Falken Wildpeak AT3W vs Continental CrossContact HT: The Falken Wildpeak AT3W—a world-renowned all-terrain tire built for a 50/50 split between on-road and off-road adventures—faces off against the newly introduced Continental CrossContact HT, designed for 80% on-road and 20% off-road use. These two tires belong to completely different segments, with the Wildpeak AT3W embracing rugged terrains and extreme conditions, while the CrossContact HT prioritizes highway comfort and fuel efficiency. The big question—can the CrossContact HT hold its ground against the off-road king, or will the Wildpeak AT3W prove that true versatility reigns supreme? Let the battle begin!
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Results: Falken Wildpeak AT3W vs Continental CrossContact HT
Results below were taken from Pro Mobil All Terrain Tire Test with a total of 7 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Falken Wildpeak AT3W vs Continental CrossContact HT based on the relevant performance category. The Falken Wildpeak AT3W was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 255/55 R18.
Gravel
On gravel, we expected the all-terrain Falken Wildpeak AT3W to perform much better, and it did not disappoint. In gravel handling, the Wildpeak AT3W achieved a speed of 66 km/h, outperforming the Continental CrossContact HT by 3.8 km/h. When it comes to braking, the Wildpeak AT3W stopped in 11.2 meters, 0.5 meters shorter than the CrossContact HT, providing better control and stopping power on loose surfaces. Gravel traction also favored the Wildpeak AT3W, delivering a pulling force of 4.22 N compared to the CrossContact HT’s 4.09 N, further emphasizing its off-road capability.
CrossContact HT :
- -6% in gravel handling
- -4% in gravel braking
- -3% in gravel traction
Sand/Mud
With its larger voids, we expected the all-terrain Falken Wildpeak AT3W to dominate in mud, and it clearly delivered. In mud traction, the Wildpeak AT3W provided 0.97 N of pulling force, significantly outperforming the Continental CrossContact HT by 0.39 N, highlighting its superior grip in soft, slippery conditions. On sand, the Wildpeak AT3W also held an advantage, generating 1.85 N of traction compared to the CrossContact HT’s 1.78 N, showing its ability to maintain better forward momentum in loose terrain.
CrossContact HT :
- -4% in sand traction
- -40% in mud traction
Wet
One of the trade-offs of all-terrain tires like the Falken Wildpeak AT3W compared to highway terrain tires is wet performance due to their smaller contact area. In wet braking, the Wildpeak AT3W took 5.2 meters longer to stop than the Continental CrossContact HT. Wet handling also favored the CrossContact HT, which was 3.8 km/h faster. Even in straight-line aquaplaning, the CrossContact HT held a slight edge, clearing water 1.7 km/h better than the Wildpeak AT3W.
CrossContact HT :
- +16% in wet braking
- +5% in wet handling
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the Continental CrossContact HT outperforms the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, as expected from a highway terrain tire with a larger contact area. In dry braking, the CrossContact HT stopped 0.8 meters shorter, providing better stopping power. Dry handling also favored the CrossContact HT, achieving a speed 2 km/h faster, offering more stability and control compared to the all-terrain Wildpeak AT3W.
CrossContact HT :
- +2% in dry braking
- +2% in dry handling
Noise
The biggest trade-off comes in noise, as the larger void volume of all-terrain tires like the Falken Wildpeak AT3W leads to more air pumping, resulting in higher noise levels. In contrast, highway terrain tires such as the Continental CrossContact HT have a much lower void volume, making them significantly quieter. This is evident in the noise test, where the Wildpeak AT3W registered 73.4 dB, 2.9 dB louder than the CrossContact HT, highlighting the quieter ride offered by the highway tire.
CrossContact HT :
- +4% in exterior noise (-2.9 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Continental CrossContact HT outperforms the Falken Wildpeak AT3W in rolling resistance, which is expected given its highway-focused design. The CrossContact HT recorded 8 N/kN, showing lower rolling resistance compared to the Wildpeak AT3W’s 9 N/kN. This difference means the CrossContact HT requires less energy to maintain motion, contributing to better fuel efficiency and lower tire wear over time.
CrossContact HT :
- +12% in rolling resistance
Price
The Continental CrossContact HT is priced at €174, making it 14% more expensive than the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, which costs €152. This price difference reflects the CrossContact HT’s focus on on-road comfort and efficiency, while the Wildpeak AT3W offers a more rugged, off-road-capable design at a lower cost.
Tire size: 255/55 R18
- CrossContact HT : € 174
Difference: +14% more expensive for CrossContact HT
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
Choosing between all-terrain and highway terrain tires depends on your driving needs. The Falken Wildpeak AT3W excels off-road with better gravel and mud traction but sacrifices comfort, noise, and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the Continental CrossContact HT offers superior on-road performance, fuel savings, and a quieter ride, making it ideal for highway use. Ultimately, the right tire comes down to whether you prioritize off-road capability or on-road comfort.
Dr Edwin Pang