Need a tire that can handle your crossover or SUV with comfort and confidence in all seasons? The Michelin CrossClimate SUV might be just what you need. But how does it compare to other crossover touring options, and what compromises should you consider?
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV earns a Tire Grade of 8.5/10, impressing with confident dry handling, reliable wet traction, a comfortable ride, and capable winter performance. However, moderate longevity and fewer miles of driver feedback could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
In this article, we take a closer look at the Michelin CrossClimate SUV. We will compare it side-by-side with top alternatives like the economical Continental CrossContact LX25, the economical Goodyear Fortera HL Edition, and the economical Continental CrossContact LX. We will also discuss common issues and share detailed performance stats so you can decide if it is the right tire for you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Below, we compare the against the top-rated alternatives in the category. For a deeper look at each alternative, see the Recommended Alternatives section further down.
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
|
Premium Priced
Michelin CrossClimate SUV |
9.4 | 9.4 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX25 |
9.1 | 9.2 |
|
Budget Priced
Goodyear Fortera HL Edition |
7.5 | 7.7 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX |
8.1 | 8.2 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Premium Priced
Michelin CrossClimate SUV |
9.4 | 9.6 | 9.4 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX25 |
9.3 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
|
Budget Priced
Goodyear Fortera HL Edition |
8.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX |
8.2 | 8.7 | 8.3 |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Premium Priced
Michelin CrossClimate SUV |
9.1 | 8.6 | 8.3 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX25 |
8.8 | 8.3 | 7.9 |
|
Budget Priced
Goodyear Fortera HL Edition |
7.2 | 6.4 | 6.0 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX |
7.3 | 6.5 | 6.1 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
|
Premium Priced
Michelin CrossClimate SUV |
9.1 | 8.5 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX25 |
9.2 | 8.9 |
|
Budget Priced
Goodyear Fortera HL Edition |
7.8 | 7.5 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX |
8.2 | 7.9 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
|
Premium Priced
Michelin CrossClimate SUV |
8.3 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX25 |
9.1 |
|
Budget Priced
Goodyear Fortera HL Edition |
6.4 |
|
Budget Priced
Continental CrossContact LX |
6.8 |
Detailed Review
Our ratings are based on aggregated feedback from real-world drivers. Each tire’s Tire Grade reflects thousands of miles of owner-reported data — the more miles driven, the higher our confidence in the score.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Customer Ratings
Wet Weather
9.4 of 10
Winter Weather
8.6 of 10
Dry Weather
9.5 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
Tread Wear
8.3 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 580
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 50,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.4 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.4 of 10
Cornering: 9.4 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.6 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.4 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.1 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.6 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.3 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.5 of 10
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is designed for drivers seeking reliable crossover/suv touring all-season performance. It offers a balanced combination of comfort, traction, and longevity for everyday driving conditions.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the Michelin CrossClimate SUV shows exceptional grip and responsive steering. Its excellent corner stability and dry traction give you a solid, confident feel behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising on highways or winding through country roads, you’ll enjoy steady handling and precision. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for dry traction and handling.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
This tire performs impressively in wet conditions. With high ratings for hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, it efficiently channels water away to lower the risk of skidding. You can drive confidently in heavy rain, knowing the tire has been designed to keep you on track. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV offers a comfortable ride that most drivers will appreciate. Road imperfections are absorbed well, and noise levels remain subdued even at highway speeds. Long drives become more enjoyable with this level of refinement. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger ride comfort and noise control than most of the competition.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In snowy conditions, the Michelin CrossClimate SUV performs admirably. It shows strong traction in both light and deep snow, giving you confidence when winter weather arrives. Ice traction is also respectable, though dedicated winter tires would still be preferred for severe conditions. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for winter and snow traction.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Treadwear is respectable for this tire category. With proper maintenance including regular rotations and correct inflation, you can expect reasonable longevity. Driving style and road conditions will naturally affect how long the tires last. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for tread life and longevity.
Pros
- Excellent dry and wet traction
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Capable winter and snow performance
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality
Cons
- Higher price point than budget alternatives
- Limited long-term data due to newer market presence
- May not suit all driving styles
- Some size availability limitations
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV offers good value as a premium tire. Its performance in key areas is stronger than most of the competition at a similar price, and reasonable longevity when properly maintained rounds out the package. While some rivals may edge it out in specific metrics, the overall balance of performance and cost makes it a worthwhile consideration for crossover/suv touring all-season drivers.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a strong option if you value comfort and all-season versatility. It excels on dry roads and wet conditions and shows good durability. However, if you have very specific performance requirements, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire is a worthy pick for those who need a reliable tire that performs well across a range of everyday conditions.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV Problems
While the Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a capable tire, some drivers have reported a few issues that might affect their overall experience. These include a bit more road noise, challenges in light snow, ice, or slush, and a higher price point. It’s good to know that many of these problems are from isolated reports or can be helped with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment.
Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.
Road Noise
Typical
While many say the tire is quiet for its design, a few drivers have reported that it makes more road noise than factory tires or some premium options. This can be especially noticeable on paved roads.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Typical
The tire performs very well in deep snow, but some drivers have found that it does not grip as well in light snow, slush, or on icy roads. This can sometimes lead to slipping or less stable cornering in those conditions.
Premium Pricing
Typical
As a premium-tier tire, the CrossClimate SUV comes with a higher price tag than budget alternatives. While the quality and performance generally justify the cost, budget-conscious buyers should weigh this against their specific needs and driving habits.
Limited Long-Term Data
Typical
As a relatively newer tire in the market, the CrossClimate SUV has a shorter track record compared to established models. While initial feedback is positive, long-term durability data is still accumulating. This is worth considering if proven longevity is a top priority.
The Bottomline
While the Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as higher road noise, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV Alternatives
While the Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its extra road noise and lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Continental CrossContact LX25 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the CrossClimate SUV in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides solid wet traction and effective hydroplaning resistance, even though its ratings are slightly lower than the CrossClimate SUV’s wet scores.
- Dry Weather: Offers strong dry traction and stable handling, performing comparably to the CrossClimate SUV on dry pavement.
- Winter Performance: Handles winter conditions capably with good snow traction, performing similarly to the CrossClimate SUV in cold weather.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the CrossClimate SUV.
Goodyear Fortera HL Edition
Goodyear Fortera HL Edition
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Goodyear Fortera HL Edition offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the CrossClimate SUV in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the CrossClimate SUV’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Provides dependable dry traction and stable handling for everyday driving.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the CrossClimate SUV’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Delivers a comfortable ride with solid treadwear, performing similarly to the CrossClimate SUV in day-to-day driving.
Continental CrossContact LX
Continental CrossContact LX
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Continental CrossContact LX offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the CrossClimate SUV in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the CrossClimate SUV’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Provides dependable dry traction and stable handling for everyday driving.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the CrossClimate SUV’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Delivers a comfortable ride with solid treadwear, performing similarly to the CrossClimate SUV in day-to-day driving.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
- The Goodyear Fortera HL Edition is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
- The Continental CrossContact LX is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Michelin CrossClimate SUV.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a solid all-season tire that offers great value with its strong dry, wet traction, and comfortable ride. It is built for drivers who need a tire that performs well across varied conditions throughout the year.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. Some drivers have also reported increased road noise Less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads. While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Michelin CrossClimate SUV offers a balanced mix of performance and value. If you want dependable all-season performance, it is a strong choice. But if you are concerned about the issues mentioned above, you might want to look at alternatives like the Continental CrossContact LX25, Goodyear Fortera HL Edition, and the Continental CrossContact LX. Your decision should reflect your driving style and priorities.
Good luck and happy motoring.
