Continental TrueContact Tour 54 vs ControlContact Tour M A/S — it’s a showdown between Continental’s mainstream touring powerhouse and Discount Tire’s exclusive variant. The TrueContact Tour 54 is Continental’s go-to all-season for long-lasting comfort and fuel efficiency, while the ControlContact Tour M A/S is its private-label sibling, available only through Discount Tire. Is this just a slight compound tweak or a strategic reblend for better mileage? Let’s break down the battle in this high-mileage all-season face-off — where every stop, turn, and tread life counts!
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Results : Continental TrueContact Tour 54 vs ControlContact Tour M A/S
The test results are based on Treadwell data from Discount Tire. The graph below compares the Continental TrueContact Tour 54 vs ControlContact Tour M A/S across key performance categories.
For subjective evaluations, each point is treated as equivalent to a 5% difference. For example, if Tire A scores a 4 and Tire B scores a 3, Tire A is considered 5% better than Tire B in that category.
Wet
In wet braking when new, the TrueContact Tour 54 stops at 153 feet, while the ControlContact Tour M A/S takes 160 feet to come to a halt. That’s a 7-foot difference, or about 4% shorter braking distance in favor of the TrueContact. However, in worn condition, the roles reverse. The ControlContact Tour M A/S stops at 209 feet, while the TrueContact takes 224 feet, making the ControlContact 15 feet shorter — about 7% better in worn wet braking.
Both tires are rated equally in wet handling with a score of 4 out of 5, indicating they offer similar grip and control in corners under wet conditions. Overall, the TrueContact is slightly better when new, but the ControlContact pulls ahead when worn. If long-term wet safety is your priority, the ControlContact Tour M A/S may offer better peace of mind.
ControlContact Tour M A/S :
- -4% Wet Braking
- +7% Wet Braking (Worn)
- 0% Wet Handling
Dry
In dry braking, the TrueContact Tour 54 stops in 129 feet, while the ControlContact Tour M A/S takes 132 feet — a 3-foot difference, giving the TrueContact a 2% advantage in stopping distance. For dry handling, both tires are evenly matched with a rating of 3.5 out of 5, indicating similar levels of cornering stability and road feedback in dry conditions.
ControlContact Tour M A/S :
- -2% Dry Braking
- 0% Dry Handling
Mileage
The ControlContact Tour M A/S delivers a median mileage of 53,000 miles, while the TrueContact Tour 54 averages 47,000 miles. That’s a 6,000-mile difference, giving the ControlContact a 13% advantage in expected tread life. Overall, the ControlContact Tour M A/S offers noticeably better longevity, making it the stronger choice for drivers focused on maximizing mileage.
ControlContact Tour M A/S :
- +13% Mileage (Median)
Winter
The ControlContact Tour M A/S has a winter rating of 3.5 out of 5, compared to the TrueContact Tour 54’s rating of 3. That half-point difference translates to roughly a 2.5% improvement in winter capability.
ControlContact Tour M A/S :
- +2.5% Winter
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
Both the TrueContact Tour 54 and the ControlContact Tour M A/S score identically across ride quality, comfort, and noise level — each earning 3.5 out of 5 in all three categories. This suggests they provide a similarly smooth ride, moderate cabin quietness, and overall comfort on the road.
In short, there’s no clear winner here — both tires offer equal on-road refinement for everyday driving.
ControlContact Tour M A/S :
- 0% Ride Quality
- 0% Comfort
- 0% Noise Level
Fuel Consumption
Fuel efficiency is rated equally for both the TrueContact Tour 54 and the ControlContact Tour M A/S, with each scoring 3.5 out of 5. This indicates they offer similar rolling resistance and energy-saving potential.
ControlContact Tour M A/S :
- 0% Fuel Efficiency
Price
For tire size 215/60R17, the TrueContact Tour 54 is priced at $172, while the ControlContact Tour M A/S costs $173. With just a $1 difference, they’re effectively the same price.
Tire size: 215/60R17
- TrueContact Tour 54 : $172
- ControlContact Tour M A/S : $173
Difference: ~0%
UTQG Values:
Both the TrueContact Tour 54 and ControlContact Tour M A/S share identical UTQG ratings: 840 for treadwear, and A for both traction and temperature. This confirms they are built to the same durability and safety standards on paper.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | TrueContact Tour 54 | All | 840 | A | A |
| Continental | ControlContact Tour M A/S | All | 840 | A | A |
Conclusion:
As a tire expert, I see strong value in both options. The TrueContact Tour 54 offers slightly better wet and dry braking when new, making it a solid choice for immediate safety. On the other hand, the ControlContact Tour M A/S delivers better worn wet braking, higher mileage, and improved winter grip — all without sacrificing comfort or fuel efficiency. With nearly identical pricing and UTQG ratings, the ControlContact feels like the better long-term bet, especially for drivers looking to maximize value over the full life of the tire.
Dr Edwin Pang