Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV: In the ever-evolving landscape of road challenges, especially as seasons shift, the need for reliable all-season tyres becomes paramount for SUV drivers. Stepping into this spotlight are two formidable contenders: the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV. Both have established themselves as trailblazers in the realm of all-season tyres.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV is a marvel of engineering, exemplifying unyielding grip no matter the weather. Its cutting-edge Weather Reactive Technology ensures that the tire adjusts seamlessly to seasonal changes, guaranteeing superior handling throughout the year. Its performance remains versatile and consistent, be it on wet roads, icy lanes, or sun-baked tarmac. This is complemented by its unique design and advanced material composition that promises reduced wear and a longer lifespan. Beyond performance, safety remains a cornerstone for Goodyear. With its high density 3D waffle blade, drivers can remain confident even when faced with challenging snowy and icy conditions.
On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV stands tall as the undisputed monarch of all-season tires. Widely recognized as the master of all terrains, it is no wonder the CrossClimate 2 SUV is a part of the best-selling tyre family in Europe. Winter poses no threats to this titan; its 3PMSF marking is a testament to its readiness for the frosty challenges ahead. Whether freshly fitted or approaching the legal wear limit, it remains unparalleled in wet and snow performance. And when it comes to those sudden halts, the CrossClimate 2 SUV is known to be a frontrunner in dry braking, ensuring that your SUV stops promptly when the situation demands. Longevity paired with uncompromised safety seals the deal for many who opt for the CrossClimate 2 SUV.
With these two titans vying for supremacy, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV vs the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV clash promises to be the all-season SUV tire battle for the ages. As the rubber meets the road, it remains to be seen which will etch its legacy on the tracks of time.
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Results: Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
Results below were taken from the 2023 Auto Bild All Season SUV Tire Test. A total of 10 tires were tested this time around with an unnamed summer & winter reference included to gauge the performance target conflict. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV based on the relevant performance category. The Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires with a 3 peak mountain logo on it, an extensive snow testing was conducted. However ice testing was left out which was quite disappointing to our dismay. Note that for subjective test were evaluated based on the average lap speed which is common for Auto Bild testing. The tire size of interest is a 235/65 R17 which is a common tire size for Toyota RAV 4 and Toyota Hillux. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Audi Q5.
Wet
When it comes to wet performance, both the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV offer competitive statistics, though a closer examination reveals a clear edge for the Goodyear tyre in several metrics.
Starting with wet braking, a critical safety parameter, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV comes to a stop from 100km/h in just 44.9 meters. In contrast, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV requires a slightly longer distance, clocking in at 46.7 meters. This almost two-meter difference can be crucial in preventing collisions in real-world scenarios. Similarly, when evaluating wet handling, the Goodyear again outperforms its Michelin counterpart. With an average speed of 82.6 Km/H, it is noticeably faster than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, which averages 80.5 Km/H under similar conditions.
In terms of the wet circle lap time, a measure of how quickly a tire can navigate a wet circle, the Goodyear again triumphs with a time of 16.16 seconds, compared to the slightly slower 16.35 seconds achieved by the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV. However, when looking at aquaplaning, the tables are turned. In straight aquaplaning, where the slipping speed is measured, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV slightly edges out with a speed of 89.2 Km/H, just a touch faster than Goodyear’s 88.7 Km/H. Similarly, in curved aquaplaning which measures the remaining lateral acceleration, Michelin comes out on top with 4.66 m/sec^2, a smidge better than Goodyear’s 4.61 m/sec^2.
With these metrics in mind, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV claims to be the “Leader in wet performance”, it is evident that it does not consistently outperform the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV in several key wet performance tests. In fact, in areas such as wet braking, handling, and circle lap time, Goodyear has the advantage.
CrossClimate 2 SUV :
- -3.9% in wet braking
- -2.5% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- -1.2% in wet circle
- +0.6% in straight aquaplaning
- +1.1% in curve aquaplaning
Snow
When diving into the snow performance of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, it’s important to highlight that both tires possess the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake) marking. This signifies that they are designed to provide certain minimum performance levels in snowy conditions.
Starting with snow braking, the ability of a tire to stop promptly on snow-covered roads is crucial for safety. In this arena, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV edges ahead, requiring only 24.7 meters to come to a stop from 50km/h. Meanwhile, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV takes a slightly longer 25.2 meters for the same. Turning our attention to snow traction, which measures the pulling force of the tires in snowy conditions, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV exhibits superior performance. It showcases a pulling force of 2943 N, notably greater than the 2742 N demonstrated by the Goodyear.
When it comes to snow handling, which assesses the average speed a tire can maintain on snowy terrain, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV again leads with an average speed of 101.2 Km/H, outpacing the Goodyear’s 98.9 Km/H. Finally, in the snow slalom test measuring lateral acceleration, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV pulls ahead with a lateral acceleration of 4.52 m/sec^2, considerably better than Goodyear’s 4.06 m/sec^2.
However, while these tests offer a detailed comparison between the two tires, it’s pertinent to address the claim of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV being the “Leader in snow performance”. Despite its commendable results, this title is contested. Notably, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 took the lead, pushing the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV to a second-place finish in crucial tests like Snow Traction & Snow Handling.
In essence, while both the Goodyear and Michelin tires exhibit impressive performances across various snow tests, neither can claim undisputed leadership in snow performance, especially with competitors like Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 in the fray.
CrossClimate 2 SUV :
- -2% in snow braking
- +7.3% in snow traction
- +2.3% in snow handling (average lap speed)
- +11.3% in snow slalom
Dry
When analyzing the dry performance of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, we find revealing insights into the prowess of these two highly-regarded tires.
In terms of dry braking, an essential factor for safety, Michelin’s claim of being the “Leader in dry braking” is validated. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV brings the vehicle to a halt from a certain speed in just 38.1 meters, significantly outperforming the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV, which requires 41.1 meters to achieve the same result. This performance by Michelin, corroborated by press tests, underscores its superior braking capabilities on dry surfaces.
However, when evaluating dry handling, a measure of how the tire performs in terms of speed and grip on dry roads, the competition is neck and neck. The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV clocks in at 93.5 Km/H, a razor-thin margin of just 0.1 Km/H faster than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV’s 93.4 Km/H. This incredibly close contest showcases the remarkable performance of both tires, with Goodyear just barely clinching the top spot by a whisker.
In essence, while Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 SUV rightfully boasts its leadership in dry braking, the race for dry handling supremacy between these two tires is almost too close to call. Goodyear’s slight edge in dry handling, though marginal, showcases the intense competition and excellence that both brands bring to the table.
CrossClimate 2 SUV :
- +7.9% in dry braking
- -0.1% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
When considering the pass-by noise results of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, it’s evident that both tires prioritize a quieter driving experience.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV produces a noise level of 72.9 dB, making it slightly quieter than the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV, which registers a noise level of 73.3 dB. While the difference between the two is marginal, at just 0.4 dB, it does highlight Michelin’s slightly superior performance in this specific test.
In the grand scheme of tire performance, such a minor difference in pass-by noise might not be a significant deciding factor for many consumers. However, for those prioritizing a quieter drive, Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 SUV seems to have a slight edge over the Goodyear in this particular test.
CrossClimate 2 SUV :
- +0.5% in exterior noise (-0.4 dB)
Rolling Resistance
Rolling Resistance (RR) is a critical factor when assessing tire performance. It indicates the amount of energy lost when a tire is moving, and a lower value implies that less energy is wasted, leading to better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, which are essential for sustainability.
When comparing the Rolling Resistance of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV, there is a noticeable difference. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV showcases a Rolling Resistance of 6.77 kg/t, which is significantly lower than the 7.59 kg/t exhibited by the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV. This means that the Michelin tire might offer better fuel efficiency and a more sustainable driving experience due to its lower energy losses.
However, there’s an interesting point to consider in light of this data: the inherent trade-off between Rolling Resistance and wet braking performance. Typically, improving Rolling Resistance can sometimes come at the cost of wet braking performance. This potential target conflict might explain why the Goodyear, with its higher Rolling Resistance, demonstrated better wet braking capabilities in the earlier tests.
In essence, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV offers clear advantages in terms of Rolling Resistance and sustainability, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV might have prioritized wet braking performance. For consumers, the decision might come down to what they value more: the sustainability benefits associated with lower Rolling Resistance or superior wet braking performance.
CrossClimate 2 SUV :
- +12.1% in rolling resistance
Price
When examining the prices of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV for the tire size 235/65 R17, the difference is virtually negligible. The Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV is priced at £156, while the CrossClimate 2 SUV comes in just a pound less at £155.
Tire size: 235/65 R17
- Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV : £156
- CrossClimate 2 SUV : £155
Difference: Only £1 separating them apart.
With merely £1 separating them apart, there is effectively no substantial difference in cost between these two premium tires. For consumers, this means that price won’t be a differentiating factor, and the choice would likely hinge on individual tire performance and preference.
Article Summary: Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
Choosing between the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 SUV and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV is a complex trade-off that dives deep into the engineering priorities set by both manufacturers.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV demonstrated considerable strength in snow conditions, outperforming in several tests like snow traction and handling. This robust snow performance is coupled with its decision to lean more towards an improved Rolling Resistance, which contributes to better fuel efficiency and sustainability. However, this choice seems to have been made at the expense of wet braking, an area where Goodyear took the lead.
On the other hand, Goodyear opted to emphasize wet braking capabilities, possibly sacrificing optimal Rolling Resistance in the process. This decision granted the tire a notable advantage in wet conditions. While it managed to maintain a slight edge in snow braking, it didn’t outshine the Michelin in other snow-related tests.
Price-wise, the two tires are practically indistinguishable, with only a £1 difference, making the financial aspect a non-issue in the decision-making process.
In this head-to-head comparison, there isn’t a clear-cut winner. The choice boils down to individual preferences and what drivers prioritize more – whether it’s superior snow performance and sustainability or better wet condition safety. Each tire has its merits, and the decision will likely be based on specific use-cases and driving conditions.