Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Bridgestone Dueler LX: The Continental TerrainContact H/T, launched in 2017, and the Bridgestone Dueler LX, introduced in 2016, represent two strong contenders in the Highway All-Season segment. With the TerrainContact H/T known for its rugged durability and versatile traction, and the Dueler LX celebrated for its refined comfort and efficiency, this clash promises an exciting battle between toughness and sophistication, showcasing the pinnacle of all-season highway tire innovation.
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Results: Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Bridgestone Dueler LX
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Testing Highway All-Season Tires 2023 test. A total of 3 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Bridgestone Dueler LX based on the relevant performance category. The TerrainContact H/T was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are classified as an all season tire, Tire Rack will include snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling will be available after the 2023 winter season. The tire size of interest is a 265/60R18 which is a common tire size for Toyota Hilux 1500 & Ford Ranger. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a powerful 2022 Ford Explorer ST.
Wet
In terms of wet performance, the Continental TerrainContact H/T and Bridgestone Dueler LX exhibit notable differences. When it comes to wet braking, the Continental TerrainContact H/T demonstrates a slight edge, stopping from 50 mph in 108.80 feet, whereas the Bridgestone Dueler LX takes 111.30 feet to come to a stop under the same conditions. This 2.5 feet difference can be significant in real-world driving, particularly in emergency braking scenarios.
Subjectively, the wet handling scores also favor the Continental, with it scoring 7.81 out of 10 compared to the Bridgestone’s 7. This indicates that drivers might find the Continental more responsive and confident in wet conditions. Additionally, in terms of lap times on a wet handling course, the Continental TerrainContact H/T completes a lap quicker, in 33.61 seconds, as opposed to the Bridgestone Dueler LX, which takes 34.44 seconds. This suggests that the Continental has a slightly better grip and agility on wet surfaces.
TerrainContact H/T:
The TerrainContact H/T quickly stood out in our test, clearly showing why it’s considered a top choice. It led the pack, especially in terms of grip. The front tires felt very secure and easy to steer. Although it might slide a bit when pushed to its limits (understeer), it generally handled in a controlled and predictable way, recovering well if it was pushed too hard.
Test driver feedback on TerrainContact H/T
Dueler LX:
On the other hand, the Dueler LX had a bit less grip. While its performance in a straight line and during braking was still pretty good, it struggled more when it came to sharp turns. The tires had a tendency to slide (also understeer) during aggressive cornering. The steering responded quickly, but sometimes it was too quick for the tires to keep up, making it easier to lose grip.
Test driver feedback on Dueler LX
Overall, while both tires perform admirably in wet conditions, the Continental TerrainContact H/T shows a marginal advantage in wet braking distance, subjective handling feel, and lap times.
Dueler LX:
- -2.2% in wet braking
- -4.1% in wet handling (subj)
- -2.4% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the Continental TerrainContact H/T and Bridgestone Dueler LX display distinct performance characteristics. For dry braking, the Continental has a slight edge, stopping from 50 mph in 84.10 feet, while the Bridgestone requires 85.70 feet. This difference of 1.6 feet, though small, can be important in certain driving situations.
When it comes to subjective dry handling, the Continental again scores higher with a rating of 7.81 out of 10, compared to the Bridgestone’s 7.06. This suggests drivers may find the Continental more responsive and confident on dry roads. In terms of lap times on a dry handling course, the Continental completes a lap slightly faster, clocking in at 31.30 seconds against the Bridgestone’s 31.62 seconds. This indicates that the Continental may offer better grip and agility in dry conditions.
Overall, while both tires are competent performers in dry conditions, the Continental TerrainContact H/T demonstrates a marginal advantage in braking distance, driver handling perception, and lap times.
Dueler LX:
- -1.9% in dry braking
- -3.8% in dry handling (subj)
- -1.0% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance, the Bridgestone Dueler LX generally outperforms the Continental TerrainContact H/T. For ride quality, the Bridgestone scores a higher 8 out of 10, compared to the Continental’s 7. This suggests a smoother, more comfortable experience with the Bridgestone.
Noise levels also favor the Bridgestone, with a rating of 8.25 against the Continental’s 7.5. This indicates that the Bridgestone is quieter, contributing to a more pleasant driving experience.
In steering and road handling, which can impact the overall feel of the drive, the Bridgestone again leads with a score of 7.25, compared to the Continental’s 6.75. This suggests better road feedback and handling with the Bridgestone.
Overall, when considering the average scores for noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Bridgestone Dueler LX achieves a higher average of 7.83, in contrast to the Continental TerrainContact H/T’s 7.08. This demonstrates that the Bridgestone offers a more refined and comfortable driving experience in terms of NVH.
Dueler LX:
- +3.8% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
Snow
The Continental TerrainContact H/T outperforms the Bridgestone Dueler LX in snow braking, stopping 10.7 feet shorter at 68.1 feet compared to 78.8 feet when braking from 25 to 0 mph. In snow acceleration, the TerrainContact H/T also has an advantage, covering the distance of 0 to 12 mph in 17.8 feet, which is 0.8 feet shorter than the Dueler LX’s 18.6 feet, highlighting its superior grip on snow-covered surfaces.
Dueler LX:
- -14% in snow braking
- -4% in snow acceleration
Ice
The Continental TerrainContact H/T has a slight edge over the Bridgestone Dueler LX in ice braking, stopping 1.3 feet shorter at 49.1 feet compared to 50.4 feet when braking from 12 to 0 mph, showcasing a marginally better grip on icy surfaces.
Dueler LX:
- -3% in ice braking
UTQG rating
We have previously shown that UTQG tread wear rating can be a good indication of your expected mileage. Below are the UTQG values of both of the tirelines.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | TerrainContact H/T | All | 800 | A | B |
| Bridgestone | Dueler LX | All | 700 | A | B |
In comparing the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) values of the Continental TerrainContact H/T and the Bridgestone Dueler LX, both tires have some similarities and a key difference. Notably, both tires come with a 70,000-mile warranty, indicating a commitment to long-term durability.
However, when looking at the UTQG tread wear ratings, the Continental TerrainContact H/T has a higher rating of 800, compared to the Bridgestone Dueler LX’s 700. This higher tread wear rating for the Continental suggests that it may have a longer lifespan under similar driving conditions, potentially offering better mileage over time.
Both tires have the same traction (rated ‘A’) and temperature (rated ‘B’) grades, indicating comparable performance in these aspects. But the difference in tread wear ratings hints that the Continental might edge out the Bridgestone in terms of overall longevity.
Price
For the tire size 265/60R18, the pricing of the Continental TerrainContact H/T and the Bridgestone Dueler LX is very close, with only a slight difference. The TerrainContact H/T is priced at $231, while the Dueler LX is slightly higher at $236. This makes the Dueler LX about 2% more expensive than the TerrainContact H/T. However, this small price difference indicates that cost is nearly equivalent between these two tire options.
Tire size: 265/60R18
- TerrainContact H/T: $231
- Dueler LX: $236
Difference: +2% more expensive for Dueler LX.
Summary
The Continental TerrainContact H/T demonstrates superior performance across wet, dry, snow, and ice conditions, with an added advantage in longevity due to its higher tread wear rating. In contrast, the Bridgestone Dueler LX stands out in noise reduction, ride comfort, and overall refinement, making it the preferred option for those seeking a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
Dr Edwin Pang