Continental CrossContact tires are all-terrain or all-season tires designed for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks, with prices ranging from roughly $120 to $250 per tire depending on size and model

Continental makes several tire lines under the CrossContact name, each built for different driving conditions and vehicle types. The most common are the CrossContact LX (highway-focused all-season), CrossContact AT (all-terrain for off-road use), and CrossContact HX (all-season for fuel efficiency). Your choice depends on whether you drive mostly pavement, mix pavement with light off-road, or prioritize fuel economy over traction in mud and gravel.

The price you pay varies by tire size, retailer, and which CrossContact model you choose. A set of four CrossContact LX tires for a mid-size SUV typically costs $480 to $800 total before installation and balancing. All-terrain versions (CrossContact AT) run higher because they use tougher rubber compounds. Shopping at Costco, Discount Tire, or Tire Rack often yields lower prices than dealership tire centers, and seasonal sales (spring and fall) can save you 10 to 20 percent.

Key Takeaways

  • Continental CrossContact tires come in three main types: LX for highway driving, AT for off-road and mixed terrain, and HX for fuel economy, so choose based on your actual driving pattern rather than the vehicle type alone.
  • Prices per tire range from $120 to $250 depending on size and model, with a full set for a typical SUV costing $480 to $800 before installation.
  • All-terrain CrossContact AT tires last longer off-road but wear faster on pavement and reduce fuel economy compared to all-season versions.
  • Tire Rack, Costco, and Discount Tire typically undercut dealership pricing by 15 to 30 percent, and you can have tires shipped to a local installer to avoid markup.

CrossContact LX vs. AT vs. HX: Which model fits your driving

The CrossContact LX is an all-season tire meant for daily driving on paved roads. It handles rain and light snow reasonably well, wears slowly, and costs the least of the three. If you drive a crossover or SUV mostly on highways and city streets with occasional gravel roads, this is the standard choice. Tread life warranties typically run 60,000 to 80,000 miles.

The CrossContact AT (all-terrain) has deeper, more aggressive tread designed to bite into mud, sand, and loose rock. It performs better than the LX on unpaved surfaces but generates more road noise on pavement, wears faster on highways, and reduces fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. Buy this if you regularly drive unpaved roads, tow off-road, or use your truck for light trail work. Tread life warranties are typically 50,000 to 60,000 miles because the softer rubber wears quicker.

The CrossContact HX prioritizes fuel economy through a softer, lower-rolling-resistance compound. It trades some off-road capability for better gas mileage—typically 2 to 4 percent improvement over the LX. This model makes sense if you drive a crossover with a small engine and rarely leave paved roads. Tread life warranties often reach 80,000 miles or higher.

How Continental CrossContact tires compare to competitors

Michelin Defender and Goodyear Assurance are the closest all-season competitors to the CrossContact LX. All three offer similar tread life warranties (60,000 to 80,000 miles) and comparable wet-braking performance. Continental tires often score slightly higher in independent tests for handling and cornering, while Michelin and Goodyear sometimes edge ahead in snow traction. Price differences are usually within $10 to $20 per tire, so brand loyalty or local availability often matters more than the specs.

For all-terrain tires, the CrossContact AT competes with the Michelin LTX M/S2 and Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT. The CrossContact AT tends to be quieter on pavement than older Wrangler models but may not grip as aggressively in deep mud as the Wrangler TrailRunner. Michelin's LTX M/S2 splits the difference—good on-road manners with solid off-road traction. All three cost within $15 to $30 per tire of each other, so test-drive feel and local dealer inventory often determine the choice.

Where to buy and how to save on installation

Tire Rack, Costco, and Discount Tire consistently offer the lowest per-tire prices for Continental CrossContact models. Tire Rack allows you to buy online and have tires shipped to a local installer (often a Firestone or independent shop), which avoids dealership markups on installation and balancing. Costco members pay membership prices and get free rotation for the tire's life. Discount Tire offers free installation and balancing at all locations.

Dealership tire centers typically charge 20 to 40 percent more per tire than these retailers. However, if your vehicle is under warranty, some dealers require tire work to be done in-house. Check your warranty documents before shopping elsewhere. Independent tire shops sometimes match online prices if you bring a quote, and they may offer better service if you have an existing relationship.

Installation and balancing typically cost $15 to $25 per tire at independent shops and big-box retailers, and $30 to $50 per tire at dealerships. Valve stem replacement (usually $5 to $10 per tire) is often bundled into the installation fee. If you are replacing all four tires, the total labor cost ranges from $60 to $200 depending on where you go.

Tread life warranties and what they actually cover

Continental backs CrossContact LX tires with tread life warranties of 60,000 to 80,000 miles depending on the specific size and model. The CrossContact AT typically carries a 50,000 to 60,000 mile warranty because all-terrain rubber wears faster. These warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship, not normal wear from driving. If a tire fails before the warranty mileage, Continental will replace it at a prorated cost based on how many miles you drove.

The warranty does not cover punctures, sidewall damage, or wear from misalignment, underinflation, or overloading. If you hit a pothole and damage the sidewall, you pay for a replacement tire out of pocket. Prorated replacement means if your tire fails at 40,000 miles on a 60,000 mile warranty, you pay roughly 33 percent of the replacement cost (20,000 miles used out of 60,000 total). Keep your receipt and proof of purchase to file a warranty claim.

Seasonal performance: snow, rain, and dry pavement

Continental CrossContact LX tires meet the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, which means they perform adequately in snow but are not as specialized as dedicated winter tires. In independent winter tests, they typically stop 10 to 15 feet longer on ice than a dedicated winter tire like the Bridgestone Blizzak. If you live in a region with frequent snow and ice, consider switching to winter tires November through March rather than relying on all-season CrossContact tires year-round.

In wet conditions, the LX performs well in straight-line braking and handles hydroplaning reasonably. Cornering grip in rain is solid but not exceptional compared to premium all-seasons like the Michelin Defender T+H. On dry pavement, Continental tires generally deliver responsive steering and stable handling, which is why they score well in consumer reviews for everyday driving feel.

The CrossContact AT sacrifices some wet and snow performance for off-road traction. The deeper tread channels water away effectively on pavement, but the more open tread pattern is less efficient in snow than the LX. If you drive an all-terrain tire in winter, expect longer stopping distances and reduced cornering grip compared to an all-season or winter tire.

Maintenance and when to replace Continental CrossContact tires

Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips. Continental CrossContact tires perform best at the pressure listed on your vehicle's door jamb or fuel door, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Underinflated tires wear faster and reduce fuel economy; overinflated tires wear in the center and reduce ride comfort. A 5 PSI difference from the recommended pressure noticeably affects both wear and handling.

Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to even out wear. Front tires on front-wheel-drive vehicles wear faster because they handle steering and braking, so rotation extends the life of all four tires. If you skip rotation, you may need to replace the front pair at 40,000 miles while the rear tires still have 20,000 miles of life left.

Replace tires when tread depth reaches 4/32 of an inch, which is when wet traction begins to drop noticeably. Use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, tread is at or below 2/32 inch and the tire is legally unsafe. Many drivers replace tires at 6/32 inch (when the penny test shows the top of Lincoln's head) to maintain safety margin in wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Continental CrossContact tires work in snow?

The CrossContact LX meets the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating and handles light snow adequately, but it stops 10 to 15 feet longer on ice than a dedicated winter tire. If you live where snow is frequent or ice is common, switching to winter tires for those months is safer than relying on all-season CrossContact tires year-round.

How long do CrossContact tires last?

The LX model typically lasts 60,000 to 80,000 miles depending on driving habits and road conditions. The AT model lasts 50,000 to 60,000 miles because the softer rubber wears faster. Proper inflation, regular rotation, and alignment checks extend tire life by 10 to 15 percent.

Can I use CrossContact AT tires on pavement only?

Yes, but they will wear faster and reduce fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent compared to an all-season LX. Road noise is also higher. If you drive pavement 90 percent of the time, the LX is the better choice financially and for comfort.

What is the difference between buying tires online and at a dealership?

Online retailers like Tire Rack typically charge $20 to $40 less per tire than dealerships. You can have tires shipped to a local installer to avoid dealership labor markups. Dealerships may be required by warranty terms and offer convenience if you are already there for service.

Are Continental CrossContact tires good for towing?

The CrossContact AT is designed for trucks and SUVs that tow and handles the load rating well. The LX is adequate for light towing but not ideal if you regularly tow heavy trailers. Check your vehicle's load index to may support the tire size you choose supports your towing weight.