LX-25 VS Scorpion AS3+

Propflux01

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Looking at replacing the tires on my 2024 Mazdarati CX-5 soon. Currently, it has TOYO's on it. Mazda calls for "V" rated tires. I have narrowed it down to only these two replacements:
Continental LX-25
Pirelli Scorpion AS3+


I have used the LX-25s on my prior Tucson and was very impressed by them. I have very sensitive hearing when it comes to 'road hash' noise and literally cannot stand it. I never heard this for the 32K miles I had the LX's. However, it's a few years later, and I have been reading that the newer Scorpions are more comfortable and quieter. Tire rack reviewers say the LX-25 is a bit harsher on bumps, which I will say, you feel them initially, but no so much your passengers say "dang!". I have nothing to compare to on the Pirellis, as I have not had a set since 2008 on an older Sonata. So aside from Tire Rack reviews, I have found a few others. The Mazda forums seem to favor the Pirellis, but not many mention the LX's in comparison, so it looks like a " flavor of the day" type of thing. Tire Rack seems to favor the Pirellis, and by a good margin. One other review/test I came across stated "
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 if you:

  • Drive a mid-size 3-row SUV like the Chevrolet Traverse, full-size SUV like the Dodge Durango, CUV like the Honda CR-V, or a pickup like the Ford F-150.
  • Want better traction in dry, wet, and light wintry conditions (9.7 vs 9.5 in traction).
  • Prefer better handling (9.4 vs 9.3 in handling).
  • Need a long-lasting tire (9.8 vs 8.8 in longevity).
  • Need a tire with better warranty coverage if you are buying a V-rated size.
  • Are comfortable paying some extra money to enjoy a better overall driving experience
On the other hand, you should prefer the Continental CrossContact LX25 if you:

  • Drive a CUV like the Mazda CX-5, small SUV like GMC Terrain, or truck like the RAM 1500,
  • Want a great tire that performs well and costs less.
  • Want to enjoy world-class tire technology that comes from the house of a German tire giant.
  • Are looking for a tire that is good at handling or traction, and longevity isn’t your priority.
The article reference in bold does not say WHY they recommend the LX for the Mazda, (or 'small' SUV's) considering the RAM 1500 isn't all that small.

So I am kind of at a toss-up here. I want the quietest tires (I know that tires get a bit louder as wear and heat cycles go on) out of the two. My TOYO's still have a bit of tread on them, but they have become harder and louder than before. Nobody seems to like them as OEM , and I understand why. I have 18K on the OEMs, they have about 5-6 on them. I don't drive hard, but my roads consist of two-lane state highways, with curves and hills, 50-70 on those, and monthly interstate trips of 300+ miles. I live in Arkansastan, so no real winter issues. Snow once or maybe twice a year, then it's tornado season, upper 90s low 100s in summer, nice crisp fall. Average rainfall. I am hoping for suggestions/opinions/advice.
 
You had good service from the LX-25, if it were me why take a chance. I had Continentals on my previous Q5 and was impressed. I have Michelins on the current one and I miss the Continentals!!
 
I also am considering both the LX-25 and the AS+3 as I too want the smoothest & quietest tire available in my size for my SUV and these two tires models are at the top of my list equally(for my criteria) due to the TireRack testing. (y)

I’ve had excellent success with Pirelli Cinturato P4 & P7 AS Plus/Plus II, and less so with Continental tires overall. Because of my experience, I am leaning towards the Pirelli Scorpian AS+3. However I have driven an ‘18 SantaFe SPORT extensively(over 3000 miles) with LX-25 and I really liked them. So, the only thing I can say in regards to the LX-25 is that I liked them on the SUV that I drove.
 
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I also am considering both the LX-25 and the AS+3 as I too want the smoothest & quietest tire available in my size for my SUV and these two tires models are at the top of my list equally(for my criteria) due to the TireRack testing. (y)

I’ve had excellent success with Pirelli Cinturato P4 & P7 AS Plus/Plus II, and less so with Continental tires overall. Because of my experience, I am leaning towards the Pirelli Scorpian AS+3. However I have driven an ‘18 SantaFe SPORT extensively(over 3000 miles) with LX-25 and I really liked them. So, the only thing I can say in regards to the LX-25 is that I liked them on the SUV that I drove.
Sounds like you and I are in similar situations.
 
I just bought those exact pirellis and I am not happy.
Take that for what it is.. one guy and his opinion.
225/60r18 100H (oem specs not XL etc) with 35psi in them
VS the oem tires they hit bumps HARD, road noise is fine on smooth surfaces but on anything else is loud MPG surprisingly might even be better than oem tires.
just did 600 miles to cincy and back with a 2.75hr stop at DT columbus to replace the wheel weights that flew off.. thanks DT Macedonia... :(

TL;DR
Not as sporty as I thought, hits minor bumps like a UHP tire.. without the UHP tire benefits.

They also seem to feel every pebble in the road and amplify it. actual expansion joints sound loud the impact worse than oem.. but not UHP worse.
 
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I have never found a Perelli tires that I have specifically chosen for myself, to be particularly sporty although they were fine. I bought them for their smoothness in quietness and good water evacuation. And I never found them to be harsh once you’ve dialed in your own specific psi, Not the manufacturers recommendations. I only use the manufacturers recommendation as a guideline not as gospel.

On the other hand, I have only heard good things about the Continental CrossContact LX-25 and have personally experienced it. Just not on my own ‘23 Toyota Venza. I won’t know how any tire works until I get it out of the car.
 
The two tires score identical in the TR consumer reviews in every area and have all ***** reviews for my specific vehicle. And the Scorpion AS+3 & CrossContact LX25 are # 3 & 4 in their category respectively. Only the Conti’s are “Eco Focus”(Eco Plus Tech).
 
My assessment of the LX-25"s is that they are VG to Excellent in all catagories. It's a 89.433% perfect tire. B+ to A- is my rating. IMO if you want to pay $250-$400 more for the class leader, go for it.
 
My assessment of the LX-25"s is that they are VG to Excellent in all catagories. It's a 89.433% perfect tire. B+ to A- is my rating. IMO if you want to pay $250-$400 more for the class leader, go for it.
Both tires are within 15USD of each other per tire.
 
I just bought those exact pirellis and I am not happy.
Take that for what it is.. one guy and his opinion.
225/60r18 100H (oem specs not XL etc) with 35psi in them
VS the oem tires they hit bumps HARD, road noise is fine on smooth surfaces but on anything else is loud MPG surprisingly might even be better than oem tires.
just did 600 miles to cincy and back with a 2.75hr stop at DT columbus to replace the wheel weights that flew off.. thanks DT Macedonia... :(

TL;DR
Not as sporty as I thought, hits minor bumps like a UHP tire.. without the UHP tire benefits.

They also seem to feel every pebble in the road and amplify it. actual expansion joints sound loud the impact worse than oem.. but not UHP worse.
I have the same size.
 
^^^ In addition, sadly not every high rated tire is perfect for every vehicle.
It'd be nice is the higher or highest rated tires were tested on our own vehicle.

In the passenger touring tire test, the TireRack use a new '24 Camry. So, I'll know what tire(s) to consider(depending on my own criteria) should I buy a Camry.

For the Premium SUV tires, they used a Alfa Romeo Stelvio. So anyone who has a Stelvio will know what to consider.
 
 
Don't they say "everyone should get a nice pair of Italian shoes"?

Where would you be getting them from and is road hazard included if needed in future?

I got the prior Pirelli's, Scorpion AS+2 for my daughters CRV and P7 Cinturato AS+2 for my Accord. The noise difference over previous tires was night and day. Neither vehicle is on the well insulated list. I would not hesitate the get the AS3 for either car based on my experience with these.

Sam's Club had the Pirelli's available and were doing an added sale which helped influence. I hit a crazy pothole abut 1 week after getting the P7, no issue at Sam's getting a new one under road hazard due to sidewall damage.

I don't think either one is a bad choice, flip a quarter. I have recommended both to others and they are happy. My sister-in-law runs the AS3 on here Traverse year round here in NY. She has not complained as she has with many past ones she had. I bought them for her at Sam's. The Conti's I think had an edge over Pirelli for winter/snow IIRC. If that's not issue then whichever has possibly better tread depth and wear rating.
 
I had the Direct Tire version of those Scorpions on my CX5. They're immensely better in every way compared to the factory toyos.

Comparing them to the Conti TructContactTours I have on now, the AS3+ had better dry and wet grip, comparable hydroplane resistance, and slightly more noise/stiffness. Either way, the differences are minute and I think you'd be very pleased with either.
 
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