Compare
Free shipping
Best price guarantee
Special pricing
Financing with Resolve
Easy returns
Last updated 10/16/2024 - Originally published 10/16/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Falken and Goodyear are the two popular tire manufacturers with a strong global presence. While Falken was established in Japan, Goodyear is a US-born tire giant with a huge fan base in the domestic tire market and overseas.
The Falken Aklimate and Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady are the two exceptional all-weather tires offered by these two tire giants that offer solid year-round traction performance and come with the impressive ability to even serve in severe winter conditions. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification is one of the biggest reasons for this performing ability in conditions like thick snow or ice. They also do the job like the traditional all-seasons and can be a great choice for people looking for tires for use in winter.
But, the question is which of the two should you consider? The Aklimate tires or the Assurance WeatherReady tires? So, using our proprietary rating system SimpleScore, let’s do a comparative analysis!
Falken Aklimate tires
The Falken Aklimate debuted in 2023 and is a comparatively newer tire offered by the Japanese tire manufacturer. It is suitable for use on passenger cars, CUVs, and mid-size SUVs, and sports an optimized rubber compound and tread pattern that gives the drivers confidence to tackle any given weather condition. The tire is severe snow-rated and comes with features that ensure quieter rides, long-lasting service, and enhanced controllability. There are various technologies and features that have been incorporated to make the driving experience as seamless as possible. Then, there is also an attractive tread life warranty offered with the tire, which we will discuss later in detail.
Overall, the Akilimate receives an exceptional 8.9 SimpleScore rating because of its outstanding tread life, responsive handling, and dependable traction performance.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady like its peer is also engineered for year-round service including severe snow and can be used on passenger cars and CUVs. Boasting cutting-edge technologies and features, the Assurance WeatherReady offers solid traction and grip in rain, sleet, and shine. Whether it is effective water displacement, sharp handling response, or surefootedness in diverse weather conditions, the Assurance WeatherReady won’t disappoint you. It even does come with a tread life warranty coverage, which will be discussed later in this comparison.
Overall, the Assurance WeatherReady scores an excellent 9.1 SimpleScore rating, thanks to its outstanding traction performance, exceptional handling, and long-lasting tread life.
Falken Aklimate vs Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires on traction
Traction defines how well the tire can bite the surface to provide uninterrupted rolling and this is the area where the competition was tough between the two tires.
Starting with the Aklimate, the tire scores an 8.4 SimpleScore rating in traction, indicating that the tire can offer reliable performance in diverse weather conditions. The tread pattern with optimized sipe depths and tread pattern rigidity offers reliable traction throughout the tire’s life. The advanced 4D Nano Design Technology makes the rubber compound more effective in providing snow traction. Then, there is 3D Canyon Sipe Technology that’s used along with solid shoulders to provide strong traction in different conditions.
The Assurance WeatherReady, on the other hand, outshines with an excellent 9.6 SimpleScore rating in traction. The credit goes to the asymmetric tread pattern and sweeping traction grooves that improve water dispersion for increased wet traction. Then, there is the use of Soyabean oil in the rubber compound to increase its flexibility for improved grip in cold temperatures. Additionally, features like Evolving Traction Grooves and Weather Reactive Technology further enhance traction on wet surfaces. Both, the Aklimate tires and the Assurance WeatherReady tires, as we highlighted in the beginning, are severe snow-rated and sport Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.
While both tires are equipped with advanced traction offering abilities, the Assurance WeatherReady tops the traction chart with a higher SimpleScore.
ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Falken Aklimate vs. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires on handling
The tire’s overall controllability, lane-changing response, steering response, braking performance, cornering, and stability all align with handling performance, and in this area, there was again a significant difference between the two all-weather tires.
The Aklimate scores an impressive 8.6 SimpleScore rating in handling, which highlights that the tire offers dependable handling performance in changing weather conditions. For smooth handling in moderate to severe winter weather conditions, the tire features Canyon Grooves and the advanced 4D Nano Design Technology and all-season rubber compound to improve handling performance in wet conditions. The optimized sipe depths, 3D Canyon Sipe Technology, and optimized pattern design all ensure that the tire responds right on time while cornering, lane-changing, or braking. Additionally, the wider flat footprint allows the tire to maintain surefootedness for the much-required stability.
Comparatively, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady secures a much higher 9.3 SimpleScore rating on a scale of 10. So, with a set of these tires equipped you can be assured of the exceptional handling response you will achieve. The use of Weather Reactive Technology that combines Evolving Traction Grooves with Treadlock Technology improves cornering performance and wet handling, while the asymmetric tread pattern with optimally placed tread blocks and ribs enhance stability, braking, and overall handling performance. The deep and wider grooves of the tire also boost controllability, especially in wet and snowy conditions.
In the handling area as well, the Goodyear tire surpasses the Falken tire with a big difference in their SimpleScores.
ADVANTAGE: Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Falken Aklimate vs. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires on longevity
You wouldn’t want to buy a tire that wears faster, and since both Aklimate and Assurance WeatherReady tires are great scorers, it becomes quite challenging to find the one that can be a better choice in the longevity area. However, we have solved it for you!
Commencing with the Falken Aklimate, the score on a scale of 10 is a whopping 9.7 in longevity, and also the tire is backed by a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. You can gauge from this higher treadwear warranty that the brand has engineered the tire to serve longer. The robust rubber compound and pattern rigidity control the wear rate, while the 4D Nano Design Technology increases tread life. The flat, wide footprint prevents from irregular wear and the inner casing further strengthens the tire to serve longer.
Contrarily, the Assurance WeatherReady secures an 8.8 SimpleScore in longevity. Like the peer, the asymmetric tread pattern of the Goodyear tire ensures longer wear. The rubber compound and structure of the tire are such that the vibrations and pressures are very well absorbed to promote longevity, and similarly, the inner construction is engineered to keep the tire in shape to avoid the chances of uneven and irregular wear. The tire is covered by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, offering absolute peace of mind to the drivers!
After comparing the longevity scores of both tires, we found that the Aklimate was a clear winner and lasted longer than the competitor.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Aklimate
When to use each
Both, the Aklimate and the Assurance WeatherReady tires are built and designed for year-round use, and their Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating makes them suitable for severe winter use. But, if you need a set of tires for northern winter conditions or to drive on thick snow or ice, consider buying dedicated winter tires. The tires discussed in this comparison will give you the convenience of driving year-round and are a great blend of all-season and winter tires.
While the Falken tires are good for use on passenger cars, CUVs, and compact or mid-size SUVs, the Assurance WeatherReady tires are good for use on passenger cars and CUVs. The Falken Aklimate is available in 15- to 22-inch rim sizes, while the Assurance WeatherReady tires are available in 15- to 20-inch rim sizes.
Which one should you choose?
As per the overall SimpleScores of both tires, Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady excels with a 9.1 score against the Aklimate’s 8.9 SimpleScore. However, you must compare the strengths of these tires and see which tire best aligns with your driving needs.
When it comes to price, the Falken Aklimate is available at a starting price of at least $95.00 per tire, while the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady comes at a starting price of at least $163.99 per tire. This means a set of four Aklimate tires will cost you at least $380.00, while a set of four Assurance WeatherReady tires will cost you at least $655.96.
Looking at the SimpleScore, you should consider the Aklimate if you:
- Drive a mid-size passenger car like the Toyota Camry, a mid-size SUV like the Ford Explorer, or a CUV like the Subaru Forester.
- Need a tire that lasts longer (9.7 vs 8.8 in longevity).
- Need a tire that comes with a better tread life warranty coverage.
- Need an affordable yet reliable tire.
- Need a tire in the rim size range of 15- to 22-inch.
On the other hand, you should choose the Assurance WeatherReady if you:
- Drive a CUV like the Honda CR-V, a mid-size passenger car like the Nissan Altima, or a 2-row SUV like the Hyundai Santa Fe.
- Need a tire that’s better in traction performance (9.6 vs 8.4 in traction)
- Need a tire that’s better in handling performance (9.3 vs 8.6 in handling)
- Are comfortable paying extra to own a better tire
- Need a tire that is available in rim size range of 15- to 20-inch.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.