Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
Pirelli takes two overall test wins (including AutoBild's 17-tire group), driven by consistently short braking in dry and wet and excellent aquaplaning resistance. Michelin counters with class-leading dry and subjective handling, lower rolling resistance, and stronger traction-led winter performance. The result is a clear character split: SF3 for secure, composed versatility and value; CC3 Sport for driver engagement and efficiency without giving up all-weather capability.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been three tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport | one | |
| Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 | two |
While it might look like the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is better than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Best-in-test dry and subjective handling; engaging steering and balance
- Lower rolling resistance and abrasion; strong wear projection
- Stronger snow traction/handling performance across tests
- Refined road manners with good comfort and low noise in subjective scoring
- Consistently shorter dry and wet braking distances
- Superior wet handling and aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved)
- Balanced, easy-going character with low noise and good comfort
- Better value metric (lower price per performance) and two overall test wins
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 stopped the vehicle in 1.76% less distance than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was 1.03% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was 0.2% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport scored 5% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Fun
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one subj. fun tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport scored 2.5% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Subj. Fun: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Subj. Fun winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 stopped the vehicle in 1.5% less distance than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was 0.75% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was 3.25% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport scored 2.5% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was 1.14% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 floated at a 6.14% higher speed than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Straight Aqua: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 slipped out at a 11.47% higher speed than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one snow braking tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport stopped the vehicle in 5.57% less distance than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Snow Braking: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport accelerated 2.42% faster than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport had 4.89% better snow traction than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was 0.98% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was 1.5% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 provided 2.86% more lateral grip than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Snow Circle: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport scored 2.63% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport and Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 performed equally well in subj. noise tests.
Best In Subj. Noise: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one noise tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 measured 0.69% quieter than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Noise: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one wear tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport is predicted to cover 4.51% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Wear: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one value tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 proved to have a 15.88% better value based on price/1000km than the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Best In Value: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport had a 6.13% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport lost 17.39% less particle wear matter than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.
Best In Abrasion: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport Driver Reviews
Drivers of the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport overwhelmingly report that it behaves very close to a dedicated ultra-high-performance summer tire on dry and wet roads, with strong grip, confident braking, and high-speed stability across a wide range of conditions. Many highlight its low noise, improved comfort versus runflats, and secure, predictable handling, with several noting that it remains quiet and composed even on long motorway journeys. A few users comment that steering feel and sportiness are slightly softer than pure UHP summer tires, and one reviewer is disappointed with initial wet performance and price/performance. Overall, the tire is seen as an excellent all-season option with a clear sporty bias and only minor trade-offs versus dedicated summer rubber.
Based on 12 reviews with an average rating of 93%
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 Driver Reviews
Across 44 reviews, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is widely praised as a top-tier all-season tire with strong dry and especially wet grip/braking, plus reassuring performance in snow for a 4-season. Many drivers also highlight low cabin noise, good comfort, predictable handling at the limit, and wear that looks encouraging for the mileage covered. The main recurring downside is inconsistent quality control reported by several users (out-of-round tires causing vibration/shimmy and warranty frustration), and a smaller but repeated theme that the tire can feel softer/less responsive than a true summer tire-particularly in warmer temperatures or when driven very sportily.
Based on 48 reviews with an average rating of 83%
In dry conditions manages to have acceptable levels of grip in a straight line, slight wheel spin sometimes but cannot complain since the M2 is RWD 365bhp.
Very strong tire in the dry and super progressive, really lets you know when it does begin to slip when doing spirited driving. A big strong point as these tires still allow the vehicle to be driven in a sporting manner.
In the wet they are okay for wet straight line grip, it spins up pretty... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
Drivers who value precision and feel will prefer the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport. It's quickest to drive in the dry, excels in subjective control and comfort tuning, and is notably efficient with lower rolling resistance. It also edges Pirelli in snow traction/handling across the set, and shows lower abrasion and better projected wear-helpful for high-milers-though test commentary flags higher cost per kilometer. In short: SF3 for stress-free, secure daily use in mixed weather; CC3 Sport for enthusiasts who want sharper responses and efficiency with genuine winter competence.
Key Differences
- Braking priority: Pirelli stops shorter in dry and wet across all shared group tests (e.g., −2.1% wet in AutoBild).
- Wet safety: Pirelli leads wet handling and aquaplaning by notable margins (up to ~16% in curved aquaplaning).
- Driving dynamics: Michelin is quicker in dry handling and tops subjective driving feel and 'fun'.
- Winter bias: Michelin shows stronger snow traction/handling; Pirelli trades a touch of snow bite for overall balance.
- Efficiency and longevity: Michelin has lower rolling resistance and lower abrasion with better wear projection.
- Value and pricing: Pirelli offers a better price/performance ratio; Michelin carries higher cost per km.
Overall Winner: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.