Hankook iON FlexClimate vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
- TR Score
- 9.8/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 11
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 173
In the 2 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook iON FlexClimate finished ahead 2 times and the CrossClimate 2 not once. The iON FlexClimate stopped 4.1% shorter in the wet; the CrossClimate 2 was 3.8% quicker in the snow traction test.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Hankook iON FlexClimate for EVs and drivers prioritizing wet safety, highway aquaplaning reserves, and balanced all-season grip. Michelin CrossClimate 2 for regions with frequent snow or those valuing winter traction and touring refinement with good efficiency.
Where the iON FlexClimate is stronger
- Outstanding wet braking and grip; superior aquaplaning resistance (+6-10%)
- Strong dry handling and direct steering feel
- EV-friendly with low rolling resistance while maintaining grip
Where the CrossClimate 2 is stronger
- Class-leading snow traction and handling; short snow braking
- Confident dry braking in TÜV; stable touring manners
- Generally low rolling resistance aiding efficiency
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.
iON FlexClimate vs CrossClimate 2 at a glance
| Category | iON FlexClimate | Gap | CrossClimate 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won2 shared tests | 2 | 0 | |
| Dry3 measurements | 2 | 1 | |
| Wet7 measurements | 7 | The iON FlexClimate stopped 4.1% shorter in the wet (2 tests) | 0 |
| Snow6 measurements | 1 | The CrossClimate 2 was 3.8% quicker in the snow traction test (2 tests) | 5 |
| Value1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.8/10 | The iON FlexClimate by 0.3 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating11 and 173 reviews | 88% | The iON FlexClimate by 8 points | 80% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 91% | The iON FlexClimate by 18 points | 73% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 15 | 12 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 2 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 | iON FlexClimate | Field | CrossClimate 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild EV All Season Mini-Test | P1 of 3 | P2 of 3 | |
| 2025 TUV Hankook iON FlexClimate EV Report | P1 of 5 | P2 of 5 |
Performance profile
5 measurements from the 2 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
iON FlexClimate
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. 7 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
iON FlexClimate
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
iON FlexClimate
CrossClimate 2
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the iON FlexClimate 88% from 11 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 | iON FlexClimate | Gap | CrossClimate 2 | Wins | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 | 1.4% | 131 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 68.4 | 2.9% | 66.5 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 122 | 4.1% | 127 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 46.4 | 4.9% | 44.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 17.9 | 5.5% | 17 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 51.6 | 6.5% | 48.4 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 10 | 10.1% | 9.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 104 | 1.3% | 102 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| 8.25 | 3.8% | 7.95 | 0-2 | |||||||||
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| 60 | 1.5% | 59.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 33.4 | 1.3% | 33.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 7.1 | 1% | 7.03 | 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 iON FlexClimate scores 9.8 and the CrossClimate 2 9.5 out of 10.
| iON FlexClimate | Category | CrossClimate 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Dry | 95 | ||
| 100 | Wet | 75 | ||
| 90 | Comfort | 82 | ||
| 77 | Value | 84 | ||
| 81 | Snow | 94 | ||
| - | 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
| iON FlexClimate | Category | CrossClimate 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 9.1 | Wet Grip | 7.9 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 7.6 | ||
| 8.8 | Handling | 7.5 | ||
| 9.7 | Wear | 8.4 | ||
| 9 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
| 9.2 | Snow Grip | 8.4 | ||
| 8.5 | Ice Grip | 7.5 | ||
Owners rate the iON FlexClimate 88% from 11 reviews and the CrossClimate 2 80% from 173. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Hankook iON FlexClimate
- 88%from 11 reviews
- 91%would buy again
- 100,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners overwhelmingly rate the Hankook iON FlexClimate highly, with most highlighting very low road noise and a comfortable, refined ride. Many also report strong all-round grip, particularly in the wet, and several found it impressively capable in snow and on ice for an all-weather tire. The main recurring drawback is efficiency, with around one in five owners noting reduced EV range/rolling resistance, while isolated comments mention slightly weaker dry handling or a touch more noise as it wears.
- Very low road noise
- Comfortable, compliant ride
- Strong wet grip and confidence in rain
- Good dry grip
- Reduced efficiency / higher rolling resistance impacting range
- Slightly weaker dry handling than summer tires
- A little noisier as it wears
Summarised by AI from 11 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 11 iON FlexClimate reviewsMuch quieter than pilot 5’s they’re replacing.
Better fuel efficiency.
Amazing in wet roads.
Much more comfortable ride over bumpy roads.
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: 15 sizes of the iON FlexClimate and 116 of the CrossClimate 2, 12 of them made in both.
| Category | iON FlexClimate | CrossClimate 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Season | All Season |
| Sizes made | 15 sizes, 18 to 20 inch | 116 sizes, 15 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 12 sizes 205/40 R18215/55 R18225/55 R18235/45 R18215/50 R19235/40 R19235/45 R19245/40 R19245/45 R19255/40 R19215/45 R20285/35 R20 | |
| EU label wet grip | B94%A6% | B81%C19% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C76%B24% | C55%B33%D11%A1% |
| EU label noise | 69-73 dB B94%A6% | 69-73 dB B78%A22% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 17 of 17 | 176 of 176 |
| On the market since | 2024 | 2020 |
| Replaced | - | Michelin CrossClimate+ (2017) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin CrossClimate 3 |
| Awards | - | 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) |
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 head-to-head pits the EV-focused Hankook iON FlexClimate against the benchmark all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2. Tested in 18-19-inch sizes on premium compact/midsize fitments, both target year-round safety but with different priorities: Hankook optimizes for EV efficiency and wet-weather control, while Michelin leans into winter security and touring refinement.
Across two 2025 tests (Auto Bild EV mini-test and an independent TÜV program), Hankook took both overall wins. The pattern is consistent: decisive advantages for the iON in wet braking, wet grip, and aquaplaning, while the CrossClimate 2 counters with class-leading snow performance and slightly lower rolling resistance in the Auto Bild sample.
Conclusion
If you drive an EV or prioritize wet-weather safety, the Hankook iON FlexClimate is the stronger all-rounder. It repeatedly stopped shorter on wet, carried more speed through wet handling, and resisted aquaplaning better (e.g., +6-10% in aquaplaning metrics and ~5% quicker wet circle vs Michelin in TÜV). It also matched or edged Michelin on dry in one test, without notable weaknesses.
For frequent winter use, especially mixed urban/highway in snowy climates, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 remains a standout. It consistently led on snow traction and handling and was marginally better for rolling resistance in Auto Bild, supporting range and fuel economy. Choose Michelin if snow confidence is your top priority; choose Hankook for the best wet safety and balanced EV-centric performance.
iON FlexClimate vs CrossClimate 2: your questions
Is the Hankook iON FlexClimate or the Michelin CrossClimate 2 the better tire?
In the 2 independent tests that ran both tires, the Hankook iON FlexClimate finished ahead 2 times and the CrossClimate 2 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the iON FlexClimate scores 9.8 and the CrossClimate 2 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the iON FlexClimate or the CrossClimate 2?
The iON FlexClimate led 7 of the 7 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.1% shorter in the wet across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The iON FlexClimate led 2 of the 3 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in snow?
The CrossClimate 2 led 5 of the 6 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it was 3.8% quicker in the snow traction test across 2 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 9/10 for the iON FlexClimate and 8.3/10 for the CrossClimate 2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the iON FlexClimate 88% from 11 reviews and the CrossClimate 2 80% from 173. 91% of iON FlexClimate owners would buy it again, against 73% for the CrossClimate 2.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The iON FlexClimate is made in 15 sizes (18 to 20 inch) and the CrossClimate 2 in 116 (15 to 22 inch). 12 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the iON FlexClimate is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the CrossClimate 2 B and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The iON FlexClimate 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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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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