Michelin CrossClimate 2 Reviews - Page 7

I read a lot of reviews before changing from the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5. I have always been impressed with the Goodyears; however, residing as I do in the country, historically I have previously changed to full winters late autumn, yet have never done so for this car. This has always left me feeling vulnerable in the case of snow.

So, late 2023, the decision is, a set of winters or try the Cross Climate 2's. With an asymmetric wheel set up, this meant Cross Climate 2's on the front and the CC2 SUV version on the rear. I was assured that they are the same tyre, so this was the decision.

I went ahead nervous that an excellently handling and fun to drive car would be compromised by an all season, compromise tyre. Driving out of the tyre shop, I was worried. With the release agent still not worn off, the previously quite weighty steering was light. Very light. Umm. Not sure. 150 miles in the steering was still much lighter than with the Goodyear Ass. but in a refined, pleasant way. In fact, it was better. It was easier to position the car. So was the noise. The Goodyears are not noisy, but the quietness of the CC2's was noticeable.

The CC2's are also more comfortable, however not through soggy sidewalls that lean and move through corners, just more comfortable.

3 months in and I am thrilled by the choice. Even in the heavy rains of this spring grip has been exemplary. Dry handling and braking are excellent. As someone who was very unsure of moving from a performance summer tyre to the all season Cross Climate 2's, so far I would thoroughly recommend the change. I will now wait to see how they perform in really hot weather.

Well, I got a BIG (and BAD) surprise from Michelin CC2.
In November 2023 I fitted a new set of them (manufacturing date 07/2022) on my Seat Ateca, and up to a week ago I was really satisfied: excellent behavior on dry, very good on wet, maybe not extremely comfortable but in general very good tyres.
Last week I used them in the Alps on snow (both on slush and fresh, non-packed snow) and I was shocked by the low level of grip: LOTS of spinning, LOTS of swerving, in a couple of cases I couldn't even start the car in the desired direction gently uphill (I had to turn the car and go downhill instead...).
And this happened with CC2, which should go as well as mid level winter tyres on the snow, according to instrumental tests.
I used to have Vredestein Quatrac Pro on my car, and despite the low score they get on the tests I drove them on packed snow (not happened to drive on slush or non packed snow) as they were on dry!
@JonathanBenson: in your opinion, could this shocking behavior be due to the low mileage I have on the CC2 (3500 km from November)? Do you think they could improve in the future? Otherwise I need to replace them for the winter, or at least buy snow chains...

Ok, I got them with the used car that I bought recently. I was surprised how good they handle dry conditions, I have been driven them for 5000 km so far. The tyres I got on the car are from the end of 2022, I think they were driven for like 20-25000 km. Still all of them have 6.5mm tread depth. Finally I thought, no more special winter and summer set. BUT, under the rainy and wet conditions, I noticed dangerous oversteering of rear end of the car. I have to say the tyres handle well straight aquaplaning, braking etc, the issue happens when you are taking some curve (eg. You go from a highway to the normal road, taking the long curve) and what I can handle easily at dry conditions, at 50 km/h speed and wet, I would loose rear traction at my rear end. It was really dangerous and unpleasant. Like, I started to doubt my driving skills, then I saw here two similar experiences. Anyway, I would be much more careful under wet conditions and personally, I am going again for separated winter & summer sets. I can't comment for a snow, never driven under these conditions.