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Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW Test Results

Tyre Reviews tests: 2 Tested 2024 to 2026 3 publications

Tested 6 times by independent publications, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW has taken 3 test wins with an average finish of 2nd. Its strongest discipline is Dry Braking, beating 91% of the field across 5 tests; its weakest is Snow Traction, at 87% across 5 tests.

  • 6Independent tests
  • 3Test wins
  • 5Podium finishes
  • 2ndAverage finish
  • 68%Field beaten on average
  • 3Publications
Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW

6 tests, 2024 to 2026

0%50%100%202420252026Average 68%Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental CrossContact LX25 vs Goodyear WeatherReady (2024): P1 of 3, Beat 100% of the fieldThe 7 BEST All Weather Tyres Tested (2025): P1 of 7, Beat 100% of the field2025 Car and Driver All Weather Tyre Test (2025): P2 of 5, Beat 75% of the field2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test (2025): P6 of 11, Beat 50% of the fieldThe BEST All Weather Tyres for 2026/27 (2025): P1 of 8, Beat 86% of the field2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test (2026): P2 of 2 (All Weather), Beat 0% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 68%
The latest test

2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test P2 of 2All Weather

The CrossClimate2 is the best road tyre in this group and a capable performer when the weather turns, which is exactly the reputation it carries. What this test makes plain is the size of the remaining gap: against a proper winter tyre it gives up a great deal of snow and ice traction. Excellent for drivers who see occasional winter weather, not a substitute where winter is a season.

Winner: Bridgestone WeatherPeak

Record by discipline

Where the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tyres. Field beaten is the share of the other tyres it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking Strong 5 P1.6 of 7.2 91% 2
Dry Handling 3 P4.7 of 7.3 44% -
Subj. Dry Handling 3 P2.3 of 8.7 84% 1
Wet
Wet Braking 4 P2.8 of 8.3 76% -
Wet Braking - Worn 1 P1 of 3 100% 1
Wet Handling 4 P4.3 of 8.3 59% -
Subj. Wet Handling 3 P4 of 9 64% -
Wet Circle 2 P2 of 7 83% -
Straight Aqua 2 P1 of 7.5 100% 2
Curved Aquaplaning 2 P3 of 7.5 69% -
Snow
Snow Braking 4 P2 of 8.3 83% 2
Snow Traction Weak 5 P1.8 of 7.2 87% 2
Snow Handling 4 P2.8 of 8.3 69% 1
Subj. Snow Handling 2 P2.5 of 7.5 75% 1
Snow Circle 1 P2 of 6 80% -
Snow Cornering 1 P1 of 8 100% 1
Ice
Ice Braking 3 P1.7 of 9 92% 1
Ice Traction 2 P2.5 of 8 79% 1
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 2 P5 of 7.5 38% -
Subj. Noise 1 P5 of 7 33% -
Noise 2 P5.5 of 7.5 32% -
Value
Value 2 P7.5 of 7.5 0% -
Rolling Resistance 2 P3 of 7.5 71% 1

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tyres that have most often shared a test with the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW. Only tyres tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Bridgestone WeatherPeak 5 shared: 4 ahead, 1 behind Compare with WeatherPeak 5 4 1 - 80%
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind Compare with Assurance WeatherReady 2 3 2 1 - 67%
Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive 3 shared: 1 ahead, 2 behind Compare with Cinturato WeatherActive 3 1 2 - 33%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 5 tests. Updated September 29, 2026.

Across five all-weather group tests, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW shows a consistent pattern of being a very strong “clear-roads” performer (dry and wet) with credible winter ability for an all-weather tyre, often finishing near the top overall (average overall position 2.4) and taking a test win (2025 “The 7 BEST All Weather Tyres Tested”, 1st/7). Testers repeatedly describe sharp, precise steering and strong wet performance: Tire Rack 2026 called it “the most complete tyre” on clear roads, feeling “sharp, precise and well connected”, while Car and Driver 2025 said it “dominated wet testing” with superior responsiveness. Objective results back this up with multiple class-leading dry and wet braking results (e.g. Tire Rack 2026: 1/2 in dry braking and 1/2 in wet braking within the all-weather class; Tire Rack 2025 touring test: 2/11 dry braking at +3.3% from best; 3/11 wet braking). Winter capability is also frequently a differentiator versus other all-weathers: Tire Rack's 2025 touring test had it 1/11 in snow braking and 2/11 in ice braking (+1.3%), and the 2025 “7 BEST” test summary called it “Best overall in the snow” and “excellent on ice”.

The main recurring downsides are refinement and breakaway behaviour. Multiple write-ups criticise noise and firmness (Tire Rack 2026: “noisiest tyre... constant growl... hiss at speed”, and “ride quality was among the firmer”; Car and Driver 2025 also noted a “firm ride... jumpy” and higher noise). At the handling limit it can be less progressive, with abrupt understeer when grip is exceeded (Tire Rack 2026: “once traction is lost the understeer that follows is abrupt”), and some tests note understeer/push when cornering hard (Tire Rack 2025). There are also test-to-test exceptions in winter events depending on the field and metric: in Tire Rack 2026 (all-weather class of two tyres), it was 2/2 in snow braking at +23.5% from class best, and Car and Driver 2025 recorded a poor 6/6 in snow handling (+21.8% from best), despite strong wet results in that same test.

Performance Strengths

  • Wet grip Strong in 3 of 4 tests
    Details
    • Car and Driver 2025 All Weather test: testers said it “dominated wet testing, finishing first in every objective category” (wet responsiveness to steering/braking/acceleration)
    • Tire Rack 2026 All-Weather vs Winter (all-weather class): 1/2 in wet circle (0.69 g) and 1/2 in wet braking (30.358 m)
    • TAGGED ASPECTS: Wet grip praised in 3/4 write-ups (75%), weighted verdict +1.00 (“best overall in the wet”)
  • Steering feel Strong in 3 of 4 tests
    Details
    • Tire Rack 2026: “highest steering and road handling score” (subjective road score 1/2 at 8.25 points within class)
    • Car and Driver 2025: wet performance credited to “superior responsiveness to steering... inputs”
    • TAGGED ASPECTS: Steering feel praised in 3/4 write-ups (75%), weighted verdict +1.00
  • Snow traction Moderate in 2 of 4 tests
    Details
    • Tire Rack 2025 touring test: 2/11 in snow traction (+6.1% from best) and 2/11 in snow handling (+0.1% from best)
    • 2025 “The 7 BEST All Weather Tyres Tested”: 2/8 in snow traction (+4.2% from best) and 2/8 in snow handling (+5.6% from best); tester summary: “Best overall in the snow”
    • TAGGED ASPECTS: Snow traction praised in 2/4 write-ups (50% net positive), including quote “Best overall in the snow”
  • Rolling resistance Moderate in 1 of 4 tests
    Details
    • 2025 “The 7 BEST All Weather Tyres Tested”: rolling resistance 1/7 (7.05 kg/t), tester noted “lowest rolling resistance on test”
    • TAGGED ASPECTS: Rolling resistance praised in 1/4 write-ups (25%), weighted verdict +1.00
  • Wet braking Strong in 2 of 4 tests
    Details
  • Ice grip Strong in 2 of 4 tests
    Details
  • Dry braking Minor in 1 of 4 tests
    Details
  • Snow braking Minor in 1 of 4 tests
    Details

Performance Weaknesses

  • Road noise Strong in 2 of 4 tests
    Details
    • Tire Rack 2026: “noisiest tyre in the test, with a constant growl that turned to a hiss at speed”; subjective noise 2/2 within all-weather class (+6.7% from class best)
    • Car and Driver 2025: “higher noise levels on smooth surfaces”
    • TAGGED ASPECTS: Road noise criticised in 2/4 write-ups (50%), weighted verdict -1.00
  • Ride comfort Strong in 3 of 4 tests
    Details
    • Tire Rack 2026: “ride quality was among the firmer here”
    • Car and Driver 2025: “firm ride quality that felt jumpy over anything larger than small imperfections”
    • TAGGED ASPECTS: Ride comfort mentioned in 4/4 write-ups (100%) with 3 criticisms, weighted verdict -0.50
  • Behaviour at the limit Moderate in 2 of 4 tests
    Details
    • Tire Rack 2026: “once traction is lost the understeer that follows is abrupt”
    • Tire Rack 2025 touring test: “it can push a little when cornering hard in both wet and dry conditions”
    • TAGGED ASPECTS: Behaviour at the limit criticised in 2/4 write-ups (50%), weighted verdict -1.00
  • Snow handling Minor
    Details
    • Car and Driver 2025: snow handling 6/6 (+21.8% from best) despite otherwise strong wet results
    • Tire Rack 2026 (all-weather class): subjective snow handling 2/2 (+3.8% from class best)
  • Value for money Minor
    Details
    • 2025 “The 7 BEST All Weather Tyres Tested”: Value metric 7/7 (+42% from best), tester negative: “Expensive”
    • Car and Driver 2025: noted price point ($232) as part of overall context
  • Dry handling Minor in 1 of 4 tests
    Details

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW (4 tests) and 11 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.

Where owners and testers agree

  • Dry grip strength in 1 of 4 tests 3 praise, 1 criticise of 11 reviews · Read those reviews

Raised by owners, not by any test of this tyre

  • Tread life no test mentions it 4 praise, 0 criticise of 11 reviews · Read those reviews

Every test, newest first 6

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2026 1 test
P2 of 2 All Weather Beat 0% of the field

2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test

Tire Rack 215/55 R17

The CrossClimate2 is the best road tyre in this group and a capable performer when the weather turns, which is exactly the reputation it carries. What this test makes plain is the size of the remaining gap: against a proper winter tyre it gives up a great deal of snow and ice traction. Excellent for drivers who see occasional winter weather, not a substitute where winter is a season.

WinnerBridgestone WeatherPeak

2025 4 tests
P1 of 8 Beat 86% of the field

The BEST All Weather Tyres for 2026/27

Tyre Reviews 235/45 R18 Tested by Tyre Reviews Winner

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW finished joint first with the Continental. Once again it was outstanding in the snow and on ice, it won dry braking and was my favourite to drive in the dry and on snow, and it gave up only a tiny bit in the wet. It is also the most expensive tyre to buy and run. If you expect to drive on snow and ice for a significant part of the year, this is the all weather tyre to buy.

StrongDry BrakingSubj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingWet CircleStraight AquaSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingSubj. Snow HandlingSnow CorneringIce BrakingIce Traction WeakNoiseValue

P6 of 11 Beat 50% of the field

2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test

Tire Rack 215/55 R17

The Michelin CrossClimate2 lives up to its reputation as a benchmark, delivering a composed and comfortable road ride with light, eager steering. On the track, its straight-line traction is impressive in the wet, though it can push a little when cornering hard in both wet and dry conditions. Where it truly shines is in winter conditions, where it stands head and shoulders above the competition in this test, offering athletic and confidence-inspiring performance in the snow and on ice.

StrongDry BrakingSnow BrakingSnow TractionSnow HandlingIce Braking WinnerGoodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2

P2 of 5 Beat 75% of the field

2025 Car and Driver All Weather Tyre Test

Car and Driver 225/45 R18

Despite being five years old, the $232 Michelin CrossClimate2 demonstrated excellent all-around capability with its distinctive tread pattern. It dominated wet testing, finishing first in every objective category with superior responsiveness to steering, braking, and acceleration inputs. In snow, it excelled particularly in braking with impressive longitudinal grip. However, the CrossClimate2 showed resolute understeer in dry conditions, making it difficult to rotate through courses. Additionally, testers noted a firm ride quality that felt jumpy over anything larger than small imperfections and higher noise levels on smooth surfaces, which likely contributed to its second-place finish despite its wet-weather dominance.

StrongDry BrakingWet BrakingWet HandlingWet CircleSnow Circle WeakSnow Handling WinnerPirelli Cinturato WeatherActive

P1 of 7 Beat 100% of the field

The 7 BEST All Weather Tyres Tested

Tyre Reviews 225/65 R17 Tested by Tyre Reviews Winner

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 AW might be getting on in years, but it is still the category leading all weather tyre. It somehow manages to blend the best grip in nearly all conditions with the lowest rolling resistance, a hugely impressive blend of qualities.

StrongDry BrakingSubj. Dry HandlingStraight AquaSnow TractionSnow HandlingIce BrakingRolling Resistance WeakValue

2024 1 test

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