Michelin Primacy 5 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport: After going head-to-head with the ultra-high-performance Pilot Sport 5, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport now faces a very different kind of rival: the Michelin Primacy 5 from the touring segment. This clash isn’t about peak summer grip anymore—it’s about everyday comfort, longevity, and efficiency meeting the all-season versatility and sporty edge of the CrossClimate 3 Sport. It’s a battle of year-round adaptability versus refined touring excellence—who comes out on top?
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Results: Michelin Primacy 5 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport
The results presented here are from the Auto Motor Sport Michelin Summer vs All Season Test, where 4 Michelin tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Primacy 5 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport across various performance categories, with the Michelin Primacy 5 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf GTI as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Primacy 5 stopped in 31.7 meters, while the CrossClimate 3 Sport needed 34.7 meters, a 3-meter gap which is about 9% longer for the CrossClimate. On wet handling, the Primacy 5 completed the lap in 98 seconds compared to 104.13 seconds for the CrossClimate, making the CrossClimate 6% slower.
Overall, the Primacy 5 clearly outperforms the CrossClimate 3 Sport in wet conditions, offering both shorter braking and faster handling.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- -9% in wet braking
- -6% in wet handling
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Primacy 5 stopped in 38.1 meters, just 0.3 meters shorter than the CrossClimate 3 Sport at 38.4 meters, which is less than a 1% difference. For dry handling, the Primacy 5 lapped in 78.4 seconds compared to 78.84 seconds for the CrossClimate, a 0.44-second gap or about 1% slower.
Overall, both tires are very close in dry performance, but the Primacy 5 holds a slight edge in both braking and handling.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- -1% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling
Rolling Resistance
Based on the combination of test results, the CrossClimate 3 Sport shows about 8% lower rolling resistance than the Primacy 5. This indicates the all weather tire is more energy-efficient, while the touring option trades some efficiency for its wet performances.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- +8% in rolling resistance
Winter
Even without dedicated winter testing, it’s clear from estimation that the CrossClimate 3 Sport would utterly outclass the Primacy 5 in winter conditions.
CrossClimate 3 Sport :
- CrossClimate 3 Sport >> Primacy 5
Price
For the 225/40 R18 size, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is priced at €124, while the CrossClimate 3 Sport costs €138. That makes the CrossClimate 3 Sport €14 more expensive, or about 11% higher in price.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 124
- CrossClimate 3 Sport : € 138
Difference: +11% more expensive for CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, I’m impressed by how far all-weather technology has come. The CrossClimate 3 Sport delivers almost equal dry braking to the Primacy 5, which is remarkable for an all-season tire. With its added winter capability, this sporty all-weather option shows just how close all-season tires are getting to matching dedicated summer models in everyday performance.
Dr Edwin Pang