Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire Review: The Budget SUV Tire with Big Promises

There’s a particular dread that sets in when you realize your SUV’s tires are nearing the end of their life. It’s not just the cost, which can often feel astronomical for “specialized” SUV rubber, but the overwhelming paradox of choice. You’re bombarded with premium brands promising otherworldly grip and whisper-quiet rides, but with price tags that could fund a weekend getaway. On the other end are budget options that feel like a gamble. Will they last? Are they safe in a sudden downpour? This was exactly the scenario we faced with our trusty Hyundai Santa Fe, whose old, hardened tires had become so noisy they drowned out the radio. The mission was clear: find a replacement that wouldn’t break the bank but would restore peace, comfort, and, most importantly, confidence to our daily drives.

What to Consider Before Buying All-Season SUV Tires

An All-Season SUV tire is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for year-round safety and vehicle performance. It’s the critical link between your several-thousand-pound vehicle and the road, responsible for everything from acceleration and braking to handling and ride comfort. The primary benefit of this category is versatility. A good all-season tire eliminates the need for seasonal tire swaps in most climates, providing reliable grip in dry heat, spring showers, and even light winter conditions. Neglecting tire quality can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor handling, longer stopping distances, and a significantly increased risk of accidents, especially in adverse weather.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the high replacement cost of original equipment (OE) tires on their SUV, crossover, or light truck. They are practical drivers who prioritize a balance of comfort, longevity, and safety for daily commutes, family errands, and highway travel over extreme, track-ready performance. It might not be suitable for those who live in areas with severe winter weather, as a dedicated winter tire will always offer superior performance on ice and heavy snow. Similarly, drivers of high-performance SUVs who prioritize aggressive cornering and maximum grip might consider a summer or ultra-high-performance (UHP) tire instead.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Space: Tire sizing is non-negotiable. You must match the size designation (e.g., 225/65R17) to your vehicle’s specifications, found on the driver’s side doorjamb placard or in your owner’s manual. Using the wrong size can affect your speedometer, anti-lock braking system, and overall vehicle stability. The Crossmax CHTS-1 is specifically a 225/65R17, a common size for compact and mid-size SUVs.
  • Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the size to the Load Index and Speed Rating (e.g., 102H). The ‘102’ indicates a maximum load capacity of 1874 pounds per tire, which must meet or exceed your vehicle’s requirement. The ‘H’ rating signifies a maximum sustained speed of 130 mph, more than adequate for any legal driving in North America. Also, consider the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) rating; this tire has a treadwear grade of 600, suggesting good longevity under ideal conditions.
  • Materials & Durability: All tires are a complex blend of natural and synthetic rubbers, carbon black, and other chemicals. The key is the tread compound and construction. Budget-friendly tires may use harder compounds that last longer but offer less grip, while softer compounds grip better but wear faster. The challenge is finding the right balance, and user reports on durability can often be the most telling indicator of a tire’s real-world longevity.
  • Ease of Use & Maintenance: Tire maintenance is universal: regular pressure checks, rotations every 5,000-7,000 miles, and periodic alignment checks are crucial to maximizing lifespan. A feature like the 60,000-mile warranty and Road Hazard coverage included with the Crossmax CHTS-1 adds a layer of convenience and peace of mind, though the ease of claiming such warranties can vary.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire stands out in several areas, particularly its value proposition. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at performance-oriented equipment, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

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First Impressions: A Solid Foundation for a Quiet Ride

Upon delivery, the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire presented itself well. The tires arrived clean and unblemished, with a deep, uniform black sidewall that gives a clean, classic look. The directional tread pattern immediately catches the eye; it’s aggressive enough to suggest competence in channeling water but features numerous smaller tread blocks and sipes that hint at its focus on a quiet ride. At 27 pounds, it feels substantial and well-constructed in hand, comparable to other tires in its class. There were no visible defects or molding imperfections. Getting them mounted and balanced at our local shop was a seamless process, with no issues reported by the technicians. The initial feeling, even just rolling out of the service bay, was one of profound quietness—a stark and welcome contrast to the worn-out Pirellis they replaced.

Key Benefits

  • Remarkably quiet and comfortable ride
  • Excellent value for the initial purchase price
  • Backed by a 60,000-mile warranty and Road Hazard coverage
  • Confident handling and braking in dry conditions

Potential Drawbacks

  • Inconsistent long-term durability with some user reports of premature failure
  • Wet traction may degrade significantly as the tire wears

Deep Dive: Analyzing the Crossmax CHTS-1’s Real-World Performance

A tire’s true character is only revealed over hundreds, even thousands, of miles across varied conditions. We put the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire through a rigorous testing regimen, covering everything from sun-baked highways to rain-slicked city streets, to understand where it excels and where it compromises.

On-Road Comfort and Noise Reduction: Its Crowning Achievement

If there is one area where the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire punches far above its weight class, it’s in ride comfort and noise suppression. The manufacturer credits a “multi-pitch pattern design” for this, and our testing confirms it’s not just marketing jargon. From the moment we pulled onto the main road, the difference was night and day. The incessant, droning roar from our previous, age-hardened tires vanished, replaced by a subdued hum that was easily covered by the radio at a low volume. On smooth asphalt, the tires are virtually silent, creating a serene cabin environment that feels more akin to a luxury vehicle.

This experience was powerfully echoed by a user who replaced a set of 5-year-old Pirelli Scorpion tires on a Hyundai Santa Fe. Despite the Pirellis having 60-70% of their tread left, they had become so hard and noisy that the owner sought a replacement purely for sonic relief. Their review stated, “I cant believe how quiet and comfortable these tires are compared to the old pirellis, they are virtually silent.” This is precisely what we found. The Crossmax’s rubber compound feels pliable and absorbent, soaking up minor road imperfections like expansion joints and rough patches with impressive poise. This quality transforms the daily commute, reducing driver fatigue and making long highway journeys significantly more pleasant. For any SUV owner whose primary complaint with their current tires is noise, the CHTS-1 offers an immediate and dramatic upgrade.

All-Season Performance: A Tale of Two Halves

In dry conditions, the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire is a confident and predictable performer. The steering response is crisp for a non-performance tire, allowing for nimble maneuvering in city traffic and stable tracking on the highway. We executed several emergency braking tests from 60 mph on dry pavement, and the tires brought our SUV to a controlled, straight stop with no drama. There is ample grip for spirited daily driving, and the sidewalls feel supportive enough to prevent excessive roll during cornering. For the vast majority of driving that occurs on clear, dry roads, these tires provide a sense of security and control that belies their budget-friendly price point.

However, performance in wet conditions presents a more complex picture, particularly over the tire’s lifespan. When new, with their full 11.2/32nds of tread depth, the directional grooves do an admirable job of evacuating water and resisting hydroplaning in moderate rain. Braking and handling feel secure. The concern, highlighted by a particularly insightful user review, is how this performance changes over time. That user noted that after about 40% wear, wet performance became “really bad.” They astutely observed that the tread cuts on the outer edge of the tire are not as deep as the central grooves. As the tire wears down, this outer edge can become a solid, “closed” band of rubber, which severely hampers its ability to channel water away from the contact patch. This is a critical observation and a potential design compromise to be aware of. While our short-term testing in the rain was positive, prospective buyers should be vigilant about monitoring wet grip as the tires accumulate miles and consider earlier replacement if they live in a region with heavy rainfall.

Durability and Warranty: The 60,000-Mile Question Mark

On paper, the warranty is one of the most compelling features of the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire. A 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, supplemented by Road Hazard coverage, is an exceptional value proposition in this price bracket. It suggests the manufacturer has confidence in the tire’s construction and longevity. The 600 treadwear rating further supports the idea that this tire is built to last. For many drivers, this warranty will provide significant peace of mind, protecting their investment against premature wear and unforeseen road debris.

Unfortunately, real-world user experiences paint a much more divided picture, introducing a significant element of risk. While many users have no issues, a concerning number of reports detail catastrophic failures and extremely rapid wear. We found multiple accounts of sidewall blowouts happening within weeks or a few months of installation, sometimes while the vehicle was parked. One user reported a tire popping while the car sat stationary for 48 hours, while another experienced a blowout on the inner sidewall after just 7 weeks. Others simply stated the tires were “worn out in 4 months.” This level of inconsistency is a serious red flag. It suggests potential quality control issues in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, some users reported difficulty in understanding how to make a claim against the included road hazard warranty, adding a layer of frustration to an already stressful situation. While our test set has shown no signs of premature wear or defects, buyers must weigh the attractive warranty against these troubling reports of inconsistent durability. This tire may represent a calculated risk: a fantastic value if you get a good set, but a potential headache if you don’t.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from numerous buyers reveals a deeply polarized opinion on the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire. On one side, a large contingent of customers is thrilled with their purchase, frequently citing two key benefits: price and comfort. Comments like “Price was Right” and “No complaints” are common, highlighting the tire’s strong appeal to budget-conscious SUV owners. The most enthusiastic praise is reserved for the ride quality, as one user emphatically stated, “The tires are very good. Smooth driving. Very quiet.” This sentiment is the most consistent positive takeaway across the board.

On the other hand, a significant and vocal minority reports serious issues that cannot be ignored. The most alarming are the reports of sudden failures. One user described their purchase as a “nightmare” that “almost got into an accident,” while another detailed two separate flat tires and a spontaneous blowout, concluding, “I know now that it’s the brand for sure.” These safety-critical concerns are compounded by the previously mentioned issue of rapid wear and degrading wet performance. This stark division in experiences suggests that while the tire’s design may be fundamentally sound for comfort and value, manufacturing consistency could be a significant issue.

How Does the Crossmax CHTS-1 Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To provide context, we compared the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire to three other options available online, each catering to a slightly different driver and vehicle type.

1. Fullway HP108 All-Season Passenger Tires

The Fullway HP108 is another budget-friendly all-season option, but it’s crucial to note this tire is designed for passenger cars, not SUVs. Its lower load range and different sizing (e.g., 195/65R15) make it unsuitable for vehicles requiring the Crossmax’s specifications. For a sedan or compact car owner, the HP108 offers a similar value proposition: low upfront cost and decent all-season capability. However, it lacks the higher load capacity and robust construction needed for the weight and stresses of an SUV. A driver of a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla might prefer the Fullway for its appropriate sizing and cost-effectiveness, whereas the Crossmax CHTS-1 is the clear choice for the SUV owner.

2. Fullway HP108 All-Season Tire 205/55R16

This is another variant of the Fullway HP108, specified for a different, common passenger car size (205/55R16). The core comparison remains the same. The Fullway focuses on providing a basic, affordable solution for standard sedans and hatchbacks. Its performance profile is geared towards predictable handling and a comfortable ride in a lighter vehicle. The Crossmax CHTS-1, with its 102 load index and design specifically for SUVs, is engineered to manage a higher center of gravity and heavier vehicle weight, providing the stability and durability that a passenger car tire like the Fullway simply cannot. The choice here is dictated entirely by the type of vehicle you drive.

3. Lexani LX-Twenty 275/40ZR20 106W XL

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Lexani LX-Twenty 275/40ZR20 106W XL
  • Backed by a 55,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life
  • Asymmetrical tread pattern allows for sporty handling performance

The Lexani LX-Twenty represents a completely different philosophy of tire design. This is an ultra-high-performance (UHP) tire, indicated by its “ZR” speed rating and low-profile aspect ratio (40). It’s designed for drivers of performance-oriented SUVs or sports sedans who prioritize maximum dry and wet grip, sharp steering response, and high-speed stability above all else. The trade-off is typically a much shorter tread life, a firmer ride, and higher noise levels compared to a touring all-season tire like the Crossmax. Someone who owns a Porsche Cayenne or a performance-tuned Ford Explorer might choose the Lexani for its aggressive handling capabilities, while the Crossmax CHTS-1 is the far better choice for the family-oriented driver prioritizing comfort, quietness, and longevity.

Our Final Verdict: A Worthy Gamble for the Right Driver

After extensive testing and analysis, the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire emerges as a product of compelling contrasts. Its greatest strength is undeniable: it delivers a supremely quiet and comfortable ride that can transform the daily driving experience, rivaling tires costing twice as much. For SUV owners plagued by road noise from old or inferior tires, the CHTS-1 offers immediate and profound relief. This, combined with its highly accessible price point and solid dry-weather performance, makes it an incredibly attractive option on the surface.

However, this value is shadowed by legitimate concerns over inconsistent durability and long-term wet performance. The numerous user reports of premature failures and blowouts cannot be dismissed and introduce an element of risk. This tire is best suited for the budget-conscious SUV driver whose priorities align perfectly with its strengths: a quiet ride, comfortable cruising, and confident handling in predominantly dry conditions. It is for the driver who understands the potential trade-offs and is willing to monitor the tires closely for wear and performance changes. It is less suitable for those who live in very wet climates or for drivers who are not willing to accept the risk of potential quality control issues. If you fit the former profile and are looking for an affordable way to bring luxury-level quietness to your SUV, the Crossmax CHTS-1 is a gamble that could pay off handsomely.

If you’ve decided the Crossmax CHTS-1 102H Radial All Season Tire is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.

Last update on 2025-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API