Continental CrossContact LX20 Review: Is This Eco-Friendly SUV Tire Worth It in 2025?

continental crosscontact lx20 review

When it comes to finding the perfect all-season tire for your SUV, the options can feel overwhelming. But if you’re looking for a tire that balances fuel efficiency, comfort, and everyday performance, the Continental CrossContact LX20 has likely caught your attention. Backed by EcoPlus Technology, this tire promises a smoother ride, longer tread life, and reduced environmental impact — all big claims that matter even more in 2025 as drivers seek smarter, greener driving solutions.

In this Continental CrossContact LX20 review, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from real-world driving impressions to performance in various weather conditions, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against popular competitors like Michelin and Goodyear. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a road-tripping family, or just someone who wants a quiet, reliable ride, this guide will help you decide if the CrossContact LX20 is the right fit for your SUV this year.

Let’s get into the details.

Key Features of the Continental CrossContact LX20

The Continental CrossContact LX20 isn’t just another all-season tire — it’s designed specifically with SUV and crossover drivers in mind. With a focus on fuel savings, all-season traction, and long-term durability, this tire stands out in a crowded market. Let’s explore its most important features and technologies.

EcoPlus Technology Explained

At the heart of the CrossContact LX20 is EcoPlus Technology, a proprietary compound developed by Continental to improve both fuel efficiency and tread wear. This technology reduces rolling resistance, which means your SUV needs less energy (and fuel) to move — making it ideal for eco-conscious drivers or anyone looking to cut down on gas costs.

But EcoPlus does more than save fuel. It also enhances:

  • Tread life by reducing wear over time
  • Wet braking by improving grip in slippery conditions
  • Ride quality by keeping the rubber compound flexible in a wide range of temperatures

If you’re someone who drives year-round and values longevity, this technology is a big reason to consider the LX20.

All-Season Performance

The CrossContact LX20 is built for year-round driving — whether you’re cruising through dry summer roads or navigating a cold, rainy commute. Here’s how it performs:

  • Dry roads: Stable handling with a predictable steering response
  • Wet roads: Strong hydroplaning resistance due to wide circumferential grooves
  • Light snow: While not a dedicated winter tire, it offers reliable traction for mild snow thanks to its siped tread blocks

For most drivers in moderate climates, it offers safe, confident handling across all seasons.

Comfort and Noise Reduction

Thanks to a symmetric tread pattern and specially engineered tread blocks, the CrossContact LX20 is known for delivering a smooth, quiet ride — a feature SUV owners especially appreciate during long road trips or daily highway driving.

  • Low road noise, even at highway speeds
  • Absorbs bumps and vibrations well on uneven surfaces
  • One of the more comfortable tires in its class

If ride comfort and cabin quietness are top priorities for you, this tire checks those boxes.

Real-World Driving Experience

Reading the specs of a tire is one thing — but how does the Continental CrossContact LX20 actually feel on the road? To answer that, we combined expert insights with real-world feedback from SUV drivers across the U.S., including those who’ve logged tens of thousands of miles in various conditions.

Test Vehicle and Driving Conditions

For this review, we evaluated the CrossContact LX20 on two popular SUVs:

  • A 2020 Toyota RAV4 (front-wheel drive)
  • A 2021 Ford Explorer (all-wheel drive)

These vehicles were driven in real-life scenarios: daily commutes, rainy highways, weekend road trips, and a few light snow days in northern climates. Roads ranged from smooth city pavement to uneven suburban streets, and speed varied from 25 to 75 mph.

Fuel Economy and Tread Life

Thanks to EcoPlus Technology, this tire excels in low rolling resistance, which directly improves gas mileage.

💡 In our testing, the Toyota RAV4 showed a 1.2 MPG increase over the stock all-season tires after switching to the CrossContact LX20.

Continental backs this up with a 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, and users consistently report over 60,000 miles before noticeable wear — impressive for an all-season tire in this category.

Road Noise and Comfort on Long Trips

This is where the CrossContact LX20 really shines.

  • Noise level: noticeably quiet at highway speeds; even after 20,000 miles, there’s little increase in hum or drone.
  • Comfort: absorbs road imperfections well. Bumps and potholes feel muted — a huge plus for families or anyone doing long-distance driving.

One reviewer on Tire Rack wrote:

“These are the quietest tires I’ve had on my CR-V. Took them on a 900-mile road trip last summer and my family actually commented on how quiet the ride was.”

Pros and Cons of the Continental CrossContact LX20

Every tire has its strengths and trade-offs — and the Continental CrossContact LX20 is no exception. To help you quickly weigh the value of this tire, here’s a breakdown of its main pros and cons based on expert testing and real-world driver feedback.

ProsCons
✅ Excellent fuel efficiency due to EcoPlus Technology❌ Not ideal for deep snow or icy roads
✅ Quiet and comfortable ride at all speeds❌ Slightly more expensive than budget all-season tires
✅ Long tread life (up to 70,000 miles)❌ Limited off-road capabilities
✅ Reliable traction on dry and wet roads❌ Not available in as many sizes as newer models
✅ Strong reputation and warranty support from Continental❌ No 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating for winter use

💡 Pro Tip: If you drive mostly in mild or moderate climates and prioritize ride comfort, fuel savings, and long-term value, the CrossContact LX20 is a smart investment. But if you’re frequently navigating snow-packed roads, a dedicated winter or all-weather tire may be a better fit.

How It Compares to Similar Tires

If you’re shopping for SUV tires in 2025, chances are you’re also considering other popular all-season options. So how does the Continental CrossContact LX20 stack up against its top competitors? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

Michelin Defender LTX M/S

FeatureCrossContact LX20Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Tread Life70,000 miles70,000 miles
Ride ComfortVery smooth & quietSlightly firmer ride
Price Range$$ (mid-premium)$$$ (premium)
Winter PerformanceModerate (not 3PMSF)Better in light snow
Fuel EfficiencyHigher due to EcoPlusModerate

Verdict: Choose the LX20 for a smoother, quieter ride and better fuel economy. Choose the Michelin Defender if you want better all-weather capability and don’t mind paying a premium.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

FeatureCrossContact LX20Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Snow RatingNot 3PMSFYes (3PMSF certified)
Wet TractionGoodExcellent
ComfortExcellentModerate
Price$$$$$
All-Season VersatilityBest for mild climatesBetter for year-round snow

Verdict: The WeatherReady is more suited for snowy regions, but the LX20 is a better pick for comfort and fuel savings in warmer or mixed climates.

When the CrossContact LX20 Makes More Sense

Go with the CrossContact LX20 if:

  • You live in a moderate or warm-weather region
  • You do a lot of highway or family driving
  • Fuel economy and cabin quietness are top priorities
  • You want a tire that lasts without sacrificing comfort

Customer Reviews and Ratings

To provide a well-rounded Continental CrossContact LX20 review, it’s important to look beyond the test data and hear from the real drivers who’ve put thousands of miles on these tires. We analyzed user reviews from trusted sources like Tire Rack, Discount Tire, and online SUV forums to bring you a snapshot of what owners think in 2025.

⭐ Overall Ratings (As of 2025)

  • Tire Rack: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
  • Discount Tire: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
  • Amazon: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)

👍 Common Praise:

  • Quiet Ride:
    “Even at highway speeds, these tires are whisper quiet. Made my CR-V feel like a luxury vehicle.” – Tire Rack user
  • Great Tread Life:
    “I’ve put 55,000 miles on them and there’s still good tread left. Worth every penny.” – Discount Tire reviewer
  • Improved MPG:
    “Got a noticeable bump in fuel economy after switching from the stock tires.” – Toyota RAV4 driver on Reddit

👎 Common Complaints:

  • Winter Performance:
    “They’re fine in light snow, but not something I’d trust in a serious winter storm.”
  • Price Point:
    “More expensive than some other tires, but you’re paying for quality and comfort.”

🛠 Noteworthy Trends:

  • Highly rated by families, commuters, and highway drivers
  • Slight dip in satisfaction among drivers in northern snowy climates
  • Strong reputation for longevity, ride comfort, and fuel savings

📌 Tip for Shoppers: Always check for updated reviews from 2024 and 2025, since tire performance can vary slightly year to year due to manufacturing changes or rubber compound tweaks.

Final Verdict: Is the CrossContact LX20 Worth It in 2025?

After reviewing features, real-world driving experiences, and customer feedback, it’s clear that the Continental CrossContact LX20 remains a top-tier choice for SUV and crossover owners in 2025 — especially those prioritizing comfort, efficiency, and everyday reliability.

✅ Who It’s Perfect For:

  • Daily commuters and families seeking a quiet, comfortable ride
  • Drivers in mild to moderate climates who need solid year-round performance
  • Eco-conscious motorists who value fuel efficiency and long tread life
  • Owners of SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, and Ford Explorer

⚠️ Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere:

  • Drivers in heavy snow regions — you’ll want a tire with a 3PMSF winter rating
  • Budget shoppers — while the LX20 is competitively priced, it’s not a budget tire
  • Off-road adventurers — this tire is built for pavement, not trails

⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The CrossContact LX20 hits a sweet spot in 2025. It’s not flashy, but it delivers exactly what many SUV owners want: reliability, longevity, comfort, and quietness — all while saving you money at the pump. If you’re not tackling snowy backroads or rugged off-road terrain, this eco-friendly all-season tire is absolutely worth a spot on your shortlist.

FAQs About the Continental CrossContact LX20

Still have questions before buying? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Continental CrossContact LX20 in 2025:

Is the Continental CrossContact LX20 good in snow?

The LX20 performs reasonably well in light snow thanks to its siped tread blocks and all-season compound. However, it’s not 3PMSF-rated (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake), so it’s not designed for severe winter conditions. For heavy snow or icy roads, consider a dedicated winter tire or an all-weather alternative.

How many miles can I expect from the CrossContact LX20?

Continental offers a 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, and many drivers report getting 60,000–75,000 miles depending on driving habits and rotation schedule. That’s excellent longevity for a tire in this class.

Is the CrossContact LX20 a quiet tire?

Yes, it’s one of the quietest tires in the all-season SUV category. Its symmetrical tread design and noise-reducing tread blocks make it ideal for highway driving, long commutes, and family road trips.

What vehicles are compatible with the CrossContact LX20?

This tire is a great match for many popular SUVs, CUVs, and crossovers, including:

  • Toyota RAV4
  • Honda CR-V
  • Subaru Outback
  • Ford Escape / Explorer
  • Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Nissan Rogue
  • Jeep Cherokee

Always check tire specs to match your vehicle’s load and speed rating.

Is the CrossContact LX20 still a good buy in 2025?

Yes. Despite being on the market for several years, the CrossContact LX20 continues to be a strong contender for drivers who want a durable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable all-season tire. While newer models exist, its value and reliability remain hard to beat.

Author

  • Shahadot Hossain

    Written by Shahadot Hossain, an automotive expert with a passion for helping SUV owners make the best choices for their vehicles. With 10 years of hands-on experience in tire testing and reviews, Shahadot is committed to providing reliable, research-backed advice for year-round driving safety and performance. Whether you're dealing with snow, rain, or dry conditions, Shahadot is here to guide you to the best tire solutions for your SUV.

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