Thinking about upgrading your tires but not sure if the Continental CrossContact LX20 is worth it? You’re in the right place. With so many options out there, making the right choice can feel like navigating a maze. Let’s break down the pros and cons of this all-season tire so you can make an informed decision.
The Continental CrossContact LX20 is on par with leading competitors, offering solid performance in most areas but slightly lacking in corner stability, treadwear, and severe winter conditions.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the Continental CrossContact LX20, exploring its features, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition. We’ll also look at common issues reported by users and suggest some top alternatives to help you make the best choice for your vehicle.
Continental CrossContact LX20
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.1 of 10
Wet Weather
8.6 of 10
Winter Weather
7.4 of 10
Tread Wear
7.6 of 10
Dry Weather
8.7 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 680
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.5 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.7 of 10
Cornering: 8.6 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.0 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.6 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.0 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.4 of 10
Road Noise: 8.4 of 10
The Continental CrossContact LX20 is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire designed for drivers who want reliable performance across various conditions. This tire offers a balanced mix of comfort, durability, and all-season capability, making it a solid choice for daily driving and road trips alike.
EcoPlus Technology in the Continental CrossContact LX20 focuses on enhancing fuel efficiency and extending tread life. This technology combines a special tread compound with unique design features to reduce rolling resistance, which helps improve gas mileage. Additionally, it promotes even tread wear, ensuring the tire lasts longer and performs consistently throughout its life. This makes the CrossContact LX20 not only an environmentally friendly option but also a cost-effective choice for drivers looking to maximize their investment.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The CrossContact LX20 scores an 8.7 for wet traction, making it dependable in rainy conditions. It offers a good balance between hydroplaning resistance and grip, so you can drive confidently on wet roads.
- Dry Handling: With an 8.7 rating for dry performance, this tire provides solid handling and control. Its dry traction rating of 9.0 ensures that it grips the road well, although its corner stability rating of 6.6 indicates that it may not be the best for aggressive cornering.
- Winter/Snow Performance: This tire scores a 7.4 for winter conditions, which is decent but not exceptional. It handles light snow reasonably well with a rating of 8.0, but deep snow and ice traction ratings of 7.2 and 6.9, respectively, suggest it’s not the top choice for harsh winter weather.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: The CrossContact LX20 excels in providing a smooth and comfortable ride, earning an 8.4 rating in this category. Its noise level is also relatively low, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
- Treadwear: This tire offers a treadwear rating of 7.6, indicating good durability and a reasonable lifespan for a tire in its class. It’s designed to last, giving you more miles for your money.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: The CrossContact LX20 holds its own in wet conditions, though some competitors may offer slightly better hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. It still provides reliable performance in the rain.
- Dry Performance: While the tire performs well overall, its corner stability is a bit lower compared to leading competitors. However, its dry traction is impressive, making it a reliable choice for regular driving.
- Comfort and Noise: This tire offers a comfortable and quiet ride, comparable to the best in its class. It’s well-suited for those long drives where comfort is key.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating is competitive, ensuring you get a decent lifespan out of the tire. While not the top in its class, it still offers good value.
PROS
- Excellent dry traction (9.0) for confident handling
- Good wet performance with balanced hydroplaning resistance (8.5) and wet traction (8.7)
- Comfortable ride with low noise levels
- Decent treadwear rating (7.6), ensuring durability
- Reliable performance in light snow (8.0)
CONS
- Corner stability (6.6) is lower than some top competitors, which may affect aggressive driving
- Winter performance in deep snow and ice could be better
- Treadwear is not the highest in its class, but still offers good value
BOTTOM LINE
The Continental CrossContact LX20 is a solid all-season tire for crossovers and SUVs, providing good performance in most conditions. It offers reliable wet and dry handling, a comfortable ride, and decent treadwear. While it may not be the best for aggressive cornering or extreme winter conditions, it’s a dependable choice for everyday driving. If you need a tire that balances comfort, performance, and durability, the CrossContact LX20 is worth considering.
Continental CrossContact LX20 Problems
The Continental CrossContact LX20 is generally praised for its all-season performance, comfort, and treadwear. However, like any product, it has its share of issues that potential buyers should consider. Understanding these potential drawbacks is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your specific driving needs and expectations.
Corner Stability
- Lower Corner Stability: One of the main concerns with the CrossContact LX20 is its lower corner stability, which has a rating of 6.6. This might not be a significant issue for most drivers, but those who enjoy spirited driving or need strong cornering capabilities might find it lacking compared to other top competitors.
Winter Performance
- Ice and Deep Snow Traction: While the tire performs adequately in light snow, its ratings for deep snow traction (7.2) and ice traction (6.9) are not as high as some drivers might need. If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, you might find the winter performance of the CrossContact LX20 somewhat limited.
Treadwear and Longevity
- Treadwear Rating: The treadwear rating of 7.6 suggests decent durability, but it falls short of the highest ratings in its class. This means that while the tire is designed to last, some users might experience wear earlier than expected, especially if driving habits or conditions are particularly demanding.
Comfort and Noise
- Comfort and Noise Levels: The tire earns an 8.4 rating for both ride quality and noise. While these are respectable scores, some drivers may notice that the ride isn’t as smooth or quiet as they’d like, especially on rougher roads or at higher speeds. This could be a minor inconvenience for those prioritizing a luxurious driving experience.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Comparison: When stacked against leading competitors, the CrossContact LX20 provides good overall performance but might not excel in specific areas such as corner stability and severe winter conditions. Those looking for a tire with more robust cornering capabilities or better ice traction might find other options more suitable.
The Bottom Line
The Continental CrossContact LX20 offers a reliable all-season performance with a comfortable ride and decent treadwear. However, its lower corner stability, limited severe winter performance, and merely average treadwear rating are points to consider. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors based on their driving conditions and priorities. While it’s a solid choice for many, those with specific needs might need to explore other options.
Continental CrossContact LX20 Alternatives
While the Continental CrossContact LX20 is a reliable all-season tire for crossovers and SUVs, you might be considering other options that better fit your specific needs. Here are three top alternatives, each with unique strengths. We’ll include a budget-conscious choice for those looking to save some cash without sacrificing too much performance.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a top-notch all-season tire that excels in both wet and dry conditions.
Performance: This tire shines with a wet traction rating of 9.5 and a dry performance rating of 9.5, making it one of the best in its class. It’s also outstanding in winter conditions with a light snow traction rating of 9.4 and a deep snow traction rating of 9.2.
Comfort: It offers a smooth and quiet ride, scoring 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the CrossContact LX20.
Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it surpasses the CrossContact LX20, promising a longer lifespan.
Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive exceeds the CrossContact LX20 in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear, making it a solid choice for those seeking top-tier performance in all conditions.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating: 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 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 LX20.
Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is on par with the CrossContact LX20 in wet and dry conditions but offers better winter performance. It is 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 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 LX20, 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. 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, and 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 LX20.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Continental CrossContact LX20 is a solid choice for an all-season tire, providing reliable performance in wet and dry conditions. Its strengths include excellent dry traction, comfortable ride quality, and decent treadwear. However, it falls short in corner stability and severe winter performance, which might be a deal-breaker for some drivers.
Overall, this tire is on par with other top competitors in its category. It’s a dependable option for everyday driving but might not be the best fit if you need exceptional winter performance or enjoy spirited cornering. Consider your driving habits and local weather conditions when making your final decision.
Good luck and happy motoring.
