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Last updated 10/04/2024 - Originally published 10/04/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Highway tires deliver durability and heat tolerance, they are solid and long-lasting tires that are often used on light trucks and SUVs due to their ability to handle the heavier weight of these vehicles and haul materials. These versatile tires excel in dry, wet, and winter conditions, making them popular for paved road use. Continental and Firestone are two names that have their following as they both deliver tires that perform well.
Both the tires are known to deliver as per the customer's expectations. They both offer good tread design, giving confidence and reliable traction on the road. The same is visible in their tire range of the Continental TerrainContact H/T and the Firestone Transforce HT2. Both of these tires are meant for use in light trucks, crossovers, and SUVs. While both tires offer great performance, one has to be better than the other, right? Let’s compare Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Firestone Transforce HT2 tires using SimpleScore to show where each tire excels, and which one might be right for you.
Continental TerrainContact H/T tires
The Continental TerrainContact H/T is designed for highway terrain and is suitable for use on SUVs, light trucks, and crossovers and provides drivers with enhanced durability, improved fuel efficiency, and a quiet ride. Additionally, it comes with a 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty and has a SimpleScore of 8.7. Cherry on the top is that it is backed by Continental's Total Confidence Plan which includes a limited warranty, flat tire roadside assistance, customer satisfaction trial, and treadwear mileage warranty (restrictions and limitations apply).
Firestone Transforce HT2 tires
Another great tire that can be considered is the Firestone Transforce HT2 is a highway-terrain, all-season tire that's designed for use on light trucks and commercial vans, and offers drivers increased fuel efficiency, confident year-round performance, and quiet and comfy rides. Additionally, it is backed by Firestone's 90 day Buy and Try Guarantee on tires sold in sets of 4 or more (certain restrictions and limitations apply) which has helped it to reach a SimpleScore of 8.0.
Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Firestone Transforce HT2 tires on traction
Traction is crucial for maintaining grip on both wet and dry roads, and a tire that offers excellent traction ensures reliable road grip. Both types of tires are engineered to perform well under different weather conditions, striving to achieve a balance between performance in dry, wet, and lightly snowy conditions.
When comparing both the tires you will see that the Continental TerrainContact H/T is designed with symmetrical tread along with wide grooves that funnel water out of the tread to reduce the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads. Additionally, the TerrainContact H/T features TractionPlus Technology that balances traction and durability, plus Traction Grooves boost grip in light snow. This has helped this tire to reach an average traction SimpleScore of 8.5 which is great when it comes to performance.
The Firestone Transforce HT2, on the other hand, has a score of 8.2 out of 10 in traction. This is thanks to a special symmetrical tread design and a set of saw tooth edge siping that provide biting edges in snow while maintaining block stiffness. Additionally, the angled grooves efficiently evacuate water from the tire's contact patch to resist hydroplaning and an advanced network of sipes to boost wet or wintry traction.
When it comes to winter weather traction, the Firestone Transforce HT2 falls behind the Continental TerrainContact H/T.
ADVANTAGE: Continental TerrainContact H/T
Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Firestone Transforce HT2 tires on handling
A tire's handling is enhanced by various elements of its tread pattern, along with its overall design. Highway tires are built to deliver balanced performance across different weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow.
The Continental TerrainContact H/T sports a solid 8.5 SimpleScore for handling, which is largely driven by the tire’s wide circumferential tread grooves, allowing it to be more durable and improve its handling.
On the flip side, the Firestone Transforce HT2 is just a little behind the Continental TerrainContact H/T for handling as the tire also comes with a SimpleScore of 8.4. Featuring an innovative design and a multi-rib tread pattern with linked tread blocks for extra rigidity, and durability that allows for even wear to extend the tire's tread life.
ADVANTAGE: Continental TerrainContact H/T
Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Firestone Transforce HT2 tires on longevity
Traction and handling are vital factors in a tire's performance, but longevity is equally important when choosing a tire. A tire's lifespan is influenced by various factors, such as its quality, driving habits, road conditions, and proper maintenance. Based on SimpleScore, this was the biggest gap between the two tires.
Starting with the Continental TerrainContact H/T offers an exceptional SimpleScore of 9.2 out of 10 on the longevity front. The tire’s tough, rugged rubber compound and reinforced construction work together to increase handling which allows for a longer tread life. Outside of that, it also features advanced technologies such as noise-reducing tread patterns, and durable construction, ensuring a quiet ride and long-lasting reliability.
Conversely, the Transforce HT2’s 7.5 SimpleScore in longevity shows that it lags way behind. The Firestone Transforce HT2 also features a reinforced construction, and its innovative tread design gives drivers a quiet, comfortable ride, plus even wear to extend the tire's tread life. Here you will notice an elevated steep of progress in terms of longevity for the Continental TerrainContact H/T over the Firestone Transforce HT2.
Although both the tires perform solid when it comes to longevity, the Continental TerrainContact H/T has an added advantage over the Firestone Transforce HT2 as the TerrainContact H/T comes with 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, and the Firestone Transforce HT2 has a 90-day Buy and Try Guarantee on tires sold in sets of 4 or more (certain restrictions and limitations apply). ADVANTAGE: Continental TerrainContact H/T
When to use each
For drivers in regions with frequent heavy rainfall, neither the Continental TerrainContact H/T nor the Firestone Transforce HT2 is engineered for optimal performance in extreme winter conditions. These tires are better suited for areas with occasional heavy snow but fall short in severe weather scenarios. For enhanced traction and safety, especially in consistently wet or icy conditions, a dedicated set of winter tires is the ideal solution. On the other hand, if your area experiences only light snowfall, all-season highway tires provide a versatile option.
Additionally, maintaining safe driving practices and avoiding harsh road conditions will help extend the life and performance of your tires.
Which one should you choose?
So, which tire is the right option for you? When looking at SimpleScore, the Firestone Transforce HT2 and Continental TerrainContact H/T are at 8.0 vs 8.7. As noted above, there are key differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), pricing on these two tires is a bit different as Continental TerrainContact H/T tires cost at least $205 per tire while Firestone Transforce HT2 tires cost at least $160.96 per tire. That means a set of four Continental TerrainContact H/T tires will cost you at least $820 for a set of four, while a set of four Firestone Transforce HT2 tires will cost you at least $643.84.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Continental TerrainContact H/T if you:
- Drive a light truck like the Ford F-150, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, or Chevrolet Colorado
- Want a tire that offers drivers a quiet ride and strong on- and off-road traction
- Want a tire that delivers better performance in all avenues like traction, handling, and longevity
- Want a tire with a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 70,000 miles
- Are willing to pay a little bit more money for the above-mentioned difference
Conversely, you should choose the Firestone Transforce HT2 if you:
- Drive a Ford Ranger, Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500, or Toyota 4Runner
- Want a more affordable set of tires
Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Firestone Transforce HT2 tires might not seem a close comparison on the surface, but the above clearly shows that either is a great option. Remember, both of the tire brands are some of the best tire manufacturers on the market, and that tradition continues with the Continental TerrainContact H/T and Firestone Transforce HT2. At the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, handling, longevity, and price.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.