Are you thinking about getting the Continental CrossContact LX but feeling a bit unsure about its performance? Many drivers like you want to know if this all-season tire truly delivers on its promises or if there are better options out there. Let’s dive into what makes this tire tick and see if it’s the right fit for you.
The Continental CrossContact LX is on par with many leading competitors, offering solid performance in most areas but slightly lacking in treadwear and severe winter conditions.
In this article, we’ll break down the Continental CrossContact LX’s features, performance, and potential issues, and compare it to some of its top rivals.
Continental CrossContact LX
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.1 of 10
Winter Weather
6.6 of 10
Tread Wear
6.8 of 10
Dry Weather
8.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.1 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 520
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 65,000 Miles S&T-Rated
6 Years / 50,000 Miles H&V-Rated & LT-Sizes
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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: 6.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.2 of 10
Road Noise: 7.9 of 10
The Continental CrossContact LX is a crossover/SUV touring all-season tire designed to offer balanced performance throughout the year. It’s built to provide a comfortable ride, reliable traction, and good durability, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The CrossContact LX performs well in wet conditions, earning a wet traction rating of 8.2. It offers solid hydroplaning resistance (8.1) and maintains good grip on rainy days, ensuring safety and confidence.
- Dry Handling: In dry weather, this tire shines with a dry performance rating of 8.4. It has excellent corner stability (8.2), dry traction (8.7), and responsive steering (8.3), making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.
- Winter/Snow: While not a winter specialist, the CrossContact LX can handle light snow with a rating of 7.3 for light snow traction. However, deep snow (6.5) and ice traction (6.2) ratings suggest it’s best to pair this tire with dedicated winter tires for severe winter conditions.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: This tire scores well in comfort, with an overall rating of 8.1. It provides a smooth ride (8.2) and keeps noise levels manageable (7.9), contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
- Treadwear: The CrossContact LX has a treadwear rating of 6.8, indicating a decent lifespan but falling short compared to some top competitors.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: The CrossContact LX holds its own against leading competitors, though it may not surpass the very top performers in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Performance: This tire provides reliable dry traction and corner stability, comparable to many high-ranking tires in the category.
- Comfort and Noise: It offers a comfortable ride and low noise levels, making it a good choice for drivers who value a quiet and smooth driving experience.
- Treadwear: While its treadwear rating is lower than some competitors, the tire still offers reasonable durability for everyday use.
PROS
- Provides solid dry traction (8.7) and responsive steering (8.3)
- Good performance in wet conditions with effective hydroplaning resistance (8.1)
- Comfortable ride quality (8.2) and low noise levels (7.9)
- Reliable light snow traction (7.3)
CONS
- Treadwear rating (6.8) is lower than some leading competitors, which may mean more frequent replacements
- Performance in deep snow (6.5) and on ice (6.2) is not as strong as dedicated winter tires
- Noise levels could be improved compared to some high-end options
THE VERDICT
The Continental CrossContact LX is a solid all-season tire for crossovers and SUVs, offering balanced performance across various conditions. It’s a reliable choice for drivers seeking comfort, wet and dry traction, and light snow capability. However, if you need exceptional treadwear or superior winter performance, you might want to explore other options. Overall, the CrossContact LX delivers a well-rounded performance, making it a dependable choice for many drivers.
Continental CrossContact LX Problems
The Continental CrossContact LX is a reliable crossover/SUV touring all-season tire with many strengths. However, understanding its potential drawbacks is essential for making an informed decision. Here, we highlight some areas where this tire may fall short based on user feedback and performance data.
Noise and Comfort
- Road Noise: Some users report that the CrossContact LX generates more road noise compared to other touring tires. While it offers a generally smooth ride, the noise level can be noticeable, particularly at higher speeds.
- Ride Comfort: Although the tire provides a comfortable ride overall, some drivers find it less comfortable on rough or uneven surfaces. This is a minor trade-off for its durability and performance.
Treadwear and Longevity
- Treadwear: The CrossContact LX has a treadwear rating of 6.8, which is lower than some competitors. This suggests that the tire might wear out faster, especially if not maintained properly. Users have noted that tread life can be shorter than expected, impacting long-term value.
- Durability Concerns: While the tire is built for durability, varied user experiences suggest that factors such as driving style and vehicle type significantly affect its lifespan. Regular maintenance is crucial to maximize tread life.
Winter Performance
- Snow and Ice Traction: The CrossContact LX is not a winter specialist. It performs adequately in light snow (7.3), but its deep snow (6.5) and ice traction (6.2) ratings indicate that it may struggle in harsher winter conditions. Drivers in regions with severe winters might need dedicated winter tires for optimal safety.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against Competitors: Compared to top competitors, the CrossContact LX holds its own in many areas but may lag in specific aspects like treadwear and extreme winter performance. While it provides balanced all-season performance, those needing exceptional tread life or superior snow and ice traction might consider other options.
The Bottom Line
The Continental CrossContact LX is a dependable all-season tire for crossovers and SUVs, offering a good balance of comfort, wet and dry traction, and light snow capability. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in treadwear and severe winter performance. Understanding these issues will help you make a choice that best suits your driving needs.
Continental CrossContact LX Alternatives
While the Continental CrossContact LX is a solid all-season tire for crossovers and SUVs, you might be looking for other options that fit your specific needs better. Here are three top alternatives, including a budget-friendly choice, each offering unique strengths and features.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a standout all-season tire that excels in both wet and dry conditions.
- Performance: This tire is top of the class with a wet traction rating of 9.5 and a dry performance rating of 9.5. It also performs exceptionally well in winter conditions, boasting a light snow traction rating of 9.4 and deep snow traction rating of 9.2.
- Comfort: It provides a smooth and quiet ride, scoring 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the CrossContact LX.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it promises a longer lifespan than the CrossContact LX, making it a durable choice for all-season performance.
Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive surpasses the CrossContact LX in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear. It’s an excellent choice if you want top-tier performance in all conditions.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is another excellent option for those seeking a high-performance all-season tire.
- Performance: This tire offers strong wet and dry ratings, with a wet traction rating of 9.4 and a dry performance rating of 9.5. Its winter performance is solid, with an 8.7 overall rating in snow and ice conditions.
- Comfort: The 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 slightly lower than the CrossContact LX but still competitive.
Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV matches the CrossContact LX in wet and dry conditions and offers better winter performance. It’s 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 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 CrossContact LX in all areas, it offers competitive performance at a lower price. It’s an excellent pick for those seeking 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 CrossContact LX.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Continental CrossContact LX is a well-rounded tire that provides good wet and dry traction, comfortable ride quality, and decent performance in light snow. It’s a reliable choice for drivers looking for a versatile all-season tire for their crossover or SUV. However, it falls short in treadwear longevity and handling severe winter conditions compared to some top competitors.
While it may not be a category leader, it holds its own against many high-ranking tires, making it a solid choice for everyday driving. If you need a tire that can handle a variety of conditions with ease, the Continental CrossContact LX is worth considering. Just be mindful of its limitations in extreme winter weather and tread life.
Good luck and happy motoring.
