Continental SecureContact AW vs Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires

Continental and Pirelli are two of the most advanced tire brands that offer an exceptional range of tires in different categories, including all-season, all-terrain, mud-terrain, rugged-terrain, all-weather, winter, and ultra-high-performance (UHP). With the introduction of Conti’s latest all-weather tire, the SecureContact AW, the competition in this range has intensified. Among others, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive emerges as a formidable opponent of the Continental all-weather tire.

The Continental SecureContact AW and the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive both belong to the rapidly growing all-weather category and bridge the gap between standard all-season tires and dedicated winter tires. Each carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, assuring they meet severe snow service requirements without requiring a seasonal swap.

The Continental SecureContact AW is a premium touring choice designed for a wide range of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs. It emphasizes "real-world" confidence with EcoPlus Technology for improved fuel efficiency and DWS (Dry, Wet, Snow) indicators that visually notify the driver of performance levels. On the other hand, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is tailored specifically for CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. It leans into Pirelli's performance DNA, utilizing a specialized innovative polymer/resin compound and a directional zigzag central groove to deliver sharp handling and elite wet-weather braking.

Which one is ideal for you? Let’s do a Continental SecureContact AW vs Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires comparison on the basis of their SimpleScores in traction, handling, and longevity traits. SimpleScore is our in-house scoring mechanism that calibrates traction, handling/durability, and longevity of each tire on a scale of 0 to 10.

Continental SecureContact AW tires

Introduced in Jan 2026, the Continental SecureContact AW marks a significant milestone as the brand’s first dedicated all-weather tire. This premium tire carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, ensuring it delivers dependable performance in heavy snow while maintaining the smooth, quiet refinement expected of a high-end touring tire. AdaptiveGrip Compound technology ensures the rubber remains pliable for winter traction while resisting heat-related wear during summer months.

The tire’s QuickView Indicators provide a visual Dry, Wet, and Snow notification to show exactly when performance in specific conditions may be decreasing, while the Alignment Verification System alerts drivers to potential alignment issues early by showing uneven wear on the tread surface.

With an outstanding 9.2 overall SimpleScore, this eco-friendly and EV-compatible Continental tire is a great choice for modern vehicles and comes backed by a robust 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.

Get Continental SecureContact AW tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires

Designed for light trucks, CUVs, and SUVs, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive was launched in 2022 and remains a top choice for drivers who refuse to compromise on grip in unpredictable weather conditions. The Pirelli tire is engineered to deliver high-level performance across dry, wet, and wintry landscapes. Backed by a dependable 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, its sophisticated 3-rib tread block architecture and specialized rubber compound improve the tire’s durability throughout its lifespan.

The Scorpion WeatherActive utilizes deep, continuous sipes that bite into the pavement for exceptional hold. The directional tread pattern is specifically tuned to dampen road noise and vibrations for a quiet cabin experience, while the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification confirms its readiness for severe winter weather. To further boost control and stability, the Scorpion WeatherActive features unique trumpet-shaped lateral grooves and a zigzag central groove that work in tandem to shorten braking distances on slushy or rain-slicked roads.

Achieving an incredible 9.5 overall SimpleScore, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive promises exceptional grip, traction, handling, and longevity in different climatic conditions.

Get Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Continental SecureContact AW vs Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires on traction

In the moderate to severe winter conditions, it’s the grip that keeps you safe on the road. The Continental and Pirelli all-weather tires are incredible here, but one of the two is way ahead of the other in traction. Let’s find out.

Scoring a superb 9.6 in traction, the SecureContact AW beats the Pirelli in wet braking, as it performs 6% better, as claimed by Continental in its internal tests. Its asymmetric tread design and specialized rubber compound are the factors behind its strong wet braking performance. The Continental tire ensures superior grip across unpredictable terrains, including deep ice and snow. By employing multiple sipes that interlock on slippery surfaces, the all-weather tire maintains incredible biting edges for superior safety on both rain-slicked and snow-covered roads.

On the other hand, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive scores a near-perfect rating of 9.8 out of 10 for traction. The Scorpion WeatherActive uses deep, continuous sipes that act as biting edges for incredible grip on slippery surfaces. The innovative combination of a zigzag central groove and trumpet-shaped lateral grooves allows for exceptional water and slush evacuation. This specialized design ensures the tire maintains a firm, confident connection to the road during severe winter weather.

With a slightly better score, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive opens its account with a win.

ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive

Continental SecureContact AW vs Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires on handling

Handling translates into control and steering response. The better the handling, the more confident the driver. The SecureContact AW and Scorpion WeatherActive are equally spectacular in handling, too; however, one tire impresses more.

Boasting a 9.1 in handling, the Continental SecureContact AW beats the Scorpion WeatherActive when it comes to snow handling; the internal results of Conti claim that its all-weather tire turns out to be 7% better snow handler than the Italian tire maker’s. While it is designed for refined dry performance, its true strength lies in the stability and control provided by the asymmetric pattern during moderate to severe snow.

Going a notch higher, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive achieves an excellent handling score of 9.6 by utilizing a directional tread pattern that improves steering precision and stability. The zigzag central grooves are specifically designed to provide better control while significantly reducing braking distances on wet or snow-covered pavement. The tread arrangement is tuned to minimize vibrations and road noise, ensuring a quiet, refined, and comfortable driving experience.

Achieving a superior handling score, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive wins the second section, too.

ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive

Continental SecureContact AW vs Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires on longevity

Longevity is the second-best aspect of all-weather tires, the first being grip, which makes them popular among drivers. By utilizing special rubber compounds, both tires offer excellent wearability and a longer service life.

Securing 9.2 in longevity, the SecureContact AW is built for durability and utilizes ECO Plus technology to ensure consistent wear and resist uneven wear that shortens a tire's tread life. The optimized footprint maximizes road contact to enhance overall wearability across all seasons. Backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer warranty, the Continental tire represents a dependable, high-value investment for long-term year-round use.

With a 9.3 longevity score, the Pirelli tire is built to last and features an advanced rubber compound that maintains its integrity and performance in extreme temperatures without accelerating tread wear. The Scorpion WeatherActive’s robust and durable construction ensures even pressure distribution, which, combined with a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, offers drivers long-term reliability and exceptional value.

The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive continues its winning streak and, yet again, beats the Continental tire, this time, in longevity.

ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive

When to use each

All-weather tires represent a versatile evolution of the all-season category, specifically designed to provide year-round safety. Unlike standard all-season tires, they carry the 3PMSF rating, meaning they offer superior grip in severe snow and slush while remaining durable enough for highway driving in the summer heat. Overall, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a better all-weather tire compared to the Conti, barring a few aspects like snow handling and wet braking. The Continental tire has the latest tech to its advantage (as it’s a newer offering) and pleasing aesthetics.

Which one should you choose?

To sum it up, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is an overall better all-weather tire than the Continental SecureContact AW. However, each tire has its merits, which should be considered before buying one. Let’s have a look at the prices to see who is more aggressively tagged.

For the 225/55R18 98H size, the Continental tire costs $200 per tire, while four tires cost $800. Similarly, the Pirelli tire costs $212 per tire, while four tires cost $836 (a difference of $36 on four tires).

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Continental SecureContact AW if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Subaru Crosstrek, or the Kia Telluride
• Want a more affordable all-weather tire
• Prefer an all-weather with better ride comfort
• Want the added protection of the Continental Total Confidence Plan

Contrarily, you should go for the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Acura MDX, Buick Envision, or the Ford Edge
• Need a tire that’s exceptional in traction (9.8 vs 9.6) and handling (9.6 vs 9.1)
• Need a tire that’s better in longevity (9.3 vs 9.2)
• Are ready to pay a slight premium to buy a capable all-weather tire

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.