Tested 38 times by independent publications, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has taken 8 test wins with an average finish of 3rd. Its strongest discipline is Rolling Resistance, beating 93% of the field across 24 tests; its weakest is Wet Handling, at 26% across 27 tests.
38Independent tests
8Test wins
26Podium finishes
3rdAverage finish
70%Field beaten on average
14Publications
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38 tests, 2021 to 2026
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 shares second place and remains a strong all-season choice, especially for drivers who value low wear and running costs. It is only in this test because the current CrossClimate 3 is not offered in the small 185/65 R15 size, yet the older tire still finishes among the leaders, held back from the win only by a weaker wet performance.
Where the Michelin CrossClimate 2 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.
Record by discipline
Discipline
Tests
Avg finish
Field beaten
Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking
36
P2.5 of 13.3
83%
10
Dry Handling
24
P5 of 10.7
52%
-
Subj. Dry Handling
4
P3.3 of 8.3
66%
1
Wet
Wet Braking
36
P6.4 of 13.3
47%
1
Wet Braking - Low Grip
1
P4 of 5
25%
-
Wet Braking - Cool
2
P5.5 of 10
50%
-
Wet Braking - Concrete
3
P8.7 of 16
49%
-
Wet Handling Weak
27
P7.6 of 10.3
26%
1
Subj. Wet Handling
3
P3.3 of 8.3
70%
-
Wet Circle
16
P8.4 of 11.4
26%
-
Straight Aqua
30
P4.3 of 10.7
65%
3
Curved Aquaplaning
20
P6.4 of 12.1
54%
1
Snow
Snow Braking
30
P2.9 of 10.6
82%
10
Snow Traction
28
P2.3 of 10.8
87%
13
Snow Handling
26
P2.1 of 9.9
88%
12
Subj. Snow Handling
4
P1 of 7.3
100%
4
Snow Circle
5
P2.2 of 8.4
84%
3
Snow Slalom
9
P1.2 of 13.1
98%
7
Ice
Ice Braking
6
P6.3 of 12
50%
-
Ice Traction
3
P5.3 of 8
37%
-
Ice Handling
1
P8 of 8
0%
-
Comfort
Subj. Comfort
6
P4.2 of 9.3
60%
-
Noise
24
P5.1 of 12
61%
1
Tire Weight
3
P6 of 15.7
65%
-
Value
Wear
8
P6.3 of 14.6
62%
-
Value
6
P11 of 14
22%
-
Rolling Resistance Strong
24
P1.8 of 10.7
93%
12
Fuel Consumption
7
P4.9 of 14.6
69%
-
Abrasion
5
P1.6 of 15.6
96%
4
Head-to-head record
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Michelin CrossClimate 2. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
Across 38 tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 shows a very consistent “winter-leaning” all-season character: repeatedly class-leading on snow (traction/handling/braking) while also being one of the strongest all-season options for dry braking and overall efficiency (rolling resistance/fuel) and often strong wear/abrasion outcomes. This combination explains its high average overall ranking (3.1) and frequent top awards (3x test winner, 2x highly recommended), especially in mainstream all-season group tests.
The recurring limitation is wet grip, particularly wet handling and (in several tests) wet braking, where it often sits mid-pack to lower mid-pack and can be materially behind the best tires (commonly ~10-20% deficits, with some bottom-rank wet sub-results). In true winter/ice conditions it is clearly not a substitute for a Nordic friction winter tire, with extreme performance gaps on ice shown in the dedicated winter test.
Rolling resistance is repeatedly best-in-test: 2025 Auto Bild camper van (245/45 R18) RR 1/11; 2024 Auto Bild SUV all-season (245/45 R18) RR 1/12; 2024 Promobil motorhome test (235/55 R17) RR 1/8
It was the clear leader in snow performance, delivering the best results in the group for both acceleration (102.7%) - 2025 TUV Hankook iON FlexClimate EV Report (2025)
Wet handling frequently ranks in the lower half: 2024 AutoBild all-season (225/50 R17) wet handling 12/17 (+8.2%); 2023 Auto Bild all-season (225/45 R17) wet handling 12/18 (+5.8%); 2024 Sport Auto all-season (215/40 R18) wet handling 8/8 (+3.1%)
Wet braking often trails the leaders by a notable margin: 2024 Auto Bild SUV all-season (245/45 R18) wet braking 8/12 (+20.5%); 2024 AutoBild all-season (225/50 R17) wet braking 8/17 (+18.5%); 2022 Sport Auto all-season (235/35 R19) wet braking 7/8 (+18.3%)
Several tests show outright bottom wet sub-results: 2024 Promobil motorhome test wet braking 8/8 (+9.0%) and wet handling 8/8 (+3.2%); 2026 TÜV Goodyear benchmark wet braking 5/5 (+7.2%) and wet handling 5/5 (+7.1%)
Ice Performance vs Dedicated Winter TiresStrongDetails
In 2024 Nordic friction winter tire test (225/45 R17), ice braking 8/8 (+72% from best) and ice traction 7/8 (+72.6% from best), indicating a very large deficit vs Nordic winter tires
Same winter test shows ice handling 8/8 (+12.7% from best), reinforcing poor ice grip consistency
Dry Handling / Sportiness (often only average despite strong dry braking)ModerateDetails
Dry handling commonly sits mid-pack: 2024 AutoBild all-season (225/50 R17) 8/17 (+2.1%); 2025 Auto Bild Sportscars (225/45 R18) 7/12 (+3.4%); 2024 Minivan/SUV winner test still only dry handling 9/14 (+1.9%)
Some tests show near-bottom dry handling outcomes: 2025 Autobild EV mini-test dry handling 3/3 (+2.8%); 2024 Sport Auto all-season (215/40 R18) dry handling 7/8 (+2.0%)
In summer-UHP comparisons it performs poorly as expected for an all-season: 2023 AZ UHP summer test overall 10/10 with dry handling 10/10 (+4.3%)
Value / Purchase PriceStrongDetails
Consistently poor value rankings where price is scored: 2025 ADAC (225/45 R17) value 14/15 (+114.8% from best); 2022 Auto Bild all-season (195/55 R16) value 15/15 (+183.1%)
Price-position often near bottom: 2024 AutoBild Minivan/SUV test price 12/12 (+81% from best); 2021 Auto Bild all-season price 16/16 (+64.9% from best)
Tire Reviews 2024 all-season test lists price 7/7 (+67.7% from best) and value 6/7 (+154% from best)
Every tester write-up on the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (33 tests) and 155 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Where owners and testers agree
AspectTestersOwners
Snow traction strength in 27 of 33 tests 50 praise, 6 criticise of 155 reviews · Read those reviews
Dry grip strength in 8 of 33 tests 41 praise, 6 criticise of 155 reviews · Read those reviews
Dry braking strength in 17 of 33 tests 8 praise, 3 criticise of 155 reviews · Read those reviews
Aquaplaning resistance strength in 11 of 33 tests 13 praise, 3 criticise of 155 reviews · Read those reviews
Tread life strength in 5 of 33 tests 31 praise, 11 criticise of 155 reviews · Read those reviews
Ride comfort strength in 3 of 33 tests 32 praise, 6 criticise of 155 reviews · Read those reviews
Every test, newest first 38
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
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The Michelin CrossClimate 2 shares second place and remains a strong all-season choice, especially for drivers who value low wear and running costs. It is only in this test because the current CrossClimate 3 is not offered in the small 185/65 R15 size, yet the older tire still finishes among the leaders, held back from the win only by a weaker wet performance.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 excels in winter conditions, winning the snow competition outright with the best braking and acceleration performance. It also delivers very strong results on dry surfaces, particularly dominating the dry braking test where it significantly outperforms all rivals. The CrossClimate 2 loses the most points in wet asphalt competitions compared to its other categories, yet still provides a high level of safety in these conditions. As a premium-segment tire manufactured in Spain, it offers predictable and confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. The tire also achieves good fuel efficiency with relatively low rolling resistance.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 blends best-in-test efficiency with winter confidence, topping Rolling Resistance and Snow Handling while staying near the front in Snow Braking and Snow Traction. Dry Braking is solid, but wet metrics are its drawback, with lower Wet Braking and Wet Handling and a mid-table Straight Aqua result, placing it behind the wet leaders overall.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the undisputed snow king, delivering outstanding winter performance that actually surpasses the dedicated winter tire reference in three out of four snow disciplines. However, the French manufacturer appears to have over-emphasized winter properties, as the tire shows comparatively weak wet handling characteristics. This represents the classic compromise dilemma of all-season tires taken to an extreme. Despite being the most expensive tire in the test, it's an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter snow and ice but comes with the highest purchase price and a fourth-place overall finish.
StrongSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSnow SlalomRolling Resistance WinnerPirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is described as a perfectly balanced all-season tire that often serves as the benchmark for this type of tire. It wins against the Nokian on dry asphalt and snow, showing only slightly less capability on wet surfaces. The tire delivers the highest level of safety with excellent steering precision across all conditions. It offers the best handling properties on dry asphalt among all tested tires and demonstrates excellent parameters in winter conditions. A significant advantage is its low rolling resistance, contributing to good fuel economy. The CrossClimate 2 represents premium quality with no significant weaknesses, though it loses the top spot to the Nokian primarily due to its slightly reduced wet weather performance.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 secures second place with an overall grade of 1.9 ("good"), establishing itself as a well-rounded performer with exceptional winter capabilities. This tire truly shines on snow and ice, delivering performance that rivals dedicated winter tires and setting the benchmark in these conditions. It offers reliable handling characteristics with short braking distances on both dry and wet surfaces, making it a dependable choice for safety-conscious drivers. The tire also benefits from low rolling resistance, contributing to energy efficiency. While it performs competently across all weather conditions, its standout feature is its unbeatable snow performance, making it an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter winter conditions. The CrossClimate 2 represents proven all-season technology that prioritizes winter safety while maintaining good performance in other conditions.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 proved to be a standout performer in winter conditions and on dry roads. It was the clear leader in snow performance, delivering the best results in the group for both acceleration (102.7%) and handling (101.5%). It also achieved the shortest dry braking distance with a score of 100.4%. The tire's relative weaknesses appeared in wet conditions, where it scored lower than the benchmark in aquaplaning resistance (93.7%), wet braking (94.9%), and lateral wet grip (94.8%).
StrongDry BrakingWet BrakingSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow Handling WeakWet CircleStraight Aqua WinnerHankook iON FlexClimate
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 receives a merely "satisfactory" overall rating because its performance on wet roads doesn't rise above that level, despite a good environmental score. On dry roads, the tire performs well, offering good steering feedback, precision, and safe handling at its limits, along with a good braking distance. However, on wet surfaces, it only achieves a satisfactory result; while its braking is still considered good, its resistance to aquaplaning and its general wet handling are rated as average due to mediocre grip levels. In contrast, the Michelin delivers the best winter performance in the test. It scores well for traction and braking on snow and ice, and it uniquely earns a "very good" rating for its outstandingly precise handling and high safety reserves on snow. Environmentally, the tire performs well, offering high projected mileage, low wear, and above-average results for both fuel consumption and weight.
StrongSnow BrakingSnow TractionFuel Consumption WeakValue WinnerGoodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
Michelin CrossClimate 2 achieves an "exemplary" rating and excels particularly in winter conditions, actually outperforming the reference winter tire in snow testing three times. This tire impresses with its balanced performance characteristics, low rolling resistance, and corresponding fuel-saving potential. The Michelin represents remarkable progress in all-season tire development. Its main weakness lies in slightly inferior aquaplaning behavior compared to other top performers.
StrongSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSnow SlalomRolling Resistance WinnerPirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 VOL, despite being a Volvo-specific version previously offered as original equipment on the XC60, clearly lagged behind dedicated summer tires in most test categories. As an all-season tire attempting to bridge summer and winter performance, it demonstrated compromises that became particularly evident on wet surfaces, where significant understeer and duller responses made the car feel sluggish and less connected. The testers explicitly recommended against standardizing cars with all-season tires in Sweden, suggesting that drivers would be better served by dedicated summer tires paired with proper winter tires when the season changes, rather than this compromise solution that fell well short of true summer tire performance.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 all-season tire demonstrated its split personality in the test. It dominated wet road performance and showed excellent dry road behavior, but struggled severely on ice and showed compromised snow performance. While it outperformed budget winter tires overall, its winter limitations make it suitable only for drivers who can avoid driving in icy conditions.
Tire Reviews · 235/35 R19 Tested by Tire ReviewsHighly Rec.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the tire you'd fit if you're in climate that gets a lot of snow, as it was the best overall in the snow, had the lowest noise and the lowest rolling resistance. While its dry braking was also very good, its grip in the wet is still lacking compared to the best. I look forward to the next version improving this.
StrongSubj. Wet HandlingStraight AquaSnow TractionSnow HandlingSubj. Snow HandlingNoiseRolling Resistance WeakWet Handling WinnerPirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire receives a satisfactory overall safety rating, mainly due to its performance on wet roads. On dry surfaces, it provides good steering feedback, precision, and reserves at the limit, achieving the shortest braking distance in the test.
On wet roads, the tire's performance drops. While it delivers good results in braking and aquaplaning tests, its handling is rated as merely adequate. The Michelin struggles to combine longitudinal and lateral forces effectively, leading to early under- or oversteer. The performance limit is low, resulting in imprecise steering control.
In winter conditions, the CrossClimate 2 impresses with good performance. Its braking and traction are rated as good, and it secures the best handling score in the test, allowing precise and safe maneuvering through the course.
Environmentally, the Italian and Spanish-made Michelin CrossClimate 2 achieves a good result. It offers high projected mileage and the lowest wear in the test. Additionally, it shows above-average performance in fuel consumption and weight..
StrongDry BrakingStraight AquaAbrasion WinnerGoodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
Tire Reviews · 205/55 R16 Tested by Tire ReviewsHighly Rec.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2, the tire that's won every test I've featured it in, dropped down to fourth behind the new trio of tires. I think the biggest surprise wasn't that it was the best in the snow, I've said this tire is too good in the snow many times, or had the lowest rolling resistance on test, it's always done that well, but the fact it wasn't best in dry braking which is historically the Michelins party piece. I really hope Michelin can bring wet improvements to the next product, even if that means sacrificing a little snow. The CrossClimate 2 is still a great all season tire, but according to this test, it's no longer the greatest
Tire Reviews · 195/65 R15 Tested by Tire ReviewsWinner
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is back at the top, winning the test overall. Once again this tire was best in dry braking, the best in the snow, had good levels of comfort, great aquaplaning resistance, and a very low rolling resistance. Is this the perfect all season tire? Well, once again, not quite. It was 6th in wet braking and 8th in wet handling, which is a common theme of the CrossClimate 2. Michelin, give this all season tire more wet performance for the next iteration, even if it comes at the expense of some of that snow performance, and the segment will have an unrivalled king once again. There's no denying the CrossClimate 2 is the best all season tire money can buy in the dry and snow, but I just think wet should be more important.
The CrossClimate 2 demonstrated strong performance in dry conditions, ranking 1st in dry braking. It also excelled in snow tests, achieving 1st place in snow braking, snow traction, and subjective snow handling. However, it did not perform as well in wet conditions, ranking 4th in wet braking and the wet circle test
StrongDry BrakingStraight AquaSnow BrakingSnow TractionSubj. Snow HandlingSnow Circle WeakWet BrakingWet Circle WinnerBridgestone Turanza All Season 6
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 gets the fewest points. But a direct comparison with UHP summer pros would be unfair, so no placement. But: It is fast, very economical and suitable for winter!
Tire Reviews · 225/45 R17 Tested by Tire ReviewsWinner
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 wins the test in the balanced scoring, but does drop down to third in the mild climate results. Why? The CrossClimate 2 is quite frankly ridiculously good in the snow, Tire Reviews ran the all season test alongside the winter test in the same size and if the Crossclimate 2 was in the winter tire test, it would have been better than half of the winter tires in the snow! It also had a very low rolling resistance, and it had the shortest dry braking, the CrossClimate party piece. However, it seems to have lost its significant lead in the dry, just 1.5% ahead of the hankook in dry braking, and it no longer has the subjective lead in dry handling, the Bridgestone won that show. But the biggest reason it could only finish third in the mild climate results was because of its wet performance, it was great in straight aquaplaning but it was only midpack in wet braking and struggled a little during the wet handling laps. The CrossClimate 2 is certainly an exceptional all season tire, and worthy of the test winning award, but we hope for the next generation of CrossClimate Michelin trade some of that incredible snow performance for a little more ability in the dry and particularly the wet to bring back the "summer tire with winter capabilities" theme the Crossclimate is so loved for.
Tire Reviews · 205/55 R16 Tested by Tire ReviewsWinner
The new Michelin CrossClimate 2 had a near flawless test, with the only weakness coming in the wet at cooler temperatures where it couldn't quite match the best. It was the most summer-like tire in the dry, led both deep water tests, was one of the best in the snow, and had low noise and low rolling resistance. A really impressive performance from the new tire, and a worthy upgrade to the CrossClimate+.
StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingWet BrakingStraight AquaCurved AquaplaningSnow TractionSnow Circle
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a worthy upgrade on the original CrossClimate+. It improves the outgoing tires grip in nearly all conditions, it makes a significant step forward in the snow, and has significantly lower rolling resistance.All in all, the CrossClimate 2 is a very impressive all season tire.
Back to the Michelin CrossClimate 2 overview
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