Continental TerrainContact A/T vs BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA: The battle of the all-terrain titans is here: Continental TerrainContact A/T versus BFGoodrich Trail Terrain T/A. On one side, we have the Continental TerrainContact A/T, a newcomer making waves with its innovative design and versatile performance. It promises durability and comfort, whether on highways or rough trails.
On the other side stands the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain T/A, a tire rooted in a rich heritage of off-road excellence. BFGoodrich, a name synonymous with rugged, reliable off-road performance, brings its expertise to a tire designed for adventurers and everyday drivers alike. This matchup isn’t just a comparison of tires; it’s a showdown between the legacy of BFGoodrich and the innovative spirit of Continental in the all-terrain tire category. Get ready for a clash that tests the limits of traction, durability, and performance.
Table of Contents
Off road segmentation
Off-road tire segmentation for pickup trucks is mainly divided into three categories based on their on-road and off-road usage balance: All Terrain Road (ATR), All Terrain (AT), and Mud Terrain (MT).
| Segment | Off road | On road |
| ATR (all terrain road) | 30% | 70% |
| AT (all terrain) | 50% | 50% |
| MT (mud terrain) | 70% | 30% |
The ATR segment, where the Continental TerrainContact A/T vs BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA belong, is newer and arose due to Europe’s R117 regulation limiting tire noise. ATR tires are designed with 70% focus on on-road performance and 30% on off-road, offering a mix of comfort and versatility. The AT segment is equally split, with 50% focus on both on-road and off-road. This is ideal for pickup owners who often go off-roading but also need good on-road performance. Finally, the MT segment leans heavily towards off-road at 70%, with 30% for on-road use, catering to those who regularly face tough off-road conditions and need maximum off-road traction.
Results: Continental TerrainContact A/T vs BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA
Results below were taken from the 2022/23 Best 9 All Terrain Tyres test. A total of 9 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental TerrainContact A/T vs BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA based on the relevant performance category. The Continental TerrainContact A/T was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Thanks to TyreReview, we had the luxury to evaluate the off-road performances of both tires. The tires were tested on gravel & dirt to simulate typical off-road condition at Continental’s Uvalde, Texas proving ground. The tire size of interest is a 275/65 R18 which is a common tire size for Ford Expedition and F-150 . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. Testing vehicle of choice is a Ford F-150.
Off-road
In the all-terrain tire segment, off-road performance is crucial. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about how well the tire handles the unpredictable and often challenging off-road conditions. This is where the real test of an all-terrain tire lies.
When comparing the off-road performances of the Continental TerrainContact A/T and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA, we see some noticeable differences. On gravel, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA edges out the Continental with a slightly faster lap time of 61.6 seconds, compared to the Continental’s 62.73 seconds. This indicates that the BFGoodrich tire may offer better handling and speed on gravel surfaces. In subjective gravel handling, which assesses the overall feel and control on gravel, the BFGoodrich scores a perfect 10, outperforming the Continental, which scores 8.5 points. This suggests that drivers might find the BFGoodrich more responsive and easier to control on gravel roads.
Moving to dirt handling, the trend continues. The BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA again has a quicker lap time, completing the course in 56.86 seconds, while the Continental TerrainContact A/T takes 58 seconds. This difference, though slight, can be significant in off-road conditions, indicating that the BFGoodrich might provide better traction and control on dirt tracks. For subjective dirt handling, both tires perform admirably, but the BFGoodrich once again takes the lead with a full 10 points compared to the Continental’s 9.5. This score reflects the driver’s perception of the tire’s performance on dirt, suggesting that the BFGoodrich might offer a more satisfying driving experience in such conditions.
In summary, while both tires show commendable off-road capabilities, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA consistently outperforms the Continental TerrainContact A/T in both objective measurements and subjective assessments on gravel and dirt surfaces. This could make it a more appealing choice for drivers who prioritize off-road performance in their all-terrain tires.
Trail Terrain TA :
- +2% in gravel handling (lap time)
- +7.5% in gravel handling (subjective)
- +2% in dirt handling (lap time)
- +2.5% in dirt handling (subjective)
Snow
In the all-terrain tire segment, snow performance is a critical factor. These tires need to ensure safety and reliability in snowy conditions, which can be challenging for drivers.
Comparing the snow performance of the Continental TerrainContact A/T and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA, we notice significant differences. For snow braking, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA stops much shorter, taking only 39.08 meters (about 128 feet), compared to the Continental TerrainContact A/T, which takes 47.84 meters (about 157 feet). This 29-foot difference is substantial, indicating better stopping power for the BFGoodrich in snowy conditions.
In snow traction, measured by the acceleration time from 8 to 32 km/h, the BFGoodrich again outperforms the Continental, taking just 4.57 seconds compared to 5.66 seconds. This faster acceleration time suggests that the BFGoodrich tire provides better grip and traction in snow. Lastly, in snow handling, which tests overall control and agility on a snowy course, the BFGoodrich completes a lap in 97.4 seconds, while the Continental takes 102.56 seconds. This quicker lap time by the BFGoodrich indicates more responsive and efficient handling in snow.
Overall, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA shows superior snow performance in braking, traction, and handling compared to the Continental TerrainContact A/T. This enhanced performance in snow is crucial for drivers seeking reliable and safe all-terrain tires for winter conditions.
Trail Terrain TA :
- +22% in snow braking
- +24% in snow traction
- +5% in snow handling (subjective)
Wet
In wet conditions, the performance of all-terrain tires is crucial for safety and handling. Comparing the Continental TerrainContact A/T and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA reveals distinct differences in their wet performance.
For wet braking, the Continental TerrainContact A/T has a clear advantage, stopping from 100 km/h to 0 in just 58 meters, while the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA takes 68.5 meters. This 10.5-meter difference indicates that the Continental tire provides significantly better stopping power in wet conditions.
In wet handling, measured by lap times on a wet course, the Continental again leads with a lap time of 81.33 seconds, compared to the BFGoodrich’s 86.02 seconds. This shows that the Continental offers better agility and speed in wet conditions. Subjectively, in terms of wet handling, drivers rate the Continental at a perfect 10 points, whereas the BFGoodrich scores 8.5 out of 10. This suggests that drivers feel more confident and in control with the Continental tire on wet roads.
Finally, in the straight aquaplaning test, which measures the speed at which the tires start slipping on water, the Continental again performs slightly better, maintaining grip up to 84.4 km/h, compared to the BFGoodrich’s 83.1 km/h. Overall, the Continental TerrainContact A/T demonstrates superior wet performance across various tests, suggesting it’s a more reliable and safer choice for driving in wet conditions.
Trail Terrain TA :
- -15% in wet braking
- -5% in wet handling (lap time)
- -7.5% in wet handling (subjective)
- -2% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the Continental TerrainContact A/T outperforms the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA. It stops shorter in dry braking, covering 41.6 meters compared to BFGoodrich’s 46.6 meters. In dry handling, the Continental is also slightly quicker, with a lap time of 68.6 seconds versus 69.33 seconds for the BFGoodrich. Additionally, it scores higher in subjective handling (9.5 vs. 9 points). These results suggest better overall dry performance for the Continental tire.
Trail Terrain TA :
- -11% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (lap times)
- -7.5% in dry handling (subjective)
Noise & Comfort
In noise and comfort, the Continental TerrainContact A/T marginally outperforms the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA. It scores slightly higher in subjective comfort (9.5 vs. 9 points) and, although both tires are equally rated for noise by drivers (10 points each), the Continental is objectively quieter, producing 71.9 dB of noise compared to BFGoodrich’s 73.5 dB. This indicates a subtly quieter and more comfortable ride with the Continental tire.
Trail Terrain TA :
- -2.5% in comfort (subjective)
- 0% in subjective noise
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.6 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, an important factor for fuel efficiency and tire wear, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA performs better than the Continental TerrainContact A/T. The BFGoodrich tire has a lower rolling resistance at 8.86 N/kN compared to the Continental’s 9.67 N/kN. This lower figure for the BFGoodrich indicates it requires less energy to roll, which can lead to better fuel efficiency and potentially longer tire life.
Trail Terrain TA :
- +9% in rolling resistance
Price
Regarding pricing for the size 275/65 R18, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA is more affordable than the Continental TerrainContact A/T. The Trail Terrain TA is priced at $264, which is 6% cheaper than the TerrainContact A/T, priced at $281. This price difference makes the BFGoodrich tire a more cost-effective option, offering a savings of about $17 per tire.
Size: 275/65 R18
- TerrainContact A/T : $281
- Trail Terrain TA : $264
Difference: -6% more cheaper for Trail Terrain TA.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely examined the performances of the Continental TerrainContact A/T and the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA across various conditions. It essentially boils down to a choice between superior wet and dry performance versus enhanced snow and off-road capabilities.
If you prioritize wet and dry conditions, the Continental TerrainContact A/T is the clear winner. Its shorter stopping distances and better handling in both wet and dry environments make it a reliable choice for everyday driving conditions. It also excels in noise and comfort, making for a pleasant driving experience.
However, if your focus is on snow and off-road performance, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA stands out. It demonstrates superior control and traction in snow, as well as better handling on gravel and dirt. For those who face challenging winter conditions or enjoy off-road adventures, this tire would be the more suitable option.
Dr Edwin Pang
In the end, the choice depends on your driving needs and environment. While you can’t have the best of both worlds in one tire, each of these options excels in its respective area, offering a dependable solution for different driving preferences.