Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus Tire Review

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‍About the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus

All-season tires are normally engineered to deliver reliable traction and handling in different weather conditions, combined with decent ride quality.

To achieve these aspects, most tire brands tend to compromise or neglect some key areas. And fuel efficiency is usually the victim in such situations.

But in recent times, most tire manufacturers have started focusing on fuel efficiency, on top of the other aspects of an all-season tire. And Bridgestone has been leading at the front, with the Ecopia EP422 tire series.

Currently, in its second iteration, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is an all-season touring tire, designed for sedans and minivans.

According to Bridgestone, this tire is built to deliver outstanding all-season performance, assured handling, a comfortable ride as well as decent fuel efficiency.

Design Features and Technologies

The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is engineered to deliver dependable all-season performance, confident handling, and a smooth, quiet ride while saving you money at the gas pump.

To this end, Bridgestone has outfitted it with several key features and technologies. They include:

NanoPro-Tech

One of the most notable features of this tire is its above-average fuel efficiency. To achieve this, Bridgestone has equipped it with its exclusive NanoPro-Tech technology.

This technology features an enhanced all-season tread compound, which helps to reduce the tire’s rolling resistance significantly. Consequently, this will minimize the effort a vehicle needs to keep the tire rolling, leading to enhanced fuel efficiency.

Optimized Tread Compound

Bridgestone has also provisioned this tire with an optimized tread compound, featuring a symmetric tread design. The tread features independent center blocks, intermediate tread blocks as well as notched shoulders.

Thanks to this combination, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus manages to deliver a superb on-center feel, especially during straight-line tracking. Also, this combination provides outstanding responsiveness, combined with reliable levels of traction and grip.

The tire’s tread also features four wide circumferential grooves, which help to evacuate water from beneath the tire, therefore helping to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

High-Density Siping

The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus comes with a series of sipes and notches throughout the tread surface.

These notches and sipes provide additional biting edges, thus helping to improve the tire’s grip in wet conditions as well as roads covered with light snow.

Sturdy Internal Structure

All-season grand-touring tires are usually outfitted with a sturdy internal structure. And the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus also follows this trend.

Its internal structure features two sturdy twin belts, which have been reinforced with spirally wound nylon.

The sturdy internal construction helps to enhance the tire’s stability during high-speed cornering while providing a refined ride.

Performance in Different Conditions and Surfaces

All-season tires should provide reliable traction and outstanding handling in different weather conditions, whether it’s on dry tarmac or in wet conditions.

The question is, can you rely on the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus to get the job done? We tested this tire on a wide range of surfaces and conditions to assess its performance. And these are the observations that we made:

Dry Performance

On dry tarmac, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus performed as we had expected. Traction was outstanding, the cornering grip was top-notch and the braking performance remained solid throughout the test.

However, we should mention here that the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus will not deliver spirited driving or sporty handling.

It simply lacks the features needed to deliver such performances. So, if you are looking for a tire that can deliver sporty handling, it will be highly advisable to go for a summer performance tire.

But as far as all-season grand touring tires go, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is, without a doubt, one of the best in the class.

It’s a great tire for a driver who needs a reliable daily driver, which can deliver a safe and comfortable ride all year round.

Wet Performance

After assessing its performance on dry tarmac, we then proceeded to give it a run on wet surfaces. And its performance was equally impressive.

Acceleration from a stationary position was smooth, the braking was solid all through and its cornering grip was excellent.

And thanks to the four wide circumferential grooves on its surface, this tire resists hydroplaning superbly.

We even encountered water puddles during our test ride and the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus didn’t show any hesitation.

Performance in Snow and Ice

We didn’t get a chance to test this tire’s performance in snow and ice. But according to drivers who have used it, it delivers decent adequate traction and solid braking for driving in moderate snow.

Therefore, it will get you safely and without any issues, if you come across a road covered with a thin layer of snow.

But like other all-season tires, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is not built for severe winter conditions.

And like we always say, all-season tires are not designed to be used in severe wintry conditions. So, if you live in an area that experiences harsh winter conditions, you should replace this tire with a set of proper winter tires.

Off-road Driving

Most of the premium all-season tires that we’ve tested come with light off-roading capabilities.

And the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is no exception. It can handle some off-road terrains such as dirt roads and gravel. You just need to be extra cautious with speed, since the grip, traction and handling are somehow compromised.

However, we should also mention that the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is not built for off-roading duties.

So, if you need a tire that can perform well in demanding off-road conditions, then the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus may not be the right choice. Instead, you should equip your vehicle with a set of proper all-terrain tires.

Ride Quality

All-season grand-touring tires are designed for everyday driving duties. And this can entail things like going to work, dropping and picking kids from school, grocery shopping and other errands.

Therefore, it should provide a smooth, quiet and comfortable driving experience. So, does the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus deliver a refined ride?

The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is undoubtedly one of the most refined all-season tires that you can buy today.

It does a great job of minimizing road harshness, rough road conditions and vibrations. It rolls over potholes and bumps smoothly, delivering a satisfying driving experience.

Also, you will not experience any road noise coming from this tire, even when are cruising at high speeds.

Overall, if you are looking for an all-season touring tire that can provide a refined and comfortable ride, then the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is a perfect choice.

Warranties and Guarantees

Bridgestone all-season tires come with some of the best warranties and guarantees in the industry. And this is also the case with the Ecopia EP422 Plus.

Like other all-season tires from this brand, Bridgestone has backed it with its Platinum Pact limited warranty as well as a treadwear warranty. It also comes with a customer satisfaction guarantee.

Platinum Pact Limited Warranty

The Platinum Pact limited warranty is a materials and workmanship warranty, designed to protect you against loss if your Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus tire is removed from service prematurely.

Under this warranty, Bridgestone commits to replace your tire, if it’s removed from service due to materials and workmanship defects before it’s completely worn.

If your tire becomes unserviceable during the first 3 years from its purchase date or 4 years from its manufacture date, Bridgestone will replace it free of charge with a comparable new one.

The free replacement will also cover the tire’s mounting and balancing costs. However, you will be charged the cost of valve stems, the tire’s disposal fees as well as all applicable taxes.

If the tire becomes unserviceable outside the free replacement period, Bridgestone will replace it on a pro-rated basis, where you will be charged some money for the tire’s replacement.

An authorized Bridgestone tire dealer will determine your replacement charge by multiplying the percentage of the original usable worn off the tire by its current going rate.

You will also pay for the cost of mounting and balancing the tire, valve stems, applicable taxes, disposal fees and other miscellaneous costs that may arise during the process.

Coverage under the Platinum Pact limited warranty extends for 5 years from the tire’s date of purchase or 6 years from its manufacture date, in case proof of purchase is not available.

Limited Mileage Warranty

Bridgestone stands behind this tire with a 70,000-mile tread wear warranty.

So, if you buy a set of this tire and they wear out uniformly down to their treadwear maintenance indicators without hitting the 70,000-mile, Bridgestone will replace them.

You should note that there is no free replacement window under this warranty. Hence, Bridgestone will do the replacement on a pro-rated basis.

Under this arrangement, you will be charged a certain amount for its replacement. The amount you will pay will be determined by multiplying the percentage of the warranted mileage the tire has delivered with its current selling price.  

Coverage under this warranty goes for 5 years from the tire’s purchase date or until it wears down to its tread wear maintenance indicators, whichever comes first. This is going to give you an assurance should things go wrong.  

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is also eligible for Bridgestone’s 90-day buy and try guarantee.

As its name suggests, you are given a 90-day window after buying this tire, to decide whether it’s the right choice for your vehicle.

If you are not completely satisfied with its performance or you decide against keeping it for any other reason, you can return it to its original purchase place, and this is indicated by the dealer.

After returning it, the dealer will offer to exchange the tires with a comparable set or you can request a refund.

The 90-day buy and try guarantee only works for a set of 4 or more tires bought together. You will also need to return a set of 4 or more tires to get a refund or exchange.

Sizes and Fitment

• The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus comes in numerous sizes, ranging between 15 inches and 18 inches. It can fit several types of vehicles including:
• Chevrolet Malibu, Cruze, Equinox, Trailblazer, Sonic, Volt, Aveo, Captiva Sport, Impala, Spark, Trax and Cobalt
• Hyundai Sonata, Venue, Ioniq, Veloster, Kona, Genesis, Kona Electric, and Accent
• Cadillac CT4 and ATs
• Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, Flex, Escape, Transit Connect, Bronco Sport, EcoSport and Focus
• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Dodge Stratus, Grand Caravan, Dart, Journey, Caliber, Avenger and Neon
• Buick Lesabre, Verano, Regal Sportback Encore, LaCrosse and Encore GX
• Toyota Solara, Prius, Camry RAV4 and Avalon
• Kia Rondo, Forte5, Sedona, Soul EV, Niro, K5, Sportage, Soul, Stinger, Rio and Optima
• Chrysler Sebring, 200 and 300
• Volkswagen Passat, Routan, Tiguan, Golf, Eos, Golf Alltrack, Beetle and Jetta
• Pontiac Grand Am and Vibe
•  Honda Fit, CR-Z, Civic, Accord, Clarity, HR-V, Insight and CRV
• Nissan Cube, Quest, Rogue, Juke,  Kicks, Sentra, Versa, Leaf, Maxima and Altima
• Mini Cooper

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus Pros

• Outstanding wet and dry traction
• Smooth, quiet and comfortable ride
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Decent handling and steering response

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus Cons

• Poor performance in snow and ice

Should You Buy the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus?

The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus ticks all the right boxes when it comes to an all-season grand touring tire. It stands out among its peers. Traction is outstanding, handling is top-notch and the ride is supremely comfortable. As if that’s not enough, you will also save money at the gas pump, thanks to its enhanced fuel efficiency.

The only issue that you may encounter with this tire is poor winter traction, which is not surprising, considering it’s not built for such conditions. You will need to be careful when in winter conditions. Overall, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is a great choice for anyone that needs a reasonably priced and reliable all-season touring tire for everyday driving.