Choosing the right tire for your SUV or crossover can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many options out there. You’re probably eyeing the Yokohama Geolandar X-CV and wondering if it’s worth the investment. Does it offer the performance you need for your daily commute and occasional road trips?
The Yokohama Geolandar X-CV performs well, particularly in wet and dry conditions, but it falls slightly short in winter performance compared to the top competitors. Overall, it is a solid all-season tire for everyday driving.
In this article, we’ll explore the performance features, potential problems, and top alternatives to the Yokohama Geolandar X-CV.
Yokohama Geolandar X-CV
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
9.0 of 10
Winter Weather
7.9 of 10
Tread Wear
8.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 520
UTQG Traction Rating: B
UTQG Temperature Rating: B
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 50,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.0 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.0 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
The Yokohama Geolandar X-CV is a high-performance Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire designed to meet the needs of SUV and crossover drivers. This tire combines reliable all-season traction with a comfortable ride, making it a solid choice for year-round driving.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The Geolandar X-CV performs admirably in wet conditions, boasting a wet traction rating of 9.0. Its tread design and compound work together to resist hydroplaning, with a hydroplaning resistance score of 8.9. This ensures you can drive confidently on rainy days, knowing your tires will maintain good grip.
- Dry Handling: In dry conditions, the Geolandar X-CV shines. With a dry performance rating of 9.2, it offers excellent corner stability (9.1) and dry traction (9.4). The tire’s steering response is also impressive, rated at 9.1, allowing for precise and confident handling.
- Winter/Snow Performance: While not the best for heavy snow, the Geolandar X-CV manages light snow fairly well with a rating of 8.3 for light snow traction. Deep snow traction comes in at 8.0, and ice traction is a bit lower at 7.5. This tire is better suited for mild winter conditions rather than severe snow and ice.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: Yokohama has balanced performance with comfort in the Geolandar X-CV. It earns an overall comfort rating of 8.9, with ride quality at 9.1 and noise levels at 8.7. This means you can expect a smooth, quiet ride even on longer journeys.
- Treadwear: The Geolandar X-CV has a treadwear rating of 8.7, indicating decent longevity. While it might not last as long as some top competitors, it still offers good value and durability for its performance class.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: The Geolandar X-CV’s wet performance is strong but slightly trails behind the best in its class, particularly in hydroplaning resistance. However, its wet traction is competitive.
- Dry Performance: This tire holds its own in dry conditions, offering superior corner stability and traction compared to many rivals. It provides a reliable and responsive driving experience.
- Comfort and Noise: The Geolandar X-CV offers a comfortable ride with low noise levels, making it a great option for daily driving and long trips. It balances performance and comfort well, though some top-tier tires might edge it out slightly in noise reduction.
- Treadwear: While the treadwear rating is decent, it’s not the highest in its class. Drivers might find themselves needing replacements a bit sooner than with some other all-season options.
PROS
- Excellent dry traction (9.4) and steering response (9.1) for precise handling
- Reliable wet traction (9.0) with good hydroplaning resistance (8.9)
- Comfortable ride quality (9.1) and relatively low noise (8.7)
- Good performance in light snow (8.3)
CONS
- Treadwear (8.7) may not be as long-lasting as some leading competitors
- Winter/snow performance (7.9) could be better for harsh conditions
- Noise levels (8.7), while low, may still be noticeable on certain road surfaces
The Verdict
The Yokohama Geolandar X-CV is a well-rounded tire for crossover and SUV drivers looking for a balance of performance, comfort, and value. It excels in dry and wet conditions and provides a smooth, quiet ride. While it may not be the best choice for severe winter weather, it’s a reliable option for most all-season driving needs.
Yokohama Geolandar X-CV Problems
The Yokohama Geolandar X-CV is a well-regarded tire for crossovers and SUVs, offering solid performance across various conditions. However, like any product, it has its share of potential drawbacks. Understanding these issues can help you make an informed decision that best suits your driving needs.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some users have reported that the Geolandar X-CV can be noisier than expected, especially at highway speeds. While this tire is designed for performance, the noise level might be higher compared to other all-season options, which could be a consideration for drivers who prioritize a quieter ride.
- Ride Comfort: While generally providing a smooth ride, a few drivers have noted that the Geolandar X-CV can feel slightly firmer on uneven roads. This firmness is a result of its durable construction, which aims to enhance performance and longevity. However, for those who prefer a softer ride, this might be a minor drawback.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Tread Life: The Geolandar X-CV offers a treadwear rating of 8.7, which is decent but not the highest in its class. Some users have experienced faster tread wear than anticipated, which can be influenced by driving habits, vehicle type, and maintenance practices. This variability in tread life might lead to earlier replacements for some drivers.
- Treadwear Warranty: A few users have expressed concerns about the treadwear warranty, feeling that it may not fully reflect the tire’s lifespan under normal driving conditions. Ensuring regular tire maintenance and monitoring tread depth can help maximize the tire’s life.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Ice Traction: While the Geolandar X-CV performs well in light snow, with a rating of 8.3, its ice traction is rated at 7.5. This indicates that the tire might struggle in severe icy conditions compared to dedicated winter tires. Drivers in areas with frequent ice should consider this limitation and may need additional solutions for optimal safety.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against Competitors: The Geolandar X-CV provides good overall performance but falls slightly behind some top competitors in specific areas like hydroplaning resistance and ice traction. For those who prioritize the highest levels of performance in these areas, other options might offer a better balance for their specific needs.
The Bottomline
It’s important to note that individual experiences with the Yokohama Geolandar X-CV can vary based on numerous factors, including vehicle specifications, driving habits, and environmental conditions. While the Geolandar X-CV offers many benefits, especially for everyday driving and moderate winter conditions, prospective buyers should weigh these potential issues against their unique driving requirements.
Yokohama Geolandar X-CV Alternatives
The Yokohama Geolandar X-CV is a solid choice for many drivers, but it’s always good to know your options. Here are three great alternatives, each with its own strengths. One of these options is budget-friendly, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Performance: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a top performer in the all-season category, known for its outstanding traction and durability.
- Wet and Dry Handling: This tire scores high across the board with wet and dry ratings of 9.5. It offers excellent hydroplaning resistance (9.4) and superb dry traction (9.6), making it a great option for various weather conditions.
- Winter/Snow Performance: With a strong performance in light (9.4) and deep snow (9.2), and decent ice traction (8.7), the Scorpion WeatherActive is ideal for harsh winters.
- Comfort and Noise: This tire also excels in comfort, with a ride quality rating of 9.3 and low noise levels (9.1). It ensures a quiet and smooth ride, perfect for daily commuting and long trips.
- Treadwear: It boasts a high treadwear rating of 9.2, surpassing the Geolandar X-CV, and ensuring a long-lasting tire that offers great value.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall Performance: The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a top performer in the all-season category, known for its balanced performance and comfort.
- Wet and Dry Handling: This tire scores high across the board with wet and dry ratings of 9.1 and 9.4, respectively. It offers excellent hydroplaning resistance (9.1) and superb dry traction (9.5), making it a great option for various weather conditions.
- Winter/Snow Performance: While it’s not the best for severe winter conditions, the CrossContact LX25 handles light snow with a rating of 8.7. Deep snow traction is rated at 8.2, and ice traction is 7.9, making it suitable for mild winter conditions.
- Comfort and Noise: This tire excels in comfort, with a ride quality rating of 9.2 and low noise levels (9.1). It ensures a quiet and smooth ride, perfect for daily commuting and long trips.
- Treadwear: It boasts a high treadwear rating of 9.0, surpassing the Geolandar X-CV, ensuring a long-lasting tire that offers great value.
Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax
Overall Performance: The Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax offers great value, combining good performance with affordability. It’s a reliable choice for drivers looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
- Wet and Dry Handling: The EnduraMax performs well in wet conditions with a rating of 8.9 for both hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. In dry conditions, it scores 9.1 for corner stability and 9.3 for dry traction, making it a solid performer.
- Winter/Snow Performance: This tire handles light snow well with a rating of 8.8. Deep snow traction is 8.4, and ice traction is 8.0, making it suitable for mild winter conditions.
- Comfort and Noise: Comfort is also a strong point for the EnduraMax, with a ride quality rating of 8.9 and a noise rating of 8.4. It provides a quieter and smoother ride than many budget options.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 8.7, it matches the Geolandar X-CV, ensuring a decent lifespan at a more affordable price.
Each of these alternatives offers unique benefits, catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you prioritize high performance, comfort, or value, there’s an option that will suit your driving requirements.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Yokohama Geolandar X-CV is a reliable choice for SUV and crossover drivers seeking solid all-season performance. It shines in wet and dry conditions, offering great traction and handling. The ride is comfortable and relatively quiet, making it a good option for daily driving and road trips. However, it does lag behind some competitors in severe winter conditions, particularly on ice.
While it may not be the top performer in every category, the Geolandar X-CV holds its own and provides good value for most drivers. If you’re looking for a dependable tire with balanced performance, this one is worth considering. Good luck and happy motoring.
