2021 Nautilus AWD 20” tire selection help

[G-943238]

I need to replace the OEM original Continental LX Sport 20” tires that lasted 34,000 miles. They have horrible reviews, even on Continental’s own website. What did you change to and are you happy with road noise and handling?

 

[bbf2530]

I need to replace the OEM original Continental LX Sport 20” tires that lasted 34,000 miles. They have horrible reviews, even on Continental’s own website. What did you change to and are you happy with road noise and handling?

Hi G-954238. In addition to obtaining online opinions from our fellow forum members, I would also highly recommend going to The Tire Rack website, and using their “Tire Decision Guide” to help find tires which will prioritize the factors most important to you.

https://www.tirerack.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwuIbBBhBvEiwAsNypvaBIjofVH9GjYuBxxR2lLKN2mrsW7_FSNIdkp_ctJZCFW1s5fPpkWRoC1JYQAvD_BwE&ef_id=CjwKCAjwuIbBBhBvEiwAsNypvaBIjofVH9GjYuBxxR2lLKN2mrsW7_FSNIdkp_ctJZCFW1s5fPpkWRoC1JYQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!!!!x!!&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19641426410

I’m sure others will also jump in to help, so keep us updated and good luck.

 

[Lincolnguy2]

I need to replace the OEM original Continental LX Sport 20” tires that lasted 34,000 miles. They have horrible reviews, even on Continental’s own website. What did you change to and are you happy with road noise and handling?

When I had my Nautilus with these tires I was very happy with them as far as road noise went.
Handling could have been somewhat better. Yet did not buy my Nautilus for handling. Bought it for comfort and quiet drive. And that they delivered.

 

[Robert M]

I need to replace the OEM original Continental LX Sport 20” tires that lasted 34,000 miles. They have horrible reviews, even on Continental’s own website. What did you change to and are you happy with road noise and handling?

Our '21 Nautilus also came with Continental LX Sport 20" tires. Ours lasted all of 31,059 miles. I am not a hard charging driver, but those Continentals were showing signs of wear early on. In September of '24 we replaced them with Michelin Cross Climate 2s, and we are very happy with the new tires. They were great in the snow over the winter and both the noise and handling are fine. Regardless of what year your Nautilus is, I think you'd be pleased with the Cross Climate 2s,

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[Robert M]

Our '21 Nautilus also came with Continental LX Sport 20" tires. Ours lasted all of 31,059 miles. I am not a hard charging driver, but those Continentals were showing signs of wear early on. In September of '24 we replaced them with Michelin Cross Climate 2s, and we are very happy with the new tires. They were great in the snow over the winter and both the noise and handling are fine. Regardless of what year your Nautilus is, I think you'd be pleased with the Cross Climate 2s,

G-943238, I apologize. I now see your Nautilus is also a 2021. Sorry about that. ​

Additional information, if you need it or want it: our '21 is an AWD V6.

 

[demark1]

I just got crosssclimate 2's on my other car. Pricey, but costco where I am member inxludes free installation, and they had $60 rebate plus I get 4% back using my costco visa.

For a lower priced option I would never normally consider, my CPO came with brand new Kelly Edge tires. There are a brand Ford allows on its CPOs. Available at Walmart, somewhat cheaper. After 6000 highway miles in 1 year (it's a 3rd car), they have been great in dry and wet. I cannot speak to heavy-ish snow, since we had just a couple of storms, but no huge issues with 2-3 inches plowed, even though they are not "all weather" and my Nautilus is FWD. I cannot compare handling since this is my first SUV and first tires on it. You feel the size on curves. They are quiet and comfortable, but the Lincoln suspension transmits impact. As someone wrote, it is a Ford Edge at base... I find reducing pressure to 33 psi cold greatly improves the ride, so I do that for local driving when not planning a 300 mile trip.

So it depends if you are looking for a price point, but I can't really complain about the Kellys (madr by Goodyear) noisewise. I assume CrossClimates will be better in real snow and cannot speak to longevity.

 

[Ccalvinn]

On my 2019 Nautilus, when I had to replace the original tires (I think they too were Continentals) I put the same tires that I had on my Mustang. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4s. They ran smoother, quieter, and sportier than the originals. They were better in every way. The only problem, however, was that they were worn out and needing replacement after only 20,000ish miles.

I knew I needed to replace them soon, but it became urgent when one blew out and I needed to replace it immediately. Not wanting to repeat the quick wearing Pilot Sport All Seasons, I went with a Pirelli P Zero summer tire because they had it in stock and I used winter tires for the snowy season anyway. They were fine, but I barely used them as I lost the Nautilus after only like 2,000 miles. So sadly, my only suggestion is to stay away from the Pilot Sport All Seasons unless you're okay replacing them often.

 

[Melman]

I put Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 on my 2020 after the factory Continentals wore out around 40K. Have been very happy with them. 70K tread life.

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[angore]

My 24 has 20 inch wheels so still leaning toward the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3. If I have to replace one prematurely, Ithe Pirelli MS 255/55/20 it would not be available so planning ahead. I have been a Michelin fan but the Touring primacy is not available - just the lower capable version used on other 24s,

After watching all the tirerack videos the AS Plus it scores well but is middling on wet surfaces.

 

[swindler]

It depends somewhat on your preferences and where you live? Is snow and ice a 7 month ordeal for you? Or do you get snow once every 2-3 years for a day or two? Do you swap out tires seasonally? Do you prioritize cost, performance, or tread life?

There's recently been a lot of new tires in a category called All-Weather, that are severe snow rated (3PMSF) and still perform very well in warm dry/wet conditions along with very good comfort and noise performance (but not top). I have not tried any of these yet, but if I lived further north I would strongly consider it. The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive and Michelin CrossClinate2 are both excellent examples of All-Weather tires that fit your vehicle and you should check out.

I have driven a couple of SUVs on Michelin Defender2 tires and they perform well in my (Texas) seasonal conditions, but aren't great winter tires. They will get you about as many miles as any other would, though.

 

[C Krohn]

It

I have driven a couple of SUVs on Michelin Defender2 tires and they perform well in my (Texas) seasonal conditions, but aren't great winter tires. They will get you about as many miles as any other would, though.

I just bought a set of Defender 2s (100H SL) for my Corsair. Only a few miles so far, but they seem smoother than the OEM Michelins. Stay tuned.
They also had the Defender 2s in 104H XL, which is a heavier duty tire.