Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire Review

There is no need to introduce Michelin tires. It has been producing one of the best tires we know and love for more than a century.

One of the many tire options is the CrossClimate lineup, an all-season grand touring tire.

Michelin claims the CrossClimate 2 is the third generation of the series, despite the number 2 in the name.

Why should I choose Michelin CrossClimate 2?

Michelin designed the CrossClimate 2 as an all-season tire.

Thermal Adaptive rubber compound was used to achieve this. During the winter, it softens up the tire without damaging it during the summer. Wet and dry grip is also provided by the technology.

The tread design of the CrossClimate 2 is distinctive. In contrast to most all-season tires with circumferential grooves, this one has V-shaped grooves. Based on Michelin’s claims, it should help with aquaplaning resistance and snowy roads. Furthermore, the tread design contributes to high-speed stability as well.

In terms of snow, the CrossClimate 2 is rated M+S (Mud and Snow) and 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake). This should result in decent mud performance and excellent snow performance. I mean excellent for an all-season tire, not for replacing a winter tire.

Michelin also considered the quietness and refinement of grand touring tires. For the CrossClimate 2, PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning technology was used.

What is its behavior on dry tarmac?

Even for a grand touring tire, the CrossClimate 2 performs well on dry tarmac. The performance won’t be as good as a high-performance tire, no matter how much I praise it.

There are some slight improvements in the CrossClimate 2 over its predecessors. Those improvements are due to the rubber compound, which seems to improve grip. It is possible to go into a corner at a higher speed, and the tire will keep the tire planted. The tire won’t like it since it’s not a performance tire, but it’ll comply.

You shouldn’t expect too much feedback from CrossClimate 2. It’s not too bad, and you won’t feel like the steering wheel is detached, but some drivers may find it annoying. There is good responsiveness, and the tire feels quite nimble.

With excellent traction and grip, this tire has one of the shortest stopping distances in its class.

What is its behavior on wet and slippery roads?

The CrossClimate 2 performs well on wet and slippery roads, placing it at the top of its class. Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack and Pirelli P7 Cinturato all-season II perform similarly in these conditions.

Even in less-than-ideal conditions, the V-shaped tread design offers excellent levels of grip. Aquaplaning resistance is excellent despite the lack of circumferential grooves on the CrossClimate 2. 

The corner grip levels are also commendable. As impressive as on dry pavement, you are always in control. Behind the wheel, you’ll feel safe since the tire isn’t twitchy.

Among this class of bikes, the CrossClimate 2 has some of the shortest braking distances.

How is it going over the snow?

The CrossClimate 2 is an excellent winter tire, just like its predecessors. Snow-capable grand touring all-season tires are hard to come by.

CrossClimate 2 drives like a champ in light snow conditions thanks to its tread design and rubber compound. It is fair to say that there are plenty of tires that perform well in these conditions.

Compared to most of its competitors, this tire performs well in deeper snow conditions. A tire rated with 3PMSF has better snow performance than a tire rated M+S.

Unlike a winter tire, it can’t replace it, but it would do the job perfectly in many cases.

Does it feel comfortable and refined?

Unlike previous CrossClimate models, the CrossClimate 2 is exceptionally comfortable and quiet.

Michelin makes its tires as comfortable as possible. In this category, the CrossClimate 2 offers one of the most comfortable rides. Most vibrations are eliminated when it swallows larger holes like a champ.

The tire is also very quiet, which is something you’d expect from a grand touring tire. At higher speeds, you might hear some tire noise, but it won’t be overwhelming.

The CrossClimate 2 proved to be an excellent touring tire in this category.

What are the off-roading qualities of this tire?

The CrossClimate 2 is not an off-road tire, and you shouldn’t treat it as one. M+S means it does well on mud, but it’s not something most people would use in real life.

Despite gravel’s performance, the tire can be damaged, causing premature or uneven wear.

Can the Michelin CrossClimate 2 handle sporty driving?

In terms of sporty driving, the CrossClimate 2 isn’t the best, but if you want some fun with it, you can.

The muted feedback means that enthusiasts won’t be able to tell what the front tires are doing. You can play around on a twisty mountain road if you’re okay with that.

Warranty for Michelin CrossClimate 2

There is no such thing as a perfect tire, and the CrossClimate 2 is no exception. Its biggest downside is its warranty.

Michelin offers a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is both good and bad. The previous CrossClimate only had a 50,000-mile warranty. Unfortunately, most competitors offer a longer warranty.

What is the price of the Michelin CrossClimate 2?

CrossClimate 2 is worth the money in my opinion. The starting price is a bit below $140, and when you look at what you get, it’s not too bad.

It is a tire that offers excellent dry and wet performance while being comfortable and quiet at the same time. Furthermore, you get the best snow performance of any all-season grand touring tire.

There are two main things that may put people off, the slightly shorter warranty and the higher price.

What are the benefits of the Michelin CrossClimate 2?

If you’re looking for an all-season grand touring tire, the CrossClimate 2 is one of the best options available today. In addition to the subtle improvements Michelin made to this CrossClimate, the previous generations were excellent as well.

On dry and wet roads, the CrossClimate 2 performs well. For a grand touring tire, the grip levels are phenomenal. Any tire manufacturer who wants those kinds of properties and usability in all weather conditions must make sacrifices. That’s the driving dynamics of grand touring tires.

While it’s easy to control and relatively responsive, it’s not a replacement for a performance tire. Watch enthusiasts struggle to drive it hard with the muted steering feedback. Still, it performs well due to its short braking distances and excellent aquaplaning resistance.

When it comes to snowy conditions, the CrossClimate 2 really shines. All-season tires can be driven in light snow, but this one can even handle deeper snow. Even on ice, the tire has good traction thanks to its finely tuned rubber compound.

As with any grand touring tire, comfort and noise are crucial, and the CrossClimate 2 didn’t disappoint. The tire’s surprisingly comfortable ride, accompanied by low tire noise, makes it one of the best in the business.

Some people may not like the treadwear warranty. With a 60,000-mile warranty, the CrossClimate 2 falls behind its premium competitors. You can even find some mid-range models with long warranties with today’s tire diversity.

The CrossClimate 2 tire has almost no faults in general. It performs flawlessly in all conditions, is comfortable, and can be a little sporty if you want. This is an excellent option if you don’t mind the warranty and slightly higher price tag.

Is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 compatible with all vehicles?

• Honda Civic, Accord
• Mazda 3, 6
• Mustang GT
• Toyota Corolla, Camry, CH-R
• Audi A3, A4, Q5
• Ford Focus, Mondeo
• BMW 3, 5 series
• Lexus IS, ES, NX
• Subaru Legacy

While the CrossClimate 2 is primarily designed for sedans or hatchbacks, it may also fit some crossovers. Below is a sample of some of the models that can benefit from the tire’s performance.

Sizes of Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires

16″ tires

• 205/65R16
• 215/60R16
• 205/60R16
• 205/55R16
• 215/55R16/XL

18″ tires

• 235/45R18/XL
• 235/60R18/XL
• 225/45R18/XL
• 245/60R18
• 225/60R18
• 245/45R18/XL
• 225/55R18
• 235/65R18
• 225/50R18
• 235/50R18
• 235/55R18
• 215/50R18
• 245/55R18

20″ tires

• 245/50R20
• 245/45R20/XL
• 235/45R20/XL
• 235/55R20

17″ tires

• 225/65R17
• 235/60R17
• 225/60R17
• 215/45R17/XL
• 215/55R17
• 215/50R17/XL
• 225/50R17/XL
• 235/50R17
• 225/55R17/XL
• 235/65R17
• 225/45R17

19″ tires

• 245/45R19/XL
• 245/55R19
• 235/55R19/XL
• 235/45R19/XL
• 225/55R19
• 235/50R19/XL
• 235/40R19/XL
• 235/55R19/XL

Reference and Resources:

https://www.autolist.com/

https://www.autotempest.com/

Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire Video Review