Comparing Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Nokian WR G4
Many things are common between Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Nokian WR G4. The first is that both are market leaders in the all-weather tire category. You can thus count on them to offer class-leading traction on snow, ice, as well as in rainy conditions.
Secondly, both carry the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) and Mud + Snow (M+S) symbols on the tread. This indicates that they have exceeded the rater’s criteria for severe snow performance, making them the go-to option for harsh weather.
Rated tread life is another factor that unites them. Each of these models is backed to last up to 60,000 miles by their manufacturer. As such, neither can compete with similarly-priced all-season tires, almost all of which come with bigger warranties.
Despite having so many similarities, both these tires are different in several ways. Which are what we’re going to highlight in this article. If you’re in the market for a new set of tires and these are the last two on your wish list, read this guide to the end.
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Michelin CrossClimate 2
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 can do almost everything you want your tires to do. It is one of the most reliable tires for driving in the rain, stays glued to the road under the watchful eyes of the sun, and doesn’t skid or slip on roads buried under layers of snow.
How could it do all that? Mainly because of the Thermal Adaptive rubber compound, which softens up rubber in low temperatures and reinforces it in the summer. This compound is one of the main reasons why this tire is easily drivable in summer and winter.
Speaking of winter, the CrossClimate 2 is M+S (Mud and Snow) and 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rated. These ratings indicate that this tire has exceeded the rater’s criteria for severe weather performance, something you shouldn’t take lightly.
Another reason why this tire stays useful year-round is the V-shaped grooves in its tread design. These grooves evacuate water and thus help enhance aquaplaning resistance and snow traction. Additionally, their aggressive shape helps boost high-speed stability.
Bear in mind, though, that this tire is not faultless. A 60,000-mile treadwear warranty puts it below equally-priced all-season tires, most of which come with bigger guarantees.
Nokian WR G4
While not as famous as its above rival, the WR G4 shares many of the qualities. Think of superb traction on snow and ice, high aquaplaning resistance, and exceptional dry performance. Plus, just like the CrossClimate 2, it’s also rated to last up to 60,000 miles.
Currently in its fourth generation, the WR G4 reserves its best performance for harsh weather. In the rain, it boasts short stopping distances, the kind rival all-season tires can only dream of. On snow and ice, this tire slaloms around as if there’s no hint of severe climate.
Why take my words at face value? Because I have used this tire on my Toyota 86. Having ‘downgraded’ from a set of dedicated winter tires, I was mildly worried as to how the WR G4 would behave in harsh wintry conditions. Luckily, it didn’t disappoint me.
Yet there’s one area of its drive which can disappoint some drivers. As I pushed this model on a dry, straight road, the lack of steering response was too alarming to ignore. So, if you consider yourself a driving enthusiast, this model may not blow you away.
The Main Differences
Now that you have seen what both these tires can do, it’s time we put them in a head-to-head matchup. So that you know whether the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or the Nokian WR G4 should go on your vehicle.
Comparing Off-Road Performance
I would never recommend either of these tires for off-roading.
The reason for that is simple: these tires’ rubber compound is too soft to withstand the harsh terrains that are the off-roads. The same thing could be said about their sidewalls, which lack the reinforcements needed to resist cuts, punctures, and damage.
Plus, they lack the design elements – deep grooves, large voids, aggressive lugs, etc. – crucial for keeping your vehicle stable off the highway. I could go on to make a solid case for why these tires are unfit for off-roading, but hopefully, you’ve already got the memo.
If you do frequent off-roading or regularly drive on challenging terrains, invest in mud-terrain tires. They will be a better bet for your safety when driving off-road.
Winner: It’s a tie
Comparing On-Road Performance
How Do They Perform in Dry Conditions?
As unbelievable as it might sound, the WR G4 performs better on dry roads.
If you intend to use either of these tires for everyday driving, the difference might not mean much– independent tests suggest that the WR G4 offers 6% higher dry grip than the CrossClimate 2.
However, for enthusiast drivers who like pushing their vehicle to its limits, a higher dry grip means better straight-line tracking, the freedom to attack bends at speed and shorter braking distances in situations where a few meters could be the difference between a safe stop and a front-end collision.
Thus, the GR W4 stands out as the top choice for enthusiasts seeking to elevate their driving experience.
Winner: Nokian WR G4
How Do They Perform on Wet Roads?
Once again, the WR G4 comes out as the winner.
Drivers who have tested the CrossClimate 2 complain that this tire might suffer from high levels of understeer when pushed on wet roads.
Which is a massive shame considering it fetches high marks on every other indicator we use to measure a tire’s wet performance, including hydroplaning resistance, braking distances, and traction.
Turning our attention to the WR G4, and not only does this tire grip incredibly well in the wet, its traction levels are almost as excellent as in the dry. The same could be said about its high aquaplaning resistance, which remains intact in standing water, puddles, and heavy rain.
Thus, if it rains frequently where you live, the WR G4 might be a better choice.
Winner: Nokian WR G4
Are They Good in the Handling Department?
One of the reasons why the CrossClimate 2 is very popular among our readers is that it performs excellently in the handling department.
Besides being incredibly quick in responding to steering inputs (think of lane changes that don’t take more than a second), it’s very predictable and stable during cornering maneuvers, especially if there’s little or no water on the roads.
Yet another thing you could count on this tire to do is deliver plenty of feedback to the steering. That is not to say that the WR G4’s steering feel muted. However, having talked to drivers who have used both, I can confidently say that the CrossClimate 2 gives you a higher response.
Winner: Michelin CrossClimate 2
Comparing on Snow Performance
Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol? Check. M+S emblem? Present. A tread compound that stays pliable in harsh weather conditions? Absolutely.
These aren’t the only features that help both these tires keep your vehicle stable on snow-laden roads. Various other design elements – biting edges, water-evacuating grooves, sipes – also enable the CrossClimate 2 and WR G4 to be one of the best tires for snow.
And what about ice? Both are able to deliver traction and minimize wheel spin during acceleration on ice. Their braking distances, although dissimilar, aren’t too long to be categorized as unsafe. And each displays a good resistance to aquaplaning to ensure safer driving in icy conditions.
Winner: It’s a tie
Comparing on Treadwear and Durability
Although both tires have a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, the CrossClimate 2 is more durable than the WR G4.
That is especially the case if you do a fair bit of driving in harsh weather conditions. If driven frequently on snow-laden roads, the WR G4 may suffer more tire wear than the CrossClimate 2, whose low wear rate is attested to by heavy and light car owners alike.
Winner: CrossClimate 2
Comparing on Comfort
The CrossClimate 2 offers a more comfortable ride than the WR G4.
Even when compared with its predecessor, which was renowned for offering a plush ride, this tire does a phenomenal job of smoothening out road imperfections. Its rubber also comes good against vibrations, absorbing them before they could hurt ride quality.
Similar good things can be said about its noise levels, which are also very low. Sure, you may hear some noise as the tread wears down, but that is something that isn’t unique to this tire. Every other tire becomes loud as its tread depth starts decreasing.
Winner: CrossClimate 2
Comparing on Price
Unsurprisingly, the CrossClimate 2 costs more than the WR G4.
At the time of writing, the CrossClimate 2’s asking price starts from $173.99 on Simple Tire. The same size of the WR G4 is available for $157.34. So, if you want a more pocket-friendly option of these two, the WR G4 deserves to be your top pick.
Winner: Nokian WR G4
Pros and Cons
There are a lot of similarities between these two tires, but also a good bit of differences too.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comes with M+S and 3PMSF symbols
- Offers a quiet and comfortable ride
- Delivers a higher steering feedback
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
Nokian WR G4 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Short stopping distances on wet pavement
- Performs reliably on snow- and ice-covered roads
- Costs marginally less than the CrossClimate 2
Cons
- Isn’t the most responsive
Which Tire Should You Choose?
Go for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 if you are seeking:
- A quiet and comfortable driving experience
- Higher amounts of steering response and feedback
- A longer tread life
Alternatively, opt for the Nokian WR G4 if:
- You want to save some bucks
- Are seeking higher amounts of traction on wet roads
- Don’t need much feedback on the steering
It’s important to remember that both these tires deliver class-leading snow and ice traction. Additionally, their traction and grip on wet roads can rival those of any premium all-season tire. So, if you live in an area where the weather stays bad for most of the year, either of these tires are a great option.
