RX in NC

The Continental CrossContact LX25 is available in a V-rated version. At least it was when I was researching tires during the first half of 2022.

greyRX

I am aware they are available in v-rated sizes, thanks.

sunnyside

I put Michelin CC2 on our 2014 FWD RX 350 over a year ago. No change in MPG. Noise is not an issue. Living in GA there is little risk of snow but I can say that the tires function in rain like it is not there. I wish the CC2s came in the size I need for my F150. I had Latitudes on the car previously and they got dangerous long before the tread wore out. Contis may be good but my prior experience with them on other vehicles was not positive.

greyRX

Yeah, my mind is thrashing back and force on this decision. I'm tending toward CC2 and calling it a day -- thanks for your input, Sunnyside

Only shop I trust around here is Costco and they have them ..when there isn't a Michelin sale

Another issue is wheel alignment, as few shops (mostly tire shops) around here do it.
And I'm told that tire warranty and 'road hazard protection' is partially dependent on getting a 4-wheel alignment for this particular AWD vehicle.

RX in NC

There are lousy Conti models, lousy Michelin models, lousy Bridgestone models, lousy Pirelli models (I despise Pirelli), etc. You have to do your research to ensure that you wind up choosing an excellent tire model, not a lousy one.

greyRX

And it continues on sites like this, thanks
Yup. I had a great Pirelli set once ..the next P set were crap. Same with Toyo's.

One thing I have learned over the years -- cannot rely on so-called tire store "experts".
Their opinions are so often skewed toward quotas -- parking lot observations and yakking are much better.

RXPenn

My RX came with Michelin Latitude Tour tires V rating. I recently replaced those with a set of Continental LX25's. I went with the H rating in a small attempt to try and gain back some sense of a smoother/softer ride.
It's only been a few hundred miles so far, so I can't really tell too much, but the ride is better so far which it would be since the last set of tires had 50,000 miles on them.
I've seen enough reviews on the LX25's to know that's what I wanted to go with. I've had Continentals on other vehicles over the years and they were always fine.

greyRX

Yes, Continental LX25 is one of my options too.

Can't go with H-rated as no local dealer (including Costco) will install H-rated tires on a vehicle that specifies V-rated or higher.
So, even Michelin Defender 2 (another previous option) is a no-go for this car, as it tops out at H-rated.

Will be interesting if others with lotsa miles on their LX25 chime in with their results..

sunnyside

Take it to any Toyota dealer. They can do the alignment correctly.

greyRX

It would have to be at the Lexus side, as they are combined with Toyota here.
About 350 smackers to do it

greyRX

Still on about getting some new tires...

My rims are 19" (235/55). As opposed to 18", do you think that particular diameter makes a difference to the ride for either Cross Climate 2 or Conti LX25 (or anything else)?
I'm wondering if the comments on this thread are relating to 18"

RX in NC

In most cases, an 18-inch tire will ride better than the same model 19-inch tire.

Get a set of the LX25s. You won't regret it.

greyRX

Thanks again for your input, RX in NC

Dropped in to a big-name tire shop 5 min away.
If quiet is paramount, they only recommend specific V-rated Michelins for this vehicle (even though it's not their main brand push). Michelin allows 60 days satisfaction guarantee, so little risk to that dealer.
They also sell Conti's but won't guarantee satisfaction if I go that route (and definitely not H-rated). They may do an exchange if I squawk -- but only within Conti group -- reinstall and balancing and maybe TPMS extra.
Also, their 4W alignment is mandatory to protect their own tire policies.

I guess this is where high demand and greed trumps customer service, huh.

Costco (for Michelin) is starting to look more viable. Their prices and exchanges are more generous, albeit with the hassle of time consuming waits.
I do wish they would entertain installing Defender 2's, but again those top out at H-rating. According to Tire Rack, methinks they could be a good contender for the Conti LX25.

Anyway, don't need new tires right now so I will keep researching and canvassing until satisfied ..or a brain hemorrhage

sunnyside

Too bad you are not in GA. Toyota here did it for $100.

californiarxowner

One of my Michelin Premier h rated tires got damaged, they're discontinued, and none are available. Any suggestions for new tires for the smoothest, quietest ride on my AWD RX350 with 19' wheels? Thanks.