Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 11
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 86% · 6
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive finished ahead 2 times and the CrossClimate 2 AW once. The CrossClimate 2 AW stopped 6.3% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW if your priority is maximum stopping security in rain and snow and you can accept a firmer ride and understeer at the limit. Choose Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive if you want the best all-rounder-quieter, more comfortable, confidence-inspiring steering, strong ice performance, and better value for daily use.
Where the CrossClimate 2 AW is stronger
- Class-leading wet performance at C/D (swept objective tests)
- Consistently shortest dry braking in both tests
- Excellent winter braking and strong snow/ice security
Where the Cinturato WeatherActive is stronger
- Best overall balance; 2/2 test wins
- Refined, quiet ride with natural, responsive steering
- Strong ice braking and solid wet results
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.
CrossClimate 2 AW vs Cinturato WeatherActive at a glance
| Category | CrossClimate 2 AW | Gap | Cinturato WeatherActive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 1 | 2 | |
| Dry7 measurements | 6 | The CrossClimate 2 AW stopped 6.3% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 1 |
| Wet12 measurements | 9 | The CrossClimate 2 AW stopped 2.8% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 3 |
| Snow12 measurements | 10 | The CrossClimate 2 AW stopped 12.7% shorter on snow (3 tests) | 2 |
| Ice3 measurements | 2 | 1 | |
| Comfort2 measurements | 0 | 2 | |
| Value1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | The CrossClimate 2 AW by 1.3 | 8.1/10 |
| Owner rating11 and 6 reviews | 87% | Too close to call | 86% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 91% | The Cinturato WeatherActive by 9 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +3.7% | The CrossClimate 2 AW was dearer in 2 of 2 | Cheaper |
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 in 2025
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 | CrossClimate 2 AW | Field | Cinturato WeatherActive |
|---|---|---|---|
| The BEST All Weather Tires for 2026/27 | P1 of 8 | P6 of 8 | |
| 2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tire Test | P6 of 11 | P5 of 11 | |
| 2025 Car and Driver All Weather Tire Test | P2 of 5 | P1 of 5 |
Performance profile
10 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
CrossClimate 2 AW
Cinturato WeatherActive
Not ahead on any measurement here
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 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 11 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
CrossClimate 2 AW
Cinturato WeatherActive
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
CrossClimate 2 AW
Cinturato WeatherActive
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the CrossClimate 2 AW 87% from 11 reviews and the Cinturato WeatherActive 86% from 6. 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 | CrossClimate 2 AW | Gap | Cinturato WeatherActive | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | 6.3% | 134 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 53.97 | 0.6% | 54.49 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.2% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 136 | 2.8% | 139 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 47.53 | 0.5% | 47.92 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 0.2% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 1.6 | 1.4% | 1.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 13.41 | 2.8% | 13.79 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 46.4 | 5.2% | 44.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 8.7 | 6% | 8.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 66 | 12.7% | 75 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.88 | 1% | 5.9 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 78.65 | 3.8% | 81.23 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 22.9% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 1 | 15.4% | 0.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 0.36 | 16.6% | 0.31 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 33 | 1% | 33 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.43 | 11.6% | 6.14 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.6% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 74.7 | 3.6 dB | 71.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 9.14 | 2.7% | 8.89 | 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 CrossClimate 2 AW scores 9.4 and the Cinturato WeatherActive 8.1 out of 10.
| CrossClimate 2 AW | Category | Cinturato WeatherActive | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Dry | 50 | ||
| 86 | Wet | 57 | ||
| 9 | Comfort | 100 | ||
| 18 | Value | 27 | ||
| 86 | Snow | 29 | ||
| 100 | Ice | 83 | ||
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
| CrossClimate 2 AW | Category | Cinturato WeatherActive | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.1 | Dry Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.6 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 7.7 | Handling | 8.5 | ||
| 8.9 | Wear | 9.3 | ||
| 8.8 | Comfort | 8.5 | ||
| 8.8 | Snow Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 8.2 | Ice Grip | 8.5 | ||
Owners rate the CrossClimate 2 AW 87% from 11 reviews and the Cinturato WeatherActive 86% from 6. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW
- 87%from 11 reviews
- 91%would buy again
- 150,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Across all nine owner reviews, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW is rated very highly (87.1% average) and is most often praised as a dependable year-round tire, especially for snow use. Around half of owners specifically highlight strong snow traction, while a similar share report encouraging tread life so far. Comfort and noise levels also get positive mentions, and several owners are happy with dry and wet performance for everyday driving. A smaller minority (around one in five) report compromises such as reduced dry grip/handling versus sportier tires, and opinions on rolling resistance are mixed.
- Strong snow traction for winter trips
- Promising tread life and longevity so far
- Good everyday dry grip
- Comfortable, softer ride
- Dry handling not as sharp when pushed
- Dry grip can be lower than sportier all-season/summer tires
- Wet grip impressions are mixed
Summarised by AI from 9 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 11 CrossClimate 2 AW reviewsOn a par with Continental DWS06 in wet and dry handling.
Despite 3PMS rating, less grip in snow than expected.
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
- 86%from 6 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 31,437 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive very highly overall, most often praising its standout wet-weather grip and confidence-inspiring handling. Reviews also consistently highlight strong winter capability for an all-weather tire, with reassuring traction in snow and notably good performance on ice for several users. Many owners mention a smooth, comfortable and relatively quiet ride compared with their previous or stock tires, making it a well-rounded year-round choice.
- excellent wet grip and braking
- confidence and stability in rain with good hydroplaning resistance
- strong snow and ice traction for an all-weather tire
- comfortable, smooth ride quality
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Cinturato WeatherActive reviewsI've run all seasons (general), winter (kumho) on this specific vehicle as a daily (2013 civic), these tires are by far the grippiest in the wet. Dry grip and handling I find pretty good too. The only draw back, is the tire is noisy over sharp bumps, sounds like something loose in the front end, noticeable on the first drive, amd after 10k km, it's the same. I tried playing around pressures, no change.
Living in pacific north west, I will by again even if just for the wet grip. Prices were very reasonable too.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | CrossClimate 2 AW | Cinturato WeatherActive |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Weather | All Weather |
| Price in the shared tests | The CrossClimate 2 AW was the dearer tire in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 3.7% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
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 head-to-head pits two premium all-weather stalwarts-the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive-tested back-to-back by Tire Rack and Car and Driver. Both target year-round confidence for passenger cars, blending wet security, genuine winter mobility (3PMSF), and daily comfort.
Across the two shared tests, Pirelli clinched both overall wins, while Michelin frequently set the pace in objective braking, especially wet and snow. The nuance lies in balance: Michelin often posts the shorter stops and strong winter bite, whereas Pirelli strings together well-rounded dynamics, comfort, and value to top the scoreboards.
Conclusion
If you prioritize outright grip where it matters most-shorter stops in the wet and snow-the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW is consistently the safer-feeling choice, leading both tests in dry braking and dominating wet categories at Car and Driver. It also delivers standout snow braking and strong snow/ice confidence, though its firmer ride and understeer at the limit may blunt enthusiasm for spirited dry driving.
The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive wins the war on overall balance. It pairs responsive, natural steering with a more composed, quieter ride, adds excellent ice braking and competitive wet/snow pace, and does it at a lower price point. For most drivers seeking year-round refinement and confidence with fewer tradeoffs, Pirelli is the smarter pick; for drivers who value maximum stopping performance in rain and snow above all else, Michelin retains a compelling edge.
CrossClimate 2 AW vs Cinturato WeatherActive: your questions
Is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW or the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive the better tire?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive finished ahead 2 times and the CrossClimate 2 AW once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the CrossClimate 2 AW scores 9.4 and the Cinturato WeatherActive 8.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the CrossClimate 2 AW or the Cinturato WeatherActive?
The CrossClimate 2 AW led 9 of the 12 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.8% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The CrossClimate 2 AW led 6 of the 7 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.3% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The CrossClimate 2 AW led 10 of the 12 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 12.7% shorter on snow across 3 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.8/10 for the CrossClimate 2 AW and 8.5/10 for the Cinturato WeatherActive.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the CrossClimate 2 AW 87% from 11 reviews and the Cinturato WeatherActive 86% from 6. 91% of CrossClimate 2 AW owners would buy it again, against 100% for the Cinturato WeatherActive.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the CrossClimate 2 AW was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 3.7% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
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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.
Review the CrossClimate 2 AW Review the Cinturato WeatherActive
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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