Are you considering the some Continental 4×4 Contact tires? It’s important to know both the pros and cons before making a decision. This review will give you the lowdown on how this tire performs in various conditions, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your driving needs.
The Continental 4×4 Contact falls short compared to leading competitors in wet performance and treadwear but offers decent dry handling and ride comfort.
In this article, we’ll cover the key features of the Continental 4×4 Contact, its performance in different conditions, common problems, and top alternatives.
Continental 4×4 Contact
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
5.6 of 10
Wet Weather
6.3 of 10
Winter Weather
4.7 of 10
Tread Wear
3.6 of 10
Dry Weather
6.9 of 10
Ride Comfort
6.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 360
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 6.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 6.4 of 10
Cornering: 6.6 of 10
Dry Grip: 7.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 6.7 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 5.3 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 4.5 of 10
Ice Grip: 4.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 6.7 of 10
Road Noise: 6.5 of 10
The Continental 4×4 Contact is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire designed to deliver a balanced performance for SUVs and crossovers. This tire aims to provide good handling, comfort, and durability across a range of driving conditions.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The Continental 4×4 Contact offers a wet traction rating of 6.4. While it provides adequate performance in rainy conditions, it falls short compared to leading competitors with higher ratings in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. The tire’s hydroplaning resistance is rated at 6.2, ensuring a decent but not exceptional performance on wet roads.
- Dry Handling: On dry roads, this tire performs reasonably well with a dry performance rating of 6.9. It offers satisfactory corner stability and dry traction, with ratings of 6.6 and 7.4 respectively. The steering response is adequate at 6.7, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving but not exceptional for high-performance needs.
- Winter/Snow Performance: The 4×4 Contact is not particularly strong in winter conditions. With a light snow traction rating of 5.3 and deep snow traction at 4.5, it struggles in snowy and icy environments. The ice traction rating is also low at 4.2, indicating limited capability in severe winter weather.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: This tire provides a moderate level of comfort with a ride quality rating of 6.7. Noise levels are manageable at 6.5, though not as quiet as some top-tier competitors. The overall comfort rating stands at 6.6, making it suitable for drivers who prioritize a smooth ride.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating of 3.6 suggests that the 4×4 Contact may wear out faster than many of its peers. This is an important consideration for drivers looking for long-lasting tires.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: Compared to leading competitors, the 4×4 Contact’s wet performance is notably lower. Competitors in this category typically offer much higher hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Performance: While the 4×4 Contact holds its own in dry conditions, it does not excel. Other tires in the market provide better corner stability, traction, and steering response.
- Comfort and Noise: The tire’s comfort and noise levels are average. Competitors often offer a smoother, quieter ride, enhancing the overall driving experience.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating is significantly lower than many competitors, indicating a shorter lifespan. Drivers looking for durability might find better options elsewhere.
PROS
- Provides decent dry traction (7.4) for regular driving conditions.
- Offers satisfactory corner stability (6.6) for everyday use.
- Delivers manageable noise levels (6.5), contributing to a relatively comfortable ride.
CONS
- Wet traction (6.4) and hydroplaning resistance (6.2) are lower than most competitors, impacting performance in rainy conditions.
- Winter performance is weak, with low ratings in snow and ice traction.
- The treadwear rating (3.6) indicates shorter lifespan and potential need for earlier replacement.
- Comfort and ride quality (6.6) are average, with room for improvement in noise reduction and smoothness.
THE VERDICT
The Continental 4×4 Contact is a solid choice for drivers who need a basic, all-season tire for their SUV or crossover. It performs adequately in dry conditions and offers reasonable comfort. However, its wet performance, winter capabilities, and treadwear fall short compared to leading competitors. For those seeking better performance in wet conditions or a longer-lasting tire, other options may be more suitable.
Continental 4×4 Contact Problems
The Continental 4×4 Contact, while offering a balanced performance for SUVs and crossovers, has several areas that users should be aware of before making a purchase. Understanding these potential drawbacks can help in making an informed decision that best suits individual driving needs.
Wet Performance Concerns
- Hydroplaning Resistance: One of the key issues reported by users is the tire’s limited hydroplaning resistance. With a rating of 6.2, the 4×4 Contact may not provide the confidence needed during heavy rain, potentially compromising safety in wet conditions.
- Wet Traction: Wet traction is another area where this tire falls short, with a rating of 6.4. This performance is lower than many competitors, meaning the tire might not grip as well on wet surfaces, affecting overall handling and braking.
Winter and Snow Performance
- Snow and Ice Traction: The 4×4 Contact’s performance in winter conditions is notably weak. It scores 5.3 for light snow traction, 4.5 for deep snow traction, and only 4.2 for ice traction. This makes it less suitable for drivers who frequently encounter snowy or icy roads.
Comfort and Noise Issues
- Ride Quality: While the tire provides a decent ride, some users have reported that it feels less smooth compared to other touring all-season tires. With a comfort rating of 6.6, the ride might be firmer, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Noise Levels: Noise can be a concern with this tire. Rated at 6.5 for noise, the 4×4 Contact might produce more road noise, particularly at higher speeds, which could detract from the overall driving experience.
Treadwear and Longevity
- Treadwear: The most significant drawback of the Continental 4×4 Contact is its treadwear, with a low rating of 3.6. This suggests that the tire may wear out faster than others in its class, leading to more frequent replacements and potentially higher long-term costs.
Performance Comparison
- Overall Performance: When compared to leading competitors, the 4×4 Contact often falls short in key areas such as wet traction, winter performance, and treadwear. While it offers a balanced ride for dry conditions, other tires in the same category provide better all-around performance and longevity.
The Bottom Line
The Continental 4×4 Contact is a reasonable option for drivers who primarily navigate dry roads and do not require strong winter performance. However, its limitations in wet traction, winter capability, and treadwear mean that there are better alternatives available for those seeking a more reliable and durable all-season tire.
Continental 4×4 Contact Alternatives
If the Continental 4×4 Contact doesn’t quite hit the mark for you, there are some fantastic alternatives out there. Here are three top choices, each with their own strengths. We’ve included a budget-friendly option for those who want good performance without breaking the bank.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive stands out as an exceptional all-season tire that excels in both wet and dry conditions.
- Performance: This tire scores high with a wet traction rating of 9.5 and dry performance rating of 9.5. It’s also impressive in winter conditions, boasting a light snow traction rating of 9.4 and deep snow traction rating of 9.2.
- Comfort: It offers a smooth and quiet ride, scoring 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the Continental 4×4 Contact.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it promises a longer lifespan, surpassing the 4×4 Contact.
Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive exceeds the 4×4 Contact in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear, making it a solid choice for those seeking top-tier performance in all conditions.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a high-performance all-season tire suitable for varied weather conditions.
- Performance: It boasts strong wet and dry ratings, with a wet traction rating of 9.4 and dry performance rating of 9.5. Its winter performance is decent, with an 8.7 overall rating in snow and ice conditions.
- Comfort: This tire is comfortable with a ride quality rating of 9.1, although its noise level is slightly lower at 8.5.
- Treadwear: It has a treadwear rating of 8.3, which is comparable but slightly lower than the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive.
Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is on par with the 4×4 Contact in wet and dry conditions but offers better winter performance. It is a great option if you need an all-season tire that handles diverse weather well.
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Overall Rating: The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is a solid, budget-friendly all-season tire that doesn’t compromise on performance.
- Performance: With wet and dry ratings of 9.1 and 9.2 respectively, it performs well across various conditions. Its winter performance is average, with a 7.9 rating for ice traction.
- Comfort: It offers a comfortable ride with a ride quality rating of 9.0, and it’s relatively quiet with a noise rating of 8.6.
- Treadwear: The tire has a good treadwear rating of 9.0, making it a durable choice for the price.
Comparison: While the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 might not match the top-tier performance of the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, it offers a very competitive alternative at a lower price. It’s a great pick for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Each of these alternatives provides a distinct set of features tailored to different priorities.
- The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is ideal for top performance in all conditions.
- The Michelin CrossClimate SUV offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in winter performance.
- The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 provides solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
Depending on your driving needs and budget, these options present viable choices to consider alongside the Continental 4×4 Contact.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Continental 4×4 Contact has its strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, it provides reasonable dry handling and a comfortable ride, making it a solid choice for everyday driving on dry roads. However, it struggles in wet conditions and has a shorter tread life compared to many of its competitors. If you drive mainly in dry weather and value a smooth ride, this tire could work for you. But if you need strong wet performance or a tire with a longer lifespan, there are better options available.
Overall, the Continental 4×4 Contact is a middle-of-the-road choice. It doesn’t lead the pack but can still be a reliable option depending on your specific driving needs.
Good luck and happy motoring.
