Continental CrossContact LX Review — Dependable Highway SUV Touring for NZ
Overall Rating: 8.8 / 10
Category: Highway Terrain SUV
Price in NZ: From $386 per tyre
Best for: Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback — dependable everyday highway SUV use
Available sizes: 16″ – 20″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Continental CrossContact LX is Continental’s mid-range highway terrain SUV tyre — sitting between the more affordable CrossContact RX and the premium CrossContact LX Sport. It delivers Continental’s BlackChili compound in a touring-priority construction that balances wet safety, highway comfort, and tread life. At $386, it occupies a competitive position in the NZ SUV market — more expensive than the CrossContact RX ($267) but delivering a higher-specification compound and superior dry handling. For RAV4, CX-5, and Outback owners who primarily drive on NZ highways and want genuine Continental BlackChili performance without the LX Sport’s premium price, the CrossContact LX is a strong choice.
If you’re comparing highway SUV options, our Best SUV Tyres NZ guide provides a full comparison across all price points and brands.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Highway Terrain SUV |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | C |
| Speed Ratings | H (210), V (240), W (270 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″ |
| NZ Price Range | $386 – $560 (varies by size) |
| Key Technology | BlackChili compound, highway-priority construction |
Performance Profile
Wet safety: EU Label A — Continental’s BlackChili compound achieves the top wet grip rating in the CrossContact LX. This is the same fundamental compound chemistry that wins wet braking tests in the Continental SportContact 7 — adapted for SUV loads and touring priorities.
Dry handling: Better than the CrossContact RX’s standard compound — the BlackChili construction provides noticeably sharper steering response on the motorway and through the winding sections of NZ’s coastal highways.
Highway comfort: The LX prioritises a smooth, composed motorway ride — appropriate for RAV4 and Outback owners covering long NZ state highway distances between cities.
Tread life: Very good — Continental’s compound longevity advantage extends into the CrossContact LX. For high-mileage NZ SUV owners, the LX delivers more kilometres per dollar than many competitors despite its higher initial price.
CrossContact LX vs RX vs LX Sport — Which Continental SUV?
| Tyre | Wet Grip | 3PMSF | Dry Feel | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CrossContact RX | A | Yes | Good | $267+ | South Island all-season |
| CrossContact LX | A | No | Better | $386+ | Highway priority, dry performance |
| CrossContact LX Sport | A | No | Best | $312+ | Performance SUVs (BMW X, Porsche) |
For South Island drivers who need year-round cold-weather capability, the Continental CrossContact RX at $267 with its 3PMSF certification is the stronger choice. For North Island and coastal South Island drivers who prioritise dry handling and compound quality over all-season certification, the CrossContact LX is the better investment.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland and North Island — Very Good
Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback owners in Auckland covering the Northern Motorway, Southern Motorway, or the Auckland–Wellington run will find the CrossContact LX provides confident, composed performance. EU Label A wet grip handles Auckland’s rain; the BlackChili compound’s sharper steering response suits the winding approach roads to NZ’s coastal suburbs. See our Best Tyres for Auckland guide for a full comparison of the top Auckland SUV tyre choices.
Wellington — Very Good
Wellington’s motorway conditions — rain, wind, high-speed — are well matched to the CrossContact LX’s wet safety credentials. The compound’s stability at motorway speeds suits the exposed sections of Wellington’s expressway network.
South Island — Coastal Areas
Excellent for Christchurch, Nelson, and Marlborough coastal drivers. For South Island alpine use requiring winter traction, consider the Continental CrossContact RX with 3PMSF snow certification instead.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EU Label A wet grip — Continental’s top wet safety rating
- BlackChili compound — better dry handling than the CrossContact RX
- Very good tread life — Continental’s compound longevity
- Wide size range for NZ family SUVs
Cons
- No 3PMSF certification — not the right choice for South Island alpine winter year-round use
- More expensive than the CrossContact RX ($386 vs $267) without all-season capability
- EU Label C fuel efficiency — higher rolling resistance than eco alternatives
Sources
- Continental CrossContact LX specifications — continental.com — accessed 2026-06-04
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/continental/ — accessed 2026-06-04
Related Pages
- Continental CrossContact RX — all-season with 3PMSF
- Continental CrossContact LX Sport — performance SUV step up
- Continental Tyres NZ — full brand overview
- Best SUV Tyres NZ — full SUV buying guide
- Best Tyres for Auckland — regional recommendations