Continental CrossContact tires are all-terrain and SUV tires designed for vehicles that split time between highway driving and light off-road use

Continental CrossContact is a tire line made by Continental, a major German tire manufacturer. The line includes several models — CrossContact AT, CrossContact LX, CrossContact UHP, and others — each built for different vehicle types and driving conditions. They are not budget tires, and they are not racing tires. They sit in the middle: durable, reasonably priced for their quality tier, and engineered to handle both paved roads and unpaved terrain without requiring you to swap tires seasonally.

The CrossContact line has been in production since the 1990s and is one of Continental's most widely sold tire families. You will find them on new SUVs, trucks, and crossovers from the factory, and many owners buy them as replacements because they know the brand and the tread pattern. They are common enough that most tire shops stock them or can order them within a day.

Key Takeaways

  • Continental CrossContact tires come in multiple models designed for different vehicles: the AT for trucks and SUVs that see light off-road use, the LX for highway-focused crossovers, and the UHP for performance SUVs.
  • These tires cost more than budget brands but less than premium performance lines, and they typically last between 40,000 and 60,000 miles depending on the model and driving habits.
  • Tread depth and pressure matter: CrossContact tires perform best when kept at the pressure listed on your driver's door jamb, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.
  • Continental offers limited warranties on most CrossContact models, usually covering defects for up to five years or a set mileage limit, but not normal wear.

The main CrossContact models and what they are built for

The CrossContact AT (all-terrain) is the most rugged model in the line. It has a blocky tread pattern with large voids between the blocks, which helps it grip dirt, gravel, and rocks. It is common on pickup trucks and body-on-frame SUVs. The AT model trades some highway comfort for off-road traction — you may notice a bit more road noise on the interstate, but the tire will not slip on a rocky trail or in deep mud.

The CrossContact LX is the opposite: it is tuned for highway and city driving. The tread is finer and more densely packed, which means better grip on asphalt and a quieter ride. It is often found on crossovers and sedans that rarely leave paved roads. The LX prioritizes fuel efficiency and comfort over off-road capability.

The CrossContact UHP (ultra-high performance) is for drivers who want a CrossContact tire but prioritize handling and speed. It has a performance-oriented tread and sidewall stiffness that improves cornering. You will see it on high-end SUVs and performance crossovers. It is not an off-road tire and should not be used on unpaved terrain regularly.

There are also seasonal variants — CrossContact Winter and CrossContact Plus — designed for snow and ice. These are separate products from the all-season models and should be swapped on when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit consistently.

How tread depth, pressure, and rotation affect performance and lifespan

Continental CrossContact tires come with a tread depth of 10/32 of an inch when new. As you drive, the tread wears down. Most states require you to replace tires when the tread reaches 2/32 of an inch, which is when the tire loses grip in wet conditions. You can check this yourself by inserting a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down — if you can see the top of his head, the tread is at or below 2/32.

Tire pressure is critical. The correct pressure is printed on a sticker inside your driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall. The sidewall shows the maximum pressure the tire can safely hold, which is higher than what your vehicle needs. Running tires at the wrong pressure causes uneven wear, reduces fuel economy, and can overheat the tire. Check pressure monthly and before long trips, when tires are cold (before driving or at least three hours after driving).

Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles helps them wear evenly. Front tires wear faster than rear tires on most vehicles because they handle steering and braking. Rotation moves front tires to the rear and rear tires to the front, extending the life of all four. Many tire shops include rotation for free or a small fee when you buy the tires.

Price range and warranty coverage

Continental CrossContact tires typically cost between $120 and $250 per tire, depending on the model, size, and where you buy them. The AT and LX models are usually at the lower end of that range, while the UHP costs more. This puts them in the mid-to-premium tier — more expensive than budget brands like Cooper or Kumho, but less than Michelin Defender or Bridgestone Turanza.

Continental backs most CrossContact models with a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for up to five years from the date of purchase or until the tread reaches 2/32 of an inch, whichever comes first. Some models include a mileage warranty — for example, a may provide that the tire will last at least 40,000 or 50,000 miles — but this varies by model. The warranty does not cover normal wear, punctures from road hazards, or damage from underinflation or overloading.

You can register your tires on Continental's website after purchase to set up the warranty. Registration is not required for the warranty to be valid, but it can make a claim easier if you need one. Keep your receipt and the tire documentation in case you need to file a claim.

Fuel economy and noise levels compared to other tire types

CrossContact tires are designed to be reasonably efficient, though they are not the most fuel-efficient tires on the market. The LX model is the most efficient because its tread pattern and rubber compound are optimized for highway rolling resistance. The AT model uses more fuel because the blocky tread creates more friction on pavement. The difference is usually small — a few miles per gallon — and depends more on your driving habits and vehicle weight than on the tire alone.

Noise is where the models diverge most. The LX is quiet on the highway because the tread blocks are small and close together, which reduces the air pockets that create noise. The AT is noticeably louder, especially at speeds above 60 miles per hour, because the large voids in the tread allow air to move through and create sound. If you spend most of your time on highways, the LX is the better choice. If you drive mostly in the city or on rural roads, the noise difference is less noticeable.

When to replace CrossContact tires and what to watch for

Replace your CrossContact tires when the tread reaches 2/32 of an inch, when you notice uneven wear, when the sidewall is cracked or bulging, or when you have a puncture that cannot be safely repaired. A puncture in the tread can sometimes be patched if it is smaller than 1/4 inch and not on the sidewall, but a puncture in the sidewall means the tire must be replaced. Many tire shops will patch a puncture for $10 to $20.

Uneven wear is a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle's alignment, suspension, or tire pressure. If the outer edges of the tire are worn more than the center, your tires are underinflated. If the center is worn more than the edges, they are overinflated. If one side is worn more than the other, your alignment is off. Fixing the underlying problem will extend the life of your next set of tires.

Bulges or blisters on the sidewall mean the tire has internal damage and can fail suddenly. Do not drive on a bulging tire — replace it when ready. Cracks in the sidewall are also a sign of age or damage and should be inspected by a tire professional.

Where to buy and how to find the right size for your vehicle

You can buy Continental CrossContact tires from tire shops, big-box retailers like Costco or Sam's Club, online retailers like Tire Rack or Amazon, or directly from Continental dealers. Prices vary by retailer, and online shops often offer lower prices than local shops, but you will need to pay for shipping or arrange to have the tires installed locally. Many local shops will install tires you buy elsewhere for a fee, usually $15 to $30 per tire.

Find your tire size on the sidewall of your current tires or on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb. The size looks like this: 235/65R17. The first number is the width in millimeters, the second is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), the R means radial construction, and the last number is the wheel diameter in inches. You must match this size exactly when you order. If you want a different size, consult a tire professional first — changing tire size can affect your speedometer accuracy and fuel economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Continental CrossContact tires come with a spare?

No. Tires are sold individually or in sets of four. A spare tire is a separate purchase and is usually not included with any tire brand. Some vehicles come with a full-size spare from the factory, others with a temporary spare. Check your vehicle's manual to see what spare you have.

Can I use CrossContact AT tires on the highway?

Yes. The AT model is designed for both highway and off-road use, so it is safe to drive on the interstate. You will notice more road noise and slightly lower fuel economy than with the LX model, but the tire is built to handle highway speeds and distances. Just keep the pressure at the recommended level.

How often should I balance my CrossContact tires?

Tires should be balanced when they are installed and again if you notice vibration in the steering wheel or seat. Most shops balance tires for free when you buy them. Balancing usually costs $10 to $20 per tire if done separately. Imbalance causes uneven wear and can damage your suspension over time.

What is the difference between CrossContact and other Continental tire lines?

Continental makes many tire lines for different purposes. The CrossContact is their SUV and all-terrain line. The PureContact is for sedans and fuel efficiency. The ExtremeContact is for performance and racing. The TrueContact is for comfort and quiet. Choose based on your vehicle type and what matters most to you — off-road capability, fuel economy, performance, or comfort.

Do I need to replace all four tires at once?

It depends on your vehicle and how much tread is left on the other tires. All-wheel-drive vehicles should have all four tires replaced at once because mismatched tread depth can damage the transmission. Front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles can sometimes get away with replacing just two tires, but ask a tire professional first. Mismatched tires can affect handling and safety.