Head-to-head Updated

Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin X Ice Snow — 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 33 + 13 road tests and 21,761 + 20 owner reviews. How we score

CrossClimate 2 is ahead, 88–73

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Michelin CrossClimate 2
Tire AMichelin

CrossClimate 2

All Season

± 4

Tests 87 · 33 tests Owners 87 · 21,761 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 35 in 2023 All Season Tyre 35 Set Shootout (dry braking)

“We downsized from 21” stock on GTline to 20” rims and put on the CC2s—can’t stand the ugly stock rims and plastic covers. It got so much quieter that we noticed we could turn the radio down from 6 to 4 on the secondary roads, and down from 8 to 5 on the highway. Efficiency improved slightly, possibly due to lighter weight wheels.”

Michelin X Ice Snow
Tire BMichelin

X Ice Snow

Winter

± 5

Tests 70 · 13 tests Owners 78 · 20 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2025 Studded, Friction and European Winter Tyre Test (comfort (tester's mark))

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

  1. 95

    Dry

    CrossClimate 2 +28
    67
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2X Ice Snow
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 31 / 11 tests9965
    Reviews found online8871
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%70%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%92%
    Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%80%

    CrossClimate 2: 60% × 99.2 + 40% × 88.4 = 95

    X Ice Snow: 60% × 64.9 + 40% × 70.8 = 67

  2. 87

    Wet

    CrossClimate 2 +16
    71
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2X Ice Snow
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 31 / 12 tests8365
    Reviews found online9279
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0100%75%
    Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%80%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%82%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%92%

    CrossClimate 2: 60% × 83.2 + 40% × 91.8 = 87

    X Ice Snow: 60% × 64.8 + 40% × 79.2 = 71

  3. 91

    Snow

    CrossClimate 2 +15
    76
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2X Ice Snow
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 27 / 12 tests9973
    Reviews found online7981
    Ice Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–158%100%
    Ice Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–289%95%
    Ice Traction (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–258%100%
    Snow Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–194%99%
    Snow Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–294%98%
    Snow Traction (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–096%96%

    CrossClimate 2: 60% × 98.5 + 40% × 78.8 = 91

    X Ice Snow: 60% × 73.2 + 40% × 81.2 = 76

  4. 78

    Comfort

    X Ice Snow +2
    80
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2X Ice Snow
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 3 tests6781
    Reviews found online8679

    CrossClimate 2: 40% × 67 + 60% × 86.1 = 78

    X Ice Snow: 40% × 80.6 + 60% × 78.8 = 80

  5. 79

    Noise

    CrossClimate 2 +4
    75
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2X Ice Snow
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 20 / 8 tests7780
    Reviews found online83≈ 66 (est.)
    Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–198%99%
    Exterior Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%99%

    CrossClimate 2: 60% × 76.9 + 40% × 82.6 = 79

    X Ice Snow: 60% × 80.2 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 75

    No owner ratings of noise for X Ice Snow. 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.

  6. 84

    Treadwear

    CrossClimate 2 +8
    76
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2X Ice Snow
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 7 / – tests81≈ 72 (est.)
    Reviews found online8881

    CrossClimate 2: 60% × 81.2 + 40% × 88 = 84

    X Ice Snow: 60% × 71.9 (est.) + 40% × 81.4 = 76

    No road tests of treadwear for X Ice Snow. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).

  7. 82

    Handling (owners)

    CrossClimate 2 +7
    75
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2X Ice Snow
    Reviews found online8275
  8. 90

    Efficiency

    CrossClimate 2 +13
    77
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2X Ice Snow
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 23 / 6 tests9077
    Fuel Consumption (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–096%96%
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–097%97%
Scores at a glance
Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin X Ice Snow: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryMichelin CrossClimate 2Michelin X Ice Snow
Relative Score 88 73
Dry 95 67
Wet 87 71
Snow 91 76
Comfort 78 80
Noise 79 75
Treadwear 84 76
Handling (owners) 82 75
Efficiency 90 77

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
± 4

CrossClimate 2

± 5

X Ice Snow

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.

In the overall rankings of 2 tests that ran both, Michelin CrossClimate 2 finished ahead 0 times and Michelin X Ice Snow 2 times.

DisciplineCategoryCrossClimate 2X Ice SnowΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 100% 70% +29.7 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Dry Handling Dry 100% 92% +7.9 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Dry Handling (tester's mark) Dry 100% 80% +20.0 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test · 225/45 R17
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 100% 75% +24.8 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Wet Braking Wet 100% 82% +18.1 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Wet Handling Wet 100% 92% +7.9 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test · 225/45 R17
Wet Handling (tester's mark) Wet 100% 80% +20.0 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Ice Braking Snow 58% 100% −41.9 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Ice Handling Snow 89% 95% −6.6 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Ice Traction Snow 58% 100% −42.1 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Snow Braking Snow 94% 99% −5.8 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Snow Handling Snow 94% 98% −4.3 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Snow Traction Snow 96% 96% +0.5 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Exterior Noise Noise 100% 99% +1.1 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Noise Noise 98% 99% −1.1 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test · 225/45 R17
Fuel Consumption Efficiency 96% 96% 0.0 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test · 225/45 R17
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 97% 97% 0.0 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Overall Ranking Overall #6/7 #4/7 – 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 NAF Motor Studless Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A CrossClimate 2

Pros

  • Exceptional grip and traction in snow, slush, and winter weather conditions
  • Strong braking and handling performance on dry and wet pavement
  • Long-lasting tread wear and durability

Cons

  • Higher initial purchase price
  • Slight negative impact on fuel economy / EV range for some drivers
  • Potential for increased road noise or harshness as the tires wear down
All owner themes in the CrossClimate 2 review

Tire B X Ice Snow

Pros

  • Exceptional grip and traction in deep snow, packed snow, and slush
  • High confidence and predictable handling on icy and freezing roads
  • Impressive tread wear longevity and minimal wear over multiple seasons

Cons

  • Average performance on dry and wet pavement compared to dedicated non-winter tires
  • Slightly noisier on dry pavement as the tread wears down
  • Can feel slightly twitchy at the limit or less comfortable than older X-Ice generations
All owner themes in the X Ice Snow review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Michelin CrossClimate 2

Positive

Most posters praise the CrossClimate 2 for strong snow, wet and hydroplaning grip, a quiet ride after break-in, and good tread life. Those who criticise it cite a small to moderate MPG or range loss, noise or a harsh ride for some owners, mixed wear reports, and a high price. A vocal minority calls it overhyped or unnecessary where snow is rare, and says rivals such as the Nokian WRG5 or Michelin Defender 2 suit some drivers better.

r/TeslaModel3 ·2 upvotes ·2025-11-20

“I live in Vancouver,WA and the CC2 are great for our climate even the light snowfall. I have an SR+, so they’re the 18” version. I have about 22K miles on them after 2 years and have averaged 240Wh/mi since installation, and I don’t drive conservatively. They did increase power usage by about 15-20Wh/mi. I’ve also been lazy and haven’t rotated them and they still are wearing very well. Got about 8/32nd up front and 6/32 in rear. Much better than the stock tires that were almost worn out at 22K. Note that places like Costco will not install these on your Tesla because they don’t meet the factory speed rating. It’s a CYA thing.”

r/volt ·8 upvotes ·2026-09-18

“Michelin CrossClimate2 efficiency surprisingly good! Just put in a new set of Michelin CrossClimate2s to go along with a move from LA to New England. I was a bit worried about the mileage/range hit but figured the safety in the winter outweighed it. I'm pleasantly surprised! On an all-highway trip from Boston to New Jersey, gas MPG was a steady 42 mpgs and I got about 45 miles on the battery, although I drive like a grandma at the posted speed limits so I think I was close to 44 mpg/45 EV miles on the old OEM tires. Around town in suburbia in good weather I'm still running between 4.0-5.0 miles/kWh. I estimate, at worst, a 5% drop in efficiency. Pretty good considering the Michelins feel so much stickier!”

macheforum.com ·8 upvotes ·2021-06-28

“I have the 235 that is a little higher load rating (105 vs 103 stock and 99 for 225). I'm probably getting about a 10% range reduction, but worth it to me for the improved handling and lower braking distance. I work from home and I charge to 90% about once a week unless taking a longer drive. If I did a lot of longer trips it might be an issue, but I am very happy with these tires.”

Top themes
#Snow and ice traction#Wet grip, hydroplaning#Road noise levels#Fuel economy, EV range#Tread wear, longevity#High price, value#Overhyped, meme status#Alternatives and comparisons

Based on 765 community posts

Tire B

Michelin X Ice Snow

We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Michelin CrossClimate 2 B · Michelin X Ice Snow
CategoryAll SeasonWinter
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available92100
Rim diameters15″ – 21″13″ – 21″
Tread depth9 - 10/32″—
UTQG640 B A—
Treadwear warranty60,000 mi—
SidewallBlack Side Wall—
Max pressure50 - 51 psi—
Sizes in common6666

Which one should you actually buy?

Michelin CrossClimate 2

Michelin X Ice Snow

Winner: Michelin CrossClimate 2 — better dry, wet and snow. Where the Michelin X Ice Snow is ahead, it is by less than 3 points.

Pick tire A You want the most grip on dry roads

Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 95 vs 67 on dry.

Pick tire A Your priority is wet-weather safety

Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 87 vs 71 on wet.

Pick tire A You drive through snowy winters

Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 91 vs 76 on snow.

Pick tire A You want lower fuel or energy use

Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 90 vs 77 on efficiency.

Pick tire B Your priority is ice handling

Michelin X Ice Snow won 2 of 2 shared ice handling tests.

Tire A · Michelin CrossClimate 2
Tire B · Michelin X Ice Snow

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CrossClimate 2 or X Ice Snow?

Which is better in the wet, CrossClimate 2 or X Ice Snow?

Michelin CrossClimate 2, 87 vs 71 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, CrossClimate 2 or X Ice Snow?

Michelin CrossClimate 2, 95 vs 67 on our dry score.

Which is better in snow, CrossClimate 2 or X Ice Snow?

Michelin CrossClimate 2, 91 vs 76 on our snow score.

Which is quieter, CrossClimate 2 or X Ice Snow?

Michelin CrossClimate 2, 79 vs 75 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, CrossClimate 2 or X Ice Snow?

Neither, by our numbers: 78 vs 80 on the comfort score, within 3 points.

Which lasts longer, CrossClimate 2 or X Ice Snow?

Michelin CrossClimate 2, 84 vs 76 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, CrossClimate 2 or X Ice Snow?

Michelin CrossClimate 2, 90 vs 77 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