Ever find yourself wondering if your truck or SUV is really getting the best shoes for the job? Let’s dive into what makes the Continental CrossContact UHP stand out—or not—in the crowded market of performance summer tires.
The Continental CrossContact UHP generally performs well, offering a good balance between wet and dry traction. However, it falls slightly behind the leading competitors in both treadwear and ultimate wet handling performance.
In this article, we break down the performance, comfort, and durability of the Continental CrossContact UHP, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your driving demands.
Continental CrossContact UHP
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.9 of 10
Wet Weather
8.2 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
6.6 of 10
Dry Weather
8.7 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.2 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 420
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.3 of 10
Cornering: 8.5 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.9 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.6 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.2 of 10
Road Noise: 8.2 of 10
The Continental CrossContact UHP is a Full-Size Truck & SUV Performance Summer Tire engineered for high performance. This tire is designed to deliver strong capabilities in wet and dry conditions but is not intended for winter use.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The CrossContact UHP manages well in wet conditions, though its performance is slightly lower than some of its competitors. It features good hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, providing a reliable and safe drive during rainy weather.
- Dry Handling: This tire offers commendable performance on dry roads. It has solid corner stability and very good dry traction, along with decent steering response, making it suitable for everyday driving as well as more spirited journeys.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: The CrossContact UHP scores well in terms of comfort, providing a ride quality that balances firmness and smoothness. Noise levels are moderate, making it a reasonable choice for those who value a quieter ride without needing the quietest tire on the market.
- Treadwear: The tread life of the CrossContact UHP is somewhat lower compared to its peers, which might lead to earlier replacement. This could be a consideration for drivers who put a lot of miles on their vehicles annually.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: While it performs adequately in wet conditions, it does not excel to the extent of some top competitors, particularly in hydroplaning resistance and overall wet grip.
- Dry Performance: In dry conditions, the CrossContact UHP offers good performance, but it does not reach the top marks that some competitors achieve, particularly in terms of corner stability and steering response.
- Comfort and Noise: The tire performs reasonably well in providing a comfortable ride, but noise levels could be improved to match the quieter rides offered by leading tires in this category.
- Treadwear: This tire falls short in longevity compared to others, reflecting a faster rate of wear which might impact long-term value.
PROS
- Delivers solid performance in both wet and dry conditions.
- Comfortable ride quality for a performance tire.
- Suitable for drivers who prefer a balance between performance and comfort.
CONS
- Treadwear is less competitive, which may lead to more frequent tire replacements.
- Wet performance and hydroplaning resistance are not at the top of its class.
- Noise levels, while decent, may be noticeable compared to quieter competitors.
BOTTOM LINE
The Continental CrossContact UHP is a viable option for drivers of full-size trucks and SUVs who need a reliable summer performance tire. It offers a good mix of dry and wet performance along with comfortable ride qualities. However, it might require earlier replacement due to its lower treadwear rating. This tire is best suited for those who prioritize performance over longevity and are looking for a solid all-around summer tire without expecting the very best in any single category.
Continental CrossContact UHP Problems
The Continental CrossContact UHP is a performance summer tire designed for full-size trucks and SUVs, offering a balance of wet and dry traction, comfort, and ride quality. However, potential buyers should be aware of some issues reported by users that could influence their purchase decision.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Although the CrossContact UHP generally provides a comfortable ride, some users have noted that the tire can be noisier on highways compared to other tires in its class. This could be due to its design, which prioritizes performance aspects over quietness.
- Ride Firmness: While the tire handles well, its firmness is more pronounced, especially on rougher road surfaces. This stiffer ride might not appeal to those looking for a plush driving experience, particularly in an urban setting.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Inconsistent Tread Life: One of the most significant concerns with the CrossContact UHP is its tread life. Some users have reported that these tires may wear faster than some competitors, necessitating earlier replacement. This can be particularly true for drivers with aggressive driving habits or those who frequently travel on rough roads.
- Treadwear Warranty Issues: There are also reports from users expressing dissatisfaction with the warranty coverage for tread wear, feeling it does not accurately reflect the tire’s actual lifespan under typical driving conditions.
Wet Performance Limitations
- Wet Traction Limitations: While the CrossContact UHP performs adequately in wet conditions, it does not excel compared to top performers in this category. Users in regions with heavy rainfalls or those who prioritize top-notch wet traction might find the tire’s performance lacking.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Relative to Peers: When compared to other high-end performance summer tires, the CrossContact UHP might not always meet the highest standards set by its competitors, particularly in terms of tread life and wet traction capabilities. This is an important consideration for drivers who are looking for the best possible performance in these areas.
Prospective buyers of the Continental CrossContact UHP should weigh these potential drawbacks against their specific needs and driving conditions. While the tire offers several advantages, being informed of its limitations will help ensure satisfaction with their choice.
Continental CrossContact UHP Alternatives
If the Continental CrossContact UHP doesn’t quite hit the mark for your full-size truck or SUV’s summer tire needs, you might want to consider some of the other players on the field. Here’s a breakdown of three viable alternatives based on their performance statistics, each with its own set of strengths:
General Grabber UHP
Overall Rating: A strong performer that gives a good fight in the arena of summer performance tires.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Stands out with slightly better wet traction than the CrossContact UHP and commendable dry handling, making it a solid choice for those unpredictable summer showers.
- Comfort and Noise: Expect a similar ride comfort to the CrossContact, with a bit of road noise that’s typical for performance tires.
- Treadwear: Shows a bit more resilience in the tread department, which might stretch the dollar further down the road.
This tire might just be the ticket for drivers who put a premium on wet performance and are looking for a bit more mileage out of their tires.
Bridgestone Alenza 001
Overall Rating: A robust option that balances performance with everyday usability.
- Wet and Dry Performance: While it doesn’t quite match the CrossContact in dry conditions, it holds its own with decent wet and dry traction.
- Comfort and Noise: Shines in the comfort zone, offering a smoother ride with slightly lower noise levels, which might just be the cherry on top for daily drivers.
- Treadwear: Falls a tad short in longevity compared to the CrossContact, so it might wave the white flag a bit sooner.
Ideal for drivers who value a comfortable and quieter ride without needing the sharpest performance edge.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV
Overall Rating: A tire that tries to balance performance with utility but leans more towards everyday comfort.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Doesn’t quite steal the show in wet conditions and falls behind in dry performance when compared to the CrossContact UHP.
- Comfort and Noise: Where it may lag in grip, it makes up in comfort, providing a plush ride that could make those long drives a bit more bearable.
- Treadwear: The weakest link here, with faster wear that could see them bowing out sooner than you’d like.
This might be the go-to for those who are more about the journey than the performance, prioritizing comfort over outright handling prowess.
Each of these tires brings something to the table, whether it’s durability, comfort, or a balance of wet and dry performance. Depending on what you’re looking for — whether it’s sticking to the road like glue in a downpour or just cruising comfortably down the freeway — one of these alternatives might just fit the bill better than the Continental CrossContact UHP. Choose wisely, and your SUV or truck will thank you every mile of the way!
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Continental CrossContact UHP shines in many areas as a performance summer tire. It delivers solid dry and wet traction, ensuring that drivers can handle sudden downpours with confidence. The tire’s ride comfort is commendable, striking a balance between firmness for road feedback and softness for daily driving comfort. However, when it comes to treadwear, the CrossContact UHP may not hit the mark as well as some of its competitors, potentially leading to sooner-than-expected tire replacements.
On the noise front, while the tire is not the quietest on the market, it maintains a level that won’t disrupt your peaceful drive. It’s important to note that while the CrossContact UHP does well in its category, it doesn’t lead the pack. It stands firmly in the middle of the road, offering a reliable option for those who prioritize a blend of performance and comfort but don’t necessarily need the top-performing tire in extreme conditions.
Whether the Continental CrossContact UHP is for you might come down to weighing its moderate longevity against its performance benefits. If you’re okay with potentially shorter tread life in exchange for reliable performance in most weather conditions, this could be a tire worth considering.
Good luck and happy motoring.
