Hankook iON FlexClimate vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
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.
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been two tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hankook iON FlexClimate | two |
While it might look like the Hankook iON FlexClimate is better than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- 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
- Well-balanced all-season performance with no major weaknesses in TÜV test
- Class-leading snow traction and handling; short snow braking
- Confident dry braking in TÜV; stable touring manners
- Generally low rolling resistance aiding efficiency
- Proven all-season tech prioritizing winter safety
Dry Braking
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook iON FlexClimate was better during one dry braking tests. On average the Hankook iON FlexClimate stopped the vehicle in 1.37% less distance than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Dry Braking: Hankook iON FlexClimate
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook iON FlexClimate was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook iON FlexClimate was 2.82% faster around a lap than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Hankook iON FlexClimate
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook iON FlexClimate was better during two wet braking tests. On average the Hankook iON FlexClimate stopped the vehicle in 4.02% less distance than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Wet Braking: Hankook iON FlexClimate
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook iON FlexClimate was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Hankook iON FlexClimate was 4.69% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Hankook iON FlexClimate
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook iON FlexClimate was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Hankook iON FlexClimate had 5.25% higher lateral wet grip than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Wet Circle: Hankook iON FlexClimate
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Hankook iON FlexClimate was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Hankook iON FlexClimate floated at a 6.08% higher speed than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Straight Aqua: Hankook iON FlexClimate
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Hankook iON FlexClimate was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Hankook iON FlexClimate slipped out at a 9.21% higher speed than the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Hankook iON FlexClimate
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one snow braking tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped the vehicle in 1.43% less distance than the Hankook iON FlexClimate.
Best In Snow Braking: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 accelerated 3.64% faster than the Hankook iON FlexClimate.
Best In Snow Traction: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was 1.5% faster around a lap than the Hankook iON FlexClimate.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was 1.28% faster around a lap than the Hankook iON FlexClimate.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin CrossClimate 2 had a 0.99% lower rolling resistance than the Hankook iON FlexClimate.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin CrossClimate 2
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Hankook iON FlexClimate Driver Reviews
Drivers of the Hankook iON FlexClimate report outstanding all-weather performance, with especially strong dry and wet grip, short braking, very low noise, and a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride. Several users also praise its snow and ice traction for an all-weather tyre. A minority note drawbacks: some EV drivers saw a noticeable drop in efficiency/range, and a few found dry grip/handling slightly below dedicated summer/performance tyres. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most reviewers highly satisfied.
Based on 8 reviews with an average rating of 88%
Michelin CrossClimate 2 Driver Reviews
Drivers of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 largely report excellent all-weather confidence, with standout snow/ice traction, strong dry grip for an all-season, and comfortable, generally quiet cruising. Many note good tread life and stable performance over high mileages, with predictable handling and strong resistance to hydroplaning. A minority experienced inconsistent wet traction (especially on powerful RWD cars or as the tyre wears), more road noise on rough surfaces with age, and a small drop in fuel economy, and several mention the premium price. Overall sentiment is strongly positive for a do-it-all tyre.
Based on 140 reviews with an average rating of 81%
Previous tires were Pilot Sport 4
Tire is confidence inspiring. Grip is good and predictable. Noise level is lower than average, rid comfort is good. Can't say anything yet about wear.
They are quieter than the Pilot Sport. Comfort is better. Grip is slightly worse in the dry.
Very good overall tire so far. Can recommend it.
Conclusion
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.
Key Differences
- Wet performance: Hankook consistently quicker/brakes shorter; Michelin lags in wet metrics
- Aquaplaning: Hankook holds a clear edge (straight and curved)
- Snow capability: Michelin leads in traction/handling; Hankook close on braking in TÜV but trails overall
- Dry behavior: Near parity; Hankook faster in Auto Bild handling, Michelin marginally shorter dry stop in TÜV
- Efficiency: Michelin slightly lower RR in Auto Bild; both positioned as efficient, Hankook EV-optimized
- Use-case focus: Hankook tailored for EV dynamics and wet safety; Michelin tuned for winter assurance and touring
Overall Winner: Hankook iON FlexClimate
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Hankook iON FlexClimate has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
Hankook iON FlexClimate Top Comparisons
Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre 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 tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre 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 tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.