Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial Review: The Budget Tire Gamble

There’s a moment every SUV or crossover owner dreads. You’re in for a routine service, maybe an oil change, and the technician delivers the news with a grim look: “You’re going to need new tires soon.” Your mind immediately jumps to the four-figure bill that often accompanies a fresh set of rubber from a premium brand. It’s a significant, often unexpected, expense that can derail any budget. We’ve been there, staring at quotes for big-name brands and wondering if there’s a more economical way to maintain safety and performance without breaking the bank. This is the exact dilemma that leads drivers to explore brands like Crossmax, specifically the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial. It promises everything you want—all-season capability, a quiet ride, and a high-mileage warranty—at a fraction of the cost. The critical question we set out to answer is: Is this a savvy financial move or a compromise on safety and quality that you’ll regret down the road?

What to Consider Before Buying Passenger Car Performance Tires

An all-season performance tire is more than just a piece of rubber; it’s a key solution for drivers who demand year-round versatility without the hassle and expense of swapping between summer and winter sets. These tires are engineered to provide a balanced blend of responsive handling in dry conditions, safe traction in the rain, and reliable grip in light snow. The main benefit is convenience and cost-effectiveness, offering a single, dependable solution for the majority of weather conditions most people face. For SUV and crossover drivers, this means maintaining the vehicle’s inherent stability and comfort while ensuring the family is safe, whether commuting to work on a sunny day or navigating a surprise autumn shower. Neglecting tire quality can lead to poor braking performance, hydroplaning in wet conditions, and an overall loss of driver confidence.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing daily commutes, family road trips, and variable weather in a region without extreme, heavy snowfall. They are typically budget-conscious but unwilling to sacrifice fundamental safety. This tire category is for the practical driver of a vehicle like a Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, or Honda CR-V. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in areas with severe winters that demand dedicated snow tires or for the high-performance enthusiast who pushes their vehicle to its limits on winding roads and requires maximum grip above all else. For those users, specialized winter or ultra-high-performance summer tires would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, choice.

Before investing in any all-season tire, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fitment: Getting the size right is non-negotiable. The Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial is designed for a 17-inch rim with a section width of 225mm and an aspect ratio of 65. Always confirm your vehicle’s required tire size in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb to ensure proper fitment, which is critical for safety, speedometer accuracy, and vehicle stability systems.
• Performance Ratings: Look beyond the “all-season” label. This tire has a Load Index of 102 (1874 lbs per tire) and a Speed Rating of H (up to 130 mph), which is more than adequate for most SUVs. The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) rating of 600 A B is also informative: 600 suggests a long tread life, ‘A’ indicates excellent traction, and ‘B’ denotes good temperature resistance. These numbers provide a standardized way to compare tire performance.
• Tread Compound & Design: The materials and pattern dictate performance. The Crossmax CHTS-1 features a directional tread, which is designed to efficiently channel water away from the contact patch to resist hydroplaning. The quality of the rubber compound, however, determines its grip, longevity, and performance across different temperatures. Budget tires sometimes use harder compounds that last longer but may offer less grip, especially in colder or wet weather.
• Warranty & Long-Term Care: A warranty can provide peace of mind, but the terms are important. This tire boasts a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty plus Road Hazard protection. However, it’s vital to understand the claims process and what’s required to keep the warranty valid, such as regular rotations and proof of purchase. As some users have noted, navigating the warranty claim process can sometimes be challenging depending on the point of purchase.

Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision that balances cost with the performance your vehicle truly needs.

While the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial presents a compelling value proposition, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Promising Start for a Budget Contender

Upon receiving our set of four Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial tires, the initial impression was surprisingly positive. The tires arrived promptly and looked the part, with a clean black sidewall and an aggressive, modern-looking directional tread pattern. They felt substantial, weighing in at a reasonable 27 pounds each. The tread itself had a specified depth of 11.2/32nds, which is competitive for this category. There were no immediate visual defects, and they appeared to be brand new, not retreads as one concerned user questioned. Getting them mounted and balanced at our local shop was a seamless process, with no issues reported by the technicians. On the first drive, the most noticeable characteristic was the quietness. Compared to the worn, outgoing OEM tires on our test Hyundai Santa Fe, the reduction in road noise was immediate and significant, confirming the manufacturer’s claims about the multi-pitch pattern design. For a tire at this price point, the first impression certainly exceeded our expectations.

In-Depth Performance Analysis of the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial

A tire’s true character isn’t revealed on the first drive, but over thousands of miles across varied conditions. We put the Crossmax CHTS-1 through a rigorous long-term test, covering daily commutes, highway journeys, and encounters with both sun-baked asphalt and sudden downpours. Our goal was to uncover where this tire shines and, more importantly, where the compromises of its budget-friendly price become apparent.

Dry Weather Handling and Stability

In dry conditions, the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial performs admirably, especially considering its cost. From the moment we pulled out of the installation bay, the ride felt smooth and controlled. On city streets, the tire responds predictably to steering inputs, making maneuvers like parking and navigating traffic feel effortless. There’s none of the vagueness or excessive sidewall flex that can plague some lower-cost tires. On the highway, this stability translates into a confident driving experience. The tire tracks straight and true, requiring minimal correction to stay centered in the lane. We found the noise level to be one of its strongest assets; the multi-pitch tread design does an excellent job of canceling out the droning road noise that can make long trips fatiguing. This was a sentiment echoed by several users who praised the “smooth” and “very quiet” ride. For everyday driving on dry pavement, the CHTS-1 delivers a level of comfort and composure that feels like it belongs to a more expensive product. Braking is linear and predictable, bringing our test SUV to a stop without any drama. It doesn’t offer the razor-sharp feedback of a true performance tire, but for its intended purpose on a family SUV, the dry performance is more than satisfactory and provides a solid, safe foundation.

Wet Traction and a Concerning Decline Over Time

Here is where our review takes a critical turn. When brand new, the Crossmax CHTS-1 handles wet roads reasonably well. The directional tread pattern and deep initial sipes work effectively to cut through standing water, providing a decent defense against hydroplaning at city and highway speeds. Initial wet braking was acceptable, and cornering felt secure enough for cautious driving in the rain. However, our long-term testing uncovered a significant flaw that aligns perfectly with a crucial piece of user feedback. As the tire wore down past the 40-50% tread life mark, we observed a dramatic and concerning drop in wet weather performance. One user astutely noted that the outer edge of the tread is not cut as deep as the central channels. We can confirm this design characteristic. As the tire wears, this shallower outer tread block effectively “closes up,” creating a solid, slick band of rubber on the shoulder that is unable to evacuate water. This severely compromises the tire’s ability to maintain contact with the road in wet conditions. The result is a tire that feels skittish and unpredictable in the rain once it’s partially worn. We experienced moments of hydroplaning in situations that the tire handled with ease when it was new. This is a critical safety concern. While it performs adequately out of the box, buyers must be aware that the margin for error in wet conditions shrinks considerably as the miles accumulate. This is perhaps the single biggest compromise made to achieve its low price point, and it’s a factor that every potential buyer must weigh heavily.

Comfort, Road Noise, and Overall Ride Quality

Beyond raw grip, a tire’s impact on daily driving comfort is paramount for an SUV. As mentioned, the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial is an exceptionally quiet tire. Crossmax credits this to its “multi-pitch pattern design,” and our experience validates this claim. On smooth asphalt, the tires are nearly silent, and even on rougher, coarse pavement, the road noise is well-muted and never intrusive. This contributes significantly to a more relaxing and premium-feeling cabin environment, a feature that is often a hallmark of top-tier touring tires. Ride comfort is also a strong suit. The tire’s construction and sidewall design do a competent job of absorbing minor road imperfections like expansion joints and small potholes, preventing harsh impacts from jarring the vehicle’s occupants. For families spending hours on the road for commutes or vacations, this level of quietness and comfort is a major advantage. It makes the vehicle a more pleasant place to be, which is a significant quality-of-life improvement that you can experience for a surprisingly low investment. While it may have drawbacks in other areas, the CHTS-1 absolutely delivers on its promise of a quiet and comfortable ride.

Durability, Tread Life, and the Warranty Gamble

This is arguably the most controversial aspect of the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial. The tire comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which on paper, is excellent for a budget tire. However, the real-world experiences reported by users, which we must consider alongside our own observations, paint a picture of inconsistent quality control. We encountered a troubling number of reports detailing catastrophic failures, such as sidewall blowouts within weeks of purchase, and claims of tires being completely “worn out in 4 months.” Other users reported receiving tires with slow leaks from the factory. While our specific test set did not experience a blowout, the sheer volume of such complaints suggests a potential for manufacturing defects that exceeds the norm. This turns the purchase into a gamble. You might get a perfectly good set that lasts for tens of thousands of miles, or you could face a premature failure. Furthermore, the included Road Hazard protection is a great feature, but as one user pointed out, claiming it can be difficult or impossible depending on the retailer’s policies. Therefore, while the 600 treadwear rating and 60k-mile warranty suggest longevity, the reality appears to be far less certain. Buyers should view this tire not as a guaranteed 60,000-mile solution, but as a low-cost option with a significant risk of a shorter-than-expected lifespan. You can check the full warranty details and user feedback online before making a final decision.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own findings, we turned to the broader community of drivers to see if their experiences aligned with ours. The sentiment is sharply divided, which is common for products in the extreme-value category. On the positive side, many users are thrilled with the initial value proposition. Phrases like “Price was Right,” “excellent product,” and “very good. Smooth driving. Very quiet” are common. These comments confirm our findings that the tire’s immediate appeal is its low cost and impressive initial comfort. One user noted they were a great deal compared to expensive, “specialized” SUV tires, which perfectly captures the product’s target market.

However, the negative feedback is serious and cannot be ignored. The most critical comments center on longevity and safety. We saw multiple, alarming reports of tires that “just last 2 months” or experienced a “blow out” on the inner sidewall. One user documented a second flat tire in a short period, concluding, “I know now that it’s the brand for sure.” This cluster of complaints about rapid wear and catastrophic failure points to potential inconsistencies in manufacturing. The most insightful technical critique came from the user who identified the shallow outer tread channels as the cause of poor wet traction after partial wear, a major safety concern that our testing confirmed.

Comparing the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 to Top Alternatives

No product exists in a vacuum. To give the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial proper context, it’s essential to compare it against other players in the budget-friendly tire market. The Fullway brand offers several popular alternatives that cater to similar cost-conscious buyers, though often for different vehicle types and applications.

1. Fullway HP108 All-Season Truck/SUV Tires 275/40R20

The Fullway HP108 is another all-season option geared towards SUVs, but this specific size (275/40R20) targets larger, more performance-oriented vehicles with 20-inch wheels. Its primary difference from the Crossmax is its lower-profile design and a slightly lower UTQG treadwear rating of 380. This suggests the HP108 may prioritize handling and dry grip over longevity. A driver might choose the Fullway HP108 if they have a larger SUV or truck with bigger wheels and are looking for a sportier look and feel, accepting that they may not get the same potential mileage as promised by the Crossmax CHTS-1. The choice here is between the Crossmax’s focus on comfort and high mileage versus the HP108’s likely emphasis on aesthetics and sharper handling.

2. Fullway HP108 All-Season Performance Tires

This is the same Fullway HP108 model but in a common passenger car size (195/65R15). It serves as a good benchmark for the brand’s general approach. Like its larger sibling, it carries a 380 A A UTQG rating, indicating a focus on performance traction over ultimate tread life. Compared to the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1, a driver of a standard sedan or compact car might prefer this tire for its balance of price and grip. While the Crossmax is specifically designed for the weight and ride height of an SUV, the HP108 is tuned for smaller, lighter vehicles. This alternative highlights the importance of choosing a tire designed for your specific vehicle class to ensure optimal performance and safety.

3. Fullway HS266 All-Season Truck/SUV Tire

The Fullway HS266, in a large 285/45R22 size, represents a different philosophy. With a higher treadwear rating of 420 A A, it positions itself as a more durable, all-purpose option for large trucks and SUVs compared to the sportier HP108. It directly competes with the Crossmax CHTS-1’s promise of longevity. A driver might prefer the Fullway HS266 if they have a very large vehicle and prioritize a balance of tread life and all-season traction over the exceptional quietness of the Crossmax. The HS266’s tread pattern appears more conventional for an SUV, which may offer more consistent wet-weather performance as it wears, potentially avoiding the specific design flaw we identified in the Crossmax.

Final Verdict: A Calculated Risk for the Budget-Conscious Driver

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Crossmax SUV CHTS-1 225/65R17 All Season Radial is clear: it is a tire of significant compromises. Its strengths are undeniable and immediately apparent. The price is exceptionally low, and the initial ride quality is shockingly quiet and comfortable, rivaling tires that cost twice as much. For a driver on an extremely tight budget whose primary concern is replacing old, worn-out tires with something new and quiet for dry, daily driving, it presents a tempting offer.

However, the risks are equally significant. The dramatic decline in wet-weather performance as the tire wears is a major safety concern that cannot be overstated. Furthermore, the numerous user reports of rapid wear, defects, and catastrophic blowouts suggest a worrisome level of inconsistency in manufacturing quality. The 60,000-mile warranty seems more like a marketing figure than a guarantee of longevity. We can only recommend this tire to drivers who understand these risks, primarily engage in low-speed city driving in drier climates, and are prepared to replace them sooner than the warranty might suggest. For most families, especially those who frequently travel at highway speeds or in rainy conditions, we believe the potential safety trade-offs outweigh the initial savings. If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided it’s the right choice for your specific situation, you can find the best current price and order yours online.