Tests 85 · 10 tests Owners 71 · 40 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 16 in 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test (abrasion)
Head-to-head
Updated
Michelin Primacy 4+ 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 10 + 4 road tests and 40 + 2,588 owner reviews. How we score
CrossClimate 2 SUV is ahead, 82–77
Add your size for an exact match
/R
Both Amazon links then search this exact size.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Tests 87 · 4 tests Owners 83 · 2,588 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 10 in 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test (dry braking)
“Michelin Cross Climate 2 vs 2 SUV Hi I am looking at new tyres and am pretty convinced to go for the Michelin Cross Climates, but I am confused by the Cross Climate 2 vs the Cross Climate 2 SUV; they seem the same tyre, albeit the non-SUV version has better fuel economy, according to the EU Label system. I asked Michelin, but their response was meaningless: they just listed the same bullet points for each. Can anyone advise the difference, and do I need the SUV version? One car for these is a 2023 Skoda Kodiaq 2.0L TSI190 4x4 (well, the Volkswagen version of 4x4), tyre size 235/50/19. The other car is a 2019 Kia Sportage, which needs 225/60/17; in this car's case, it is just the non-SUV version available despite both cars being SUVs and of similar weights, albeit this car is a 1.6L 130hp. As a family, we have used winter tyres in the past, but since changing cars this year, we are thinking of switching to all seasons as we think they will suit us perfectly rather than switching tyres every April and November. Live in Lincolnshire. So we get all weathers ranging from -10 through to +35. Thanks for any and all advice. Paul Read more”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
78
Dry
CrossClimate 2 SUV +987Why this score
Source Primacy 4+ CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 4 tests 82 86 Reviews found online 71 88 Primacy 4+: 60% × 82.4 + 40% × 71.1 = 78
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 85.9 + 40% × 88.2 = 87
-
79
Wet
CrossClimate 2 SUV +584Why this score
Source Primacy 4+ CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 4 tests 82 84 Reviews found online 75 85 Primacy 4+: 60% × 82.1 + 40% × 74.6 = 79
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 84 + 40% × 84.7 = 84
-
–
Snow
No comparison90Why this score
Source Primacy 4+ CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 4 tests – 97 Reviews found online – 80 CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 97.3 + 40% × 80.1 = 90
-
71
Comfort
CrossClimate 2 SUV +1485Why this score
Source Primacy 4+ CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 2 tests 73 81 Reviews found online 69 88 Primacy 4+: 40% × 72.8 + 60% × 69.3 = 71
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 40% × 81 + 60% × 87.6 = 85
-
72
Noise
CrossClimate 2 SUV +476Why this score
Source Primacy 4+ CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 7 / 4 tests 76 82 Reviews found online ≈ 66 (est.) ≈ 66 (est.) Primacy 4+: 60% × 76.2 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 72
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 81.7 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 76
No owner ratings of noise for Primacy 4+ 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.
-
85
Treadwear
Primacy 4+ +1570Why this score
Source Primacy 4+ CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / – tests 95 ≈ 69 (est.) Reviews found online 70 73 Primacy 4+: 60% × 94.9 + 40% × 69.6 = 85
CrossClimate 2 SUV: 60% × 68.8 (est.) + 40% × 72.8 = 70
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).
-
67
Handling (owners)
CrossClimate 2 SUV +2289Why this score
Source Primacy 4+ CrossClimate 2 SUV Reviews found online 67 89 -
78
Efficiency
CrossClimate 2 SUV +987Why this score
Source Primacy 4+ CrossClimate 2 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 3 tests 78 87
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Primacy 4+ | Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 77 | 82 |
| Dry | 78 | 87 |
| Wet | 79 | 84 |
| Snow | – | 90 |
| Comfort | 71 | 85 |
| Noise | 72 | 76 |
| Treadwear | 85 | 70 |
| Handling (owners) | 67 | 89 |
| Efficiency | 78 | 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
Only one of the two tires has a score here, so this weight changes nothing in the head-to-head.
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Not important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Recomputed
Headline score
77
/ 100
Primacy 4+
82
/ 100
CrossClimate 2 SUV
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
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 | Primacy 4+ | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 96% #3/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #4/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 83% #6/9 · 2025 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ All-Season Tire Test R17 | – | Different tests |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 86% #7/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 87% #3/9 · 2025 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ All-Season Tire Test R17 | – | Different tests |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 82% #7/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 91% #5/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 99% #3/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 97% #7/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 97% #6/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 95% #6/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 83% #6/9 · 2025 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ All-Season Tire Test R17 | – | Different tests |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 88% #2/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Exterior Noise | Noise | 83% #4/6 · 2024 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ Summer Tire Test R17 | 99% #3/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 96% #6/8 · 2025 EV Tyre Test | 100% #3/9 · 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 90% #2/8 · 2025 EV 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 | #4/8 2025 EV Tyre Test | #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 Primacy 4+
Pros
- Strong wet and dry grip and braking confidence, often cited as a big improvement over Bridgestone, Dunlop and Nexen tyres, including on powerful cars and PHEVs that previously spun their tyres
- Comfortable, compliant ride with soft sidewalls that suits softly sprung and family cars
- Low and even tread wear, with several owners reporting little visible wear after 5,000–10,000 miles and one reporting about 60,000 km in hot climates
Cons
- Road noise and drone, especially on rough asphalt, was described as severe by several owners (Skoda Yeti, Lexus), contradicting other reports of quiet running
- Reduced grip and confidence in cold, damp conditions, with two UK owners saying the tyre behaves like a budget tyre
- Premium pricing, with some owners questioning value when life fell short of expectations
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
Michelin Primacy 4+
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.
r/tires
·2 upvotes ·2025-07-10
“CrossClimate 2 SUV not offered in 245/60R18, what would be the closest alternative? I'm trying to buy the best tires for a family SUV (Ford Edge) driving in south-east USA. Being able to drive in very wet conditions (hydroplaning resistance) safely and comfort/quiet are high priorities. Ice/general handling are also important to me but less high-prio since we don't get a lot of snow and it's a family SUV that is mostly not driven spirited. Treadwear/Cost is lowest priority, I just want the safest option, but ideally it wouldn't wear out too fast, at least 40-50k miles if that's reasonable. I can't find any CrossClimate 2 SUV sets in this size and those would be my first choice. Is it better to just get regular CrossClimate 2's in that size or should I get the SUV oriented Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive (this is what Tirerack is recommending me to get)? I've come to realize the CrossClimate 3's wont be here in time before the tires become too unsafe to drive on, which is extremely unfortunate timing.”
chrforums.uk
·2 upvotes ·2024-06-04
“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.”
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.”
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 · Michelin Primacy 4+ | B · Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | All Season |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | SUV and 4x4 |
| Sizes available | 66 | 35 |
| Rim diameters | 16″ – 21″ | 17″ – 22″ |
| Sizes in common | 9 | 9 |
Which one should you actually buy?
77
/ 100
Michelin Primacy 4+
82
/ 100
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
Winner: Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV — better handling, comfort and dry. Pick the Michelin Primacy 4+ if treadwear matters most to you.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 89 vs 67 on handling.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
Michelin Primacy 4+ scores 85 vs 70 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 85 vs 71 on comfort.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 87 vs 78 on dry.
Tire A · Michelin Primacy 4+
Tire B · Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Primacy 4+ or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Which is better in the wet, Primacy 4+ or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 84 vs 79 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Primacy 4+ or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 87 vs 78 on our dry score.
Which is quieter, Primacy 4+ or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 76 vs 72 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Primacy 4+ or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 85 vs 71 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Primacy 4+ or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin Primacy 4+, 85 vs 70 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Primacy 4+ or CrossClimate 2 SUV?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, 87 vs 78 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