You’re considering the Michelin CrossClimate SUV for your crossover or SUV, but you’re not quite sure if it’s the right fit. Will it handle diverse weather, last for years, and give you that smooth, comfortable drive you’re after?
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV excels in wet and dry conditions and holds its own in moderate winter weather, but it’s slightly noisier and may not last as long as some of its competitors. Overall, it’s a solid performer that’s on par with the leading all-season tires in its category.
In this article, we’ll review the performance features, pros and cons, and compare the CrossClimate SUV to other top all-season tire competitors so that you can confidently decide if this is the right tire for you.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.9 of 10
Wet Weather
9.4 of 10
Winter Weather
8.7 of 10
Tread Wear
8.3 of 10
Dry Weather
9.5 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 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 (H- & V-Speed Rated)
6 Years / 40,000 Miles (W- & Y-Speed Rated)
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.4 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.4 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.6 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.4 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.6 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.5 of 10
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a versatile, all-season tire tailored for crossover and SUV drivers who want reliable performance throughout the year. As a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire, it’s engineered to tackle everything from rainy roads to light snow, offering a strong mix of safety and comfort.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The CrossClimate SUV scores an impressive 9.4 for wet traction, keeping you in control even on slick roads. Its tread design includes deep grooves and a special compound that gives this tire a firm grip in the rain, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and helping you feel secure.
- Dry Handling: For dry conditions, the CrossClimate SUV is a standout performer, with a corner stability score of 9.4 and a dry traction rating of 9.6. This makes handling predictable, allowing for smooth cornering and responsive steering. You’ll enjoy a stable and confident drive, whether you’re cruising highways or taking on winding roads.
- Winter/Snow Performance: With a rating of 9.1 for light snow and 8.6 for deep snow traction, this tire manages to offer respectable grip in winter conditions. While it’s not designed for extreme snow or ice, it gives good traction for moderate winter driving, making it a solid choice for areas that see light snowfall.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: The tire balances a smooth ride with low noise, earning a comfortable 9.1 for ride quality. However, with an 8.5 noise rating, it’s a touch louder on rough surfaces than some competitors, which might be a minor issue if you’re sensitive to road noise.
- Treadwear: The CrossClimate SUV has a treadwear rating of 8.3. This isn’t the highest in its category, but the tire’s long-lasting durability still provides good value, especially considering its well-rounded performance.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: While it matches or slightly trails behind the best in its class, the CrossClimate SUV delivers strong hydroplaning resistance and solid wet traction, making it a trustworthy choice in rainy conditions.
- Dry Performance: The tire holds its own with impressive scores in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response. It’s a top contender for drivers seeking reliable grip and handling in dry weather.
- Comfort and Noise: Although its ride quality is comparable to leading tires, its noise level could be a tad higher than some others, especially on older roads.
- Treadwear: Despite not being the longest-lasting tire, the CrossClimate SUV’s treadwear is fair, especially when you factor in the tire’s versatility and all-season capabilities.
PROS
- Offers excellent wet traction (9.4) and hydroplaning resistance (9.4).
- Delivers outstanding dry traction (9.6) and corner stability (9.4).
- Comfortable ride quality (9.1) for long-distance driving.
CONS
- Slightly noisier (8.5) on older or rough road surfaces.
- Treadwear rating of 8.3 means it may not last as long as some other premium tires.
The Verdict
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a versatile all-season tire that gives drivers confidence in wet, dry, and light snowy conditions. Its strong wet and dry performance, comfortable ride, and reliable winter traction make it a fantastic choice for crossover and SUV drivers looking for a safe and well-rounded tire that can handle diverse weather.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV Problems
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is known for its reliable performance across a variety of conditions, making it a popular all-season tire choice for crossovers and SUVs. However, like any tire, it has some areas where it might not meet all drivers’ expectations. Here are the potential issues you might encounter based on user feedback and performance ratings.
Road Noise and Ride Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some users note that the CrossClimate SUV produces noticeable road noise at higher speeds. Its tread pattern, designed to grip wet and snowy surfaces, can be louder on rough or older road surfaces compared to some other all-season tires.
- Ride Comfort: While generally comfortable, the ride quality may feel a bit firm due to the tire’s durable construction. Drivers who prioritize a softer ride might find the CrossClimate SUV less forgiving, especially on uneven roads.
Treadwear and Longevity
- Tread Life Concerns: With a treadwear rating of 8.3, some drivers have found the CrossClimate SUV’s tread life shorter than expected. This may result from aggressive driving styles or improper maintenance, but it still suggests that the tire might not last as long as some competitors.
- Warranty Feedback: There have been occasional complaints regarding the tire’s treadwear warranty, with some drivers feeling that it doesn’t fully reflect the tire’s real-world longevity.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Ice Traction: Despite its reliable performance in light snow, the CrossClimate SUV’s ice traction is rated at 8.3, meaning it could struggle in more extreme icy conditions. Drivers in areas prone to heavy ice storms may need to consider dedicated winter tires for added safety.
Comparison to Leading Competitors
Compared to other top-tier all-season tires, the Michelin CrossClimate SUV performs admirably across wet, dry, and light snow conditions. However, it may lag behind its competitors in specific areas like road noise and treadwear.
The Bottomline
While the Michelin CrossClimate SUV delivers versatile all-season performance, these potential drawbacks should be carefully weighed against your driving needs. Understanding the tire’s limitations will help you decide if it aligns with your expectations for road noise, ride comfort, and tread life.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV Alternatives
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a strong contender in the all-season tire market for crossovers and SUVs. Yet, not every tire fits all needs like a glove. Here’s a look at some top alternatives from the competition, with a brief rundown on how they stack up in various categories.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: This tire is a jack-of-all-trades, offering superior performance across wet and dry conditions, along with commendable winter capabilities.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Edges out the CrossClimate SUV with a wet rating of 9.5 and dry performance also at 9.5. Its hydroplaning resistance and traction are top-notch, making it ideal for those in rain-prone areas.
- Winter Traction: Superior in winter scenarios, rated at 9.1. It performs better than the Michelin in deep snow and ice, making it a suitable pick for those facing diverse weather conditions.
- Comfort and Noise: On par with the Michelin, it offers a comfortable ride with minimal noise, rated at 9.2 for overall comfort. It’s a solid choice for drivers who value a quiet, smooth experience.
- Treadwear: It scores a higher 9.2 in treadwear, indicating better longevity than the Michelin, making it a good investment over time.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall Rating: Known for its refined on-road manners and robust all-season capabilities.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Slightly below the Michelin in wet conditions at 9.1, but its dry rating of 9.4 is very competitive. Its strong corner stability and dry traction make it a reliable choice for dry climates.
- Winter Traction: Lacks a bit in snow and ice with an overall winter rating of 8.3. If you often drive in moderate to heavy winter conditions, this might not be the first pick.
- Comfort and Noise: Equally comfortable and quiet as the Michelin, with a comfort rating of 9.2. It promises a serene driving experience, particularly on paved roads.
- Treadwear: Also scores 9.0, suggesting good durability but slightly below the Pirelli.
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Overall Rating: A balanced all-season tire that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Falls short in wet conditions compared to the Michelin, with a wet score of 9.1. Its dry rating of 9.2 suggests that it’s reliable but doesn’t excel compared to Michelin.
- Winter Traction: Rated 8.2 overall for winter, it’s less capable in snowy conditions, making it less suitable for drivers in harsh winter regions.
- Comfort and Noise: Scores an 8.8 in comfort, slightly lower than Michelin, suggesting a stiffer ride that might not please everyone.
- Treadwear: Comparable durability with a score of 9.0, it offers decent longevity.
Each of these alternatives has its merits and demerits. If wet and winter traction are paramount, the Pirelli might be your best bet. For a quiet, comfortable ride with good dry performance, consider the Continental. The Yokohama offers a balance of features at a potentially lower price point, suitable for milder climates and budget-conscious drivers. Weighing these options against the Michelin CrossClimate SUV will help you find the tire that best fits your driving demands and conditions.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a strong contender for those who need a reliable all-season tire that handles wet and dry conditions with ease. Its wet traction is exceptional, and it corners with confidence, making it a safe bet for year-round performance. However, it does come with a few trade-offs: the road noise can be noticeable, and the treadwear isn’t as long-lasting as some of its rivals. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a solid, well-rounded option for those seeking dependable wet and dry performance.
While it may not claim the top spot in every category, the CrossClimate SUV is on par with other leading all-season tires and a worthwhile choice if you want reliable handling without switching tires seasonally.
Good luck and happy motoring.
