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Falken ZIEX ZE320 vs Vredestein Ultrac

This head-to-head pitches the Falken ZIEX ZE320, a premium-touring summer tyre, against the Vredestein Ultrac, a comfort-leaning high-performance summer option. Tested across two recent 2025 evaluations in mainstream sizes (225/45 R17 and 225/50 R17), both tyres earned solid remarks but for different reasons.
The data shows a clear pattern: the Falken tends to deliver stronger objective braking and lap-time performance in both dry and wet, while the Vredestein counters with superior refinement, comfort, and aquaplaning security in curves. If you value crisp handling and short stops, the Falken stands out; if you prioritize quietness and plush ride with more composed wet balance, the Vredestein makes a compelling case.
ZIEX-ZE320 VS Ultrac

Test Results

Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been two tests which compare both tyres directly!

Summary of two total tests comparing both tyres directly
TyreTest WinsPerformance
Vredestein Ultracone
one wins
one draws in one tests

While it might look like the Vredestein Ultrac is better than the Falken ZIEX ZE320 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.

Key Strengths

  • Shortest dry and wet braking in both tests
  • Fastest or near-fastest dry and wet handling times
  • Very low cabin noise in one test with strong overall refinement
  • Slight efficiency edge in one rolling resistance result
  • Class-leading refinement: lowest noise and excellent ride comfort
  • Stronger curved aquaplaning performance and more predictable wet balance
  • Fine steering feel with stable motorway manners
  • Competitive rolling resistance and straight-line aquaplaning

Dry Braking

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 stopped the vehicle in 2.69% less distance than the Vredestein Ultrac.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
34.71M
Vredestein Ultrac
35.67M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Falken ZIEX ZE320

Falken ZIEX ZE320
34.21M
Vredestein Ultrac
34.43M (+0.22M)
Falken ZIEX ZE320
35.2M
Vredestein Ultrac
36.9M (+1.7M)

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was 1.19% faster around a lap than the Vredestein Ultrac.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
85.54s
Vredestein Ultrac
86.57s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Falken ZIEX ZE320

Falken ZIEX ZE320
85.54s
Vredestein Ultrac
86.57s (+1.03s)

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 scored 8.11% more points than the Vredestein Ultrac.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
9.25 Points
Vredestein Ultrac
8.5 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Falken ZIEX ZE320

Falken ZIEX ZE320
9.5 Points
Vredestein Ultrac
9 Points (-0.5 Points)
Falken ZIEX ZE320
9 Points
Vredestein Ultrac
8 Points (-1 Points)

Wet Braking

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 stopped the vehicle in 0.83% less distance than the Vredestein Ultrac.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
30.89M
Vredestein Ultrac
31.15M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Falken ZIEX ZE320

Falken ZIEX ZE320
25.47M
Vredestein Ultrac
25.79M (+0.32M)
Falken ZIEX ZE320
36.3M
Vredestein Ultrac
36.5M (+0.2M)

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac was 0.22% faster around a wet lap than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
92.04s
Vredestein Ultrac
91.84s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Vredestein Ultrac

Falken ZIEX ZE320
105.18s
Vredestein Ultrac
106.28s (+1.1s)
Falken ZIEX ZE320
78.9s (+1.5s)
Vredestein Ultrac
77.4s

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac scored 5.56% more points than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
8.5 Points
Vredestein Ultrac
9 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Vredestein Ultrac

Falken ZIEX ZE320
10 Points
Vredestein Ultrac
10 Points
Falken ZIEX ZE320
7 Points (-1 Points)
Vredestein Ultrac
8 Points

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one straight aqua tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac floated at a 0.69% higher speed than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
86.3Km/H
Vredestein Ultrac
86.9Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Vredestein Ultrac

Falken ZIEX ZE320
95.5Km/H
Vredestein Ultrac
95.2Km/H (-0.3Km/H)
Falken ZIEX ZE320
77.1Km/H (-1.5Km/H)
Vredestein Ultrac
78.6Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac slipped out at a 10.98% higher speed than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
2.27m/sec2
Vredestein Ultrac
2.55m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Vredestein Ultrac

Falken ZIEX ZE320
2.27m/sec2 (-0.28m/sec2)
Vredestein Ultrac
2.55m/sec2

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac scored 5.26% more points than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
9 Points
Vredestein Ultrac
9.5 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Vredestein Ultrac

Falken ZIEX ZE320
9 Points (-0.5 Points)
Vredestein Ultrac
9.5 Points

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 scored 20% more points than the Vredestein Ultrac.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
10 Points
Vredestein Ultrac
8 Points
Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Falken ZIEX ZE320

Falken ZIEX ZE320
10 Points
Vredestein Ultrac
8 Points (-2 Points)

Noise

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one noise tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac measured 0.42% quieter than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
71.2dB
Vredestein Ultrac
70.9dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Vredestein Ultrac

Falken ZIEX ZE320
71.2dB (+0.3dB)
Vredestein Ultrac
70.9dB

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Vredestein Ultrac was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Vredestein Ultrac had a 0.63% lower rolling resistance than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.

Falken ZIEX ZE320
7.88kg / t
Vredestein Ultrac
7.83kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Vredestein Ultrac

Falken ZIEX ZE320
7.77kg / t
Vredestein Ultrac
7.78kg / t (+0.01kg / t)
Falken ZIEX ZE320
7.99kg / t (+0.12kg / t)
Vredestein Ultrac
7.87kg / t

Real World Driver Reviews

Falken ZIEX ZE320 Driver Reviews

Most drivers rate the Falken ZIEX ZE320 highly for strong dry and wet grip, confident handling, and generally low noise, positioning it as a sporty-leaning touring tyre with good value. Comfort is praised by several users, though one hybrid owner reports intrusive high-pitch noise and a harsh, hollow feel. Wear feedback is mixed but limited: one mid-score review reports fast front wear, while others note early days or acceptable longevity. A few note increased fuel consumption versus competitors, but overall sentiment is strongly positive.

Based on 7 reviews with an average rating of 85%

Vredestein Ultrac Driver Reviews

Most drivers rate the Vredestein Ultrac highly, praising its confident wet grip (including aquaplaning resistance), solid dry performance, and comfortable, quiet ride. Handling is described as predictable and safe, with several noting good value versus premium rivals. A minority report faster-than-expected tread wear, and a few mention noise or steering feel, but these are less common. Overall sentiment skews positive given the high number of strong reviews.

Based on 23 reviews with an average rating of 77%

Best Review for the Falken ZIEX ZE320
Given 91% 225/45 R17 on a combination of roads for 0 miles
These tyres have given good grip both wet and dry. The steering response is better than other previous brands. So far they are lasting well and with the added advantage of an accidental damage guarantee offer great value for money. I will be buying these again when they have worn out.
Helpful 1141 - tyre reviewed on January 6, 2025
View all Falken ZIEX ZE320 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Vredestein Ultrac
Given 95% 205/55 R16 on a combination of roads for 500 easy going miles
Wanted the previously used sportracs 5, but appears that the new ultrac is replacing them and the ultrac satin, so here I am in about 500 kms with the new tyres. First I can say that the comfort is outstanding, given the hard suspension on 1st gen ceed. 205 55 16 are even softer than my winter 195 65 15 alpin 6 used 2000 kms max. So really impressive achievement here for the new ultracs. They are good in the dry ofc, I feel somewhat better on wet. Need more kms to comment further these characteristics and wear. Really happy with my choice so far.
Helpful 1153 - tyre reviewed on May 28, 2021
View all Vredestein Ultrac driver reviews >>

Conclusion

Across shared tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 consistently brakes shorter in dry and wet and posts faster wet/dry handling times, giving it the performance edge for keen drivers and safety-minded buyers who value stopping distance. However, its weakness in curved aquaplaning and occasionally uneasy wet feel in cooler conditions temper its appeal, and rolling resistance can be on the higher side.
The Vredestein Ultrac trades a little outright pace for day-to-day polish: lower noise, better comfort, steadier wet balance, and stronger curved aquaplaning performance. While it can feel bouncy in the dry and lacks ultimate bite under braking, it's the calmer, more refined companion-especially suited to warmer climates and motorway use.
Bottom line: choose Falken for sharper control and consistently shorter stops; choose Vredestein for quieter, cushier miles and greater confidence in standing water.
Key Differences
  • Braking: Falken consistently stops shorter in dry and wet (e.g., 34.21 m vs 34.43 m dry; 25.47 m vs 25.79 m wet).
  • Handling pace: Falken quicker in dry and wet laps; Vredestein steadier but slower.
  • Wet composure: Vredestein feels more predictable; Falken can feel uneasy in cool/wet and skittish at the limit.
  • Aquaplaning: Vredestein clearly better in curved aquaplaning; straight-line aquaplaning is a wash.
  • Refinement: Vredestein is quieter and more comfortable; Falken is sportier with slightly more noise in one test but very quiet in another.
  • Efficiency: Rolling resistance essentially tied overall, with minor, test-dependent swings.
Vredestein Ultrac

Overall Winner: Vredestein Ultrac

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Vredestein Ultrac has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.

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Footnote

This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.

Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.