Overview
The Michelin CrossClimate2 is a premium all-season tyre designed for drivers who demand year-round confidence without the hassle of seasonal tyre swaps. Targeting the US market, it fits a wide range of vehicles, including family sedans, crossovers, wagons, and compact SUVs. The CrossClimate2 is engineered for drivers seeking strong wet and dry performance, reliable winter traction, and long tread life, making it a compelling choice for daily commuters and road-trippers alike. Its hallmark is true all-season versatility, offering a unique blend of summer-like grip and winter capability certified by the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
Key Specs
| Type | All-Season Touring |
| Available Sizes Range | 16″–20″ rim diameters; widths from 205mm to 255mm Sample: 205/55 R16, 235/60 R18 |
| Speed Rating Examples | H, V, W |
| Load Index Examples | 91 (615 kg), 103 (875 kg) |
| Tread Pattern | V-shaped directional with high sipe density |
| Technology Highlights | Thermal adaptive all-season compound, 3D Sipes, 3PMSF certified, PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the CrossClimate2 performs closer to a solid summer touring tyre than most all-seasons. The unique V-shaped directional tread and stiff tread blocks provide a stable footprint, translating to responsive steering and good feedback through the wheel. Braking distances are among the shortest in the all-season segment, giving drivers confidence during sudden stops. High-speed stability is also a highlight, especially on the highway where the tyre feels composed and assures a sense of control during quick lane changes or evasive maneuvers. While it doesn’t quite deliver the razor-sharp response of a dedicated ultra-high performance summer tyre, the CrossClimate2 offers a notable step up in dry performance compared to traditional all-seasons, making it a practical upgrade for those who value safety and sporty handling in warm weather.
Performance: Wet
Wet traction is a signature strength of the CrossClimate2. The aggressive directional tread pattern rapidly evacuates water, significantly reducing the risk of hydroplaning even in heavy rain. The high silica compound and advanced siping ensure confident grip during cornering and brisk acceleration on damp roads. Wet braking is among the best in class, providing reassuring stopping power and control. In real-world use, the tyre maintains predictable behavior in sudden downpours, and its ability to maintain composure during emergency maneuvers in wet conditions sets it apart from many rivals. Drivers commuting through the unpredictable mix of rain, sleet, and drizzle common in much of the US will appreciate its consistent wet weather performance.
Performance: Snow & Ice
The Michelin CrossClimate2 stands out as one of the few all-season tyres to deliver credible winter capability, certified by the 3PMSF symbol. In light to moderate snow, the tyre delivers noticeably better traction than conventional all-seasons. The V-shaped tread pattern bites effectively into snow, while the high-density 3D sipes enhance grip for acceleration, cornering, and braking. On packed snow, the CrossClimate2 offers stability and confidence for daily driving, though it cannot fully match a true winter tyre in deep snow or on icy surfaces. For drivers in regions with occasional snowfalls or unpredictable winter weather, this tyre offers peace of mind without requiring a seasonal tyre change. However, those in areas with frequent heavy snow or persistent ice should still consider a dedicated winter tyre for maximum safety.
Comfort & Noise
Michelin employs its PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning to keep cabin noise to a minimum. The CrossClimate2 rides quietly at highway speeds, with most road textures producing only a subdued hum. Harsh impacts from potholes and expansion joints are well-damped, thanks to the compliant sidewall and carefully tuned tread compound. Over rough city streets and uneven rural roads, the tyre maintains composure, isolating most vibrations before they reach the occupants. While not quite as plush as the softest grand touring tyres, the CrossClimate2 strikes a comfortable balance between ride quality and road feel, making long journeys and daily errands equally pleasant.
Durability & Economy
Michelin equips the CrossClimate2 with a high-mileage tread compound, aiming for impressive longevity. The tyre comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, reflecting its confidence in real-world durability. In practice, wear rates are slow and even, with many owners reporting solid mileage figures even under demanding mixed-use conditions. The CrossClimate2 posts a UTQG rating of 640 B A, putting it above most standard all-season competitors for tread life and resistance to wear.
Rolling resistance is moderate, aided by the efficient tread design, which can help preserve fuel economy compared to older-generation all-seasons. While it may not quite match the lowest rolling resistance eco-focused tyres, it strikes a practical balance for most drivers. The robust construction also means less risk of irregular wear, provided proper alignment and rotations are maintained.
Sizes & Alternatives
The Michelin CrossClimate2 is available in a wide array of sizes, making it suitable for popular US sedans (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord), crossovers (Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4), and wagons.
- Popular Sizes: 205/55 R16, 215/60 R16, 225/60 R17, 235/60 R18, 245/45 R18
- Load/Speed Ratings: H, V, W; load indices 91–107
Key rivals in the premium all-season segment include:
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
- Continental PureContact LS
- Vredestein Quatrac Pro
- Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II
- Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-tier wet and dry performance for an all-season tyre
- Impressive light snow traction (3PMSF certified)
- Quiet, comfortable ride
- Long tread life and strong warranty
- Wide range of sizes for cars and crossovers
Cons
- Price premium over standard all-seasons
- Not a substitute for dedicated winter tyres in severe snow/ice
- Directional tread requires correct mounting; cannot be rotated side-to-side
- Rolling resistance slightly higher than some eco tyres
Verdict
The Michelin CrossClimate2 excels as a premium all-season tyre for US drivers who want maximum confidence in unpredictable weather. Its dry and wet performance approaches that of dedicated summer tyres, while its winter credentials surpass most all-seasons, making it an excellent choice for climates with mild to moderate snowfall. The quiet ride, long tread life, and broad size coverage further enhance its appeal, especially for families, commuters, and anyone who values convenience and safety in a single set of tyres. While it comes at a higher price than some mainstream options, the peace of mind and all-weather capability justify the investment for most drivers. For those facing frequent deep snow or icy conditions, a true winter tyre remains the gold standard, but for everyone else, the CrossClimate2 is a top-tier, year-round solution that lives up to its reputation.
If my sedan currently uses 17 inch wheels but I want to switch to 18 inch CrossClimate2s, is it just a matter of size compatibility or should I be concerned about handling changes?
Upgrading from 17 to 18 inch wheels does involve more than just size compatibility. Larger wheels usually mean lower-profile tires, which can make the ride firmer and may change handling characteristics. You should also ensure the new wheel and tire combination matches your sedan’s bolt pattern, offset, and overall diameter to avoid issues with speedometer accuracy and suspension clearance.
Does the CrossClimate2’s V-shaped directional tread pattern affect rotational options for tire maintenance, or can you still rotate them in all positions on a crossover?
Because the CrossClimate2 has a V-shaped directional tread pattern, you can only rotate the tires front to back on the same side of your crossover. They can’t be swapped side-to-side unless they are remounted on the wheels. This helps maintain proper tread direction for safety and performance.
As a business owner with a small delivery fleet, I’d like to know how the CrossClimate2 tread life actually compares to other all-seasons, since we put a lot of miles on our vehicles each year.
The Michelin CrossClimate2 generally offers longer tread life than many standard all-season tires, with users often seeing 50,000 to 60,000 miles under normal use. For a delivery fleet, this means fewer tire changes over time compared to budget all-season options, which often last closer to 40,000 miles. Regular tire rotations can help maximize their longevity for your vehicles.
I see that these tires have PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning. For someone who drives a lot on highways, is the road noise noticeably lower compared to standard all-seasons?
The PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning in the CrossClimate2 is designed to reduce road noise, and many drivers report a quieter ride compared to standard all-season tires. On highways, you should notice less humming and a smoother sound overall, making long trips more comfortable, especially if you’re used to noisier tires.
Does the CrossClimate2’s PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning make enough of a difference for customers who drive sedans primarily on highways, or would you still notice a lot of road noise compared to other premium all-seasons?
The PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning on the CrossClimate2 is especially effective for sedan drivers on highways. Most users report noticeably quieter rides compared to typical all-season tires, though some minor road noise can still be present on rough pavement. Overall, it holds up well against other premium all-seasons in terms of noise comfort.
Are the available sizes suitable for older wagons as well as newer SUVs? I have both a 2007 Outback and a 2021 Highlander and wonder if this tire might fit both.
The Michelin CrossClimate2 comes in a wide range of sizes, including many that fit both older wagons like your 2007 Outback and newer SUVs such as your 2021 Highlander. You’ll need to check your vehicles’ specific tire size requirements, but chances are good that CrossClimate2 has the right options for both.
Does the PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning make a noticeable difference for city driving where cabin noise can be distracting? My customers sometimes comment on road noise during rides.
The PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning on the CrossClimate2 does help reduce road noise, especially at lower city speeds where tire hum can be more noticeable. Many users report a quieter ride compared to standard all-season tires, which could make your customers’ rides more comfortable and less distracting in city driving conditions.