Tests 70 · 2 tests Owners 79 · 4 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 10 in 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test (straight aquaplaning)
Head-to-head
Updated
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 SUV vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV — Compared
Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 2 + 4 road tests and 4 + 2,579 owner reviews. How we score
CrossClimate 2 SUV is ahead, 83–74
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Tests 87 · 4 tests Owners 82 · 2,579 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 10 in 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test (dry braking)
“I have the Michelin Cross Climate 2 SUV tyres . The many reviews I read approved of their performance in snowy conditions (if that is an issue where you live) and also their dry condition performance. They supposedly have a decent life span. They felt nicer to drive on than the Primacy tyres . They weren't cheap at about £170 each fitted but will give me some insurance about snowy conditions and will hopefully last until I swap the car in about 3 years.”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
75
Dry
CrossClimate 2 SUV +1287Why this score
Source Winter Sport 5 SUV CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 4 tests 72 86 Reviews found online 80 88 Winter Sport 5 SUV: 60% × 72.2 + 40% × 79.6 = 75
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 85.9 + 40% × 88.1 = 87
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80
Wet
CrossClimate 2 SUV +484Why this score
Source Winter Sport 5 SUV CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 4 tests 78 84 Reviews found online 82 85 Winter Sport 5 SUV: 60% × 78.5 + 40% × 82.1 = 80
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 83.9 + 40% × 84.7 = 84
-
68
Snow
CrossClimate 2 SUV +2290Why this score
Source Winter Sport 5 SUV CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 4 tests 64 97 Reviews found online 76 80 Winter Sport 5 SUV: 60% × 63.8 + 40% × 75.6 = 68
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 97.4 + 40% × 80.1 = 90
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76
Comfort
CrossClimate 2 SUV +985Why this score
Source Winter Sport 5 SUV CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 2 tests ≈ 71 (est.) 81 Reviews found online 79 88 Winter Sport 5 SUV: 40% × 70.8 (est.) + 60% × 79.3 = 76
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 40% × 81.3 + 60% × 87.6 = 85
No road tests of comfort for Winter Sport 5 SUV. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).
-
62
Noise
CrossClimate 2 SUV +1476Why this score
Source Winter Sport 5 SUV CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 4 tests 59 82 Reviews found online ≈ 66 (est.) ≈ 66 (est.) Winter Sport 5 SUV: 60% × 59.3 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 62
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 82.1 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 76
No owner ratings of noise for Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
-
73
Treadwear
Winter Sport 5 SUV +370Why this score
Source Winter Sport 5 SUV CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 70 (est.) ≈ 69 (est.) Reviews found online 77 73 Winter Sport 5 SUV: 60% × 70.2 (est.) + 40% × 76.7 = 73
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 68.8 (est.) + 40% × 72.7 = 70
No road tests of treadwear for Winter Sport 5 SUV. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).
No road tests of treadwear for CrossClimate 2 SUV. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).
-
79
Handling (owners)
CrossClimate 2 SUV +1089Why this score
Source Winter Sport 5 SUV CrossClimate 2 SUV Reviews found online 79 89 -
65
Efficiency
CrossClimate 2 SUV +2287Why this score
Source Winter Sport 5 SUV CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 3 tests 65 87
Scores at a glance
| Category | Dunlop Winter Sport 5 SUV | Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 74 | 83 |
| Dry | 75 | 87 |
| Wet | 80 | 84 |
| Snow | 68 | 90 |
| Comfort | 76 | 85 |
| Noise | 62 | 76 |
| Treadwear | 73 | 70 |
| Handling (owners) | 79 | 89 |
| Efficiency | 65 | 87 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip starts at “Important”. Treadwear starts at “Neutral” here: road tests measured it for at most one of the two tires, so it rests on owner reviews. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Not important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Recomputed
Headline score
74
/ 100
Winter Sport 5 SUV
83
/ 100
CrossClimate 2 SUV
The professional test results behind the scores
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
| Discipline | Category | Winter Sport 5 SUV | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 96% #4/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #5/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 83% #6/9 · 2025 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ All-Season Tire Test R17 | – | Different tests |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 100% #1/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 99% #4/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 99% #3/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 99% #4/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 83% #6/9 · 2025 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ All-Season Tire Test R17 | – | Different tests |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 92% #7/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 94% #9/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 100% #1/9 · 2025 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ All-Season Tire Test R17 | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 97% #8/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 100% #3/9 · 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 90% #8/10 · 2018 Auto Bild Winter SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test | 90% #2/9 · 2025 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ All-Season Tire Test R17 | – | Different tests |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #4/13 2020 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 235/55 R17 | #1/7 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Winter Sport 5 SUV
Pros
- Exceptional wet and dry road handling
- Low noise levels and high ride comfort
- Strong tread longevity and durability
Cons
- Reduced grip and 'spongy' handling in warmer temperatures
- Suboptimal traction during ice braking and acceleration
- Not suitable for year-round use due to rapid degradation in heat
Tire B CrossClimate 2 SUV
Pros
- Exceptional wet, ice, and snow traction that inspires winter-weather driving confidence
- Significantly improved ride comfort and impact absorption over road imperfections
- Impressive tread life and durability yielding long-term value
Cons
- Higher initial purchase price compared to competitors
- Minor fuel economy or range drop reported by some users, especially on hybrids and EVs
- Occasional low-pitched or increased road noise at highway speeds (between 50-70 MPH)
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 SUV
We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.
Tire B
Positive
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
Community members generally view the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV as a premium, dependable tire known for strong snow and dry performance, comfortable driving feel, and valuable 3PMS certification. Discussions frequently center around sizing availability, comparison to other models like the Primacy or standard CrossClimate 2, and choosing between specific speed or OEM ratings.
mbworld.org
“So here's the latest on Tires recommendations: (still dithering). Looking for smooth, soft ride, good mileage. I do have a mountain home; use ~30ish days during winter ski season, but mostly highway driving in Southern California ( don't disparage me for being a Californian. I cant stand the people or the government too lol. But it's a beautiful state). 2020 300GLC 4MATIC California car, 235/60 18H rating What will it be...?????? MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S - seems like you guys are in favor. But hard to get. And the size is a 235/60 106T designation. Is the T speed max of 116mph not safe enough when OEM was an H rating 130mph? MICHELIN DEFENDER2. $238. Tire rack MICHELIN CrossClimate2 SUV tire rack $248. - hearing both good and bad. I heard they're soft and mileage tanks. Check out reviews on the Michelin USA official site. Pretty interesting. CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25 $222. tire rack high rating? Also just got this from TireRack customer service CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT DWS 06 PLUS. $238. Not sure, seems like TR is trying to promote them for Cont.”
r/CarTalkUK
·2 upvotes ·2024-11-07
“Opinions please ... Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Michelin Cross Climate 2 SUV? Hi all ... I'm coming up to tyre replacement time so I've looking at what's around. Currently on Bridgestone Turanzas cos that's what came with the car, but I'm not hugely impressed with their lifespan, they seem to pick up sidewall damage easily and the tread seems to age quickly. Which is not much cop when all i do is commute round Southern England. I've pretty much settled on Michelin Primacy 4+ or Cross Climate 2 SUV but I'm having difficulty making a final decision. So I thought the hivemind might settle this: in your experience which one is best for lifespan and fuel consumption? Car is a 2018 SEAT Ateca with 18" alloys. Edit: well guys, I went with the Cross Climates, thanks for the advice!”
r/tires
·1 upvote ·2025-11-12
“I just bought Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV for my Range Rover Sport and the reason is that I needed/wanted 3PMS certification. Also in my driving career I’ve always found Michelin better for everyday use compared to Pirelli which I instead preferred for performance and weekend fun.”
Top themes
#snow and dry performance#speed and OEM ratings#tire size availability#comfort and driving feel#comparison with Primacy#SUV versus standard version
Based on 8 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Dunlop Winter Sport 5 SUV | B · Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Winter | All Season |
| Vehicle type | SUV and 4x4 | SUV and 4x4 |
| Sizes available | 31 | 35 |
| Rim diameters | 16″ – 21″ | 17″ – 22″ |
| Sizes in common | 17 | 17 |
Which one should you actually buy?
74
/ 100
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 SUV
83
/ 100
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
Winner: Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV — better snow, efficiency and noise. Pick the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 SUV if treadwear matters most to you.
Pick tire B
You drive through snowy winters
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 90 vs 68 on snow.
Pick tire B
You want lower fuel or energy use
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 87 vs 65 on efficiency.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 76 vs 62 on noise.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 87 vs 75 on dry.
Tire A · Dunlop Winter Sport 5 SUV
Tire B · Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
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Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Which is better in the wet, Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 84 vs 80 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 87 vs 75 on our dry score.
Which is better in snow, Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 90 vs 68 on our snow score.
Which is quieter, Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 76 vs 62 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 85 vs 76 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 SUV, 73 vs 70 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Winter Sport 5 SUV or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 87 vs 65 on our efficiency score.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology