As a car enthusiast, I have always been intrigued by the tire industry, and the Falken vs Goodyear debate has piqued my curiosity.
In this post, we will delve deep into these two tire brands, exploring their rich histories, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespans, prices, and uncovering their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, fasten your seatbelts and join me on this thrilling comparison journey!
Falken vs Goodyear – Comparison Table
| Falken | Goodyear | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1898 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | mostly in Akron, United States, but the company also has factories in Venezuela, India, Turkey, and Malaysia |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
2. Goodyear
The Goodyear brand, founded in 1898 in the United States, is a renowned tire manufacturer and a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
It has a rich history that spans over a century.
Goodyear has consistently displayed a commitment to innovation, quality, and performance.
Throughout the years, they have developed groundbreaking technologies and patented tire designs that revolutionized the industry.
The brand’s success can be attributed to its dedication to providing reliable tires for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft.
Goodyear’s products have garnered a reputation for their durability, traction, and superior handling.
Over time, the company has expanded its global footprint, establishing a strong presence in numerous countries.
Today, Goodyear remains a trusted and respected name in the tire industry, continuously pushing boundaries to meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Racing cars
- Farm equipment
- Heavy earth-moving machinery
- Aircraft
- Bicycles
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3.
As the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Falken Azenis FK510 with a 4.6 and the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 with a 4.5.
Both tires have received highly positive ratings for their dry performance, including short braking distances, good handling speed, and excellent traction.
While the Falken Azenis FK510 slightly edges out the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 with its outstanding dry dynamics and sporty handling, the difference is minimal.
Therefore, it can be considered a tie in terms of better dry performance between the two tires.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady.
Based on my research and wet performance ratings, I would rate the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S with a 4.6 out of 5 for its excellent wet traction, all-season performance, hydroplaning resistance, and handling in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady receives a 4.3 out of 5, showcasing its reliable wet traction with features like the asymmetric tread pattern and traction grooves.
Therefore, I believe the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S offers slightly better wet performance compared to the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, making it the winner in this category.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT.
In my evaluation of snow performance, the Falken Espia EPZ II tire receives a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
It demonstrates strong traction in icy, slushy, and snowy conditions.
The tire’s advanced technology in tread design and construction contributes to its excellent performance and longer tread wear.
Positive reviews highlighting superb traction in harsh weather conditions further support its capabilities.
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT tire, on the other hand, achieves a rating of 4.4 out of 5.
While it also provides reliable snow performance with Winter Reactive Technology and a Winter Grip compound, the Falken tire edges slightly ahead.
Therefore, I declare the Falken Espia EPZ II as the better tire for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Goodyear | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. | Goodyear tires are expected to last anywhere between 30,000 to 65,000 miles on average. |
After conducting research, I found that both Falken and Goodyear tires offer treadwear warranties of up to 80,000 miles, which implies they are designed to last for a significant distance.
On average, Falken tires can endure anywhere between 20,000 to 80,000 miles, while Goodyear tires tend to last approximately 30,000 to 65,000 miles.
Thus, while the mileage warranty is the same, Falken tires generally have a wider range of potential lifespan compared to Goodyear tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken vs Goodyear.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Falken | Goodyear | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $75 to $1,027 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | Eagle RS-A goes from $75 – $299 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Eagle NCT5 goes from $317 – $1,027 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
Goodyear
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | ❌ Goodyear tires can be more expensive compared to other brands |
| ✔ Goodyear tires are known for their high quality and durability | |
| ✔ Long history of producing specialized tires for racing |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Some of Goodyear’s best tires are shown below:
- Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
- Assurance WeatherReady
- Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After analyzing the key factors, it is clear that both Falken and Goodyear offer excellent tires.
However, in terms of overall performance, Falken emerges as the winner.
With its slightly better ratings in dry performance, superior wet traction with the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S, and outstanding snow performance of the Falken Espia EPZ II, it provides a well-rounded experience.
Additionally, Falken tires tend to have a wider range of potential lifespan and are generally more affordable.
Therefore, based on these criteria, Falken is the better pick overall.