When it comes to choosing the best all-season tires for your vehicle, the decision often boils down to finding a tire that offers a superior balance of wet and dry performance, comfort, and durability. For drivers who demand nothing but the best, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone WeatherPeak have emerged as frontrunners in the grand touring all-season tire category. But how do you decide which one is right for you?
Between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, the best choice depends on your specific needs: the CrossClimate 2 excels in wet and dry conditions with superior comfort and durability, while the WeatherPeak offers exceptional mild snow performance and comfort at a competitive price.
In this article, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone WeatherPeak, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Additionally, we explore other competitive options in the grand touring all-season tire category, including the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive, Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, and General AltiMAX 365 AW, to give you a well-rounded view of the market.
Michelin CrossClimate 2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.1 of 10
Wet Weather
9.4 of 10
Winter Weather
8.8 of 10
Tread Wear
9.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 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: 9.4 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.5 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.5 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.2 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 stands as a titan in the realm of grand touring all-season tires, offering a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and durability that appeals to a wide range of drivers. This tire is designed with versatility in mind, ensuring your vehicle is equipped to handle a variety of road conditions with ease. Let’s dive into the specifics that make the CrossClimate 2 a top choice for those in search of premium all-season tires.
Performance Highlights
- Wet Conditions: With a score of 9.4, the CrossClimate 2 excels in wet conditions. It boasts:
- Exceptional hydroplaning resistance (9.4), reducing the risk of losing control on wet roads.
- Outstanding wet traction (9.5), ensuring your car sticks to the road even in heavy rain.
- Dry Performance: Equally impressive on dry roads, it scores a 9.4 overall. Key features include:
- Solid corner stability (9.3), giving you confidence in your vehicle’s handling.
- Excellent dry traction (9.5) and steering response (9.3), making for a smooth and responsive driving experience.
- Winter/Snow Capabilities: With an overall winter/snow score of 8.8, the CrossClimate 2 is reliable in colder conditions. It offers:
- Great light snow traction (9.2) and decent deep snow traction (8.8), ensuring mobility in snowy conditions.
- Competent ice traction (8.5), providing a measure of security on icy surfaces.
Comfort and Durability
- Ride Quality and Noise: The CrossClimate 2 doesn’t skimp on comfort, boasting a ride quality score of 9.2 and noise level at 8.7. This means a smoother ride and less noise inside the cabin, enhancing the overall driving experience.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.1, this tire is built to last. It strikes an optimal balance between softness for comfort and hardness for longevity, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
Bridgestone WeatherPeak
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.3 of 10
Winter Weather
9.1 of 10
Tread Wear
9.0 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.0 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.3 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak emerges as a formidable opponent in the grand touring all-season tire segment, offering a well-rounded performance that caters to drivers seeking reliability and safety in varied driving conditions. This tire is designed to confidently tackle the challenges presented by different weather patterns, ensuring a stable and secure ride. Let’s explore what sets the WeatherPeak apart in the competitive landscape of all-season tires.
Performance Highlights
- Wet Conditions: The WeatherPeak scores a commendable 9.1 in wet conditions, characterized by:
- Notable hydroplaning resistance (9.2), minimizing the risk of water-related loss of control.
- Strong wet grip (9.3), ensuring reliable handling and braking in rainy weather.
- Dry Performance: On dry pavement, it delivers a solid performance with an overall score of 9.1. Highlights include:
- Good cornering stability (9.0), providing a reassuring sense of control during turns.
- Impressive dry grip (9.3) and responsiveness (9.1), for a nimble and engaging driving experience.
- Winter/Snow Capabilities: With an overall score of 8.7 in winter/snow conditions, the WeatherPeak proves to be a trustworthy companion for colder months. It features:
- Excellent mild snow grip (9.4) and very good heavy snow grip (9.0), facilitating safer winter driving.
- Adequate ice grip (8.5), offering a reliable performance on icy roads.
Comfort and Durability
- Ride Quality and Noise: The WeatherPeak prioritizes comfort, with a comfort level score of 9.0 and road noise at 8.7. This translates to a smooth and quiet ride, enhancing the pleasure of driving, regardless of the distance.
- Treadwear: Sporting a treadwear rating of 8.7, this tire is designed for durability. It ensures a long service life, allowing drivers to maximize their tire investment over time.
Comparative Analysis: CrossClimate 2 vs WeatherPeak
When pitting the Michelin CrossClimate 2 against the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, we’re essentially comparing two giants in the grand touring all-season tire category. Both tires offer exceptional performance across various conditions, but they do have their nuances. Let’s break down the key differences and similarities to help you make an informed decision.
Performance in Wet Conditions
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: Shines with a wet score of 9.4, thanks to its superior hydroplaning resistance (9.4) and wet traction (9.5). It’s designed to keep you safe and in control during heavy downpours.
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: Scores slightly lower at 9.1, with hydroplaning resistance at 9.2 and wet grip at 9.3. While still impressive, it trails slightly behind the CrossClimate 2 in terms of wet performance.
Dry Road Handling
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: Offers a balanced dry performance with a score of 9.4, emphasizing corner stability (9.3), dry traction (9.5), and steering response (9.3).
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: Matches its competitor with a dry score of 9.1, focusing on cornering (9.0), dry grip (9.3), and responsiveness (9.1). It provides excellent grip and handling, though with a slight edge to Michelin in terms of steering response and stability.
Winter and Snow Performance
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: Demonstrates strong winter capabilities with an 8.8 score. It offers notable light snow traction (9.2) and ice traction (8.5), making it a reliable option for light to moderate winter conditions.
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: Close behind with an overall winter score of 8.7. It excels in mild snow grip (9.4), making it slightly better than the Michelin in mild snow conditions, though it matches in ice grip (8.5).
Comfort and Durability
- Ride Quality and Noise: Both tires prioritize comfort, with the CrossClimate 2 slightly outperforming the WeatherPeak in ride quality (9.2 vs. 9.0) and noise (8.7 vs. 8.7), offering a marginally quieter and smoother ride.
- Treadwear: The CrossClimate 2 leads with a treadwear rating of 9.1, compared to the WeatherPeak’s 8.7. This suggests the Michelin may offer a longer lifespan, contributing to its value over time.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone WeatherPeak are top contenders in the grand touring all-season tire segment, the market is also home to several other noteworthy options. Each brings its own set of strengths to the table, catering to various driver needs and preferences.
Let’s explore some of these alternatives to provide a broader perspective on what’s available.
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive stands out with its impressive performance scores, particularly in wet and winter conditions.
- Wet Performance: It leads with a wet score of 9.6, showcasing exceptional hydroplaning resistance (9.4) and wet grip (9.4). This tire is a formidable choice for drivers in regions prone to heavy rainfalls.
- Winter Handling: With a winter score of 9.2, it surpasses both the Michelin and Bridgestone in ice and snow capabilities, making it an excellent option for those facing harsh winter conditions.
- Comfort and Durability: The comfort level is competitive at 8.9, equal to the Michelin but slightly higher than the Bridgestone, with a balanced approach to road noise and ride quality. Its treadwear score of 8.9 suggests a durable composition, although slightly behind the CrossClimate 2.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is another significant player, offering reliable performance across various conditions.
- Wet and Dry Performance: It scores 9.0 in wet conditions and 9.2 in dry, making it a solid all-rounder. Its hydroplaning resistance and dry grip are commendable, though slightly below the Pirelli and Michelin.
- Winter Capability: With a winter score of 8.4, it’s more suited for mild to moderate snow conditions, featuring good ice grip (8.0) and snow handling.
- Comfort and Durability: The tire provides a comfort score of 8.6, with a focus on maintaining a balance between noise reduction and ride quality. Its treadwear rating of 8.7 indicates reasonable longevity.
General AltiMAX 365 AW
The General AltiMAX 365 AW is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise too much on performance.
- Balanced Performance: It offers balanced performance with wet and dry scores of 8.9 and 9.1, respectively. While it may not lead in any particular area, it provides dependable performance in most driving conditions.
- Winter Conditions: With a winter score of 8.2, it’s suitable for light winter scenarios but may not be the best choice for severe snow and ice.
- Comfort and Longevity: Matching the Goodyear in comfort (8.6) and slightly below in treadwear (8.5), it’s a good option for drivers prioritizing value without sacrificing too much on performance.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right all-season tire for your vehicle involves considering various factors, including performance in wet and dry conditions, winter capability, comfort, and durability.
While the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone WeatherPeak stand out for their exceptional performance, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific driving needs and conditions.
Remember, investing in high-quality tires is investing in your vehicle’s safety, performance, and your overall driving satisfaction.
Good luck and happy motoring.
