Head-to-head Updated

Pirelli Scorpion Zero vs Continental CrossContact LX Sport — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 0 + 0 road tests and 485 + 564 owner reviews. How we score

Scorpion Zero leads, 58–55 Narrow edge

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Pirelli Scorpion Zero
Tire APirelli

Scorpion Zero

All-Season

± 8

Tests – · none yet Owners 51 · 485 reviews

“I bought a set of 20” M-wheels when I my X5 was at around 2k miles. I had fitted Pirelli scorpion zero runflats on it. At 65k miles, they had to be replaced due to compound cracking, thread was still at 5 to 6/32. I think they served me well.”

Continental CrossContact LX Sport
± 7

Tests – · none yet Owners 46 · 564 reviews

“CrossContact LX Sport Hey folks, I have a 2024 CRV with 4 CrossContact LX Sport tires from the dealership. I have less than 9500 miles om my vehicle/tires but it appears I have a slight hole on the sidewall. If I place my finger on it the air stops coming out. I ordered a set of CrossClimate2s from Costco knowing that AWD vehicles need to match all 4 generally speaking to prevent issues with the drive train, but after my father member looked at it he insisted that I just need to slap a replacement on the single tire given theyre so new. Tldr: is it worth to buy a new set of CrossClimate2s or should I just get a single CrossContact and have tire rack match the tread depth? Kinda don't wanna be out $1400 but also went with my gut on it given i dont wanna f up my drive train on my vehicle and the CrossContacts according to reviews have high failure rates even at low mileage. Please let me know.”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

  1. 61

    Dry

    Scorpion Zero +4
    57
    Why this score
    SourceScorpion ZeroCrossContact LX Sport
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 63 (est.)≈ 61 (est.)
    Reviews found online5751

    Scorpion Zero: 60% × 63.4 (est.) + 40% × 57 = 61

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 61 (est.) + 40% × 51.1 = 57

    No road tests of dry for Scorpion Zero. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.41).

    No road tests of dry for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.41).

  2. 61

    Wet

    Scorpion Zero +2
    59
    Why this score
    SourceScorpion ZeroCrossContact LX Sport
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 63 (est.)≈ 62 (est.)
    Reviews found online5754

    Scorpion Zero: 60% × 63.4 (est.) + 40% × 57.4 = 61

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 61.7 (est.) + 40% × 54.3 = 59

    No road tests of wet for Scorpion Zero. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.55).

    No road tests of wet for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.55).

  3. 56

    Snow

    CrossContact LX Sport +6
    62
    Why this score
    SourceScorpion ZeroCrossContact LX Sport
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 63 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Reviews found online4656

    Scorpion Zero: 60% × 62.9 (est.) + 40% × 46.4 = 56

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 65.9 (est.) + 40% × 55.9 = 62

    No road tests of snow for Scorpion Zero. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.32).

    No road tests of snow for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.32).

  4. 55

    Comfort

    CrossContact LX Sport +4
    59
    Why this score
    SourceScorpion ZeroCrossContact LX Sport
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 65 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Reviews found online4955

    Scorpion Zero: 40% × 64.7 (est.) + 60% × 49 = 55

    CrossContact LX Sport: 40% × 65.8 (est.) + 60% × 54.5 = 59

    No road tests of comfort for Scorpion Zero. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).

    No road tests of comfort for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).

  5. 64

    Noise

    Scorpion Zero +1
    63
    Why this score
    SourceScorpion ZeroCrossContact LX Sport
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Reviews found online6058

    Scorpion Zero: 60% × 66.3 (est.) + 40% × 59.9 = 64

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 66.3 (est.) + 40% × 58.3 = 63

    No road tests of noise for Scorpion Zero or CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is the tested tires’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests.

  6. 50

    Treadwear

    Scorpion Zero +11
    39
    Why this score
    SourceScorpion ZeroCrossContact LX Sport
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 57 (est.)≈ 50 (est.)
    Reviews found online4021

    Scorpion Zero: 60% × 56.9 (est.) + 40% × 39.7 = 50

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 50.4 (est.) + 40% × 21.3 = 39

    No road tests of treadwear for Scorpion Zero. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).

    No road tests of treadwear for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).

  7. 52

    Handling (owners)

    Scorpion Zero +10
    42
    Why this score
    SourceScorpion ZeroCrossContact LX Sport
    Reviews found online5242
Scores at a glance
Pirelli Scorpion Zero vs Continental CrossContact LX Sport: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryPirelli Scorpion ZeroContinental CrossContact LX Sport
Relative Score 58 55
Dry 61 57
Wet 61 59
Snow 56 62
Comfort 55 59
Noise 64 63
Treadwear 50 39
Handling (owners) 52 42

Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.

Weight the categories that matter to you

Wet grip starts at “Important”. Treadwear starts at “Neutral” here: road tests measured it for at most one of the two tires, so it rests on owner reviews. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
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Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
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Neutral
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Recomputed
Headline score
± 8

Scorpion Zero

± 7

CrossContact LX Sport

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A Scorpion Zero

Pros

  • Low road noise and enhanced ride comfort
  • Strong dry and wet road handling and stability
  • Good light snow and off-road capability (mud/grass)

Cons

  • Rapid tread wear reported by some aggressive or high-horsepower drivers
  • Occasional complaints regarding poor wet weather traction or aquaplaning
  • High price point relative to some competitors
All owner themes in the Scorpion Zero review

Tire B CrossContact LX Sport

Pros

  • Low road noise and exceptional cabin comfort
  • Strong handling and reliable grip in wet and dry conditions
  • Confident performance in light snow and winter weather

Cons

  • Disappointing tread life and faster-than-expected wear
  • Occasional reports of reduced traction in heavy mud or specific slick conditions
  • Higher price point relative to the longevity experienced by some drivers
All owner themes in the CrossContact LX Sport review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Pirelli Scorpion Zero

Mixed

Community sentiment for the Pirelli Scorpion Zero family is mixed, with users frequently praising its smooth ride, dry and wet traction, and reduced road noise, particularly on newer Plus 3 and EV-focused variants. However, substantial criticism centers on rapid treadwear, with many owners reporting premature wear well under 25,000 to 30,000 miles, alongside complaints regarding warranty claims and inner foam insulation issues. While some drivers find good longevity and rim protection, others view the tire as short-lived and loud once worn.

r/ModelX ·2 upvotes ·2026-09-20

“I used Pirelli Scorpion Zero AS Plus 3”

audiworld.com

“Quote: Originally Posted by MurrayA4 ... Is a very logical conclusion to reach.The spread between "ultra high perf." tires and many "touring" tires has shrunk a great deal.Sounds like the Verde is pretty respectable .Any idea what the UTQG ratings are on those ? I'm lazy ! Pirelli Scorpion Verde A/S 265/40/R21 - 105V (150mph) - UTQG 600AA - 34lbs, 12/32" Tread Depth, 29.3" Diameter Pirelli Scorpion Zero A/S Plus 265/40/R21 - 105Y (186mph) - UTQG 500AA - 33lbs, 10/32" Tread Depth, 29.3 Diameter I think if you tended more towards summer tires and/or lived in a dry-ish climate and could get a good price, the Zero A/S is a good tire. You might only get 30K out of them on a heavy performance SUV but compared to more expensive options the differences seem minimal. Personally, on a truck/SUV I've never experienced a tire rated 600AA have as good performance/stickiness (combined with long treadlife) as the Verdes...”

r/PorscheMacan ·1 upvote ·2026-09-25

“I have a 2022 base model with 20in wheels and bought it with Michelin latitude tour HPs and had one in bad shape and just replaced all four with Pirelli scorpion zero AS plus. So far so good but haven’t experienced snow yet. I’m questioning the quality of the Michelins considering the car is 4 years old and the prior owner had replaced 3/4 of them at differing points, but who knows I guess it could have been a number of different things. The Pirellis were also cheaper than the Michelins.”

Top themes
#rapid treadwear life#smooth quiet ride#PNCS foam insulation#EV tire performance#wet dry traction#warranty claim issues#OEM tire replacement

Based on 53 community posts

Tire B

Continental CrossContact LX Sport

Mixed

Community sentiment regarding the Continental Cross Contact LX Sport is mixed, with drivers frequently noting it as a standard factory OEM equipment on various SUVs and EVs. While some owners praise its low road noise, comfort, and solid dry handling, others criticize it for poor wet traction, quick tread wear, and issues like flaking or chunking. Many drivers consider replacing them with alternatives from Michelin, Pirelli, or EV-specific options once worn.

r/crv ·3 upvotes ·2026-04-30

“2024 EXL Tire Review - Continental Cross Contact LX Sport 245/60/18 Replaced the oem tires with only 10,000 miles with these after reading reviews and the price point. Very happy with them, better handling and feel with less road noise and much better on grooved pavement. The oem Bridgestones wandered badly on grooved pavement. Highly recommended. Read more”

bobistheoilguy.com ·2022-08-25

“Trav- someone I know has these and likes them, good experience so far. When I look on TR, DT it does not show the 235-55-20 as an option. Maybe just current supply issues? I tried the Toyo website directly and it doesn't list them as being an option either. The Celsius Sport, yes, but not the Celsius CUV? The Walmart link doesn't have a purchase option for me just "show nearby availability" but none show. Your thoughts on the Celsius "Sport" if he was looking at that? My experience was with Continental CrossContact LX Sport and Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS. They were both good dry and wet, wore out fast, total safety hazards in the snow, like plastic sled or saucer on a snowy hill bad. For me if winter/snow is a possibility and need reliable traction, anything tire that says sport is not.”

mbworld.org

“It’s a compromise between ‘comfort’ ride and safety and handling. Advance driving course will add around 8psi cold. I find on any rim size additional 4psi makes a difference. Why ? Under heavy braking the tyre collapsed in the middle, by running higher inflation the complete width of the type is on the road, better braking efficiency - if under inflated only the outer edges keep in contact with the ground, causing less efficiency and longer distance to stop. Higher inflation also ensures tyre does not warp and twist on rim when turning. Too much inflation is just as bad, only the middle touches road - less braking efficiency and wear out tyre quicker. OEM recommended pressure is for comfort and sometimes sees increased edge wear over life of tyre. Regular tyre rotation and wheel balance and alignment will maximise tyre life. Try for yourself, But I have found around 4psi extra when cold is optimum.”

Top themes
#factory OEM tire#premature tread wear#wet weather handling#EV efficiency comparison#tire pressure optimization#replacement upgrade options

Based on 27 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Pirelli Scorpion Zero B · Continental CrossContact LX Sport
CategoryAll-SeasonAll Season
Vehicle typeSUV and 4x4SUV and 4x4
Sizes available4939
Rim diameters18″ – 23″16″ – 22″
Tread depth9/32″9/32″
UTQG500 A A480 A A
SidewallBlackwallBlackwall
Max pressure51 psi51 psi
Sizes in common2222

Which one should you actually buy?

Pirelli Scorpion Zero

Continental CrossContact LX Sport

Narrow edge: Pirelli Scorpion Zero — better treadwear, handling and dry. Pick the Continental CrossContact LX Sport if snow and comfort matter most to you.

Pick tire A You want the longest tread life

Pirelli Scorpion Zero scores 50 vs 39 on treadwear.

Pick tire A You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Pirelli Scorpion Zero scores 52 vs 42 on handling.

Pick tire B You drive through snowy winters

Continental CrossContact LX Sport scores 62 vs 56 on snow.

Pick tire A You want the most grip on dry roads

Pirelli Scorpion Zero scores 61 vs 57 on dry.

Tire A · Pirelli Scorpion Zero
Tire B · Continental CrossContact LX Sport

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Scorpion Zero or CrossContact LX Sport?

Which is better in the wet, Scorpion Zero or CrossContact LX Sport?

Neither, by our numbers: 61 vs 59 on the wet score, within 3 points.

Which grips better on dry roads, Scorpion Zero or CrossContact LX Sport?

Pirelli Scorpion Zero, 61 vs 57 on our dry score.

Which is better in snow, Scorpion Zero or CrossContact LX Sport?

Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 62 vs 56 on our snow score.

Which is quieter, Scorpion Zero or CrossContact LX Sport?

Neither, by our numbers: 64 vs 63 on the noise score, within 3 points.

Which is more comfortable, Scorpion Zero or CrossContact LX Sport?

Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 59 vs 55 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Scorpion Zero or CrossContact LX Sport?

Pirelli Scorpion Zero, 50 vs 39 on our treadwear score.

How do we compare tires?

Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.

Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology