Putting Continental’s CrossContact A/T2 Tyre to the Test: An All-Terrain Adventure

On the other hand, Continental’s focus on producing premium tires suggests that a more understated approach may resonate better with older buyers who are navigating Australia’s vast terrain.

The most important factor, regardless of appearance, is the performance of the tires on the road.

CarExpert had the opportunity to test the all-new CrossContact A/T2 at Continental’s extensive proving ground in southern Texas, alongside other Australian media outlets. This facility allows Continental to rigorously test their tires and provide valuable data to car manufacturers.

During the test, we had the chance to evaluate the CrossContact A/T2 on various terrains, including handling courses, sandpits, dirt tracks, and gravel roads. Continental’s confidence in the A/T2’s performance was evident as they allowed us to directly compare it to popular competitors like the BFGoodrich KO3 and Yokohama Geolandar.

Having tested a range of off-road tires in the past, including the Nitto Ridge Grappler R/T, the question remains: is the Continental CrossContact A/T2 a suitable choice for Australian ute and SUV enthusiasts? Let’s find out.

The initial benchmark test involved driving the BFGoodrich KO3 A/T and Yokohama Geolandar A/T on a wet course in a Toyota Tacoma, providing insights into the wet performance of these tires. Both sets of tires exhibited varying levels of grip and handling characteristics, with the Continental CrossContact A/T2 showing promising performance in comparison.

Overall, the Continental CrossContact A/T2 demonstrated superior performance on the wet course, allowing for higher speeds and better cornering capabilities. Even at higher speeds and with more aggressive inputs, we still encountered some understeer, but it was manageable, especially when the front wheels started to push wide. The initial grip when turning in was improved, as was the ability to maintain control through the corners.

The level of traction provided by the A/T2 tires was superior to others, but what really stood out was their linear performance. It required significant effort to induce any sliding, but when it did occur, it was predictable and easy to correct, allowing for a safe driving experience.

While the performance on the sandpit with the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor was impressive given its weight, the tires performed admirably, pulling the vehicle out of a bogged situation with minimal effort. The gravel course also showcased the excellent traction and stability provided by the A/T2 tires, even on loose surfaces.

Overall, the tires proved to be progressive in handling oversteer and provided good feedback to the driver, allowing for precise control. The low noise and comfortable ride were also noticeable, particularly at lower speeds on rough surfaces.

The A/T2 tires excelled on a variety of terrains, from gravel to sand to dirt, and demonstrated their versatility and reliability. The performance on tight bends, off-camber corners, and steep grades was impressive, providing confidence to the driver in challenging conditions. By this stage, I had a solid grasp of the characteristics of both the tires and the Raptor, and was completely confident in the grip and feedback from the Contis. With that in mind, I decided to approach it like a rally sprint – purely for research purposes, of course.

The feedback I was receiving during this phase was consistent with previous tests: excellent progressive grip, clear communication, and no unexpected behaviors. My inputs for steering, throttle, and brakes were translating precisely into the desired outcomes, regardless of the conditions.

Before returning the Raptor, we ventured onto the Baja course, a choose-your-own-adventure track with various terrains, constant surface changes, and an 80km/h jump – which I dutifully tackled at the recommended speed. While this may not be the typical usage scenario for these tires, the Conti team graciously allowed us to put the F-150 Raptor through its paces, and who were we to decline?

However, I may have pushed the boundaries a bit too far. While navigating a sandy chicane at high speed and trying to avoid a large stone in the path, I inadvertently struck a sharp rock hidden in the brush, causing damage to the inner sidewall below the tread blocks. It was a mistake on my part.

It would be easy to dismiss the A/T2 based on this incident, but the truth is, no tire is indestructible, and no one ventures into the outback without a spare. I have seen the robust construction of the CrossContact’s LT design, with additional ply, stiffer compounds, and reinforced sidewalls, but every product has its limits.

Our final off-road test involved switching to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. While it wasn’t a direct comparison, the CrossContacts on the Wrangler seemed quieter and more compliant on the sealed roads around the proving ground, as we made our way to the rock-crawling section.

In 4L mode and at recommended pressures, the tires exceeded expectations for all-terrain performance. They offered excellent grip, progression, and communication, showcasing the importance of quality rubber in off-road capabilities.

While we didn’t have the opportunity to test the tires on the high-speed oval, we did experience a ride on the 4.8km oval track in the Tacoma. Even at high speeds and dynamic maneuvers, the A/T2s remained composed, comfortable, and relatively quiet.

Our final assessment took place on the dry handling track with the Tacoma, evaluating grip, braking, and traction in various scenarios. The Continental CrossContact A/T2s demonstrated road-like behavior, with strong braking performance, predictable steering inputs, and impressive lateral grip through corners. Driving the vehicle to an absurd extent will result in a gradual increase in side slip, eventually leading to manageable and forgiving understeer. How amusing!

During our testing, the tires did not show any signs of overheating or wear, despite enduring numerous laps at speeds far beyond what a typical dual-cab vehicle would encounter on public roads. It’s worth noting that the temperature was consistently between 38-40°C during our time at the track, with the asphalt being scorching hot.

CarExpert’s assessment of the Continental CrossContact A/T2

It has been 15 years since the high-performance tire market was revolutionized by the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, and over a decade since Toyo introduced the hybrid rough-terrain category with its Open Country. The Continental CrossContact A/T2 appears to be another significant milestone, modernizing the all-terrain segment for the 21st century.

For many years, all-terrain tires typically offered subpar performance on paved roads and lackluster off-road capabilities. However, the new CrossContact A/T2 has completely flipped that notion on its head, providing a genuine 50:50 all-terrain tire that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Apart from snow and ice, which were scarce in the Texas desert, the only terrain we didn’t extensively test was mud. While we did drive through a muddy watersplash, it was more like a shallow puddle. Given the deep voids and large blocks of the tread pattern, we believe the Contis would perform well in actual muddy conditions for an all-terrain tire, although we were unable to confirm this.

Despite showing great potential, the rock-crawling section of the test did not replicate the type of rock-crawling encountered in the Australian outback. However, in all other scenarios, the Continental CrossContact A/T2 proved highly impressive, highlighting how much this segment was previously lacking.

The individuals who will likely benefit most from these tires are those who primarily commute on paved roads in urban or rural areas, occasionally venture onto gravel backroads, or embark on camping trips in hilly terrain. The CrossContact A/T2 can also serve as cost-effective insurance for families and retirees planning to travel around the country, offering peace of mind on long journeys over rough highways and gravel roads, as well as unpredictable scenarios in remote parts of Australia.

During my time as an interstate truck driver, I frequently witnessed caravan rollovers, prompting me to consider how these tires could potentially reduce such accidents. Additionally, for tradespeople working in construction sites or companies managing fleets of mine-spec vehicles, prioritizing safety while being able to access various work sites is crucial.

The objective performance metrics of the Continental CrossContact A/T2, including enhanced on-road performance, wet traction, braking, and off-road capabilities, are commendable. However, it was the subjective qualities that truly set this tire apart. The excellent feedback and consistent grip ensure that the driver remains in control even in challenging situations.

While mud-terrain and rough-terrain tires still have their place, the availability of a reliable all-terrain option for those unwilling to compromise on-road safety for off-road performance is a significant development.

For more information on Continental’s claims regarding quieter tires on Australian highways, refer to our dedicated article.

Overall, the Continental CrossContact A/T2 has brought a new level of performance and versatility to the all-terrain tire market, catering to a wide range of drivers and environments. Transform the following sentence into a question:

“John is going to the store.”

Is John going to the store? Transform the following:

Original: I am planning to go to the beach tomorrow.
Transformed: Tomorrow, I plan to go to the beach. Transform the following:

Original: The cat is sleeping on the couch.
Transformed: On the couch, the cat is sleeping.