Europe All Season vs North America All Weather: CrossClimate 2 vs WeatherReady: In Europe, all-season tires are defined by their 3-peak mountain certification, while in North America, these same winter-capable all-season tires are often labeled as all-weather. But despite sharing the same snowflake symbol, the regulations and expectations differ between the two regions. To explore these differences, we’re comparing the European Michelin CrossClimate 2 against the North American Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady—both carrying the coveted 3-peak mountain symbol. What are their trade-offs, and why do these markets have separate requirements? Let’s find out.
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Results: Europe All Season vs North America All Weather
Results below were taken from the AutoView’s 2024 All Weather Test with a total of 5 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 (European All Season version) vs Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather) based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
It’s important to note that for both tires have the elusive 3 peak mountain certification which legally qualifies them as a winter tire. The tire size of interest is a 245/45 R18 which is a common tire size for BMW M5. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Hyundai Grandeur IG.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season) stops 2.36 meters shorter than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather), showing its stronger grip in emergency stops. However, in wet handling lap time, the WeatherReady is 0.31 seconds faster, suggesting it carries more speed through corners in wet conditions.
Despite this, subjective ratings favor the CrossClimate 2, scoring 8 out of 10 compared to the WeatherReady’s 6, meaning drivers feel more confident with its handling. Clearly, the European All Season version has a stronger wet focus compared to its North American All Weather counterpart.
Assurance WeatherReady (NA All Weather):
- -8% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
- -20% in wet handling (subjective)
Snow
In snow braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season) stops 0.39 meters shorter than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather), giving it a slight edge in stopping performance. However, the biggest difference comes in snow acceleration, where the CrossClimate 2 reaches 40 km/h in 5.56 seconds—1.66 seconds faster than the WeatherReady, indicating much better traction off the line.
When it comes to subjective snow handling, both perform well, with the CrossClimate 2 rated slightly higher at 10 compared to the WeatherReady’s 9. Apart from acceleration, both the European All Season and North American All Weather are quite comparable in snow.
Assurance WeatherReady (NA All Weather):
- -2% in snow braking
- -23% in snow acceleration
- -5% in snow handling (subjective)
Mileage
One of the biggest differences between North America All Weather and Europe All Season tires is mileage requirements. The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather) comes with a 60,000-mile (96,000 km) warranty, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season) lasts around 60,000 km, meaning the WeatherReady is expected to last 60% longer.
This mileage focus comes at a cost. To achieve such longevity, North American All Weather tires use compounds with durability-focused, which reduce wet grip and limit overall performance. The CrossClimate 2, with its shorter lifespan, prioritizes wet traction and balanced handling, making it better suited for European requirements. The trade-off is clear: longer tread life comes at the expense of wet grip and rolling resistance, shaping the fundamental differences between these tire categories.
Assurance WeatherReady (NA All Weather):
- +60% in estimated mileage
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season) stops 5.06 meters shorter than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather), a significant difference that highlights its superior grip on dry roads. In dry cornering, both are close, but the CrossClimate 2 holds a slight edge with a 0.5 km/h higher maximum speed in the dry circle test. Subjectively, the gap widens, with the CrossClimate 2 scoring 9 out of 10, while the WeatherReady lags at 7, indicating a noticeable difference in steering response and driver confidence.
While some of this can be attributed to differences between European All Season and North American All Weather designs, a big part is simply the CrossClimate 2’s excellent dry performance.
Assurance WeatherReady (NA All Weather):
- -12% in dry braking
- -1% in dry circle
- -10% in dry handling (subjective)
Noise
In interior noise, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season) registers 1 dB quieter than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather), making it slightly more refined inside the cabin. While the difference is small, it suggests better noise insulation or a more optimized tread pattern on the CrossClimate 2, contributing to a more comfortable driving experience.
Assurance WeatherReady (NA All Weather):
- -2% in interior noise (+1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season) rolls 21.02 meters farther than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather), meaning it has lower rolling resistance and better fuel efficiency. This difference highlights the CrossClimate 2’s focus on balancing performance with efficiency, whereas the WeatherReady’s durability-oriented design results in slightly higher rolling resistance.
Assurance WeatherReady (NA All Weather):
- -5% in rolling resistance
Price
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather) is 15% more expensive than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season), with prices at €225 ($234) versus €196 ($204) for a 245/45 R18 size. However, this price difference doesn’t fully reflect their value, as they are sold in different markets with varying tax structures, distribution costs, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Tire size: 245/45 R18
- Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season) : € 196 / $204
- Assurance WeatherReady (NA All Weather) : € 225 / $234
Difference: +15% more expensive for Assurance WeatherReady (NA All Weather)
Conclusion
From a tire expert’s perspective, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (Europe All Season) and Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady (North America All Weather) may share the 3-peak mountain snowflake but are built for different priorities. The CrossClimate 2 excels in wet and dry performance, offering shorter braking distances and better handling. Meanwhile, the WeatherReady focuses on longevity, with a 60% longer mileage warranty, though at the cost of wet grip and rolling resistance. The differences stem from market demands—Europe prioritizes safety and all-around performance, while North America demands high mileage durability.
Dr Edwin Pang