Falken Ziex STZ05 Review

With the Ziex STZ05, Falken has made an all-season performance tire specifically designed for applications on SUVs and half-ton pickpup trucks with options available for plus-sized aftermarket wheels.

PROS

  • Great handling
  • Immediate turn-in response
  • Quiet and comfortable
  • Well-priced

CONS

  • Tread life could be longer
  • Minimal winter performance

   

Falken has long catered to this aftermarket audience and their commitment to this segment shows through with the Ziex STZ05. The tire is made for big trucks, both in its internal construction and tread compound, and is designed to hold up to the challenges of keeping these big machines performing. Falken is confident enough that the tire comes backed by a 50,000 mile tread life warranty, That’s not exactly best-in-class, but for the price and considering the abuse big trucks put on performance tires, it’s not bad.

The tire’s design features a single center rib that raps the length of the tire for maximum highway stability and excellent turn-in response. Wide external tread blocks then help translate that initial turn-in into true cornering capability.

A naturally sticky tread compound also contributes to an overall high level of traction, under acceleration, braking and cornering.

Interestingly, rather than a conventional five-row tread setup, the Ziex STZ05 features a dual tread rows next to the center rib. These help give additional water evacuation capabilities and extra edges for grip in wet conditions. Look closely and you’ll see that many of those tread blocks feature a stepped design (they literally look like tiny stairs) as the tread moves towards the base of the tire. This allows for more water evacuation up top, but also a more stable tread block under dry cornering.

As for winter grip, there isn’t much on this tire to optimize for traction in the cold or in snow, and when the temperature drops, it shows. While technically an all-season this tire is not built for winter grip and we’d definitely recommend a proper set of winter tires to swap-on when the thermometer drops below 45.

Offering a comfortable ride as well, it’s also quiet thanks to the shape of the lateral grooves in the external tread blocks that help cancel-out unwanted road noise.

While not the ultimate in all-season performance tires for trucks and SUVs, the Ziex STZ05 performs impressively well, with a decent tread life warranty and an excellent price point.

Falken Ziex STZ05 Price

With only large sizes available it’s not surprising that the price range for this tire is in the higher end of the spectrum. Pricing for the Falken Ziex STZ05 ranges from around $180 per tire and goes up to over $350 per tire.

   

Falken Ziex STZ05 Warranty

Falken backs the Ziex STZ05 tire with a 50,000 mile tread life warranty. It is also covered by the brand’s road hazard protection plan that includes free replacement to tires damaged due to issues like punctures or potholes over the first two years of ownership or first 2/32-inch of treadwear, whichever comes first.

Falken Ziex STZ05 Sizes

20-inch sizes
275/45/R20
265/50/R20
275/40/R20
275/55/R20
295/45/R20
305/50/R20
255/50/R20

22-inch sizes
265/35/R22
305/40/R22
305/45/R22
285/45/R22
265/40/R22
285/40/R22

24-inch sizes
305/35/R24
295/35/R24

What vehicles does the Falken Ziex STZ05 fit on?

Below is a list of some of the more popular vehicles that can be equipped with the Ziex STZ05.

Cadillac Escalade
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
Dodge Durango
Ford Expedition
Ford Explorer
GMC Yukon
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Lincoln Navigator
Toyota Sequoia

Is the Falken Ziex STZ05 Tire Directional?

No, the Ziex STZ05 is not a directional tire. As a result, it’s possible to prolong tire life thanks to the increase options to rotate the tires, both front and back, as well as side-to-side.