When you’re shopping for new tires, Goodyear and Continental are two names you’ll see over and over—and for good reason. Both are premium global tire manufacturers with decades of expertise, high-quality products, and strong reputations for safety and performance. But if you have to choose one, which brand gives you the most bang for your buck?
This in-depth comparison of Goodyear vs Continental breaks down everything you need to know: from dry and wet road performance, ride comfort, and winter traction, to price, treadwear, and customer satisfaction—so you can make the best possible decision for your vehicle and driving style.
Brand Overview: Goodyear and Continental
Goodyear: An American brand founded in 1898, Goodyear is known for its wide product range, innovation in tire durability, and motorsports heritage. They offer performance, touring, and all-terrain tires, and are one of the top tire suppliers for U.S. drivers.
Continental: A German tire manufacturer founded in 1871, Continental is best known for precision engineering, excellent wet traction, and high-performance tires. It’s especially popular in Europe and comes standard on many German vehicles like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.
1. Dry Road Performance
Continental tends to edge out Goodyear in dry handling and responsiveness.
While both brands offer strong dry traction, Continental’s summer and performance touring tires (like the ExtremeContact series) are often more responsive at higher speeds and tighter in cornering. Goodyear’s Eagle series performs well, but slightly less agile when pushed hard.
| Model | Dry Braking (60–0 mph) | Cornering Grip Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus | 105 ft | 9.4/10 |
| Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 | 108 ft | 9.1/10 |
| Continental PureContact LS | 118 ft | 8.8/10 |
| Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive | 120 ft | 8.5/10 |
Winner: Continental, especially in the performance tire category.
2. Wet and Winter Performance
Continental is widely known for exceptional wet grip and snow-ready all-season tires.
Many Continental tires feature advanced silica-rich compounds and siping that keep grip strong on rain-soaked or icy roads. Goodyear performs well here too, particularly with their WeatherReady and UltraGrip series, but Continental has slightly better test scores overall.
- Continental PureContact LS: Excellent wet braking and aquaplaning resistance.
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady: Performs very well in light snow and slush.
- Continental VikingContact 7: One of the top-rated winter tires in Europe and North America.
Winner: Continental, for wet and winter safety.
3. Ride Comfort and Noise
Goodyear generally offers a softer, more cushioned ride—while Continental delivers quiet, stable driving.
Goodyear’s ComfortDrive and Assurance lines are engineered to reduce road vibrations and bumps, especially on older roads. Continental tires are tuned for smooth highway rides, with very low cabin noise but slightly firmer road feel.
- Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive: Comfortable and quiet, perfect for commuters.
- Continental TrueContact Tour: Smooth highway ride with great sound dampening.
Winner: Tie—Goodyear for plush comfort; Continental for noise control and precision.
4. Treadwear and Longevity
Continental and Goodyear both offer high-mileage tires with strong warranties—but real-world results slightly favor Continental.
| Model | Warranty | Average Real-World Mileage |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Assurance MaxLife | 85,000 miles | 65,000–75,000 miles |
| Continental TrueContact Tour | 80,000 miles | 70,000–80,000 miles |
| Goodyear WeatherReady | 60,000 miles | 50,000–60,000 miles |
| Continental PureContact LS | 70,000 miles | 60,000–70,000 miles |
Winner: Continental for slightly better tread consistency and even wear.
5. Price and Value
Goodyear tends to be more budget-friendly across most tire categories.
Continental tires are often priced higher due to their German engineering, especially in ultra-high-performance and winter tire segments. Goodyear offers more economical models while still delivering solid quality.
- Goodyear Assurance All-Season: ~$100–$120 per tire
- Continental TrueContact Tour: ~$120–$145 per tire
- Goodyear Wrangler AT Adventure: ~$160–$180 per tire
- Continental TerrainContact A/T: ~$180–$200 per tire
Winner: Goodyear for value; Continental for quality at a higher cost.
6. Tire Range and Availability
Both brands offer wide selections, but Goodyear has more options for off-road and truck tires.
If you drive a light truck, SUV, or off-roader, Goodyear’s Wrangler and Fortera lines offer more rugged choices. Continental excels in touring, EV-ready, and performance tires.
Winner: Tie—depends on vehicle type and use case.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
Continental often rates higher in driver satisfaction and expert testing.
In third-party surveys like Consumer Reports and Tire Rack reviews, Continental tires consistently earn slightly higher ratings for driver confidence, treadwear, and ride smoothness. Goodyear reviews remain strong, especially for comfort and affordability.
Winner: Continental for satisfaction and quality; Goodyear close behind with affordability and U.S. presence.
Who Should Choose Goodyear?
Goodyear is ideal for:
- Drivers who want dependable quality at a lower price
- Truck and SUV owners who need off-road or all-terrain options
- Commuters looking for soft ride comfort and quiet highway manners
Who Should Choose Continental?
Continental is perfect for:
- Drivers in wet, snowy, or mixed weather conditions
- European vehicle owners or those wanting precision handling
- Long-distance drivers who value tread life and quiet operation
Conclusion: Goodyear vs Continental—Both Excellent, But Different Strengths
When comparing Goodyear vs Continental, the best choice depends on your priorities. If you’re focused on initial price, U.S.-made options, and comfort, Goodyear offers solid value. If you want top-tier engineering, better wet/snow traction, and longevity, Continental is hard to beat.
Bottom line: You won’t go wrong with either, but your driving environment, budget, and vehicle type should guide your decision.
Need help finding the perfect tire match? Talk to a certified tire expert or use a tire finder tool based on your vehicle’s make and model.