Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Blizzak WS90: Can the Michelin CrossClimate 2 truly replace a dedicated winter tire? It promises year-round convenience with serious snow capability, but the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is built specifically for freezing temperatures, deep snow and ice. This battle will reveal whether one tire can really do it all—or whether a true winter specialist still has the decisive advantage.
Table of Contents
Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “All-Weather vs. Winter Tires: The Definitive Test“. A total of 10 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. The tire size of interest is 215/55R17 which is a common tire size for Chevrolet Cruze Eco & Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 2025 Toyota Camry.
Snow
In snow braking, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 stopped in 57.33 feet, 15.05 feet shorter than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 at 72.38 feet, giving it a 26% advantage. In snow acceleration, the Blizzak required 23.97 feet compared with 30.70 feet for the Michelin, a 6.73-foot difference and a 28% advantage.
It also scored 8.33/10 in subjective snow handling, 2.08 points higher than the CrossClimate 2’s 6.25/10, making it 10% better. On the snow handling course, the Blizzak completed the lap in 53.66 seconds, 4.29 seconds faster, giving it an 8% advantage. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 performs well for an all-weather tire, but the Blizzak WS90 is clearly stronger in every snow test.
Blizzak WS90 :
- +26% in Snow braking
- +28% in Snow Acceleration
- +10% in Snow handling (subj)
- +8% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 stopped in 38.70 feet, 14.30 feet shorter than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 at 53.00 feet, giving the Blizzak a 37% advantage. This confirms that the dedicated winter tire has a major edge when braking on ice.
Blizzak WS90 :
- +37% in Ice braking
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped in 99.60 feet, 18.00 feet shorter than the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 at 117.60 feet, giving the Michelin a 15% advantage. This makes the CrossClimate 2 the clearly stronger tire in wet braking.
Blizzak WS90 :
- -15% in wet braking
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped in 83.10 feet, 9.00 feet shorter than the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 at 92.10 feet, giving the Michelin a 10% advantage. This shows the CrossClimate 2 is clearly stronger on dry roads.
Blizzak WS90 :
- -10% in dry braking
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
For noise, comfort and ride quality, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scored 7.50/10, 0.42 points higher than the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 at 7.08/10, giving the Michelin a 2% advantage. The difference is small, but the CrossClimate 2 delivers the slightly more refined everyday ride.
Blizzak WS90 :
- -2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Price
For the 215/55R17 size, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 costs $209, while the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 costs $162. The Blizzak is $47 cheaper, making it 29% less expensive than the CrossClimate 2.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- CrossClimate 2: $ 209
- Blizzak WS90 : $ 162
Difference: -29% more cheaper for Blizzak WS90
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the better choice for year-round driving, with stronger wet and dry braking, better comfort and no need for seasonal tire changes. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is the clear winter specialist, delivering much better snow and ice grip while also costing less. Choose the CrossClimate 2 for all-season convenience, but choose the Blizzak WS90 when maximum winter safety matters most.
Dr Edwin Pang