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Discover why the Continental TerrainContact A/T stands out for light trucks and SUVs. With excellent dry and wet performance, 60,000-mile warranty, and balanced off-road capability, it's a versatile choice for everyday drivers. We break down ratings, specs, and real-world insights to help you decide.
Quick Pick: Continental TerrainContact A/T
Our top recommendation for drivers seeking reliable all-terrain performance without sacrificing on-road comfort. Excels in braking and handling. Explore top tires in our Best Tires 2024 guide.
If you're piloting an SUV or light truck and need a tire that handles highways, rainy commutes, and occasional dirt trails, the Continental TerrainContact A/T delivers impressive versatility. This all-season all-terrain tire strikes a smart balance between rugged capability and daily drivability, earning high marks in independent testing for its responsive handling and stopping power.
In our evaluation, it shines brightest on paved roads, where dry braking scores a perfect 5/5 and wet handling hits 4/5. It's not invincible—snow traction lags at 3/5—but for year-round use in mild climates with light off-road adventures, it's a solid contender. Priced around $306 per tire in the popular P275/60R20 115T size, it comes backed by a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, making it a value-packed option for families and weekend warriors alike.
We'll dive into performance data, compare it head-to-head with rivals, and share actionable advice to maximize its lifespan. Whether upgrading from worn all-seasons or dipping into all-terrain territory, this review equips you with the facts.
To put the TerrainContact A/T in context, we compared it against other popular all-season and all-terrain options from Continental and beyond. Key metrics include braking distances (from 60 mph), handling lap times, and projected mileage based on UTQG ratings.
| Feature | Continental TerrainContact A/T | Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus | Advanta HPZ-02 | Best Grand Touring All-Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 82/100 | 85/100 | 78/100 | 84/100 |
| Dry Braking (60-0 ft) | 110 ft (5/5) | 112 ft (5/5) | 118 ft (4/5) | 115 ft (4/5) |
| Wet Braking (60-0 ft) | 135 ft (4/5) | 132 ft (5/5) | 142 ft (3/5) | 138 ft (4/5) |
| Snow Traction | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Ride Comfort | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Noise (dB) | 68 dB (4/5) | 66 dB (4/5) | 70 dB (3/5) | 67 dB (4/5) |
| Treadwear Warranty | 60,000 miles | 50,000 miles | 50,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Price per Tire (est.) | $306 | $280 | $150 | $220 |
| UTQG Rating | 740 A B | 560 A A | 500 A B | 800 A A |
See full details on the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus or Best Tires 2024 Buying Guide.
The TerrainContact A/T leads in dry conditions and offers competitive wet performance, though it trades some snow grip for off-road bite. Budget buyers might eye the Advanta, but for premium balance, this Continental wins.
On dry pavement, the TerrainContact A/T feels planted, with a 5/5 dry handling score translating to quick steering response and minimal lean in corners. Braking from 60 mph stops in just 110 feet—shorter than many competitors—thanks to its aggressive tread blocks and high-silica compound.
Wet roads reveal solid hydroplaning resistance (4/5), channeling water effectively via wide grooves. Expect confident stops in 135 feet and stable handling during heavy rain, ideal for Pacific Northwest drives or summer storms.
As an all-terrain tire, it tackles gravel, mud, and light trails with 2-ply sidewalls for puncture resistance. However, snow traction (3/5) and ice braking (2/5) suggest it's best for dry-snow regions—pair with winter tires for icy areas.
Ride quality earns 4/5, absorbing bumps smoothly for SUVs like the Ford Explorer or Toyota 4Runner. Noise stays low at 68 dB on highways. Treadwear (3/5 projected) aligns with the 60,000-mile warranty, but rotate every 6,000 miles to hit that mark.
Pros:
Cons:
Check compatibility with your vehicle via our Best Tires 2024 guide.
Perfect for:
Skip if: You face heavy snow/ice or extreme trails—opt for dedicated winter tires or mud-terrains. For pure highway focus, explore Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02.
If the TerrainContact doesn't fit, dive into our Best Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2024 for smoother rides or Advanta HPZ-02 Review for savings.
Elevate your automotive game:
It handles light snow adequately (3/5 traction) but struggles on ice (2/5). For severe winters, switch to dedicated snow tires.
60,000-mile treadwear warranty, plus Continental's road hazard protection—register within 30 days of purchase.
Better off-road grip and durability, but slightly noisier. See our comparison table above.
Wide range, including P275/60R20 tested. Confirm fit for your SUV via tire calculators.
Yes for balanced performance—strong value over cheaper options that compromise safety.
Light trails and gravel yes; avoid rocks or deep mud.
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