Continental CrossContact LX25 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2: The Continental CrossContact LX25 goes head-to-head with the Michelin CrossClimate 2. While the CrossContact LX25 focuses on versatile all-season performance without the 3-peak mountain certification, the CrossClimate 2 proudly sports the emblem, signaling enhanced winter capabilities. This sets the stage for a fierce battle between two giants in the all-season and all-weather SUV/CUV segment. Can the LX25’s balanced performance outshine the CrossClimate 2’s winter prowess? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “What’s the Best Touring Tire for Premium CUVs? – 2024” test. A total of 8 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental CrossContact LX25 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental CrossContact LX25 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are widely used in snow, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling were evaluated. The tire size of interest is a 235/55R19 which is a common tire size for Audi Q5. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q4.
Wet
The Continental CrossContact LX25 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 perform almost identically in wet conditions. In wet braking, the LX25 stops at 101.8 feet, while the CrossClimate 2 takes 102.3 feet, giving the LX25 a negligible 0.5-foot advantage, which is nearly a 0% difference. In wet handling, the LX25 completes a lap in 34.09 seconds, just 0.16 seconds quicker than the CrossClimate 2’s 34.25 seconds, again reflecting a near 0% difference. The performance gap between these two tires in wet conditions is minimal.
CrossClimate 2:
- ~0% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops at 84.7 feet, while the Continental CrossContact LX25 takes 86.7 feet to come to a halt, giving the CrossClimate 2 a 2-foot advantage. This difference amounts to approximately 2% shorter stopping distance for the CrossClimate 2. The CrossClimate 2 clearly shows a small but notable edge over the LX25 in dry braking performance.
CrossClimate 2:
- +2% in dry braking
Snow
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 consistently outperforms the Continental CrossContact LX25 in snow conditions. In snow braking from 25 to 0 mph, the CrossClimate 2 stops at 70.2 feet, while the LX25 takes 80.5 feet, giving the CrossClimate 2 a 10.3-foot advantage, approximately 15% shorter stopping distance. During snow acceleration from 0 to 12 mph, the CrossClimate 2 covers 25.5 feet compared to the LX25’s 23.8 feet, giving the CrossClimate 2 a slight 1.7-foot advantage, or around 7% better acceleration.
In subjective snow handling, the CrossClimate 2 scores 5.75 out of 10, outperforming the LX25’s 4.67, which is about 5% higher. When it comes to lap times, the CrossClimate 2 completes the lap in 56.6 seconds, while the LX25 takes 58.3 seconds, giving the CrossClimate 2 a 1.7-second advantage, roughly 3% faster. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 shows superior snow performance, especially in braking acceleration and handling,
CrossClimate 2:
- +15% in snow braking
- +7% in snow acceleration
- +5% in snow handling (subj)
- +3% in snow handling (lap time)
Ice
In ice braking from 12 to 0 mph, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops at 47.0 feet, while the Continental CrossContact LX25 takes 48.2 feet to come to a halt, giving the CrossClimate 2 a 1.2-foot advantage. This difference amounts to approximately 3% shorter stopping distance for the CrossClimate 2. The CrossClimate 2 demonstrates a slight edge over the LX25 in ice braking performance.
CrossClimate 2:
- +3% in ice braking
Mileage
Despite having a much lower UTQG treadwear value of 640 compared to the Continental CrossContact LX25’s 740, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 significantly outlasts the LX25 in mileage. The CrossClimate 2 achieves 95,000 miles, while the LX25 reaches 75,000 miles, giving the CrossClimate 2 a substantial 20,000-mile advantage, which translates to approximately 27% longer mileage.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | CrossContact LX25 | All | 740 | A | A |
| Michelin | CrossClimate 2 | All | 640 | B | A |
This highlights that even with a lower treadwear rating, the CrossClimate 2 demonstrates superior longevity compared to the CrossContact LX25.
CrossClimate 2:
- +27% in Mileage
Price
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 in size 235/55R19 is priced at $273, while the Continental CrossContact LX25 costs $226. This makes the CrossClimate 2 approximately 20% more expensive than the LX25.
Tire size: 235/55R19
CrossContact LX25 : $ 226
CrossClimate 2 : $ 273
Difference: +20% more expensive for CrossClimate 2.
Summary
As a tire expert, it’s clear that the Michelin CrossClimate 2 delivers a slam dunk victory over the Continental CrossContact LX25. Despite its higher price, the CrossClimate 2 consistently outperforms in key areas like snow, ice, and mileage, proving its superior all-weather capabilities. The LX25’s slight advantage in wet conditions and acceleration is simply not enough to tip the scales. The CrossClimate 2 is the undeniable winner in the all-season and all-weather SUV/CUV segment.
Dr Edwin Pang