Unleash Your SUV’s Potential with Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tires: A Comprehensive Review of the All-Season Champion
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Pros
- On dry roads, exceptional grip and handling balance. (for an all-season tire)
- Direct and responsive steering with an organic feel
- The best braking performance possible in wet circumstances
- Strong performance across the board on the wet tarmac.
- For an all-season tire, it offers exceptional snow traction and driveability.
- Extremely quiet, especially while traveling on rough roads
- Good riding on cracked pavement
Cons
- warranty on treadwear that is shorter than that offered by its direct competitors
- On smooth roads, it has a touch more firmness than its competitors.
Ever since it introduced the first-generation CrossClimate grand-touring all-season tire, Michelin has been extremely successful. The revolutionary all-season tire from Michelin combined great dry and wet performance with industry-leading light-snow grip, and this was made possible by the new tread pattern.
The original CrossClimate wasn’t as good at dry/wet braking as its premium competitors, and the treadwear warranty was lower than what the premium competitors offered. However, it wasn’t without its problems. Michelin hastily introduced the enhanced CrossClimate 2, which is available in conventional sizes for sedans, hatchbacks, and SUV/crossover dimensions. This is because Michelin did not want to fall behind its competitors.
I’m going to focus on the CrossClimate 2 SUV model in this evaluation. Check out my other review on this site for information regarding the normal grand-touring all-season model. Both tires are very comparable to one another, although there are some minor distinctions in the tread patterns. The ordinary CrossClimate 2 has less zig-zag sipes on the inner sides of the tread blocks than the performance version of the CrossClimate 2.
In light of the aforementioned information, the CrossClimate 2 SUV is a very pricey tire, despite having a treadwear warranty that is below average. Although Michelin is widely regarded as the most reputable tire manufacturer in the world, will the CrossClimate 2 SUV from the French multinational company live up to expectations? And perhaps most crucially, should you shell out the money and purchase a complete set? Let’s discuss!
What are the features of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV?
The CrossClimate 2 SUV utilizes the Thermal Adaptive all-season compound that is manufactured by Michelin. This compound is then molded into a V-type directed tread pattern, which is similar to that of a performance tire. The compound is an improvement above those offered by competitors, as it offers performance that is superior both when the temperature is high and when it is low.
As a consequence of this, Michelin claims that the CrossClimate 2 SUV brings the benefits of a summer tire in hotter locations and the benefits of a winter tire in extremely low temperatures. These are some very ambitious goals, but if there’s anyone who can do them, it’s Michelin.

Regarding the tread pattern, the tire keeps its distinctive V-shaped design, which sets it apart from the products offered by its rivals. The tread blocks are aligned with the fore and aft forces, which results in an increase in the area of the block that is not interrupted. The use of a continuous center rib, which provides other tires with cornering stability, was rendered unnecessary by Michelin’s design, which virtually eliminated the requirement for such a rib. In addition, the blocks are larger, making them overall more rigid than those of the competitors. This contributes to an even greater improvement in both the vehicle’s stability and its steering reaction.
However, the directional tread pattern entails more than just that. For example, the V Ramp chamfers that are molded into the leading and trailing edges of the blocks increase the contact patch under heavy load in a manner that is analogous to that of a performance tire. In addition to this, the shoulder blocks align laterally with the remainder of the tread, which puts into play G-forces that are considerably higher. It is important not to forget that Michelin took the 3D SipeLock Technology from some of its other tires in order to stabilize the tread while it was under load or when it was cornering aggressively.
And we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of the water-channeling capabilities of the CrossClimate 2 SUV. This tire’s tread pattern is in the shape of a V, which means that it does not require any circumferential grooves to remove water from the tread. Instead, the sharp angles of the tread blocks are able to do this job quite well on their own. The tread pattern and overall construction of the tire make it exceptionally resistant to hydroplaning.

All OK, but what about the snow? It’s interesting to note that the CrossClimate 2 SUV doesn’t have nearly as many zig-zag sipes as many of the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) tires it is equipped with. Michelin’s all-season tire, on the other hand, combines all of the aforementioned attributes in order to effectively boost snow traction. To be more specific, the CrossClimate 2 SUV does not have zig-zag sipes, but it does have sipes that run across the lengthy blocks. This, in conjunction with the supple rubber, gives it the required snow traction.
In addition to this, Michelin implemented their PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning technology, which reduces undesired noise by employing sophisticated computer-assisted tread modeling. This was done in order to cut down on tire noise. Last but not least, despite its cutting-edge appearance, the CrossClimate 2 SUV is really a standard touring tire on the inside. It has a two-ply polyester casing that supports twin steel belts and is assisted by a polyamide reinforcement for better high-speed stability.
What are the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV’s maintenance indicators?
Instead of supporting its innovative maintenance indicators like its primary competitor Continental does, Michelin opted to provide the CrossClimate 2 SUV with the industry-standard wear indicators. Continental is Michelin’s primary competitor.
However, they can only display you when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches, which is the lowest permissible amount in most nations across the world. They were employed by the French giant to link the tread blocks and stabilize the tread.
The logic behind this rule is that tires with a tread depth of less than 2/32 inches will not have the hydroplaning resistance capabilities that are necessary for a safe drive. Unfortunately, the wear indicators won’t be able to tell you when the tire’s tread depth hits 5/32 inches, which is the minimum safe value for driving in winter conditions. This figure is considered to be the safest value.
What is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV warranty?
The treadwear warranty that comes included with the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV is only good for 60,000 miles, which is below average for a premium tire and only average for an all-season touring crossover/SUV tire.

Most notably, the treadwear warranty on the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is 80,000 miles, while the warranties on the Continental CrossContact LX25 and the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 are 70,000 miles each. Even the more affordable Cooper Discoverer SRX comes with a warranty that is good for 70,000 miles, while other budget-friendly tires typically have treadwear warranties that are good for 65,000 miles.
However, the thing with Michelin tires is that they typically have a treadlife that is longer than what is expected of them. In addition, the great performance that these tires from the French manufacturer give is maintained throughout their lifetime, particularly when they are driven on icy and wet surfaces. Therefore, despite the fact that it is preferable to have a longer warranty at this price, I would not put too much stock in it. However, if this is something that troubles you, the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a good alternative.
How does the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV behave on dry roads?
The CrossClimate 2 SUV offers steering that is accurate and sensitive, in addition to levels of grip that are relatively high for a crossover/SUV touring all-season tire.
The CrossClimate 2 SUV is a tire that, despite not being designed for enthusiast drivers, is nonetheless capable of providing an enjoyable experience on winding roads. It nearly feels like you’re steering with performance tires thanks to how quick and accurate the steering is. In addition to this, it gives you an excellent feeling for the road, which means that you will constantly be aware of what the tires are doing.

The CrossClimate 2 SUV is never jittery, despite the fact that it has excellent responsiveness. On the other hand, it is highly linear, and both axles have sufficient grip to prevent you from sliding out of control when you are navigating the corners. Therefore, it is a tire that is simple to manipulate and can be driven quickly, both of which are features that aren’t very typical in the category.
In addition to that, the overall traction is quite good for an all-season touring tire. In comparison to other vehicles in its category, the stopping distances are among the shortest, and the lateral grip is superior. To say that the CrossClimate 2 SUV is comparable to a summer tire driven on a dry asphalt surface is a very high compliment.
The CrossClimate 2 SUV is one of the greatest touring all-season tires available when the weather is dry due to its exceptional straight-line tracking as well as its remarkable highway stability.
How is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV on wet and slippery roads?
Because of its exceptional longitudinal and lateral grip, as well as its easy-to-maneuver character at the limit, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV tire is one of the most reliable tires for use in wet circumstances.
The CrossClimate 2 SUV outperforms all other vehicles in its class when it comes to longitudinal traction because to the cutting-edge directed tread pattern it features. In other words, it offers the quickest acceleration as well as the shortest stopping distances of any other crossover or SUV all-season touring tire.

However, the CrossClimate 2 SUV excels in more categories than just acceleration and braking alone. You can drive more quickly in the rain without having to worry about losing control of the vehicle because the lateral grip is also among the greatest you’ll get in the class.
The fact that Michelin’s model performs organically when pushed to its limits is the nicest thing about it. To be more specific, when the tires lose traction, your crossover or SUV will understeer over all four tires, which makes it simple to rectify by simply pulling back a little bit. Cheap tires, on the other hand, have a tendency to behave erratically when driven to their limits.
When it’s raining, the fact that the steering of the CrossClimate 2 SUV is both responsive and natural is a huge advantage; very few other vehicles can compete with this characteristic.
In addition, despite the fact that it has a directed tread pattern, this tire performs exceptionally well in heavy rain since it prevents hydroplaning, even at extremely high speeds. Because of this, even if you are driving on the highway and encounter a significant body of water such as a puddle, your vehicle will not become unstable.
With that being said, how is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV on snowy roads?
Because of its outstanding overall traction and surefooted handling, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV is one of the best touring all-season tires that can be used on roads that are covered in snow.
When I first used its predecessor, I was surprised by how well it performed on snow. I had not expected it to be that effective. Because there was a lot of traction and the steering and handling were so precise in the first generation of the CrossClimate, it was not an exaggeration to say that it was possible to drive faster on snow.

Even though I was aware of what to anticipate this time around, the CrossClimate 2 SUV managed to astonish me. Even if Continental, Bridgestone, and Pirelli have caught up to them, the CrossClimate 2 SUV is still one of the best all-season tires for driving in winter conditions, period.
The longitudinal traction, or acceleration and braking for those who aren’t following the tire space, is superior to that of any competition that is now available. This ensures that you will not become stuck in the snow, regardless of how deep it is, and that you will have adequate time to use the brakes and avoid a collision.
But the praise does not end there; the CrossClimate 2 SUV is also very good when it comes to maneuvering around turns. The rear tires match the performance of the front tires in terms of their ability to grip the road and deliver a responsive turn-in. In general, the handling is quite well balanced, and it is not difficult to maintain control even when pushed to the limit. This is a significant advantage.

In spite of the fact that the CrossClimate 2 SUV performs exceptionally well on snow compared to other vehicles in its class, it is important to note that these tires are not intended to take the place of genuine winter tires in extremely severe environments. On icy roads, the CrossClimate 2 SUV performs significantly worse than a winter tire, but there are also considerable performance disparities in deeper snow. The iciest routes present the greatest challenge.
Consequently, if you reside in severe, wintry circumstances, investing in a good set of winter tires is still your best bet. On the other hand, the CrossClimate 2 will work quite well for the vast majority of individuals while also providing you with exceptional performance in all other seasons.
Is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV suitable for off-road driving?
Even though it is compatible with today’s crossovers and SUVs, the CrossClimate 2 SUV is not an off-road tire and so will not give adequate grip in those situations. In addition to this, it does not have any further reinforcements, therefore it is susceptible to damage from jagged rocks.
If you are interested in off-roading or overlanding, it is highly recommended that you choose off-road tires that have either maximum traction or all-terrain capability. These categories of tires have tread patterns that are significantly more aggressive for increased grip, as well as reinforced materials that are resistant to cuts, chips, and punctures.

Is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV a run-flat tire?
Because the CrossClimate 2 SUV tire is not a run-flat tire, you will need to either use a tire sealant or replace it with a spare if it gets punctured. On the other hand, you may be able to locate the CrossClimate 2 ZP (Zero Pressure), which is a run-flat tire, in some markets.
If you live in North America, though, you can get additional run-flat tires manufactured by Michelin; just check for the letters “ZP” (which stand for “zero pressure”) anywhere in the tire’s name.
How are the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV’s road noise and comfort performance?
In addition to having an excellent ride quality, the CrossClimate 2 SUV is one of the quietest crossover/SUV touring all-season tires that can be purchased on the market today.
When it comes to the sound quality of Michelin’s most recent all-season model, there is not a lot that can be said about it. At lower speeds, hardly little noise from the treads makes it into the cabin, and at higher speeds, the noise from the wind typically drowns out the tread noise. Even on a rough asphalt surface, the CrossClimate 2 SUV maintains a tranquil ride, in contrast to the majority of its rivals, which generate a distracting level of road noise.

When it comes to the ride, it is noticeably more stiff than its rivals, which is particularly surprising for a touring tire. However, despite the fact that this will cause a greater number of little vibrations to be transmitted into the cabin, the CrossClimate 2 SUV will be better able to deal with larger and more abrupt bumps as a result.
Doesn’t make any sense, does it? Permit me to elucidate that for you: softer tires produce a secondary movement when they strike a bump; in other words, they require more time to settle down, which results in a ride that is less polished when traveling over broken asphalt. In the meantime, stiffer tires are able to settle down more rapidly, which results in a more refined ride. Obviously, what I stated is not a hard and fast rule, as numerous tires have demonstrated. Nevertheless, in this particular instance, that is correct.
When it comes to the level of comfort it provides, the CrossClimate 2 SUV tire is one that very few people will find issue with.
Should I buy the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV?
If you have a budget that is large enough and are looking for a tire that will perform well in all four seasons, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV should be at the top of your list of potential purchases. This premium tire has absolutely no drawbacks that are worth mentioning, and it performs exceptionally well on roads that are dry, rainy, and covered with snow.

However, you should also consider looking at the products offered by its primary rivals. For example, the treadwear warranty on the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is superior to that of its competitors and extends to 80,000 miles, but offering similar dry and wet performance. In the same vein, the Continental CrossContact LX25 features a guarantee that covers 70,000 miles and is on par with the CrossClimate 2 SUV in terms of its performance in dry, wet, and snowy environments.
The Yokohama Geolandar X-CV is a good touring tire that has a high performance in dry and wet situations. On the other hand, the Cooper Endeavor Plus has a warranty of 65,000 miles at a price point that is quite competitive. If your budget is more limited, you should consider purchasing this tire.
What sizes does the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV come in?
Michelin has combined the CrossClimate 2 with the SUV/crossover model for this iteration of their product. The model is offered in an astonishing 89 distinct sizes, ranging from a wheel diameter of 16 inches all the way up to a wheel diameter of 21 inches. On the other hand, the CrossClimate 2 SUV model is distributed in some other areas, such as Europe. This model is offered in 43 different sizes, with wheel diameters ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches.