Michelin CrossClimate 2 All Weather Tires Review - a safe year-round choice for rain & snow with a longer life than CrossClimate+, but less range for EVs like Tesla Model 3/Y
This article is not a sponsored post, based two family cars' of experience. My 2018 Tesla Model 3's CrossClimate+ tires were rated for 40K miles and lasted 36,331 miles over 33 months of year-round driving in all sorts of weather conditions, including snow. They earned my trust. When the time came for replacement in October 27 2022, I went CrossClimate2 tires that are rated for 60K miles. This article will be updated with my experience.
Table of contents
- Press Release
- Email from Michelin
- Compare CrossClimate+ with CrossClimate 2
- Buy
- Videos
- See also at TinkerTry
- See also
Separate winter-only snow tires will provide even better traction in snowy conditions, but many car owners don't want or need to have their tires changed twice a year. There's also the cost, along with room to store an extra set of snow tires, whether or not they're left mounted on wheels. Where I live in the Northeastern US, all-weather 18" tires fit my family's Tesla AWD and Subaru AWD SUV needs quite well, where surviving major pothole impacts is of an even higher priority than all-out summer cornering performance. That said, I've even taken high-speed rated CrossClimate tires out on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway beyond 100 mph too: no issues whatsoever.
I purchased my CrossClimate+ tires for my 2018 Tesla Model 3 in early January of 2019. At that time, I had 26,400 miles on my Original Equipment Michelin Primacy MXM4 P235/45R18 tires, but those are all-season, and were worn down to 4/32" of tread. As of December of 2021, the 25,000 miles I've driven on my CrossClimate+ tires have been uneventful, with no incident's of hydroplaning or getting stuck in deep snow, and I sometimes had to drive my wife to and from work in rather poor weather conditions.
Later in 2019, Michelin replaced their successful CrossClimate+ tires with new and improved CrossClimate 2 tires, earning even better reviews than the already well-regarded CrossClimate+ tires. Gladly, Michelin now makes them in 71 sizes for a wide variety of vehicles, XL load rated which is great for EVs that tend to be a bit heavier.
When a family member of mine recently told me it was time for new tires on his 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5L Touring SUV, it was rather easy to make my recommendation for his Northeastern driving area, spending much of its time street parked in New York City. Given the lack of storage for snow tires, a single tire choice he can leave on year round was the way to go.
If you'd like all the nerdy details on CrossClimate tires along with many videos, it's all in my original article:
I think you'll find it's rather comprehensive.
Press Release
Here's the PDF version of their press release that contains additional information:
Thanks to the numerous, sometimes seemingly conflicting performance features
it packs, MICHELIN CrossClimate 2 is capable of tackling the majority of weather
conditions encountered by motorists, whatever the time of year.
A master of the All-Season tyre market1-6
On September 1, Michelin launched the sale of MICHELIN CrossClimate 2.
Released simultaneously across Europe, Michelin’s new-generation All-Season tyre
delivers:
The benefits of a summer tyre in terms of braking performance on dry and wet
roads, energy efficiency and longevity1,2,5&6- The traction and braking benefits on snow and in low temperatures of a winter
tyre. The 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) logo on MICHELIN CrossClimate
2’s sidewalls confirms that it can be used in winter, even in countries where winter
tyres are mandatory
You may also find value in reading Michelin's CrossClimate 2 Product Page in its entirely including footnotes, here's an excerpt:
- A master of the All-Season tyre market
- High performance from the first kilometre to the last thanks to innovative technologies
- Performance Made to Last2…MICHELIN CrossClimate 2’s stand-out selling point
Thanks to the numerous, sometimes seemingly conflicting performance features it packs, MICHELIN CrossClimate 2 is capable of tackling the majority of weather conditions encountered by motorists, whatever the time of year.
MICHELIN CrossClimate 2 comes in a choice 105 sizes for 15 - to 20-inch wheels, which represented something of a challenge in production terms. The list includes 65 new sizes, an increase of 40 % over the catalogue of its predecessor, the MICHELIN CrossClimate+.MICHELIN CrossClimate 2 range is manufactured exclusively in seven European factories, notably in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
“Since its launch, the original MICHELIN CrossClimate has had a radical effect on the European All-Season tyre market which has since enjoyed annual growth in excess of 19%8, in addition to being the only segment to have kept growing during the pandemic9,” says Michelin’s Scott Clark (Executive Vice-President, Automotive, Motorsport, and member of the Group Executive Committee). “Over the next five years, it is expected to expand at a rate of more than 16% per year10. Safer, longer-lasting and more economical, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a further illustration of the Group’s All-Sustainable strategy.”
Email from Michelin
On Jan 17 2022, I received a response to my inquiry about rolling resistance and other differences between the original CrossClimate+ and today's CrossClimate 2 tires:
Good Afternoon Paul,
Thanks for contacting the Michelin Consumer Care Team. My name is Kelsei and I look forward to helping you out. You've been assigned case number 02672031. This will allow my team to quickly pull up your case details if any further questions arise.
I will be happy to compare the Cross Climate + (1884) and the Cross Climate 2 (16172) in size 235/45R18 XL for you.
For starters the Cross Climate + has been discontinued since Jan of 2021. The load index and speed rating is a 98Y. It was backed by a 40,000 mile warranty. Arm yourself for every weather* condition. The MICHELIN® CrossClimate®+ tire is not designed for extreme winter conditions with substantial ice, slush, heavy snow. MICHELIN's® specially designed V-shaped tread pattern and 3-D self-locking sipes provide excellent snow traction and braking. Giving you peace of mind and a confident driving experience in snowy conditions for all the miles ahead. MICHELIN's® rigid and bevel-edged tread blocks optimize grip and braking performance on dry roads. This innovative grip-maximizing compound improves flexibility to enable greater indentation and grip with wet road surfaces, whatever the temperature; giving you peace of mind for a comfortable driving experience for you and your passengers.
Wear 9
Fuel Efficiency 9
Handling 10
Braking 10
Comfort 9The Cross Climate 2 load index and speed rating is a 98 V. It is backed by a 60,000 mile warranty. The Cross Climate 2 is your tire that is made to last. You receive performance in every season, Confidence For All Climates, Excellent Stopping Power, Even When Worn.
Wear 9 Fuel Efficiency 8 Handling 9 Braking 10 Comfort 9
If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 866-866-6605 (toll-free) between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, or 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.
We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin.
Sincerely,
Kelsei
Consumer Care Department
Certified Michelin Product Expert
so I build this easier-to-read comparison table for you, seen below.
I admit, I'm disappointed to hear that the range might be reduced due to less efficiency, but there's no way to quantify this based on round numbers from Michelin, especially without any sort of careful comparison track testing.
Compare CrossClimate+ with CrossClimate 2
CrossClimate+ | CrossClimate 2
-----------------------------------
Wear 9 | 9
Efficiency 9 | 8
Handling 10 | 9
Braking 10 | 10
Comfort 9 | 9
Warranty 40K | 60K
Load/Speed 98Y | 98V
(186mph/300kph) | (149mph/240kph)Note, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range with 18" wheels has a top speed of 145 mph. The Tesla Model 3 Performance can't be ordered with 18" wheels, but note that its top speed is 162 mph.
Bottom line, it appears they've bumped up the warranty at the cost of some efficiency, handling, and top speed.
Buy
If you're instead just interested in buying these tires for your car, here's the steps:
Step 1 - Determine whether the CrossClimate 2 tires are available for your car
You can start by visiting Michelin's CrossClimate 2 "Find your tires in seconds" wizard:
I have found it's not always accurate though, so you may want to use the virtual chat function found at the bottom-right of Michelin's site to clarify any issues with Michelin directly. In my case for my Model 3 originally with 235/45R18 XL 98V tires, Michelin doesn't actually list the CrossClimate 2 tire as compatible. That said, if you just use the Tire Size finder instead, you do find the CrossClimate 2 in the size/speed/weight rating of "235/45R18 98V XL BSW".
As for what V rating means, it's 240 kph / 149 mph.
As for what W rating means, it's 270 kph / 168 mph.
I'm cool with either.
If you have more questions about sizing, read more about this at Consumer Reports. Alternatively, you can use the tire shopping sites listed below, such as answering the questions about your vehicle at Tire Rack's Shop Tires button, but that's really intended for those planning purchase their tires there.
Step 2 - Shop
Now that you know the exact tire size
I have some handy links for Tesla Model 3 owners who have 18" wheels, but you can use visit these sites then change the car model/tire size suited for your car.
Ensuring the reputation of these online sites is your responsibility, not mine. I haven't bought from any of them besides TireRack.com.
This CrossClimate 2 tire size can be a little hard to find online, and be sure your local installer is willing to actually do the installation on a tire bought elsewhere.
FTC Disclosure: These first shopping links below may generate income for TinkerTry, and they might request that you temporarily bypass your ad blocker to visit them:
Here's non-income earning links:
Step 3 - Install or have them installed
Find an installer, I have some tips here.
Step 4 - Register for recall notification
Simple to fill out form here:
- tireregistration.com
where you simply type in the DOT number found on each of your tires so that Michelin can directly inform you of any recalls down the road, without relying on your tire reseller or installer for such crucial information.
Videos
Disclosure: My family owns no stock in Tesla. Tesla doesn't advertise at TinkerTry, or anywhere else, and this is not a sponsored post. We financed the purchase of two Tesla Model 3s, replacing my 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid in December of 2018 and replacing my wife's 2005 Honda Civic EX in December of 2019. These big moves to an all electric household were an expression of our mutual desire to go green, avoid gasoline, be safe, have fun, and save money in the long run. Mostly for my job, I drive a lot, 25,000 miles in 2019 for example, and I thoroughly enjoy sharing what I've learned with you. I hope you can tell!
Jan 18 2022 Update
- Changed title from
Michelin CrossClimate 2 All Weather Tires Review - a safe year-round choice in rain/snow, hot/cold
to
Michelin CrossClimate 2 All Weather Tires Review - a safe year-round choice for rain & snow with a longer life than CrossClimate+ - Table of contents added
- Email from Michelin added
Jan 27 2022 Update
See what SAronian has to say on Jan 20 2022 in the Tesla Owners Online forum here:
I don't have a lot of miles on the CrossClimate2's so far. But it's showing about 9% less range.
235/45R18 Michelin Primacy MXM4 38,720 miles = 262 Wh/Mile
235/45R18 Michelin CrossClimate2 4,737 miles = 286 Wh/Mile
Noise is less, much quieter on asphalt, slightly quieter on most concrete with a bit of whine when surface is grooved.
Performance in rain is far superior and handling is crisper
Comfort is better with less thumping over small road imperfections, but a slightly louder thump.
Expecting tread wear to be better, although I did get almost 40K out of the OEM tires.
Cost was about the same.
Mar 07 2022 Update
Thanks to sgong6 who posted this in TMC Community Forums, apparently the 19" CrossClimate 2 that fits Model Y Long Range 19" wheels is coming soon! The link below is an income-earning affiliate link:
Hey,
Look what I found:
Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person
www.discounttire.com255/45R19 CC2 104V XL
Coming soon: April 2022
Oct 31 2022 Update
On October 27 at odometer reading 62,730, I bought CrossClimate 2 tires for the Model 3 Long Range, and plan to update this article with my experience. In the first 100 miles, it does seem I'm seeing as much as a 20% impact in range, but this is expected, as I have a while to get past the break-in period where the range hit should drop to under 5%. For me, the convenience of not having to change tires twice each year to prepare for snowy driving is well worth the impact on rage. Heck, I didn't even have to rotate my prior CrossClimate+ tires after over 36,000 miles of driving!
Nov 22 2022 Update
Michelin CrossClimate 2 All Weather Tires Review - a safe year-round choice for rain & snow with a longer life than CrossClimate+
changed to
Michelin CrossClimate 2 All Weather Tires Review - a safe year-round choice for rain & snow with a longer life than CrossClimate+, but less range for EVs like Tesla Model 3/Y
Michelin kind of admits that efficiency is worse with the CrossClimate 2 than it was on the CrossClimate+, but how much is not easily known from the stated vague specs. Now that I have real-world experience these past 3 weeks of 1,358 miles of driving bear that out. Unfortunately, that range impact is seems to be more than I had hoped for, for a longer period of time. Perhaps things will get better after 2,000 miles? 3,000?
In my previous article about my CrossClimate+ ownership experience, I wrote:
Note, your Model 3 range might be reduced by as much as 10% with CrossClimate+ tires for the first roughly 3,000 miles before they break in, an effect that Michelin warned me of, and seemingly well under 5% range penalty after that.
What does this mean to me and my family? Well, I used to be able to charge to about 90% in the summer and 95% in the winter, and make it the 100 miles each way to Boston and back without stopping to Supercharger. Now, leaving last night for Boston on a 38°F evening, with my scheduled preconditioning doing its thing in my garage well before departure, I had to stop to Supercharge on the way back. Pretty much the same thing a couple of weeks back, for this same route and same driving speeds as I've done many many times before.
What's worse though is that I cannot trust my range estimates, at least not on the 2022.20.19 software I'm on that doesn't yet have dramatically enhanced range prediction abilities. Last night, when I set out at 98% charge, it predicted I'd arrive in Boston at 54%, but instead we arrived at 49%, driving at the same speeds with pretty near no wind, using the same HVAC settings as any other of our dozens of times doing this same family drive. So when I was in Boston and set my destination as home, it showed under 4% estimated at arrival, which could have really meant 9% had I not stopped to Supercharge.
Note, should I change my mind on this ~$1K purchase of 4 new tires, Michelin will allow me 60 days to swap my tires for another set of Michelin tires if I'd like, see WARRANTY INFORMATION:
60-day Satisfaction Guarantee1
We’re confident you’ll love your new MICHELIN replacement tires. So confident, in fact, that we back your purchase with a 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your new tires, just bring the tires and original sales receipt back to the place where you bought the tires within 60 days of your purchase and we will gladly exchange them for a new set of tires of equal or lesser value.
Dec 14 2022 Update
I'm looking into whether I should go with the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires instead, with a 45K mile warranty. I found this video on Tyre Reviews that indicated the following Rolling Resistance figures:
- CrossClimate 2 (EU Al Season) - 10.1 kb/T
- Pilot Sport All Season 4 - 9.1 kb/T
Keeping in mind that EU tires can be formulated differently than US tires, still, it's the only data I have. I'm working with Michelin and my local tire dealer to figure out next steps, stay tuned.
See also:
apacheguy Aug 3, 2022
I have 7000 miles on Michelin CrossClimate2 tires and have experienced a 7.4% range loss compared to OEM tires. This is with 18” Aero wheels. I’m at 260 Wh/mi since the swap.I thought CrossClimate2 are supposed to be high efficiency grand touring tires? I definitely wasn’t expecting to see such a large range hit.
3sr+buyer Aug 3, 2022
Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Can Save You Money at the Pump shows the CrossClimate2 as one of the higher rolling resistance tires in its market class. (The CrossClimate2 seems to do worse than the previous CrossClimate+ did in the same chart from a few years ago.)Note that while the difference between best and worst may only be about 3.5% for a car that gets 28-29mpg, it can be a much larger percentage of the much smaller energy consumption of an electric vehicle that gets 130mpge or so.
See also at TinkerTry
All Tesla related videos and articles:
See also
-
Long-term Test of Michelin CrossClimate2 All-Weather Tires - Initial Impressions
We begin our long-term test of the new Michelin CrossClimate2 all-weather tires mounted to a Mazda CX-5 crossover. Here’s the positive first report after 300 miles.
-
Model 3 Replacement Tire Discussion (OEM sizes only)
May 31 2019 by Mad Hungarian at Tesla Owners Online
I jumped in most recently on page 33. - Michelin CrossClimate 2 Review - Extreme Wet Weather Test
Nov 03 2021 by John Goreham at TorqueNewsTorque News is now seven months into a long-term test of the new Michelin CrossClimate 2 advanced all-season tire. This tire is the talk of the town on social media clubs. It seems everyone is either switching to them to avoid having to swap winter tires in the fall or are considering doing so. This is our fourth report and will focus on how these tires perform in heavy wind-swept rain and in flooding conditions.
- Best All-Season Tires for 2021
Sep 23 2021 by Tara Hurlin for Forbes WheelsKnown for providing excellent performance and ride comfort in a durable package, the Crossclimate2 is a top choice for drivers of sedans, coupes, wagons, crossovers and SUVs looking for confident performance on dry, wet or even lightly snow-covered pavement.
-
Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire Review
Sep 14 2021 by Charles Redding at CarShtuffWhether you are driving on wet, dry, slippery or snowy surfaces, this tire is adequately equipped, to handle extreme conditions and surfaces. So, if you are looking for a great all-season tire, you can rest assured the Michelin CrossClimate 2 will not let you down.
- Michelin CrossClimate 2 Review: One of the Best All-Season Tires Around
Feb 05 2021 by Editor at Tire DeetsI don’t know how Michelin did it, but its latest all-weather tire is a miracle. It drives like a premium all-season grand-touring tire on dry and wet roads but also works much better over snowy and icy roads.
