If you’re thinking about putting a set of Continental CrossContact LX25 tires on your crossover or SUV, you’re probably curious about how they stack up against the competition. You want to know if these tires deliver the wet traction, dry handling, and comfortable ride that Continental promises—or if you should look elsewhere for better value.
The Continental CrossContact LX25 performs well in wet and dry conditions, providing solid traction, handling, and comfort. While it isn’t a category leader in every area, it remains a strong contender among Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tires.
In this article, we’ll dive into the performance of the Continental CrossContact LX25, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other leading tires.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.0 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
Tread Wear
9.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.0 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 740
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 70,000 Miles (H- & T-Speed Rated)
6 Years / 65,000 Miles (V-Speed Rated)
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.2 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.2 of 10
Road Noise: 8.9 of 10
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire built for versatility. It combines solid traction and smooth handling for drivers who need reliable year-round performance. This tire is engineered to handle diverse weather conditions, from summer heat to mild winter flurries.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction:
In wet conditions, the CrossContact LX25 confidently manages slick roads with a wet traction rating of 9.2. Its specially designed tread pattern offers great hydroplaning resistance (9.1) and holds up well on rainy days. - Dry Handling:
On dry pavement, this tire delivers a robust performance with a dry traction rating of 9.5. It corners well (9.4), offering impressive stability through tight turns while maintaining precise steering response (9.3). Its dependable grip makes for smooth and predictable handling. - Winter/Snow:
While it’s not a dedicated winter tire, the CrossContact LX25 provides a decent grip in light snow (8.7) and slush, though it struggles a bit in deeper snow (8.2) and on ice (7.9). It’s best suited for regions with mild winters. - Comfort and Ride Quality:
The ride quality is smooth, and noise is minimal, thanks to its well-balanced design that earns a solid 9.2 in this area. You’ll notice a quieter drive compared to some all-season competitors. - Treadwear:
With a treadwear rating of 9.0, this tire lasts longer than many in its class, providing a good value over time. The rubber compound is crafted for durability while maintaining grip.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
The CrossContact LX25 performs exceptionally well in dry conditions, offering traction and stability that can match or even surpass other tires in its category. Its wet traction is also impressive but just slightly behind some top competitors. While it’s not a strong contender for heavy snow or ice, it remains a reliable choice for regions with moderate winter weather. Comfort-wise, it ranks high, providing a smooth, low-noise ride.
PROS
- Offers excellent dry traction (9.5) and corner stability (9.4)
- Superior wet traction (9.2) with solid hydroplaning resistance (9.1)
- Comfortable, smooth ride quality with minimal noise (9.2)
- Treadwear (9.0) delivers longer-lasting performance than some competitors
CONS
- Struggles on ice (7.9) and in deep snow (8.2)
- Winter performance is less impressive than in wet or dry conditions
- Doesn’t deliver the absolute best hydroplaning resistance
The Verdict
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a great option for drivers seeking a versatile, comfortable all-season tire for their crossover or SUV. It shines in dry and wet conditions, with notable tread life and a quiet ride. However, for heavy snow or icy roads, a dedicated winter tire would be a better choice.
Continental CrossContact LX25 Problems
While the Continental CrossContact LX25 is a dependable all-season tire with a reputation for balanced performance, it’s important to be aware of a few potential drawbacks that could affect its suitability for your needs. Let’s look at some of the common issues that drivers have encountered.
Winter Performance
The Continental CrossContact LX25 provides solid traction in light snow, but it doesn’t perform as well in deeper snow or icy conditions. With an ice traction rating of 7.9 and a deep snow traction rating of 8.2, this tire falls short compared to others in the same class. Drivers in areas prone to heavy snow or ice may need to consider switching to dedicated winter tires for added safety.
Wet Traction and Hydroplaning
While the CrossContact LX25 generally handles wet conditions well, its hydroplaning resistance (9.1) and wet traction (9.2) are slightly behind the leading competitors. For those driving frequently in heavy rain or on waterlogged roads, there may be other tires that offer a small but significant improvement in wet road grip.
Road Noise and Comfort
Despite providing a smooth ride with minimal vibration, some users have noted that the CrossContact LX25 produces more road noise at higher speeds. This is not uncommon for all-season tires but can still be noticeable for those who prioritize a quieter driving experience.
Bottomline
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a well-rounded all-season tire that offers good performance across the board. However, for those facing harsh winter weather or seeking the absolute best wet performance, it’s worth weighing these considerations against specific driving needs before making a decision.
Continental CrossContact LX25 Alternatives
When exploring alternatives to the Continental CrossContact LX25, it’s helpful to know which tires offer similar or improved performance across varying conditions. From all-season versatility to superior traction in specific environments, each alternative brings its own blend of strengths. Below, we highlight some of the most popular options to help you find the right match for your driving style and road conditions.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: This all-season tire excels in various conditions, offering balanced performance and solid traction.
Wet and Dry Performance:
It shines in wet conditions with hydroplaning resistance and wet traction both rated at 9.5. The dry performance is just as good, with corner stability, dry traction, and steering response all scoring above 9.4. In these areas, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive slightly outperforms the CrossContact LX25.
Winter/Snow:
Winter conditions are no problem for this tire, as it boasts high ratings in light and deep snow, as well as respectable ice traction. These ratings exceed the CrossContact LX25, making it better for drivers who frequently face harsh winters.
Comfort and Noise:
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive provides a comfortable ride with noise levels on par with the CrossContact LX25, both achieving 9.2 in comfort ratings.
Treadwear:
With a 9.2 rating for treadwear, it’s among the top performers in its class, exceeding the CrossContact LX25 in longevity.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating: A well-rounded all-season tire delivering strong wet and dry traction.
Wet and Dry Performance:
The CrossClimate SUV stands out for its wet traction (9.4) and hydroplaning resistance (9.4). Its dry performance is also noteworthy, with ratings for dry traction and steering response both at 9.4 or higher. In wet performance, this tire is slightly superior to the CrossContact LX25, while both are almost on par in dry conditions.
Winter/Snow:
The CrossClimate SUV offers decent traction in light snow and moderate grip in deeper snow. While its ice traction rating isn’t stellar, it’s still a better option than the CrossContact LX25 in wintry conditions.
Comfort and Noise:
With comfort ratings a little lower than the CrossContact LX25, it provides a reasonably quiet ride but isn’t as smooth.
Treadwear:
An 8.3 rating for treadwear means this tire won’t last quite as long as the CrossContact LX25.
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Overall Rating: A reliable all-season tire with an emphasis on balanced performance.
Wet and Dry Performance:
The Geolandar CV G058 handles wet conditions well, with a hydroplaning resistance rating of 9.0 and wet traction of 9.1. Its dry performance scores similarly high, with corner stability and steering response both rated above 9.0. Compared to the CrossContact LX25, it is almost on par in these conditions, though slightly lacking in wet traction.
Winter/Snow:
It’s capable of handling light snow but struggles a bit in deep snow and on ice. Here, it performs similarly to the CrossContact LX25.
Comfort and Noise:
With a comfort rating of 8.8, it provides a smooth ride, though not as quiet as the CrossContact LX25.
Treadwear:
A 9.0 treadwear rating makes it as durable as the CrossContact LX25, promising long-lasting performance.
Each of these alternatives brings a different set of strengths to the table. The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive excels in both wet and dry conditions, offering superior traction and tread life. The Michelin CrossClimate SUV boasts excellent wet performance and respectable winter traction, while the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 strikes a balance between comfort and durability. Depending on your driving environment and preferences, these options can provide appealing alternatives to the Continental CrossContact LX25.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Continental CrossContact LX25 stands out for its excellent dry traction, smooth ride, and quiet operation, making it a strong option for drivers who prioritize comfort and road manners. However, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for the ultimate winter performance, as it lacks the ice and deep snow traction some competitors offer.
Overall, this tire is on par with other high-quality all-season options. It excels at providing a well-rounded driving experience, making it a great choice for those looking for reliability and durability in everyday conditions.
Good luck and happy motoring.
