Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2: The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, launched in 2022, goes head-to-head with the newly introduced Continental AllSeasonContact 2 from 2023 in an exciting all-season SUV showdown. Both tires are designed for year-round versatility, but which one truly masters the balance between wet, dry, and snow performance? This battle between Michelin’s established all-weather champion and Continental’s latest contender is one to watch closely!
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2
Results below were taken from the 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tire Test with a total of 6 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV tire was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
It’s important to note that for subjective tests, the evaluation was based on lap time, a method that’s becoming less common in magazine tests, where lap speed is now typically used instead. The tire size of interest is a 235/60 R18 which is a common tire size for Honda CRV. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.
Wet
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV in wet braking by 1.2 meters, stopping at 44.8 meters compared to the Michelin’s 46 meters. In wet handling, the Continental is also slightly faster, completing the lap in 87 seconds, 0.9 seconds quicker than the Michelin’s 87.9 seconds. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the Michelin performs better, slipping at a higher speed of 79.6 km/h, 2.1 km/h faster than the Continental’s 77.5 km/h.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +3% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling
- -3% in aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV stops 1 meter shorter than the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, with distances of 18.3 meters and 19.3 meters, respectively. When it comes to snow traction, both acceleration time and pulling force show roughly the same gap in percentage. The Michelin accelerates from 2 to 20 km/h in 8.52 seconds, 0.45 seconds faster than the Continental’s 8.97 seconds. Similarly, the Michelin delivers a higher pulling force of 331 N, which is about 15 N stronger than the Continental’s 316.3 N. In snow handling, the Michelin is also quicker by 0.8 seconds, completing the lap in 78.6 seconds versus the Continental’s 79.4 seconds.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- -5% in snow braking
- -5% in snow traction (time)
- -4% in snow traction (force)
- -1% in snow handling
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV outperforms the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 by 2 meters, stopping at 39.6 meters compared to the Continental’s 41.6 meters. For dry handling, both tires are nearly identical, with the Michelin completing the lap in 54.34 seconds, just 0.03 seconds faster than the Continental’s 54.37 seconds.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- -5% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling
NVH
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV offers slightly better subjective comfort, scoring 7 points out of 10 compared to the Continental AllSeasonContact 2’s 6.88 points. In terms of noise, the Michelin is also quieter, producing 65.6 dB, which is 0.5 dB lower than the Continental’s 66.1 dB.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +1% in subjective comfort
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.5 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV has slightly higher rolling resistance at 6.90 N/kN, compared to the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, which shows a lower rolling resistance of 6.53 N/kN. This difference suggests that the Continental offers marginally better fuel efficiency due to lower resistance while driving.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +6% in rolling resistance
Price
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is priced at €178, making it 8% cheaper than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, which costs €192 for the same tire size of 235/60 R18.
Tire size: 235/60 R18
- CrossClimate 2 SUV : € 192
- AllSeasonContact 2 : € 178
Difference: -8% more cheaper for AllSeasonContact 2
Conclusion
From an expert’s perspective, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV excels in braking, both on snow and dry surfaces, and offers superior comfort and quieter performance. It also has better snow traction and handling, making it ideal for drivers seeking strong all-weather capabilities. On the other hand, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 provides lower rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency, is slightly more affordable, and offers excellent wet handling performance, making it a well-rounded and cost-effective option for year-round use.
Dr Edwin Pang