Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone UltraWeather: Can Bridgestone dethrone the all-weather king? The new Bridgestone UltraWeather enters the battle with Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, ready to challenge Michelin’s formidable CrossClimate 2.
This is a heavyweight showdown for North American drivers: a proven favorite against a fresh challenger from one of the biggest names in tires. From wet braking to snow grip, comfort and mileage, does Bridgestone have enough to take the crown—or will Michelin remind everyone why it remains so tough to beat?
Table of Contents
Results : Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone UltraWeather
The test results are based on Treadwell data from Discount Tire. The graph below compares the Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone UltraWeather across key performance categories.
For subjective evaluations, each point is treated as equivalent to a 5% difference. For example, if Tire A scores a 4 and Tire B scores a 3, Tire A is considered 5% better than Tire B in that category.
Wet
With new tread, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 20 feet shorter than the Bridgestone UltraWeather—145 versus 165 feet—with Bridgestone 12% behind in wet braking performance. With worn tread, the gap grows to 48 feet—158 versus 206 feet—putting Bridgestone 23% behind.
Both score 4/5 for wet handling, with no performance difference. Michelin therefore offers stronger wet braking, especially as the tread wears.
UltraWeather :
- -12% Wet Braking (new)
- -23% Wet Braking (worn)
- 0% Wet Handling
Winter
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 7 feet shorter on snow than the Bridgestone UltraWeather—99 versus 106 feet—putting Bridgestone 7% behind in snow braking.
Michelin also scores 0.5 points higher in snow acceleration, at 2.5 versus 2/5, leaving Bridgestone 2.5% behind. In snow handling, Michelin leads by 1 point, scoring 2.5 versus 1.5/5, with Bridgestone 5% behind.
Overall, Michelin delivers stronger snow performance, with advantages in stopping, accelerating and handling.
UltraWeather :
- -7% Snow Braking
- -2.5% Snow Acceleration
- -5% Snow Handling
Mileage
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers an estimated 11,000 miles more tread life than the Bridgestone UltraWeather—49,000 versus 38,000 miles—putting Bridgestone 22% behind in mileage. Michelin therefore offers more driving before replacement.
UltraWeather :
- -22% Mileage
Dry
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 21 feet shorter than the Bridgestone UltraWeather on dry roads—125 versus 146 feet—putting Bridgestone 14% behind in dry braking.
Michelin also scores 1 point higher in dry handling, at 4 versus 3/5, leaving Bridgestone 5% behind. Overall, Michelin combines shorter dry stopping distances with better handling.
UltraWeather :
- -14% Dry Braking
- -5% Dry Handling
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
Both tires score 3.5/5 for quiet ride, with no performance difference. The Bridgestone UltraWeather scores 1 point higher in ride comfort—4 versus 3/5—giving it a 5% advantage over the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Both are equally quiet, but Bridgestone offers the more comfortable ride.
UltraWeather :
- 0% Quiet Ride
- +5% Comfort
Price
In 215/55R17, the Bridgestone UltraWeather costs $15 less per tire than the Michelin CrossClimate 2—$200 versus $215—making it 7% cheaper. That saves $60 for a set of four, giving Bridgestone the lower upfront cost.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- CrossCliamte 2: $215
- UltraWeather : $200
Difference: -7% more cheaper for UltraWeather
Conclusion:
As a tire expert, I see the Michelin CrossClimate 2 as the undisputed champion of this all-weather matchup. Its shorter wet and dry stopping distances, stronger snow performance and 11,000-mile tread-life advantage make it the clear winner. Bridgestone offers better ride comfort and a 7% lower price, but I would gladly pay the premium for Michelin’s stronger overall performance.
Dr Edwin Pang