Need a tire that can handle your crossover or SUV with comfort and confidence in all seasons? The Continental CrossContact LX is an option, though its ratings suggest some important trade-offs. But how does it compare to other crossover touring options, and what compromises should you consider?
Earning an overall score of 6.5/10, the Continental CrossContact LX offers sharp dry road grip, strong wet road grip, and a smooth and quiet cabin experience. Still, limited winter traction and shorter tread life expectations should be weighed before purchasing.
Here, we break down everything you need to know about the Continental CrossContact LX. Along the way, we compare it to the high-end Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, the moderately priced Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, and the budget-conscious Continental CrossContact LX25. We’ll also highlight potential drawbacks and provide the key stats to guide your decision.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| Continental CrossContact LX | Budget |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | Premium |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | Mid-Priced |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | Budget |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Continental CrossContact LX | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.1 | 9.2 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.1 | 9.2 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental CrossContact LX | 8.2 | 8.7 | 8.3 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.4 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental CrossContact LX | 7.3 | 6.5 | 6.1 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.2 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 8.7 | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 7.9 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Continental CrossContact LX | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.2 | 8.9 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Continental CrossContact LX | 6.8 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 8.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 8.9 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.1 |
Detailed Review
Continental CrossContact LX
Customer Ratings
Overall Rating
6.5 of 10
Wet Weather
8.1 of 10
Winter Weather
6.6 of 10
Dry Weather
8.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.1 of 10
Tread Wear
6.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 520-680
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 65,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.2 of 10
Cornering: 8.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.7 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.3 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.5 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.1 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.2 of 10
Road Noise: 7.9 of 10
The Continental CrossContact LX competes in the crossover/suv touring all-season segment but falls short of top performers in key areas. It may suit budget-conscious drivers willing to accept trade-offs in grip, comfort, or longevity compared to higher-rated alternatives.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Continental CrossContact LX performs well on dry pavement with predictable handling and good traction. Steering response is confident, and the tire maintains composure through corners. Most drivers will find the dry performance more than adequate for daily driving. Within the category, this level of dry traction and handling is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In wet conditions, the Continental CrossContact LX provides reliable traction and good hydroplaning resistance. The tread design effectively evacuates water, giving you confidence during rainstorms. Most drivers will appreciate the predictable wet weather behavior. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger wet traction and hydroplaning resistance than most of the competition.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Continental CrossContact LX provides a comfortable ride for most drivers. However, some users have noticed that the tire produces a slightly higher level of road noise, especially on paved surfaces. While the ride remains smooth, this extra noise might be noticeable on longer highway trips. Within the category, this level of ride comfort and noise control is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Winter performance is limited with this tire. While it can handle light dustings, it struggles in deeper snow and icy conditions. Drivers in areas with regular winter weather should consider dedicated snow tires or a more winter-capable all-season option. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger winter and snow traction than most of the competition.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Treadwear is a relative weakness of this tire, which is common for high-performance designs that prioritize grip. Expect to replace these sooner than touring-oriented alternatives, though the trade-off is enhanced performance. Within the category, this level of tread life and longevity is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point
- Widely available tire sizes
- Backed by manufacturer warranty
- Adequate for light-duty driving
Cons
- Slightly elevated road noise on paved surfaces
- Less effective traction in light snow and icy conditions
- Tread life may be shorter than touring alternatives
- May not suit all driving styles
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Continental CrossContact LX offers good value as a budget tire. Its performance in key areas is stronger than most of the competition at a similar price, and reasonable longevity when properly maintained rounds out the package. While some rivals may edge it out in specific metrics, the overall balance of performance and cost makes it a worthwhile consideration for crossover/suv touring all-season drivers.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Continental CrossContact LX is a budget option with notable trade-offs in balanced performance and reliability. However, if you are sensitive to road noise or often drive in light snow and icy conditions, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire may leave you wanting more. Consider the alternatives discussed above before committing, especially if well-rounded performance is a priority.
Continental CrossContact LX Problems
While the Continental CrossContact LX is a capable tire, real-world feedback from drivers has highlighted a few areas of concern. These include faster than expected tread wear, challenges in light snow, ice, or slush, and a bit more road noise. It’s important to note that many of these issues are reported by a minority of owners and can often be mitigated with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment.
Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.
Tread Wear Patterns
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Several reviews mention faster than expected tread wear or uneven wear patterns on the Continental CrossContact LX. Some drivers report cupping or feathering, particularly when alignment or rotation schedules aren’t maintained.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Some drivers have noted that the Continental CrossContact LX can feel less confident in light snow, slush, or on icy surfaces. While deep snow traction is generally adequate, packed snow, slush, and glazed or black ice conditions can be more challenging compared to dedicated winter tires.
Road Noise
Typical
While many say the tire is quiet for its design, a few drivers have reported that it makes more road noise than factory tires or some premium options. This can be especially noticeable on paved roads.
Balancing and Installation Issues
Typical
A few reports mention problems during mounting or balancing the tire. Some drivers experienced vibrations or a wobbling feeling when the tires were new, which might require extra adjustments to get a smooth ride.
The Bottomline
While the Continental CrossContact LX is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as shorter tread life, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush, higher road noise have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Continental CrossContact LX Alternatives
While the Continental CrossContact LX is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its extra road noise, lower performance in light snow or icy conditions, and shorter tread life. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall: A premium crossover/suv touring all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the CrossContact LX’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the CrossContact LX’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the CrossContact LX’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the CrossContact LX’s winter capability.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the CrossContact LX.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Overall: The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the CrossContact LX’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the CrossContact LX’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the CrossContact LX’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the CrossContact LX.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Continental CrossContact LX25 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the CrossContact LX in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the CrossContact LX’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the CrossContact LX’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the CrossContact LX’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the CrossContact LX.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Continental CrossContact LX.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Continental CrossContact LX falls short of category leaders, with its strongest showing in balanced performance across categories. Drivers on a tight budget may find it serviceable, but those who prioritize all-around dependability should weigh the trade-offs carefully.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. Some drivers have also reported increased road noise less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads, and Tread life may be shorter than touring alternatives.. While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Continental CrossContact LX sits near the bottom of its category in overall ratings. Consider alternatives like the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, and the Continental CrossContact LX25 before committing, as they offer meaningfully better performance in key areas. If budget is the deciding factor, this tire may still work for light-duty use — but go in with realistic expectations about the issues mentioned above.
Good luck and happy motoring.
