Michelin CrossClimate 3 & 3 Sport vs Pilot Sport 5 vs Primacy 5

A new test conducted by "auto motor und sport" evaluated the performance of the new CrossClimate 3 and 3 Sport all season tires against the traditional summer touring and summer performance tires. The test vehicle was a Golf GTI Clubsport, utilizing a tire size of 225/40 R18 for all tests. 

The tires tested were the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (ultra-high-performance summer), Michelin Primacy (premium touring summer), Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport (ultra-high-performance all-season), and the Michelin CrossClimate 3 (premium touring all-season). The objective was to quantify performance differences in dry and wet conditions.

In dry conditions, the Pilot Sport 5 recorded the fastest handling lap at 1:16.9 and the shortest braking distance from 62 mph at 121 feet. The CrossClimate 3 Sport demonstrated notable dry performance, with a handling time of 1:18.84 and a braking distance of 126 feet, closely matching the summer-touring Primacy. The standard CrossClimate 3 was the slowest in handling (1:21.0) and had the longest braking distance (130 feet), indicating a clear performance differential in dry conditions.

Dry Braking

Dry Handling

In wet conditions, the performance hierarchy shifted in favor of the specialized summer tires. The Pilot Sport 5 again led with a wet handling time of 1:37.41 and a wet braking distance from 50 mph of 101 feet. The Primacy was highly competitive with a time of 1:38.0 and a braking distance of 104 feet. The performance gap to the all-season tires widened significantly in the wet. The CrossClimate 3 Sport's handling time was 1:44.13, and the standard CrossClimate 3 recorded a time of 1:49.68. The wet braking distances reflected this, measuring 114 feet and 123 feet respectively, confirming the summer tires' advantage in wet grip.

While I can't speak for how this test was conducted, I do know the CC3 and CC3 Sport wet handling times are significantly slower than mine using the same tire size, vehicle and test track, which might indicate it was very hot, or the driver had a driving style that didn't work well for the all seasons.

Wet Braking

Wet Handling

Tire Reviews will be performing a test like this in early 2026 so stay tuned for more information.

Results

Michelin CrossClimate 3 & 3 Sport vs Pilot Sport 5 vs Primacy 5Watch the full video of this test on YouTube Watch on YouTube

1^st

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

225/40 R18

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 established itself as the clear performance benchmark, finishing first in all four dynamic tests. In the dry, it delivered the fastest handling lap and shortest braking distance. Subjectively, it was praised for its precise steering and high levels of grip, though it was noted to require a careful driver at its limit. This superiority continued in the wet, where it again set the fastest lap and shortest braking distance, demonstrating its capabilities as the definitive ultra-high-performance summer tire in this group.

Dry100%

Wet100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (4)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	%
Dry Braking	1st / 4	100%
Dry Handling	1st / 4	100%
Wet Braking	1st / 4	100%
Wet Handling	1st / 4	100%

2^nd

Michelin Primacy 5

225/40 R18

The Michelin Primacy 5 proved to be a highly competitive summer touring tire, performing much closer to the UHP Pilot Sport 5 than expected. Its dry handling lap was only 1.4 seconds slower, and its braking distance was just 4 feet longer. In the wet, the Primacy 5 was particularly impressive. Its handling time was just 0.6 seconds off the pace of the Pilot Sport 5, and the driver noted it was enjoyable and very controllable, making it a confidence-inspiring tire in challenging conditions.

Dry97.3%

Wet98.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (4)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	%
Dry Braking	2nd / 4	96.59%
Dry Handling	2nd / 4	98.09%
Wet Braking	2nd / 4	97.16%
Wet Handling	2nd / 4	99.4%

3^rd

Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport

225/40 R18

The Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport delivered a surprising level of performance in dry conditions for an all-season tire. Its dry handling lap was only marginally slower than the summer Primacy, with subjective feedback noting its handling was precise and dynamic, feeling much like a summer tire. However, the performance compromise became evident in the wet. Its wet handling lap was nearly seven seconds slower than the Pilot Sport 5, and its wet braking distance increased by a notable four meters, confirming that while it is highly capable in the dry, a significant performance gap to summer tires remains in wet conditions.

Dry96.7%

Wet91.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (4)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	%
Dry Braking	3rd / 4	95.83%
Dry Handling	3rd / 4	97.54%
Wet Braking	3rd / 4	88.76%
Wet Handling	3rd / 4	93.55%

3PMSF

Yes

4^th

Michelin CrossClimate 3

225/40 R18

The Michelin CrossClimate 3 positioned itself as the comfort-oriented all-season option. It finished last in all four performance metrics, with the largest deficit being in wet handling, where it was over 12 seconds slower than the leader. While not dynamically focused, the tire was subjectively praised for its predictable and controllable nature. It consistently provided clear feedback to the driver, safely signaling its grip limits well in advance. It was also identified as the most comfortable tire in the test, making it a suitable choice for drivers who prioritize ride quality and predictable safety over outright performance.

Dry93.8%

Wet85.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (4)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	%
Dry Braking	4th / 4	92.7%
Dry Handling	4th / 4	94.94%
Wet Braking	4th / 4	82.35%
Wet Handling	4th / 4	88.81%

3PMSF

Yes