GT Radial ClimateActive vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
- TR Score
- 9.1/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 4
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 173
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 finished ahead 3 times and the ClimateActive not once. The ClimateActive held 4.3% more grip in curved aquaplaning; the CrossClimate 2 lasted 34.8% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Michelin CrossClimate 2 if you want the best overall all-season package with notably better dry performance and far superior tread life/operating costs (ideal for higher annual mileage and mixed conditions, including snow). Choose the GT-Radial ClimateActive if your priority is a lower purchase price and you drive mainly in mild climates with lower mileage, where its wet handling/aquaplaning strengths can be appealing-but accept shorter life and weaker dry performance.
Where the ClimateActive is stronger
- Reassuring wet-road dynamics in some tests (wet handling 73.9 km/h; wet circle 11.66 s in AutoBild)
- Good aquaplaning resistance in ADAC (straight 87.3 km/h; curved 3.8 m/s²)
- Can be competitive in specific winter metrics (e.g., AutoBild snow braking 23.3 m vs 23.9 m)
Where the CrossClimate 2 is stronger
- Stronger and more consistent dry braking across all shared tests (around 6-7% shorter)
- Very strong wear/longevity and low abrasion (e.g., 62,680 km vs 42,900 km; 527 g vs 871 g)
- Lower rolling resistance / fuel consumption in the shared datasets (e.g., 7.4 vs 7.77 kg/t; 4.78 vs 4.92 l/100 km)
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
ClimateActive vs CrossClimate 2 at a glance
| Category | ClimateActive | Gap | CrossClimate 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 0 | 3 | |
| Dry4 measurements | 0 | The CrossClimate 2 stopped 7.1% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 4 |
| Wet10 measurements | 5 | The ClimateActive held 4.3% more grip in curved aquaplaning (2 tests) | 4 |
| Snow6 measurements | 1 | 5 | |
| Ice1 measurement | 1 | 0 | |
| Comfort2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Value7 measurements | 0 | The CrossClimate 2 lasted 34.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 7 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.1/10 | The CrossClimate 2 by 0.4 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating4 and 173 reviews | 87% | The ClimateActive by 7 points | 80% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The CrossClimate 2 was dearer in 2 of 2 | +26.6% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 88 | 64 sizes made in both | 116 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 3 tests, 2024 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | ClimateActive | Field | CrossClimate 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ADAC All Season Tire Test - 185/65 R15 | P8 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2024 AutoBild All Season Tire Test | P9 of 15 | P3 of 15 | |
| 2024 All Season Tire Market Overview | P8 of 37 | P4 of 37 |
Performance profile
9 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
ClimateActive
CrossClimate 2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 10 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
ClimateActive
CrossClimate 2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
ClimateActive
CrossClimate 2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the ClimateActive 87% from 4 reviews and the CrossClimate 2 80% from 173. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | ClimateActive | Gap | CrossClimate 2 | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 136 | 7.1% | 126 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 58.5 | 0.3% | 58.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 163 | 0.4% | 162 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 134 | 0.2% | 135 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 45.9 | 2.8% | 44.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 11.66 | 1.9% | 11.89 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 49.7 | 0.4% | 49.8 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 11.1 | 4.3% | 10.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 58 | = | 58 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 566 | 3.1% | 583 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 32.9 | 4.2% | 34.2 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 12.9 | 8.7% | 14 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 69 | 4.1% | 72 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 71.8 | 0.2 dB | 71.95 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 24,296 | 34.8% | 33,020 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 7.77 | 4.8% | 7.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.26 | 2.3% | 5.14 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 75 | 36% | 48 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 871 | 39.5% | 527 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the ClimateActive scores 9.1 and the CrossClimate 2 9.5 out of 10.
| ClimateActive | Category | CrossClimate 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | Dry | 95 | ||
| 81 | Wet | 75 | ||
| 46 | Comfort | 82 | ||
| 30 | Value | 84 | ||
| 72 | Snow | 94 | ||
| 76 | Ice | 47 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| ClimateActive | Category | CrossClimate 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.3 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 7.9 | ||
| 7.3 | Road Feedback | 7.6 | ||
| 7.8 | Handling | 7.5 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.4 | ||
| 9.8 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
| 7.5 | Snow Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 7 | Ice Grip | 7.5 | ||
Owners rate the ClimateActive 87% from 4 reviews and the CrossClimate 2 80% from 173. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
GT Radial ClimateActive
- 87%from 4 reviews
- 25,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the GT Radial ClimateActive delivers strong all-season performance, with confident grip in dry and heavy rain and notably good traction in mud and gravel. Comfort and refinement are frequently praised, and multiple users highlight strong value versus premium alternatives like the Michelin CrossClimate 2. Wear so far appears competitive based on early mileage reports, with only a minority noting slightly vague steering/less road feedback.
- Strong wet and dry grip with confident all-year performance
- Good traction on mud/gravel (useful for fields and rougher surfaces)
- Comfortable ride and generally quiet/refined driving
- Good value for money versus premium competitors
- Steering/handling can feel a bit vague or have reduced road feedback
Summarised by AI from 4 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 4 ClimateActive reviewsI fitted this tire on a new Fiat 600 hybrid, straight at car delivery, replacing the OE summer Goodyear's. I therefore have no benchmark compared to the summer OE's.
Fitted in early December, i had the chance to drive them on dry, wet and also some snow due to latest weather conditions.
the tire was superb in all levels of grip. it is also very quiet and comfortable, despite the 18 inch and (relative) low aspect ratio.
Handling is soft and with delayed response, but i attribute this more to the car overall soft suspensions and chassis settings, rather than the tire itself.
A very good tire at a fantastic price point. And apparently the press agrees with me.
Well done GT!
Michelin CrossClimate 2
- 80%from 173 reviews
- 73%would buy again
- 2,411,545 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Michelin CrossClimate 2 highly, most often praising its dependable all-weather grip with standout snow traction and strong dry and wet grip for an all-season tire. Comfort is commonly reported as very good and a sizeable minority also find it quiet, though road noise is a recurring talking point with roughly one in eight owners complaining it can hum or rumble. The main consistent drawback is efficiency: around one in seven owners report noticeably worse fuel economy/EV range (rolling resistance). A smaller but meaningful group also criticise wet handling confidence, particularly when pushed, even though straight-line wet grip and aquaplaning resistance tend to be viewed positively.
- Excellent snow traction and winter security
- Strong dry grip and traction
- Confident wet grip in everyday driving
- Good ride comfort over longer distances
- Noticeable hit to fuel economy/EV range (higher rolling resistance)
- Wet handling can feel nervous or lack confidence when cornering/braking
- Can be louder than expected on certain surfaces or at speed
Summarised by AI from 153 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 173 CrossClimate 2 reviewsAfter 2 hot summers the tires are dangerous on wet and cold,
That was actually very much appreciated since i drive them on a GR Yaris mostly on the weekends in the night on snowfall but normal use would be very very dangerous.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 88 sizes of the ClimateActive and 116 of the CrossClimate 2, 64 of them made in both.
| Category | ClimateActive | CrossClimate 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Season | All Season |
| Sizes made | 88 sizes, 15 to 22 inch | 116 sizes, 15 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 64 sizes 175/65 R15185/65 R15195/55 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15195/45 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16and 52 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A84%B16% | B81%C19% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C53%B41%D5% | C55%B33%D11%A1% |
| EU label noise | 69-73 dB B96%A4% | 69-73 dB B78%A22% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 187 of 187 | 176 of 176 |
| On the market since | 2024 | 2020 |
| Replaced | - | Michelin CrossClimate+ (2017) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin CrossClimate 3 |
| Awards | Winner: All-Season Value Performer of the Year (WhatTire, 2026/27) | Winner: Best All-Season Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: All-Season SUV Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) Winner: All-Season Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2023) Winner: All-Season SUV Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) Winner: All-Season Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) |
| Price in the shared tests | The CrossClimate 2 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 26.6% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This matchup pits two premium-touring all-season tires with very different priorities: the value-leaning GT-Radial ClimateActive versus the established benchmark Michelin CrossClimate 2. Across three shared comparisons (ADAC 2026 in 185/65 R15 and AutoBild/market-overview 2024 in 225/50 R17), Michelin consistently finishes near the top of the field, while the GT-Radial tends to land mid-pack.
The pattern that emerges is clear: CrossClimate 2 is the more complete “do-everything” all-season thanks to stronger dry performance and dramatically better longevity/efficiency, while the ClimateActive can feel reassuring in certain wet handling/aquaplaning scenarios and occasionally nicks a winter metric-but gives back too much in tread life and overall breadth of ability.
Conclusion
Across the shared tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the more convincing all-rounder and the safer bet for most drivers. It repeatedly wins the braking metrics that matter most day-to-day-especially in the dry (e.g., 37.9 m vs 40.9 m in AutoBild; 39.6 m vs 42.4 m in ADAC)-and it pairs that with strong snow capability and stable, precise behavior at the limit noted by ADAC. Its main caveat is that wet grip/braking is not class-leading in the context of the newest competition, even if it still edges the GT-Radial on wet braking by small margins in these datasets.
The GT-Radial ClimateActive's case is narrower: it can be competitive in specific wet dynamics (AutoBild wet handling 73.9 km/h vs 71.9 km/h; wet circle 11.66 s vs 11.89 s) and shows good aquaplaning resistance in ADAC (87.3 vs 85.9 km/h straight; 3.8 vs 3.5 m/s² curved). However, it is consistently outgunned on dry braking and-most importantly for ownership cost-falls far behind on wear and efficiency. Michelin's predicted mileage advantage is decisive (ADAC 43,600 km vs 35,300 km; AutoBild 62,680 km vs 42,900 km), reinforced by much lower abrasion figures, which typically translates to meaningfully lower cost per kilometer despite the higher purchase price.
Practical takeaway: if you want an all-season that behaves like a premium product across the widest range of conditions and minimizes long-term running costs, CrossClimate 2 is the pick. ClimateActive makes sense mainly where upfront budget is tight, mileage is low, and you value wet-road confidence-while accepting weaker dry performance and shorter service life.
ClimateActive vs CrossClimate 2: your questions
Is the GT Radial ClimateActive or the Michelin CrossClimate 2 the better tire?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 finished ahead 3 times and the ClimateActive not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the ClimateActive scores 9.1 and the CrossClimate 2 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the ClimateActive or the CrossClimate 2?
The ClimateActive led 5 of the 10 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 4.3% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The CrossClimate 2 led 4 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 7.1% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The CrossClimate 2 led 5 of the 6 snow measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The CrossClimate 2 lasted 34.8% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and used 2.3% less fuel (2 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the ClimateActive and 8.4/10 for the CrossClimate 2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 9.8/10 for the ClimateActive and 8.3/10 for the CrossClimate 2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the ClimateActive 87% from 4 reviews and the CrossClimate 2 80% from 173.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the CrossClimate 2 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 26.6% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The ClimateActive is made in 88 sizes (15 to 22 inch) and the CrossClimate 2 in 116 (15 to 22 inch). 64 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the ClimateActive is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the CrossClimate 2 B and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The ClimateActive is the newer design: it reached the market in 2024, the CrossClimate 2 in 2020. The CrossClimate 2 replaced the Michelin CrossClimate+.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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