Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT: The 2023 showdown in the highway all-season tire segment is heating up with the latest entrant, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT. Freshly launched in 2022 and brimming with ambition, this tire rolls onto the scene, aiming to challenge the well-established dominance of the Continental TerrainContact H/T. The Continental TerrainContact H/T, known for its exceptional performance and reliability, now faces a formidable contender in the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT, a tire that promises to blend durability with top-notch performance.
This head-to-head battle between these two tire giants is set to redefine standards in the highway all-season category, offering consumers an exciting comparison of innovation, quality, and endurance. Get ready for a gripping contest as these two titans of the tire world vie for supremacy on roads across the globe!
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Results: Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT
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
When comparing the wet performance of the Continental TerrainContact H/T and the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT, there are noticeable differences. In terms of wet braking, the Continental TerrainContact H/T takes the lead, requiring only 108.80 feet to come to a complete stop from 50 mph, while the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT needs a slightly longer distance of 113.00 feet. This means the Continental tire stops about 2 feet shorter, a crucial factor in wet conditions.
In subjective wet handling, the Continental again scores higher with a 7.81 out of 10, compared to the Goodyear’s 7.31 out of 10. This suggests that drivers may feel more confident and in control with the Continental tire on wet roads. Finally, looking at wet handling lap times, the Continental TerrainContact H/T completes a lap in 33.61 seconds, whereas the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT takes a bit longer at 34.29 seconds. This difference in lap time, although small, indicates the Continental’s slightly better performance in maintaining speed and control on wet tracks.
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
Wrangler Steadfast HT :
The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT tire doesn’t grip the road as well overall, especially when turning corners. It’s not as precise in following the track, but it can still handle turns decently by sliding the back end a bit when it starts to lose grip. The tire feels stable and easy to control, but it tends to slide forward (understeer) more than desired. When this happens, you need to slow down a bit more to get it back under control. Overall, it’s a manageable tire, but it could be quicker in recovering its grip during sharp turns.
Test driver feedback on Wrangler Steadfast HT
In simple terms, the Continental TerrainContact H/T outperforms the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT in wet conditions, offering shorter braking distances, better handling, and faster lap times.
Wrangler Steadfast HT :
- -3.7% in wet braking
- -2.5% in wet handling (subj)
- -2.0% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the performance of the Continental TerrainContact H/T and Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT tires shows some differences. When it comes to dry braking from 50 mph to a complete stop, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT has a slight edge, needing only 83.30 feet compared to the Continental TerrainContact H/T, which requires 84.10 feet. This means the Goodyear tire stops just a bit quicker, by about 0.8 feet.
For dry handling, the Continental TerrainContact H/T is rated higher, with a score of 7.81 out of 10, against the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT’s 7.31 out of 10. This suggests drivers might find the Continental tire more responsive and easier to handle on dry roads. Looking at the lap times, the Continental TerrainContact H/T completes a dry lap slightly faster, in 31.30 seconds, whereas the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT takes 31.41 seconds. Although the difference is small, it indicates that the Continental tire can maintain a bit more speed and control during dry conditions.
In summary, the Goodyear tire stops a tiny bit quicker on dry roads, but the Continental tire offers better handling and slightly faster lap times.
Wrangler Steadfast HT :
- +1% in dry braking
- -2.5% in dry handling (subj)
- -0.4% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
When comparing the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performances of the Continental TerrainContact H/T and the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT tires, the Goodyear has a slight advantage overall.
For ride quality, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT scores a bit higher with 7.5 out of 10, compared to the Continental TerrainContact H/T’s 7 out of 10. This suggests the Goodyear tire provides a slightly smoother and more comfortable ride.
In terms of noise, the Goodyear again edges out the Continental, scoring 7.75 compared to the Continental’s 7.5. This means the Goodyear tire is a bit quieter, which can make for a more pleasant driving experience.
Looking at steering and road handling, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT is rated higher at 7.75, while the Continental TerrainContact H/T is at 6.75. This indicates that the Goodyear tire might offer a better feel and control during driving.
On average, for overall noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT leads with a score of 7.67, against the Continental TerrainContact H/T’s average of 7.08. In simple terms, the Goodyear tire is generally quieter, more comfortable, and handles better on the road compared to the Continental tire.
Wrangler Steadfast HT :
- +3% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
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 |
| Goodyear | Wrangler Steadfast HT | All | 800 | A | B |
The Continental TerrainContact H/T and the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT tires have identical UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings. Both feature a tread wear rating of 800, indicating long-lasting durability, and both come with a 70,000-mile warranty. Their traction is rated ‘A’, suggesting good grip, especially in wet conditions. For temperature resistance, they’re both rated ‘B’, meaning they handle heat well at high speeds. Essentially, these tires offer the same level of durability, traction, and heat resistance.
Price
The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT, priced at $249, is about 7% more expensive than the Continental TerrainContact H/T, which costs $231, for the tire size 265/60R18.
Tire size: 265/60R18
- TerrainContact H/T : $231
- Wrangler Steadfast HT : $249
Difference: +7% more expensive for Wrangler Steadfast HT.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely examined the Continental TerrainContact H/T and the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT, and each has its distinct advantages.
The Continental TerrainContact H/T excels in both wet and dry conditions, offering shorter braking distances, better handling, and slightly faster lap times. Its performance in wet conditions is particularly noteworthy, with impressive handling and braking capabilities. Additionally, its UTQG rating indicates long-lasting durability, making it a reliable choice for drivers.
On the other hand, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT stands out in terms of ride quality, noise level, and steering and road handling. It’s slightly more expensive, but it offers a smoother, more comfortable ride with better noise control and handling. This could make it a preferred option for those prioritizing comfort and control.
Dr Edwin Pang
While both tires show strong performances in various conditions, the true test will come with winter driving. Stay tuned for our winter test to see which tire will ultimately take home the champion crown in this exciting duel. The results may just tip the scales in this closely matched battle.