Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV Tire Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 90%
Wet Conditions – 90%
Snow – 70%
Comfort – 80%
Noise Reduction – 90%
Durability – 70%
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Every manufacturer aims to make as best tire as possible without too many compromises. In some cases, this means that there is a need for specific tires. A good example of this are SUV tires “derived” from their passenger model cousins.
Michelin is one of the many manufacturers that follow this trend with the CrossClimate lineup. Since its initial launch, they have set a new benchmark of what an excellent grand touring tire is with many of its rivals aiming to hit that mark.
The company’s latest addition to the lineup is the CrossClimate 2, a tire which covers a wide range of vehicles, including CUVs and SUVs. So, why is there a dedicated SUV tire?
Even though it seems that both are identical, there are some differences, and the most important one is the vehicle coverage. The CrossClimate 2 SUV comes in sizes specifically for CUVs and SUVs. With that aside, the main question is if it can live up to the name and be among the best in its class?
Pros
- Superb performer in snowy conditions
- Very responsive, offering plenty of feedback through the steering wheel
- Dry and wet performance are among the best in its class
- Very low noise levels
Cons
- The ride is slightly firm
- The treadwear warranty is behind many of its premium rivals
The Features of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
The CrossClimate 2 SUV is a premium touring tire, and Michelin included as many of its technologies as possible to ensure it can deliver the advertised performance.
On paper, the tire is advertised as an all-season model which utilizes the Thermal Adaptive rubber compound. This should give it its year-round properties and deliver performance in colder temperatures. In addition to that, the tire is 3PMSF rated, meaning that it should deliver solid performance on snow.
The rubber compound is molded into a V-shaped pattern, which aims to offer several improvements. Apart from the highway stability, the design of the tire should also help with water evacuation, keeping it stable in harsh rain conditions. To further improve handling and stability, the tire’s blocks are made stiffer, so there should be less movement under aggressive driving.
Michelin worked on the tire to improve performance in dry conditions as well. The V-Ramp chamfers are molded into the edges of the blocks, increasing the contact patch in the corners. This is a feature we often see in performance tires, which are designed for aggressive driving.
Another notable feature of this tire is the use of PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning technology. It’s applied to the design of the tire, aiming to cancel certain tones and notes which should result in a quiet ride.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV in Dry Conditions
The CrossClimate 2 SUV is a tire that will have no issues in dry conditions, regardless of your driving style.
As an all-season touring tire for primarily for SUVs, it offers superb performance for almost any driving style. The grip and traction levels are very high, meaning that even if you get carried away, you won’t experience too much slip. Going into a corner won’t be an understeering experience, if you’re not coming in too fast. It’s well balanced and neutral and most drivers will be extremely happy with the performance.
Keep in mind that it’s not a performance-oriented tire, but it doesn’t mean you cannot have some fun with it. The performance is enough if you want to try and push it on a twisty road. You won’t be too disappointed, but you also shouldn’t expect it to be as good as something from Michelin’s Pilot lineup.
The handling is also surprisingly good for a touring tire. Thanks to the stiffer blocks and the construction, there isn’t too much flex in the sidewall and the responsiveness is pretty good. The biggest surprise is how well it communicates, which is crucial if you’re the type of person that wants to drive it on the limit.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV on Wet or Slippery Roads
The impressive performance from the CrossClimate 2 SUV continues in wet conditions as well.
If the roads are damp, the tire offers one of the highest levels of grip and traction in this category. This means it’s a very safe and stable tire for daily driving situations and will have no issues with slip. Another safe aspect is the braking distances, which are among the shortest in the premium segment.
There is plenty of headroom, meaning that even if you get carried away, you won’t find it unsafe and dangerous. The best part is that it remains easy to handle and very predictable at the limit. Push it too far and it will start to understeer progressively, so it won’t catch you by surprise.
Michelin’s directional tread design does wonders in terms of aquaplaning resistance. It evacuates water marvelously, making this a stable tire even at highway speeds.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV in Snow
There’s hardly anything that the CrossClimate 2 SUV cannot do and the same goes for winter performance.
The tire’s performance in most lighter winter conditions is excellent. It can tackle unpacked snow like a champ providing you with plenty of traction, which is better than what many of its rivals offer. The performance on packed snow is equally impressive, allowing you to use it daily without any major concerns. To round up the performance, you’re looking at some of the shortest braking distances in the segment.
Keep in mind that as impressive as this tire is, it’s not a replacement for a dedicated winter model. It’s excellent for lighter conditions but will struggle a bit with extremer conditions.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV Off-Roading
Even though the CrossClimate 2 SUV is a tire for SUVs, it’s not an off-road capable tire. It lacks the special rubber that can withstand torture in those conditions. In addition to that, the tread pattern won’t do well in anything more than a dirt road.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV for Sporty Driving
The CrossClimate 2 SUV is a touring tire, so it’s not a sporty tire. With that said, looking at the performance and handling, it’s not the worst choice in this category for spirited driving. There’s plenty of performance to push it a bit harder and with the dynamic handling, you can have some fun. Would I take it on a track? Probably not, but I would play around with it on a twisty road.
Does the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV Ride Comfortably?
You’re looking at a premium tire and expect premium refinement. The CrossClimate 2 SUV delivers on that promise, but there is a small caveat.
The noise levels are phenomenal, so I have no complaints here. It remains quiet regardless of the speed, meaning that even on the highway, you won’t hear it too much. The best part is that it doesn’t produce noticeable notes over rougher roads.
Comfort levels are a slightly different story. The tire is comfortable, but not perfect. Like most dynamically inclined tires, the ride is slightly firm, which is good because you’re not getting those secondary movements when you hit a pothole. With that said, smaller imperfections may be a bit noticeable, along with some vibrations.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV Warranty
In most cases, Michelin models aren’t the best when it comes to warranty, and the CrossClimate 2 SUV is no exception. It comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is way behind the Alenza AS Ultra which has 80,000 miles.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV Pricing: Is It Worth the Price?
Another aspect of Michelin’s tires is that they’re not the most affordable ones, so it’s the same with the CrossClimate 2 SUV. For most of the available sizes, it’s a bit pricier than the CrossContact LX25 or the Scorpion AS Plus 3.
Should I Buy the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV?
With many options in the premium segment, it’s difficult to decide which one is the best for you. The CrossClimate 2 SUV is a popular one and with good reason – there aren’t too many things this tire cannot do well.
Dry and wet performance is excellent, offering a lot more than what you’d probably need in daily driving scenarios. If you’re an aggressive driver you also won’t have any issues, thanks to the high levels of grip and traction, combined with the short braking distances. The tire also does very well on snow, which is something that some of its rivals struggle with.
The refinement is excellent, especially in terms of the noise levels. Comfort is good, but the slightly firm ride may not be everyone’s favorite aspect of this tire. Another non-favorite thing about Michelin’s model is the price and warranty. It’s not the most affordable option and with a treadwear warranty comparable with mid-range tires, it’s not exactly the best value.
Despite having some drawbacks, the CrossClimate 2 SUV is one of the best tires in its class. As long as the price isn’t an issue and you’re fine with the ride quality, it’s a tire that you shouldn’t cross off your list. With that said, there are other options which offer a different set of features and performance, so make sure you take those into consideration as well.
What Vehicles Will the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV Fit?
Here’s a sample list of cars that the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV will fit:
- Audi Q5
- BMW X3
- Honda CR-V
- Jaguar F-Pace
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Lexus RX
- Mazda CX-5
- Mercedes-Benz ML
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota Rav4
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo XC40
Tire Sizes of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
17″
- 225/65R17 102H
- 225/65R17 106V XL
- 235/65R17 108W XL
- 245/65R17 111H XL
- 265/65R17 112H
18″
- 215/50R18 92W
- 225/50R18 95V
- 225/50R18 95W
- 235/60R18 103T
- 235/60R18 103V
- 235/60R18 107V XL
- 235/65R18 110V XL
- 255/55R18 109W XL
- 255/60R18 112H XL
- 255/60R18 112V XL
- 265/60R18 110H
- 265/60R18 110T
19″
- 225/45R19 96W XL
- 225/55R19 99V
- 235/50R19 103H XL
- 235/50R19 103V XL
- 235/55R19 101T
- 235/55R19 101V
- 235/55R19 105V XL
- 235/55R19 105W XL
- 245/50R19 105V XL
- 255/45R19 104H XL
- 255/50R19 103T
- 255/50R19 107Y XL
- 255/55R19 111W XL
- 265/50R19 110W XL
- 285/45R19 111W XL
20″
- 235/45R20 100H XL
- 235/50R20 104W XL
- 245/45R20 99V
- 245/45R20 103V XL
- 255/40R20 101H XL
- 255/45R20 101W
- 255/45R20 105V XL
- 255/45R20 105W XL
- 255/50R20 109Y XL
- 265/40R20 104Y XL
- 265/45R20 108Y XL
- 265/50R20 111V XL
- 275/40R20 106Y XL
- 275/45R20 110Y XL
21″
- 255/40R21 102W XL
