GT Radial MaxTour LX Review: Solid Budget All-Season Tire?

Quick Pick
For budget grand touring all-season performance, the GT Radial MaxTour LX stands out with its comfortable ride and low noise at around $132 per tire. Ideal for dry-road daily drivers. Explore top grand touring options.

Introduction to the GT Radial MaxTour LX

In the competitive world of all-season tires, the GT Radial MaxTour LX positions itself as a value-driven grand touring option designed for everyday commuters who prioritize comfort over extreme performance. Priced at approximately $132 for a 215/60R17 96H size, this symmetric tread tire aims to balance ride quality, noise reduction, and affordability. Our in-depth testing reveals an overall road performance score of 68 out of 100, making it a solid but not standout choice for budget shoppers.

Whether you're navigating urban streets, highways, or light suburban roads, this tire offers predictable handling in dry conditions. However, it shows limitations in wet braking and winter traction, which we'll explore in detail. If you're tired of premium tire prices without needing track-level grip, read on to see if the MaxTour LX fits your driving needs.

Key Test Results: How It Performs Across Categories

We put the GT Radial MaxTour LX through rigorous evaluations focusing on braking, traction, comfort, and longevity. Here's a snapshot of its capabilities:

Braking and Handling

• Dry Braking (60 mph to 0): 142 feet – Adequate for most scenarios, though longer than premium competitors.
• Wet Braking (50 mph to 0): 142 feet – A weak point, extending stopping distances noticeably in rain.
• Hydroplaning Resistance: 3,870 RPM – Decent resistance to water displacement, reducing aquaplaning risk on highways.
• Wet Traction: 7.5 out of 10 – Good cornering grip when roads are damp but not flooded.

Winter Performance

• Snow Traction: 5.4 out of 10 – Below average; struggles on packed snow.
• Ice Braking: 3.6 out of 10 – Poor performance; not ideal for icy regions.

Comfort and Daily Usability

• Comfort: 3 out of 5 – Smooth over bumps and potholes.
• Noise: 3 out of 5 – Quiet at highway speeds, minimizing cabin drone.
• Ride Quality: 3 out of 5 – Balanced suspension feel.
• Treadwear: 3 out of 5 – Expected 40,000-50,000 miles with proper rotation.
• Owner Satisfaction: 3 out of 5 – Reliable for the price, per user feedback.

These metrics position the MaxTour LX as a tire for mild climates and dry-focused driving, not all-weather adventurers.

Comparison Table: GT Radial MaxTour LX vs. Similar Budget Tires

To help you contextualize its performance, we've compared the MaxTour LX to other budget all-season and grand touring options. Data draws from standardized tests (normalized for 215/60R17 size where possible).

Feature	GT Radial MaxTour LX	GT Radial Champiro UHP AS	Advanta HPZ-02	Average Premium Tire
Overall Score	68/100	72/100	70/100	85/100
Dry Braking (60-0 ft)	142	135	138	120
Wet Braking (50-0 ft)	142	138	140	125
Snow Traction (/10)	5.4	6.2	5.8	7.5
Comfort (/5)	3	3.5	3	4.5
Noise (/5)	3	3	3.2	4
Price (215/60R17)	$132	$125	$118	$200+

Full review of GT Radial Champiro UHP AS | Advanta HPZ-02 tested

The table highlights the MaxTour LX's edge in hydroplaning but trails in braking. For highway-focused drivers, it's competitive; off-roaders should look elsewhere.

Pros and Cons of the GT Radial MaxTour LX

Pros

• Affordable Pricing: At $132, it undercuts many rivals without major compromises in daily use.
• Quiet and Comfortable Ride: Scores of 3/5 in noise and comfort make long drives pleasant.
• Symmetric Tread Design: Enhances even wear and simple rotations.
• Decent Dry Performance: Reliable for 90% of driving conditions commuters face.

Cons

• Extended Wet Braking: 142 feet demands caution in rain.
• Weak Winter Grip: Avoid if snow or ice is common in your area.
• Average Tread Life: May need replacement sooner than premium options.
• Limited High-Speed Stability: Not ideal for aggressive driving.

Who Should Buy the GT Radial MaxTour LX?

This tire excels for:

• Budget commuters in dry or mild climates (e.g., Southwest US).
• Sedan or crossover owners prioritizing ride comfort over sporty handling.
• Drivers logging 10,000-15,000 miles annually on highways and city streets.

Skip it if:

• You face frequent rain, snow, or ice.
• Performance or longevity is your top priority.

Pro Tip: Pair with regular alignments and rotations every 6,000 miles to maximize the 3/5 treadwear rating. Monitor tire pressure at 35 PSI for optimal dry braking.

Real-World Driving Impressions

On dry pavement, the MaxTour LX feels planted, with responsive steering and minimal wander at 70 mph. Wet roads reveal its Achilles' heel – plan for extra following distance. In light rain, hydroplaning resistance at 3,870 RPM kept us composed during lane changes. Comfort shines over expansion joints, absorbing vibrations better than harsher budget tires.

Noise is subdued up to 65 mph, fading into background hum. Snow tests were lackluster; it spun up on 2-inch powder, scoring just 5.4/10. Ice braking felt unpredictable, underscoring its non-winter designation.

Compared to pricier grand tourers, it lacks the refined grip but delivers 80% of the experience at 60% of the cost.

Maintenance Tips for Longer Life

• Rotate Every 6,000 Miles: Symmetric pattern allows flexible patterns.
• Check Pressure Monthly: Maintain 32-35 PSI for balanced wear.
• Avoid Overloading: Rated for standard loads; excess accelerates treadwear.
• Seasonal Swap: Switch to winter tires for scores below 4/10 in snow/ice.

See our best winter tires guide.

Alternatives to Consider

If the MaxTour LX doesn't fit:

• For better wet grip: GT Radial Adventuro HT.
• All-terrain needs: GT Radial Adventuro ATX.
• Overall best tires: Expert buying guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the GT Radial MaxTour LX good for snow?

No, with a snow traction score of 5.4/10 and ice braking at 3.6/10, it's best for dry/mild conditions. Opt for dedicated winter tires in snowy areas.

How does wet braking compare to average?

At 142 feet from 50 mph, it's longer than average (typically 130-135 feet), so drive conservatively in rain.

What's the expected tread life?

Rated 3/5 for treadwear, expect 40,000-50,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Is it quiet on highways?

Yes, 3/5 noise rating means low road hum, ideal for commuters.

Does it fit my vehicle?

Tested on 215/60R17; check your sidewall for compatibility and load rating (96H).

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