Michelin CrossClimate 2 review

Newer design is almost always better

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is "the most versatile and advanced tire Michelin has developed in the past two decades," according to the manufacturer. These tires were introduced in 2021 and replaced the 2015 Michelin CrossClimate model, which was originally marketed as a summer tire but was also approved for use on winter roads, making it a good all-season option. The CrossClimate 2 tires will also replace the CrossClimate+, CrossClimate SUV, Premier A/S, and Premier LTX models.

All-season tires are generally very good at tire wear and provide decent traction in various regions year-round, although they may not perform as well as a dedicated summer tire in the right conditions or a dedicated winter tire in snowy conditions. They offer a good compromise on traction and long tread life, making them a cost-effective choice for consumers who don't want to constantly buy new tires. However, in areas of the country that rarely see snow or have well-managed plowing, a dedicated summer tire may be sufficient.

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire has a unique combination of features that allow it to perform well in both winter and summer conditions. It is a certified three-peak mountain snowflake tire, meaning it has excellent winter performance, but thanks to its tread pattern, it also has significantly less wear than a traditional winter tire when driven in the summer months. The tire's tread design is also well-suited to wet conditions, with a directional pattern and round contact patch that forces water out and around the tire to reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning.

Tread pattern

The new CrossClimate 2 tread pattern maintains the cross directionality and symmetry of its predecessor's design, with a V-shaped surface that quickly drains the contact patch and removes snow easily, resulting in excellent stability on wet surfaces. It also benefits from Michelin's EverWinterGrip technologies, which are designed to improve the tire's performance in winter conditions. The tire's grooves are renewed as it wears, providing superior traction on snowy roads and grip, and the sipes have been redesigned with a more curved shape to improve the edge effect and traction on light snow. The tire's compound contains a higher proportion of silica and carbon black, making it able to handle all sorts of weather conditions.

Additionally, the tire's tread pattern is designed to optimize performance in snowy conditions. While full grooves down the tire may not have an impact on snow traction and simply allow snow to pass through, the CrossClimate 2 utilizes the entire width of the tire to maximize its ability to dig into the snow. For example, if you have four 10-millimeter longitudinal grooves, you are giving up 40 millimeters of your tread width that you can't use to dig into the snow. By appropriately managing the stresses on the tire, the CrossClimate 2 can also achieve even wear while maintaining a rounded contact patch for superior wet grip.

New compound technology and noise reduction

The compound of the tire is also critical for snow grip, but the tread pattern can also play a role in improving grip. Tire noise can come from several sources, such as the tread blocks physically hitting the ground, air pumping between the grooves, and other factors that are outside the control of the tire. It can also depend on how tire vibrations are transmitted through the vehicle, resulting in cabin noise. In a snow tire, it is often beneficial to have open shoulders like those found on the CrossClimate 2, as they act like gears digging into the snow or mud for improved traction. However, open shoulders can also increase tire noise. To balance these conflicting factors, the CrossClimate 2 has optimized its snow traction while still maintaining a reasonable level of tire noise.

One of the reasons the CrossClimate 2 is directional is to help manage tire noise by directionally controlling how the air flows through the pattern and minimizing noise as much as possible. Additionally, the rounded contact patch maximizes contact in the center, which also helps to optimize noise by reducing the dependency on the open shoulders. The rounded contact patch also improves the on-center feel by elongating how the tire contacts the ground, rather than having a big rectangular contact patch. This aligns the tire so that it naturally wants to center itself, resulting in an improved steering feel.

First road tests

In terms of performance, the CrossClimate 2 has been well-reviewed in both dry and wet braking tests. In dry braking tests conducted by TÜV SÜD Product Service at the request of Michelin between 100 and 0 kph on a VW Golf 7, the CrossClimate 2 scored 100% compared to the 96.2% score of the CrossClimate+. In wet braking tests between 80 and 20 kph on the same vehicle, the CrossClimate 2 again scored 100% versus the 98.2% score of the CrossClimate+.

Driver's Acceptance

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire is widely recognized for its diverse weather handling capabilities, boasting exceptional grip and superior performance in both wet and snowy conditions. Customers have consistently noted the tire's remarkable performance during the winter months, with some stating they were unable to get stuck even in deep snow conditions. This performance edge is attributed to the tire's thick tread pattern, designed specifically for improved traction.

These tires are also appreciated for their longevity and reliability, based on Michelin's well-regarded tread wear claims. Some users have reported previous Michelin tires outlasting their expected mileage, adding credibility to these claims. The CrossClimate 2 tire is not only built for durability but also offers a smooth and quiet driving experience. Users have commended the tire for its comfort on dry roads and noted that it contributes to a more enjoyable ride overall.

However, there are a few points to consider when evaluating the Michelin CrossClimate 2. While the tire's thick tread blocks enhance traction, they are known to pick up larger stones and pebbles, requiring occasional manual cleaning. Some users also noticed an increase in road noise compared to previous tires. While this might not be a deal-breaker for most, it's a consideration for those who highly prioritize a quiet ride. Additionally, the tires might not be suitable for all vehicles. Some high-power car owners reported that these tires made their vehicle handling unpredictable, which could be a concern for specific vehicle types.

Despite these considerations, there's one point that stands out as a significant advantage - fuel consumption. A few users noted an improvement in fuel economy after switching to the CrossClimate 2, a welcomed benefit for any driver. However, the tire's summer performance might not match the comfort of dedicated summer tires. It's also worth noting that the tire doesn't respond well under aggressive or high-speed driving conditions.

Conclusion

Overall, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a highly versatile and advanced tire that offers excellent performance in a variety of conditions. Its combination of a compound similar to that of a winter tire, a tread pattern more similar to a summer tire, and a limited number of sipes and cuts make it the best tire for drivers who want reliable performance in any season.