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Falken Azenis FK520 Test Results

Tire Reviews tests: 1 Tested 2022 to 2026 11 publications

Tested 19 times by independent publications, the Falken Azenis FK520 averages a finish of 7th. Its strongest discipline is Dry Braking, beating 66% of the field across 16 tests; its weakest is Wet Handling, at 29% across 13 tests.

  • 19Independent tests
  • 0Test wins
  • 2Podium finishes
  • 7thAverage finish
  • 41%Field beaten on average
  • 11Publications
Falken Azenis FK520

19 tests, 2022 to 2026

0%50%100%20222023202420252026Average 41%2022 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2022): P5 of 7, Beat 33% of the field2023 ACE / Gute Fahrt UHP Summer Tire Test (2023): P7 of 7, Beat 0% of the field2023 Summer Tire Market Overview (2023): P8 of 50, Beat 85% of the field2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test (2023): P7 of 13, Beat 42% of the field2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test (2023): P6 of 10, Beat 44% of the field2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test (2023): P8 of 20, Beat 63% of the field2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test (2023): P7 of 11, Beat 40% of the field2023 The Best Electric Vehicle Tires VS UHP Tires (2023): P7 of 10, Beat 33% of the field2024 AMS Summer SUV Tire Test (2024): P7 of 8, Beat 14% of the field2024 EVO Summer Tire Test (2024): P7 of 7, Beat 0% of the field2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test (2025): P8 of 18, Beat 59% of the field2025 AZ Summer Tire Test (2025): P8 of 10, Beat 22% of the fieldBest Performance Tires For 2025 (2025): P5 of 7, Beat 33% of the field2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tire Test (2025): P2 of 10, Beat 67% of the field2026 ACE Summer Tire Test (2026): P4 of 10, Beat 67% of the field2026 Summer Braking Super Tire Test - How do 52 Tires Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? (2026): P14 of 50, Beat 73% of the field2026 Autobild Summer Tire Test (2026): P13 of 20, Beat 26% of the field2026 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test (2026): P3 of 7, Beat 67% of the field2026 Summer SUV Tire Test (2026): P8 of 9, Beat 13% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 41%
The latest test

2026 Summer SUV Tire Test P8 of 9

The Falken Azenis FK520 finishes eighth and is referred to in the article as the braking specialist of the test. It posted the shortest dry braking distance of all candidates and was also strong in wet braking. Sand traction was the best in the field, and rolling resistance is low. However, the testers describe delayed steering response and weak side guidance in dry handling, which dropped it to last place on the dry handling course. Gravel traction is also the weakest in the test.

Strong: Dry Braking, Wet Braking, Sand Traction Weak: Dry Handling, Wet Handling, Curved Aquaplaning, Gravel Traction Winner: Hankook Ventus Evo

Record by discipline

Where the Falken Azenis FK520 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking Strong 16 P6 of 16.2 66% 3
Dry Handling 13 P6.2 of 11 48% -
Subj. Dry Handling 4 P8.5 of 10.3 23% -
Wet
Wet Braking 16 P6.2 of 16.2 62% 1
Wet Braking - Concrete 1 P7 of 18 65% -
Wet Handling Weak 13 P8.3 of 11.1 29% 1
Subj. Wet Handling 4 P6 of 10.3 45% -
Wet Circle 10 P6.6 of 10.8 47% 1
Straight Aqua 14 P6.1 of 11.5 52% 3
Curved Aquaplaning 12 P8.1 of 11.8 37% 1
Off road
Gravel Handling 2 P5 of 9.5 51% -
Gravel Traction 2 P8 of 9.5 17% -
Sand Traction 2 P3.5 of 9.5 72% 1
Grass Traction 2 P6 of 9.5 42% -
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 4 P3.3 of 11 75% -
Subj. Noise 1 P7 of 7 0% -
Noise 13 P5.5 of 11.8 58% -
Value
Wear 4 P4.5 of 17 77% -
Value 4 P5.5 of 17 74% -
Rolling Resistance 13 P6 of 11.1 52% -
Fuel Consumption 1 P8 of 18 59% -
Energy Consumption 1 P5 of 10 56% -
Abrasion 3 P3 of 16 85% -

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Falken Azenis FK520. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 14 shared: 0 ahead, 14 behind Compare with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 14 0 14 - 0%
Bridgestone Potenza Sport 10 shared: 1 ahead, 9 behind Compare with Potenza Sport 10 1 9 - 10%
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 9 shared: 1 ahead, 8 behind Compare with Pilot Sport 5 9 1 8 - 11%
Continental SportContact 7 9 shared: 0 ahead, 9 behind Compare with SportContact 7 9 0 9 - 0%
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 8 shared: 6 ahead, 2 behind Compare with N Fera Sport SU2 8 6 2 - 75%
Toyo Proxes Sport 2 8 shared: 5 ahead, 2 behind Compare with Proxes Sport 2 8 5 2 1 71%
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 8 shared: 1 ahead, 7 behind Compare with P Zero PZ4 8 1 7 - 13%
Linglong Sport Master 7 shared: 5 ahead, 2 behind Compare with Sport Master 7 5 2 - 71%
Continental PremiumContact 7 7 shared: 1 ahead, 6 behind Compare with PremiumContact 7 7 1 6 - 14%
Giti GitiSportS2 6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind 6 6 0 - 100%
Maxxis Victra Sport 5 6 shared: 4 ahead, 2 behind 6 4 2 - 67%
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 6 shared: 3 ahead, 2 behind 6 3 2 1 60%
Vredestein Ultrac Pro 6 shared: 0 ahead, 6 behind Compare with Ultrac Pro 6 0 6 - 0%
Yokohama Advan Sport V107 5 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind 5 2 2 1 50%
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind Compare with Potenza Sport Evo 5 0 5 - 0%
Sava Intensa UHP 2 4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind 4 4 0 - 100%
Firestone Firehawk Sport 4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind 4 2 2 - 50%
Bridgestone Turanza 6 4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind Compare with Turanza 6 4 2 2 - 50%
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 4 shared: 1 ahead, 3 behind Compare with Ecsta Sport PS72 4 1 3 - 25%
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 4 shared: 1 ahead, 3 behind 4 1 3 - 25%

Against its own line

The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.

Tire Tests Wins Avg finish Field beaten
Falken Azenis FK510 Predecessor 39 2 5th 48%
Falken Azenis FK520 This tire 19 0 7th 41%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 19 tests. Updated April 9, 2026.

Across 19 summer tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 shows a clear split personality: it repeatedly delivers very strong braking (often class-leading) but struggles to convert that grip into consistently sharp, confidence-inspiring handling-especially in wet lateral/limit situations. Overall results cluster in the mid-pack to lower-mid-pack (average overall position 7.1) with occasional standout podiums (e.g., 2nd/10 and 3rd/7) and a single “Recommended”/price-performance type award, indicating good capability but inconsistent balance versus the best UHP competitors.

The most consistent positives are braking performance (dry and wet) and generally acceptable refinement (noise/comfort frequently upper-half). The recurring weaknesses are wet handling consistency and curved aquaplaning resilience (often bottom-third and sometimes last), plus occasional poor dry handling/steering precision reports in certain fitments, which can drag the overall ranking down despite strong stopping distances.

Performance Strengths

  • Braking Performance (Dry & Wet) Strong
    Details
    • 1st place dry braking in 2026 Summer SUV test (32.5 m, 1/9)
    • 1st place dry braking and 1st place wet braking in 2026 Sport Auto test (33.6 m dry, 1/7; 32.2 m wet, 1/7)
    • 1st place dry braking in 2025 AutoBild SUV Off-Road test (33.2 m, 1/10)
    • 2nd place dry braking in 2023 AZ UHP test (32.5 m, 2/10) and 4th place dry braking in 2023 AutoBild UHP test (33.7 m, 4/21)
  • Straight-line Aquaplaning (Longitudinal) Moderate
    Details
    • 1st place straight aquaplaning in 2025 Best Performance Tires test (75.5 km/h, 1/7)
    • 1st place straight aquaplaning in 2024 AMS Summer SUV test (77.9 km/h, 1/8)
    • 1st place straight aquaplaning in 2023 Sport Auto UHP test (80.6 km/h, 1/11)
  • Refinement (Noise/Comfort) Moderate
    Details
    • 2nd place noise in 2023 AutoBild Sports Car test (66.6 dB, 2/13) and 2nd place noise in 2025 Best Performance Tires test (71.7 dB, 2/7)
    • Comfort ranked 2nd/7 in 2026 Sport Auto (subjective comfort 9 points, 2/7) and 2nd/10 in 2025 Auto Zeitung (subjective comfort 8 points, 2/10)
  • Wear / Cost Effectiveness (often competitive for a UHP) Minor
    Details
    • 4th place wear in 2025 Auto Zeitung (40,000 km, 4/10) and 5th place wear in 2025 ADAC (46,700 km, 5/18)
    • Strong value positioning in several tests: 3rd/20 value in 2023 AutoBild UHP and 2nd/10 value in 2025 Auto Zeitung
  • Aquaplaning resistance Strong in 8 of 17 tests
    Details
  • Dry handling Strong in 8 of 17 tests
    Details
  • Wet braking Strong in 8 of 17 tests
    Details
  • Dry braking Strong in 6 of 17 tests
    Details

Performance Weaknesses

  • Wet Handling & Lateral Wet Grip Consistency Strong
    Details
    • 11th/11 in wet handling in 2023 Sport Auto UHP test (83.1 km/h, 11/11)
    • 19th in wet handling in 2023 AutoBild UHP test (73.1 km/h, 19/22)
    • 7th/7 in wet handling in 2024 EVO test (71.27 s, 7/7) and 8th/9 in wet handling in 2026 Summer SUV test (86.4 km/h, 8/9)
  • Curved Aquaplaning (lateral aquaplaning resistance) Strong
    Details
    • Last place curved aquaplaning in 2026 Summer SUV test (2.18 m/sec², 9/9, +14.8% from best)
    • Last place curved aquaplaning in 2026 Sport Auto test (2.02 m/sec², 7/7, +17.2% from best)
    • Bottom-tier curved aquaplaning in multiple large-group tests: 15/18 in 2025 ADAC (+20% from best) and 17/21 in 2023 AutoBild UHP (+18% from best)
  • Steering Precision / Dry Handling Variability by Fitment Moderate
    Details
    • 20th/20 in dry handling in 2026 AutoBild summer test (98.5 km/h, 20/20) and 9th/9 in dry handling in 2026 Summer SUV test (102.4 km/h, 9/9) despite 1st in dry braking in that same SUV test
    • 7th/7 in dry handling in 2024 EVO test (102.52 s, 7/7) with testers noting vague/imprecise limit behavior in the 2026 AutoBild test (subjective dry handling 18/20)
  • Overall Competitiveness / Result Stability Moderate
    Details
    • Average overall position 7.1 across 19 tests with several last/near-last finishes: 7th/7 in 2024 EVO, 7th/7 in 2023 ACE/Gute Fahrt, and 8th/9 in 2026 Summer SUV test
    • Only one award across the dataset (Recommended in 2025 Best Performance Tires), indicating limited top-tier consistency
  • Wet handling Strong in 11 of 17 tests
    Details
  • Steering feel Strong in 8 of 17 tests
    Details
  • Off-road traction Minor in 1 of 17 tests
    Details

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Falken Azenis FK520 (17 tests) and 48 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.

Where owners and testers agree

  • Dry handling strength in 8 of 17 tests 10 praise, 2 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet braking strength in 8 of 17 tests 5 praise, 0 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry grip strength in 4 of 17 tests 23 praise, 2 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Road noise strength in 4 of 17 tests 11 praise, 2 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Tread life strength in 2 of 17 tests 9 praise, 4 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Value for money strength in 3 of 17 tests 10 praise, 0 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews

Where they disagree

  • Behavior at the limit weakness in 1 of 17 tests 8 praise, 1 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews

Raised by owners, not by any test of this tire

  • Sidewall stiffness no test mentions it 7 praise, 2 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Cold-weather grip no test mentions it 5 praise, 2 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Vibration and balance no test mentions it 1 praise, 4 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews
  • High-speed stability no test mentions it 3 praise, 1 criticise of 48 reviews · Read those reviews

Every test, newest first 19

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2026 5 tests
P8 of 9 Beat 13% of the field

2026 Summer SUV Tire Test

Auto Bild Allrad 255/45 R19

The Falken Azenis FK520 finishes eighth and is referred to in the article as the braking specialist of the test. It posted the shortest dry braking distance of all candidates and was also strong in wet braking. Sand traction was the best in the field, and rolling resistance is low. However, the testers describe delayed steering response and weak side guidance in dry handling, which dropped it to last place on the dry handling course. Gravel traction is also the weakest in the test.

StrongDry BrakingWet BrakingSand Traction WeakDry HandlingWet HandlingCurved AquaplaningGravel Traction WinnerHankook Ventus Evo

P3 of 7 Beat 67% of the field

2026 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test

Sport Auto 205/45 R17 Preis-Leistungs-Tipp / sehr gut (Best Value Tip / Very Good)

Falken Azenis FK520 stands out for its braking performance, posting the shortest stopping distances on both wet and dry surfaces. It understeers safely but has limited steering angle reserves, meaning the front tends to push wide rather than allowing the driver to tighten a line. Steering response is somewhat sluggish compared to the sportier options. On the positive side, it offers good ride comfort and low noise. Lateral aquaplaning resistance is a weak point. It earns the price-performance recommendation at 107 euros.

StrongDry BrakingWet BrakingSubj. Wet HandlingSubj. Comfort WeakWet HandlingStraight AquaCurved Aquaplaning WinnerBridgestone Potenza Sport Evo

P13 of 20 Beat 26% of the field

2026 Autobild Summer Tire Test

Auto Bild 245/45 R19 gut (Good)

The Falken Azenis FK520 finishes thirteenth with competent wet braking and good dry safety reserves. Mileage per cost is reasonable. The handling characteristic noted is a vague or imprecise turn-in, which reduces driver confidence in cornering. Rolling resistance is low-to-average. It represents a mid-range option without a standout strength or major weakness.

WeakDry BrakingDry Handling WinnerHankook Ventus Evo

P4 of 10 Beat 67% of the field

2026 ACE Summer Tire Test

ACE 225/40 R18

Falken Azenis FK520 scored 135 points and was the last tire to receive the "very recommended" label. It achieved a strong 52 out of 60 in dry safety, sharing the best dry handling marks alongside Pirelli, Continental, and Michelin, and it was the standout aquaplaning performer in curves with 10 out of 10, holding contact with the road up to 44.4 mph - the highest threshold recorded. However, its wet safety score of 62 was dragged down by a poor wet handling result of just 12 out of 20. The subjective assessment noted it felt less secure on the wet circuit, suffering from excessive under- and oversteer and reduced lateral grip. That wet handling weakness, combined with a modest economy score of 21, is what separates it from the top three.

WinnerMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S

2025 4 tests
P2 of 10 Beat 67% of the field

2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tire Test

Auto Bild Allrad 255/55 R18

The Falken Azenis FK520 is a strong performer placing second overall with outstanding dry handling and the shortest dry braking distance. It offers refreshingly dynamic handling character and short braking distances in both wet and dry conditions. Good performance off-road with particularly impressive handling on gravel. Reasonably fuel-efficient with good rolling resistance and moderate pass-by noise. At a mid-range price point, it represents excellent value compared to more expensive premium options.

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingWet HandlingWet CircleRolling Resistance WeakStraight Aqua WinnerGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

P5 of 7 Beat 33% of the field

Best Performance Tires For 2025

Tire Reviews 225/40 R18 Tested by Tire Reviews Recommended

The Falken Azenis FK520 performed well in the grip tests, was low noise, and the best in straight aquaplaning. It did struggle a little more in curved aquaplaning and wasn't at the very top in comfort, but I'd definitely call it a solid, safe tire. The main drawback for me is that it's not a very dynamic tire, so while you have good grip it's not much fun using it, so if you consider yourself a driver, keep that in mind, but for an everyday application it offers good value.

StrongWet BrakingStraight AquaNoise WeakDry HandlingSubj. Dry Handling WinnerPirelli P Zero PZ5

P8 of 10 Beat 22% of the field

2025 AZ Summer Tire Test

Auto Zeitung 225/45 R18

The Falken struggles with precision on dry roads, requiring larger steering inputs and feeling less stable than competitors during dynamic maneuvers. In wet conditions, deficiencies become more apparent with longer braking distances and understeer, though it does offer excellent lateral aquaplaning resistance. The tire's saving grace is its good durability and relatively low wear rate. The aging design shows its limitations against newer competitors, particularly in handling precision and wet grip. While offering reasonable value through longevity, its performance compromises are too significant to recommend for drivers who frequently encounter wet conditions.

StrongSubj. ComfortValue WinnerGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

P8 of 18 Beat 59% of the field

2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test

ADAC 225/40 R18

The Falken Azenis FK520 achieves a "good" overall rating, earning "good" scores for both driving safety and environmental performance. While providing adequate feedback on dry roads, it can be sensitive to temperature increases, making precise steering slightly challenging. However, it maintains stability during maneuvers and achieves excellent braking. On wet roads, it earns an adequate "good" rating with good braking and aquaplaning resistance, although its handling and aquaplaning on curves are only satisfactory, exhibiting some understeer. Its environmental performance is "good," with good projected mileage and abrasion, and efficient fuel consumption, although its weight and sustainability are only average.

WinnerContinental SportContact 7

2024 2 tests
P7 of 7 Beat 0% of the field

2024 EVO Summer Tire Test

EVO 235/35 R19

The Falken Azenis FK520's strongest performance was in curved aquaplaning, where it topped the results, backed by decent straight-line aquaplaning resistance. However, it struggled in most other areas, finishing seventh in wet handling (almost four seconds off the best lap time) and scoring poorly in subjective handling tests. The tire needed careful management in wet conditions, requiring time to settle into turns and showing tentative grip characteristics. While it offered good refinement on regular roads, the Falken struggled to match its high-performance competitors, particularly in wet conditions. Feedback from the tire was decent, but it needs improvement in wet grip to compete with the leading brands.

StrongCurved AquaplaningRolling Resistance WeakDry HandlingSubj. Dry HandlingWet HandlingSubj. Wet HandlingSubj. Noise WinnerContinental SportContact 7

P7 of 8 Beat 14% of the field

2024 AMS Summer SUV Tire Test

Auto Motor Und Sport 235/55 R18

In wet grip and driving stability, Falken could still improve a bit.

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingStraight Aqua WinnerContinental PremiumContact 7

2023 7 tests
P7 of 11 Beat 40% of the field

2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test

Sport Auto 225/40 R18

The new FK520 is comfortable, but steers sluggishly on wet roads.

StrongStraight Aqua WeakWet HandlingWet Circle WinnerContinental SportContact 7

P6 of 10 Beat 44% of the field

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test

Auto Zeitung 235/35 R19

The price-performance tip: Falken Azenis FK520. Although no longer fresh as a dew, the fairly priced tire remains within striking distance of the top products in the dry and masters the wet without any problems.

StrongDry Braking WinnerContinental SportContact 7

P7 of 7 Beat 0% of the field

2023 ACE / Gute Fahrt UHP Summer Tire Test

ACE 235/35 R19

Good dry handling and low rolling resistance but slight weakness in wet handling and aquaplaningGood-.

WinnerContinental SportContact 7

2022 1 test
P5 of 7 Beat 33% of the field

2022 Auto Express Summer Tire Test

Auto Express 225/40 R18

The new Falken Azenis FK520 performed well in the dry and in the aquaplaning testing, but couldn't match the best in the wet grip tests of wet handling and braking.

WinnerBridgestone Potenza Sport

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