Like some of you I read in Consumer Reports that the CrossClimate2 is a top-rated all-season tire, and I also watched videos like the one from Engineering Explained on youtube. I also read reviews here. Even after all that, I wondered what these tires would really be like. My previous tire was a Goodyear Eagle LS-2 that was the OEM tire for my 2018 Acura TLX. The Goodyears had 46k miles on them, but they still had plenty of tread left and were only three years old, but I wanted to replaced them because I wasn't happy with their performance in any season—dry, wet, or in snow. And so I was looking for a major performance and safety upgrade to justify the expense of early tire replacement. I'll give details below, but long story short the Michelin CrossClimate2 tires are outstanding so far. I've been driving since 1980, and I've driven most of the major tires brands over the years, and so far these are the best tires I've ever owned.
Quietness: This is the one area where the Goodyear Eagle has a small edge, but the CrossClimate2 is still a quiet tire that's good for a luxury car. And actually the CrossClimate2 is much quieter around corners. The Goodyears in moderate cornering would squeal in protest, and make it seem like I was 1970s cop show or something trying to make a dramatic get away. The CC tires are no drama tires in comparison.
Comfort: About equal. Both very comfortable. Interestingly the CrossClimate2 seems a bit better at handling speed bumps.
MPG: About the same as the Goodyear Eagle. This was a surprise, because I was prepared to give up 2-3 mpg for a better tire, but the mpg seems to be about the same for me. Obviously ymmv.
Lateral grip: Wow. Big difference. Where as mentioned the Goodyear Eagle tires were squealing for mercy at moderate speeds around corners, and seeming like they might even lose grip, the Michelin tires are great in comparison. No drama. Excellent road grip in corners. More fun to drive. Major upgrade. Safer. Took some twisting 2-lane country roads I'm quite familiar with, as well as a steeply banked cloverleaf onramp that's a favorite, and it's clear the Michelin tires are on a whole different level. It feels like you're riding on rails with the CrossClimate2.
Stopping distance: Didn't try a panic stop, but going downhill on a familiar country road with no one behind me I did a rapid stop from a good speed up to a stop sign, and the CC tires seemed to stop significantly faster and with greater confidence.
On center feel: This was a surprise, but perhaps because of the directional V pattern of the tread it seems like the on-center feel for the new tires is much better. I like the road feel. I feel more connected to the car and to the road with the Michelin tires.
I've only owned these tires for a few days and about 300 miles so far, and the conditions have been dry, and so I'm not sure at some point I'll get to try out the two probably strongest areas for the CC tires—wet traction and snow traction. Right now I'm feeling confident the tires will live up to expectations.
Overall, the CrossClimate2 tires seem like a great upgrade, and well worth the money if you are looking for a premium all-season tire with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating.
Customer reviews for Michelin CrossClimate2 - 245/45R17/XL 99V Tire for
