a consistent grip with the road to offer enhanced vehicle control, while the snow vices provide further boost grip in light snow conditions, assuring year-round driving confidence to the drivers. Alongside surefootedness, the center ribs on the tire help in quicker lane changes and sharp steering response. Similarly, the cornering performance is improved with the help of solid shoulder blocks that absorb the pressures and also help in confidently turning the vehicle.
On the contrary, the Open Country Q/T secures an 8.7 SimpleScore in handling, which confirms that the tire is great when it comes to steering response and other related attributes of handling. The open lateral slits improve water drainage and better wet handling, while the patented Silent Wall Technology contributes to quieter and more pleasant rides. The asymmetric tread design of the tire improves cornering, braking, and acceleration, and also allows the tire to offer more stable rides. The three center ribs on the tread help in seamless lane changes and assure better maneuverability.
The Toyo Open Country Q/T does come with many great features to boost handling performance, but it is again the Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra that surpasses the competitor with a higher rating and better features.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra
Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra vs Toyo Open Country Q/T tires on longevity
You might want to know which of the two tires are likely to last longer. Therefore, we also compared the scores and features of the Bridgestone tires and the Toyo tires. So, here’s what we found:
The Alenza A/S Ultra scored an excellent 9.8 SimpleScore rating in longevity, indicating that the tire is built and designed for longer service. The top-notch features and technologies allow the Alenza A/S Ultra to serve for a longer period and an exceptional 80,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty further underlines that the tire lasts longer. The footprint of the tire is wide and flat which prevents irregular wear and promotes longevity, and the tread block arrangement and robust rubber compound also avoid uneven or premature wear.
Contrarily, the Open Country Q/T also secures a commendable 9.0 SimpleScore on a scale of 10. This Toyo tire is also backed by a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, which confirms that the tire can cover a good number of miles. The multi-wave sipes on the tread reduce the chances of irregular wear and the also the overall asymmetric tread design prevents uneven wear with the help of cross-rotation. The inner construction of the tire is reinforced to let it withstand pressures for a longer use and the rubber compound is kept sturdy to slow down the wear rate.
There’s no doubt Toyo has made the Open Country tires tough and sturdy, but again the Alenza A/S Ultra outshines the peer with a higher score.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra
When to use each
Both, the Alenza A/S Ultra and the Open Country Q/T are great choices in the all-season category and they both are suitable for year-round use in dry, wet, and light winter conditions. However, these tires aren’t Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and shouldn’t be used in moderate to severe winter conditions, in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It is to be noted that the Alenza tire is a better choice for those who seek enhanced ride comfort, quieter rides, and longevity, while the Open Country Q/T could be considered for drivers who drive often on the highways because of its admirable touring abilities.
You can consider the Alenza tires for use on CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks that have rims ranging between 16- to 22-inch, whereas the Open Country tires can be used on CUVs and luxury SUVs having rims ranging between 16- to 22-inch.
Which one should you choose?
Looking at the SimpleScores, we found that the Alenza A/S Ultra got a higher overall SimpleScore rating of 9.6 against the Open Country Q/T’s overall SimpleScore rating of 8.6. But, you must consider the strengths of both tires before making a purchase decision.
As far as prices are concerned, the Alenza A/S Ultra is offered at a starting price of at least $191.99 per tire, while the Open Country Q/T is available at a starting price of at least $138.99 per tire. This means a set of four Bridgestone Alenza tires will cost you at least $767.96, while a set of four Open Country tires will cost you at least $555.96.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Alenza A/S Ultra tires if you:
- Drive a full-size 3-row SUV like the Chevrolet Tahoe, a mid-size 3-row SUV like the Dodge Durango, a compact SUV like the GMC Terrain, or a CUV like the Honda CR-V
- Need a tire that’s better in traction (9.7 vs 8.2 in traction)
- Need a tire that’s better in handling (9.5 vs 8.7 in handling)
- Need a tire that’s long-lasting (9.8 vs 9.0 in longevity)
- Need a tire that’s covered by a higher 80,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty
- Need a tire that offers more quieter and comfortable rides
- Are comfortable paying more to buy an overall better-performing tire
On the other hand, you should pick the Open Country Q/T tires if you:
- Drive a 3-row luxury SUV like the Volvo XC90, a luxury mid-size SUV like the Acura MDX, a mid-size SUV like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, or a high horsepower SUV like the Porsche Cayenne
- Need a tire that’s great for touring and highway drives
- Need a tire that’s budget-friendly, yet offers reliable year-round performance
- Need a tire that also doesn’t disappoint on the warranty part and is backed by a 65,000 mile tread life coverage
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.