All-season performance is covered by several aspects, one of which is the compound. Michelin utilized its Thermal Adaptive rubber, designed to remain soft in warm and cold weather, making the CrossClimate 2 usable in summer and winter. The brand boasts a flexible tread compound that can withstand the cold, making it safe and effective in all conditions. The blend of resins and the high concentration of silica in the compound, called the “Traction Silica Compound” are the secret to the tire’s winter performance. Therefore, if you want to equip your SUV with great traction, responsive handling, shorter braking stops, and winter performance, then this tire is a good choice. As we all know, all-season tires like the Defender line don’t perform well in extreme weather conditions.
As part of the design are the V Ramp champers and the 3D SipeLock. Both of these work to enable the CrossClimate 2 to increase the contact patch, thus increasing overall grip and traction. Both tires are also neck and neck in terms of riding comfort and cornering in hydroplaning situations; in fact, they both rely on directional tread designs. These 4-season tires have both been tested by many experts. This includes the 2021 Tyre Reviews tests, which brought the two models face to face. This allows us to compare them in a very objective way.
Dry braking is measure of stopping performance from 60 to 0 mph. Yes, the CC2 and CC2 SUV are just naming differences and are available in differing sizes and load ratings. Even though the CrossClimate Plus is technically the older tire, the price is a bit higher than the CrossClimate 2. The difference isn’t huge, but you are michelin defender tires looking at a roughly $10 increase on a standard-sized 16-inch model, which increases if you go up the scale. Older tire models usually tend to be slightly cheaper than the newer version, which is why people still hand on to them. A small performance bump may not be a priority for some car owners, so they get a good bargain.
The CrossClimate Plus is a tire that managed to surprise me with its handling characteristics. As a grand touring tire, it’s very responsive and has a lively character. Out of most grand touring tires, I feel like this is the one that would adhere to most enthusiasts’ requirements. The instant response with the feedback the tire provides is a big A+ in my book. The sidewall geometry is coupled with a deep tread design that reduces rolling resistance to give you a more fuel-efficient tire. This is how Continental creates a tire that combines winter and summer tires, making it the ideal tire for all seasons.
This is where things get a bit weird when we compare the CrossClimate Plus and CrossClimate 2. There are some noticeable differences, but not in favor of the model you think. Despite both tires being from the same manufacturer and class, there are a few years difference between them, so we should see some performance differences.
In this comparison, you are looking at the opposite. Noise levels also aren’t class-leading and are behind the competitors. There is a noticeable hum at lower speeds, which increases as you drive faster. To be fair, it’s not the loudest tire in this category, but it’s far from the quietest either. Grand touring tires are all about refinement, something that Michelin aimed to achieve but sort of failed with one of these two.
Despite the differences, the CrossClimate 2 is as capable when it comes to hydroplaning resistance compared to its rivals, so driving in very heavy rain will never be an issue. The CrossClimate 2 features quite steep angles on the tread, helping channel water away from it. This is in contrast to other all-season tires, which usually have a non-directional design and circumferential grooves. Hence, it should perform excellently in rain and snow, even when the tread is worn down to 2/32-inch of tread depth. And after my tests, you can read about my findings in this Michelin CrossClimate 2 review, where I’ll cover every aspect of the tire in great detail. With over 100 Certified Master Technicians on staff, Sullivan Tire and Auto Service can tackle any of your automotive service needs no matter what you drive.
The Crossclimate 2 is a grand touring tire, so it is expected to have greater performance than standard touring models. One unique feature of this option is the use of a v-shaped directional tread pattern, which is commonly used for performance tires. A Road Hazard is defined as hitting something unforeseen in the road and causing irreparable damage to the tire.
The other is the Michelin Crossclimate 2, which is available in sizes ranging from 16 to 22 inches and is suitable for cars, SUVs, minivans and performance vehicles. Note that the Crossclimate has been discontinued and replaced by the Crossclimate 2, which is available in up to 40% more sizes than its predecessor. Michelin Crossclimate 2 is compatible with SUVs and known for its great overall performance. It is an all-weather tire, so it can give you great traction on light and moderate snow. All of these tires have a long tread life, though the Defender 2 comes out on top with a slight advantage.
Supported by the Michelin Promise Plan of a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, roadside assistance, and a limited warranty up to 90,000 Kilometres. For high-speed driving, additional inflation pressure and possibly reduced tire loading and/or upsizing is required. In the absence of specific michelin truck tires recommendations by the vehicle manufacturer, use the following guidelines based on those in the European Tire and Rim Technical Organization Standards Manual. On wet pavement when worn, the MICHELIN® CrossClimate2® tire stopped up to 56 feet shorter than four leading competitive tires.