Considering the Michelin CrossClimate 2 for your vehicle but unsure if it’s the right choice? You’re in the right place. With so many tire options out there, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. This review will give you the straight facts about the CrossClimate 2, helping you make an informed decision.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 excels in providing balanced performance across all seasons, but it comes with a higher price tag and some road noise compared to leading competitors.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key features, performance metrics, and real-world feedback on the Michelin CrossClimate 2. You’ll learn how it stacks up against top competitors and find out if it’s the right tire for your driving needs.
Michelin CrossClimate 2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.0 of 10
Wet Weather
9.2 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
Treadwear
9.0 of 10
Dry Weather
9.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 640
UTQG Traction Rating: B
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.2 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.6 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.4 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 stands out as a premier all-season tire, designed to deliver top-tier performance across a wide range of driving conditions. With its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, this tire offers exceptional traction, comfort, and longevity, making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking reliability year-round.
Michelin has engineered the CrossClimate 2 with a unique tread pattern and advanced rubber compound, ensuring that it remains flexible and grips the road well in varying temperatures. The V-shaped tread design enhances water evacuation, reducing the risk of hydroplaning while providing excellent traction on snowy surfaces. This versatility makes the CrossClimate 2 a great option for drivers who need consistent performance throughout the year.
KEY FEATURES
- All-Season Performance: Excels in dry, wet, and light winter conditions.
- Innovative Tread Design: V-shaped tread pattern for enhanced water evacuation and snow traction.
- Advanced Rubber Compound: Maintains flexibility across a range of temperatures for reliable grip.
- Durability: Engineered for long tread life, ensuring extended performance.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
The CrossClimate 2 performs exceptionally in wet conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: The V-shaped tread design effectively channels water away, minimizing hydroplaning risks.
- Wet Traction: Provides secure handling and stability in heavy rain.
DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE
In dry conditions, the CrossClimate 2 offers:
- Stable Cornering: Reliable road contact for steady and safe cornering.
- Strong Dry Traction: Impressive grip, particularly in sudden maneuvers and tight turns.
- Steering Response: Responsive and precise steering feedback for enhanced control.
WINTER/SNOW PERFORMANCE
The CrossClimate 2 holds its own in light winter conditions:
- Light Snow Traction: Exceptional grip in light snow, thanks to its unique tread design.
- Deep Snow Traction: Adequate performance in deeper snow, though not as specialized as dedicated winter tires.
- Ice Traction: Provides reasonable grip on icy surfaces, ensuring safer winter driving.
COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL
Balancing performance with comfort:
- Ride Quality: Designed to reduce vibrations, contributing to a smoother ride.
- Noise Control: Slightly noisier than some competitors, but maintains reasonable noise levels for an all-season tire.
TREADWEAR AND LONGEVITY
Durability is a strong suit of the CrossClimate 2:
- Long Tread Life: Engineered with durable materials for extended tire life.
- Even Wear: The tread design promotes even wear, maintaining performance over time.
PROS
- Outstanding dry and wet grip.
- Impressive snow performance for an all-season tire.
- Long tread life.
CONS
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
- Slightly noisier than some alternatives.
The Verdict
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 excels in providing balanced performance across all conditions, making it a top choice for drivers who want reliability year-round. However, if you’re looking for specific features like a quieter ride or a lower price, the alternatives mentioned below might be worth considering.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Competitors
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| Continental PureContact LS | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack | 9.2 | 9.1 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.2 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 9.1 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.7 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 8.2 | 7.7 | 7.4 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.4 | 7.8 | 7.3 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.0 | 6.8 | 7.0 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.5 | 8.2 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 | 9.0 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.1 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.8 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.0 |
Michelin CrossClimate 2 Problems
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is renowned for its outstanding all-season performance, delivering reliable traction and control across various weather conditions. However, like any product, it has certain drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. Understanding these issues is crucial for making an informed purchase that suits specific driving needs and expectations.
Noise Levels
- Increased Road Noise: One of the most common complaints from users is the tire’s noise level, especially at highway speeds. Due to its unique tread design optimized for all-season performance, the CrossClimate 2 can produce more noise compared to other all-season tires that prioritize a quieter ride.
Price Point
- Higher Cost: The CrossClimate 2 is positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum. While it offers excellent performance and longevity, its cost may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers. Drivers need to weigh the tire’s benefits against its higher initial investment.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Ice Traction: While the CrossClimate 2 performs well in light and deep snow, its ice traction capabilities are not on par with dedicated winter tires. In regions with severe icy conditions, drivers might need to consider additional options to ensure optimal safety.
Ride Comfort
- Firm Ride: Some users have reported that the ride can be firmer than expected. While the tire offers excellent handling and stability, those prioritizing maximum comfort on uneven pavement might find it slightly lacking.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against Competitors: When compared to other top-tier all-season tires, the CrossClimate 2 stands out for its balanced performance across various conditions. However, for drivers seeking specific features like a quieter ride or lower price, alternatives such as the Continental PureContact L S, Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, and Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack might be worth considering.
It’s important to recognize that experiences with the Michelin CrossClimate 2 can vary widely based on factors such as vehicle specifications, driving habits, and the specific conditions in which the tires are used.
The Bottom Line
While the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers a comprehensive set of benefits, particularly for those seeking reliable all-season performance, prospective buyers should consider these potential issues in the context of their unique driving needs. Balancing its outstanding performance with the noted drawbacks will help ensure a well-informed purchase decision.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 Alternatives
While the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is an exceptional all-season tire, there are other options that might better suit your specific needs. Here are three top alternatives, each with unique strengths. We’ll also include a budget-conscious choice for those looking to save some cash without sacrificing too much performance.
Continental PureContact LS
Overall Rating: The Continental PureContact LS is a solid all-season tire known for its excellent wet performance and quieter ride.
- Wet/Dry: This tire shines with a wet traction rating of 9.3 and dry performance rating of 9.4, making it a great competitor in its class.
- Winter/Snow: It’s decent in winter conditions with a light snow traction rating of 8.8 and an ice traction rating of 7.9, although not quite matching the CrossClimate 2.
- Comfort: The PureContact LS offers a smooth and quiet ride, scoring 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the CrossClimate 2.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.0, it promises a long lifespan, similar to the CrossClimate 2.
Comparison: The Continental PureContact LS exceeds the CrossClimate 2 in wet performance and comfort, but falls short in winter traction, making it a solid choice for those seeking top-tier wet performance and a quieter ride.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Overall Rating: The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is another excellent all-season tire offering great snow traction and a comfortable ride.
- Wet/Dry: It performs well with a wet traction rating of 9.2 and dry performance rating of 9.1, though not quite as high as the CrossClimate 2.
- Winter/Snow: This tire excels in snow with a light snow traction rating of 9.0 and a deep snow traction rating of 8.7, providing a strong winter performance.
- Comfort: The ride quality is impressive with a comfort rating of 9.0, making it a comfortable option for everyday driving.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating is 8.7, which is decent but slightly lower than the CrossClimate 2.
Comparison: The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is on par with the CrossClimate 2 in winter performance and comfort but offers a slightly shorter tread life. It’s a great option for those prioritizing snow traction and a smooth ride.
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack
Overall Rating: The Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack is a premium all-season tire known for its super quiet and smooth ride.
- Wet/Dry: With wet and dry ratings of 9.0 and 9.2 respectively, it performs well across various conditions but doesn’t quite match the CrossClimate 2 in terms of traction.
- Winter/Snow: Its winter performance is decent with a light snow traction rating of 8.4 and an ice traction rating of 7.5, although it falls short of the CrossClimate 2.
- Comfort: This tire is exceptionally quiet and offers a smooth ride, scoring 9.3 in comfort, which is higher than the CrossClimate 2.
- Treadwear: It has a treadwear rating of 8.8, which is respectable and comparable to the CrossClimate 2.
Comparison: The Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack exceeds the CrossClimate 2 in ride comfort and noise reduction, but it lacks the all-season versatility, especially in snowy conditions. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet and smooth ride above all.
Each of these alternatives provides a distinct set of features tailored to different priorities.
- The Continental PureContact LS is ideal for top wet performance and comfort.
- The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in winter performance.
- The Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack provides an exceptionally quiet and smooth ride.
Depending on your driving needs and budget, these options present viable choices to consider alongside the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 impresses with its exceptional all-season performance, delivering reliable traction in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. It provides strong handling, long tread life, and is a versatile choice for various weather conditions. However, it has a few drawbacks, including higher road noise and a steeper price point compared to some competitors.
Overall, the CrossClimate 2 is a top performer in the all-season tire category, offering balanced performance year-round. If you prioritize reliability and performance across different weather conditions, this tire is a strong contender.
Good luck and happy motoring.
