Continental TerrainContact A/T vs Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires

Pickup trucks, Jeeps, and some SUVs can benefit by using all-terrain tires such as the Continental TerrainContact A/T and the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus if they want to drive on- and off-road. As is understandable, these tires perform to their greatest potential when combined with AWD or 4X4 drivetrains.

Continental TerrainContact A/T tires

The Continental TerrainContact A/T is an excellent tire if you plan to use it on the Ford F-250 Super Duty, although it is suitable for many other vehicles as well. Expect tremendous performance on gravel and dirt surfaces and other features that lead to an excellent average SimpleScore of 9.2. A flat footprint and strong shoulders are essential on all-terrain tires for maximum road contact that leads to good performance and traction, and the TerrainContact A/T does not disappoint. Both features are also useful in increasing tire life. As per the chosen tire size, you will get either a black or an outlined white sidewall.

Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires

Motorsports fans and buyers the world over are familiar with the connection between high-performance tires and Italian tire maker Pirelli. The company has an enviable legacy in the field of performance tires, but did you know that they’ve also come up with tires that can tackle difficult terrains? Yes, the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is a firm step in the above direction, available with an average SimpleScore of 8.4. While a unique tread compound makes this tire highly durable, there are alternating blocks, stone ejectors, and deep grooves to provide high traction on all types of terrain. However, Pirelli has kept aspects of its earlier tires intact and manages to surprise buyers with the excellent handling on offer. This is a tire with which you will be equally comfortable on the road as off it.

Continental TerrainContact A/T vs Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires on traction

As an all-terrain tire, the TerrainContact A/T offers comprehensive on- and off-road traction through TractionPlus Technology, and one of its greatest benefits is tremendous wet grip. Traction grooves and full-depth sipes are responsible for confident grip across wet, dry, and winter roads, resulting in an excellent average traction SimpleScore of 9.7. A Three Peak Snowflake symbol shows the tire’s high capabilities in dense ice and snow, and this feature is not present on the Pirelli tire. Compared to the above, there are deep grooves and stone ejectors on the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus, which remove dirt, rocks, and mud while on the move. Instead of TractionPlus Technology, the Pirelli features alternating blocks and an innovative tread compound that resists chips and cuts. Both tires provide the same tread depth, and the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus receives an average traction SimpleScore of 8.6. So, even though the Pirelli seems to have more features, the Continental technology for traction is far superior.

ADVANTAGE: Continental TerrainContact A/T

Continental TerrainContact A/T vs Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires on handling

Both tires feature a speed rating of H, enabling drivers to benefit from great performance on- and off-road. A flat footprint on the Continental TerrainContact A/T is responsible for a big contact patch that ensures great performance. Both tires feature a symmetrical tread pattern and the same tread depth, meaning that they can be controlled similarly. Both tires sport aggressive tread blocks, so we’ll let the scores help you make a clear decision.

While the TerrainContact A/T is good enough for an average handling score of 9.4, the Scorpion Terrain Plus gets an 8.5.

ADVANTAGE: Continental TerrainContact A/T

Continental TerrainContact A/T vs Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires on longevity

As mentioned before, strong shoulders and a flat footprint on the Continental TerrainContact A/T minimize uneven wear for a high tire life. Additionally, Continental provides a Total Confidence Plan, which includes many parameters, like Flat Tire Roadside Assistance, Customer Satisfaction Trial, Road Hazard, and a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. Based on the above, this tire receives an average longevity SimpleScore of 8.4. When you consider Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus, you will learn about a highly durable tread compound that resists wounds, chips, and cuts to generate traction across multiple surfaces. Stone ejectors and deep grooves in the tread get rid of mud, rocks, and other debris to provide a longer tread life. Pirelli has given this tire a limited manufacturer warranty of 50,000 miles. In the end, though the Pirelli gets an 8.1 as its average longevity SimpleScore, we still feel it holds an advantage due to its features.

ADVANTAGE: Continental TerrainContact A/T

When to use each

Both manufacturers have released their tires after spending lots of time and effort building products as per customer needs. While both look to exceed customer expectations, it’s what you need as an individual driver that can separate one product from the other. That being said, explore all aspects of performance, handling, steering responses, traction, price, and warranty before choosing one over the other. In terms of pricing, the Continental TerrainContact A/T starts at $203.99 per tire ($816 for 4), and the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus begins at $205.21 ($821 for 4).

With that in mind, we’d recommend that you choose the Continental TerrainContact A/T if:

• You want the higher warranty
• You want to pay less for a better performing tire
• You want better wet grip

Compared to the above, we’d recommend that you choose the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus if:

• You are looking to drive in severe snow
• You want better handling
• You want tires with a stronger sidewall

Which one should you choose?

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.