Considering new tires but unsure if the Continental CrossContact LX Sport is the right fit? You’re not alone. Many drivers are curious about whether this tire lives up to its reputation and meets their driving needs. You’re about to find out exactly how it stacks up.
The Continental CrossContact LX Sport offers decent performance but falls short in some key areas compared to leading competitors. It’s a reliable choice, but there are better options available if you prioritize wet traction and treadwear.
In this article, we’ll dive into the Continental CrossContact LX Sport’s performance, comfort, treadwear, and how it compares to other top contenders. We’ll also highlight its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Continental CrossContact LX Sport
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.1 of 10
Wet Weather
7.7 of 10
Winter Weather
5.6 of 10
Tread Wear
6.1 of 10
Dry Weather
8.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 480
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.7 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.8 of 10
Cornering: 8.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.6 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.4 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 6.4 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 5.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 5.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 7.9 of 10
Road Noise: 7.7 of 10
The Continental CrossContact LX Sport is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire designed for those who seek a reliable and comfortable driving experience. Built with Continental’s expertise in tire technology, this model offers balanced performance across various conditions.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The CrossContact LX Sport scores a 7.8 in wet traction. Its design focuses on reducing the risk of hydroplaning with a hydroplaning resistance rating of 7.7. While it performs decently, it doesn’t match the top-tier competitors in this aspect.
- Dry Handling: This tire excels in dry conditions, with a dry performance rating of 8.4. It offers good corner stability (8.3) and dry traction (8.6), providing a reliable driving experience with solid steering response (8.4).
- Comfort and Ride Quality: Comfort is one of the strengths of the CrossContact LX Sport, earning a 7.8 overall rating. It provides a smooth ride (7.9) and keeps noise levels manageable (7.7), ensuring a pleasant drive.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating of 6.1 indicates that while the tire provides good performance, its longevity might not be as high as some competitors. This is an area where it could improve.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: The CrossContact LX Sport falls short compared to leading competitors, which generally offer superior hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Performance: In dry conditions, this tire is on par with many top competitors, providing dependable corner stability, traction, and steering response.
- Comfort and Noise: It offers good comfort and noise levels, but some rivals manage to deliver an even quieter and smoother ride.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating is lower than many competitors, indicating that the tire may wear out faster than some other options in its category.
PROS
- Reliable dry traction (8.6) and stable handling in dry conditions
- Good ride comfort (7.9) and manageable noise levels (7.7)
- Balanced performance for a variety of driving conditions
CONS
- Wet traction and hydroplaning resistance are not as high as leading competitors
- Lower treadwear rating (6.1) suggests shorter lifespan
- Winter performance, including snow and ice traction, is below average
The Verdict
The Continental CrossContact LX Sport is a solid choice for drivers looking for a dependable Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire. While it may not lead in every performance category, it offers a balanced driving experience with good comfort and handling in dry conditions. Its wet and winter performance could be better, and treadwear might be a concern for those seeking a long-lasting tire. However, for those prioritizing comfort and dry handling, the CrossContact LX Sport delivers a satisfactory performance.
Continental CrossContact LX Sport Problems
The Continental CrossContact LX Sport is known for its balanced performance and comfort in various driving conditions. However, some users have reported issues that potential buyers should consider. Understanding these drawbacks can help make a more informed decision.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Road Noise: Many drivers have noted that the CrossContact LX Sport generates noticeable road noise, especially at highway speeds. While it’s quieter than some aggressive off-road tires, it can be louder than other touring all-season tires.
- Ride Comfort: Although the tire generally provides a smooth ride, some users find the ride quality to be less comfortable on rough or uneven surfaces. The tire’s design, focused on performance, might result in a firmer ride compared to more comfort-oriented alternatives.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Tread Wear: The CrossContact LX Sport has a treadwear rating of 6.1, which is lower than many competitors. This suggests that the tire might wear out faster, particularly under aggressive driving conditions or on heavier vehicles.
- Durability Concerns: Some users have reported that the tire’s tread wears unevenly or more quickly than expected. Regular maintenance like tire rotations and alignments are essential to mitigate these issues, but the tire’s overall lifespan might still be shorter than desired.
Wet and Winter Performance
- Wet Traction: While the tire performs adequately in wet conditions with a wet traction rating of 7.8, it doesn’t excel as much as some top competitors. Hydroplaning resistance is also rated at 7.7, indicating that there could be better options for those frequently driving in heavy rain.
- Winter Traction: The CrossContact LX Sport’s performance in snowy and icy conditions is below average, with ratings indicating less effective traction on snow and ice. Drivers in regions with severe winters might find this tire lacking and should consider alternatives with better winter performance.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Gaps: When compared to leading competitors, the CrossContact LX Sport often falls short in areas like wet and winter traction, and treadwear. Some alternatives offer a better balance of performance, longevity, and comfort, which might be more suitable for everyday driving needs.
The Bottom Line
The Continental CrossContact LX Sport provides a good balance of comfort and performance for Crossover and SUV drivers. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in treadwear, road noise, and wet/winter traction. Considering these factors will help ensure that the tire meets their specific driving requirements and expectations.
Continental CrossContact LX Sport Alternatives
While the Continental CrossContact LX Sport offers solid performance for crossover and SUV drivers, there are other options you might want to consider. Here are three top alternatives, each with its strengths. We’ve also included a budget-friendly choice for those looking to save some money without sacrificing too much on performance.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is an outstanding all-season tire that excels in various driving conditions.
- Performance: This tire shines with a wet traction rating of 9.5 and dry performance rating of 9.5. It’s also great in winter conditions, with a light snow traction rating of 9.4 and deep snow traction of 9.2.
- Comfort: The Scorpion WeatherActive offers a smooth and quiet ride, scoring 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the CrossContact LX Sport.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it surpasses the CrossContact LX Sport, promising a longer lifespan.
Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive exceeds the CrossContact LX Sport in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear, making it a top choice for those seeking high performance in all conditions.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is another excellent option for those wanting a high-performance all-season tire.
- Performance: It boasts 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 decent, 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 comparable but slightly lower than the CrossContact LX Sport.
Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is on par with the CrossContact LX Sport in wet and dry conditions but 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
The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is a solid, budget-friendly all-season tire that doesn’t skimp 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 Sport, it offers a very competitive alternative at a lower price. It’s a great pick for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Each of these alternatives provides a distinct set of features tailored to different priorities:
- Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive: Ideal for top performance in all conditions.
- Michelin CrossClimate SUV: Offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in winter performance.
- 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 Sport.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Continental CrossContact LX Sport has its strengths, particularly in providing a comfortable ride and solid dry handling. It’s a reliable option for everyday driving, offering good stability and traction in dry conditions. However, it does have some notable weaknesses. The tire’s wet traction and treadwear ratings are lower than many of its competitors, and its winter performance is below average.
Overall, the CrossContact LX Sport is on par with other tires in some areas but falls behind in critical aspects like wet performance and durability. It’s a good tire for those who prioritize comfort and dry handling but might not be the best choice if you need strong wet or winter performance.
Good luck and happy motoring.
