Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: Introducing the latest entrant to the premium tire market, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6, launched in May 2023. This exceptional all-season tire is designed to provide superior performance across diverse weather conditions – rain or shine, snow or sleet. Tested and validated by TÜV SÜD, a respected European automotive testing institute, the Turanza All Season 6 boasts outstanding braking performance, superior snow handling, and a significant 20% improvement in mileage over its predecessor. It’s the epitome of cutting-edge tire technology, featuring Bridgestone’s innovative ENLITEN technology for maximum safety, enhanced performance, and improved sustainability.
But the Turanza All Season 6 isn’t just launching into an empty market. It’s stepping into the ring with the established champion, the Michelin CrossClimate 2, a pioneer in the world of all-season tires with the 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) certification. The CrossClimate 2 has long set the standard for year-round driving safety and versatility, offering superior dry, wet, and winter performance.
This launch sets the stage for a thrilling clash of titans: Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2. As the newcomer takes on the reigning champion, we’re all eager to see how the battle for the ultimate all-season tire unfolds. Buckle up for a competition where innovation, safety, and performance are set to go wheel-to-wheel!
Table of Contents
New Feature Highlights:
- All-Season Performance: The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 tire offers exceptional performance across all seasons, from dry to wet and snowy conditions. It is tested and validated by TÜV SÜD, an esteemed European automotive testing institute, to provide outstanding braking performance in diverse weather conditions.
- Superior Snow Performance and Mileage: This tire demonstrates excellent capabilities in snow traction, braking, cornering, and handling, making it well-suited for winter challenges. It also shows a significant 20% improvement in mileage compared to its predecessor, the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO.
- Innovative Design for Safety and Sustainability: The tire is designed with ENLITEN technology, a combination of innovative features aimed at maximizing safety, enhancing tire performance, and improving sustainability characteristics. This technology makes the tire suitable for electric vehicles and enhances its overall performance balance. It includes an optimized pattern design and a new compound for improved asphalt contact, water evacuation, and snow trapping.
Results
The results provided below are from Bridgestone’s press release regarding the new Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6. Since these results are self-reported by Bridgestone, it is advisable to take them with a grain of salt. To see how its predecessor Weather Control A005 EVO compares to its major competitors in an independent press test environment, feel free to check it out here —> Continental AllSeasonContact, Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 & Michelin Cross Climate 2.
The graph above shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Cross Climate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. As both tires are categorized as all season tires & have the elusive 3 peak mountain logo, snow was included in the testing portfolio. The testing tire size is a 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf (2018) and the Toyota Corolla Altis (2018) while the test vehicle is the Volkswagen Golf VIII. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.
*Updated results from 2023 Auto Bild All Season independent Tire Test. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet
In terms of wet performance from the independent test, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 and Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires exhibit noteworthy differences. When considering wet braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 stops in 45 meters, whereas the Michelin CrossClimate 2 requires 47 meters, giving the Bridgestone a 2-meter advantage in this specific test. Regarding wet handling, measured by average lap speed, the Turanza All Season 6 also leads with 74.7 km/h compared to the CrossClimate 2’s 72.7 km/h. In the straight aquaplaning test, both tires perform similarly, with the Bridgestone Turanza achieving a slipping speed of 79.8 km/h, slightly better than the Michelin CrossClimate 2’s 79 km/h.
Comparing these results to other tests, such as the TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report and the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test, shows some alignment but with varying magnitudes. The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 is reported to have a 15% improvement in wet braking according to the TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report, while the 2023 Auto Bild test indicates a more modest 4% improvement in this area. While both tests confirm that the Turanza All Season 6 performs better in wet braking than the CrossClimate 2, the extent of this superiority varies between tests, suggesting that while the general trend in the wet braking results is accurate, the magnitude of the difference is not as substantial as initially anticipated.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- +15% in wet braking (TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report)
2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test
- +4% in wet braking
- +3% in wet handling (average speed)
- +1% in aquaplaning
Snow
In snow performance via the independent test, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 tires show closely matched capabilities. For snow braking from 50 to 0 km/h, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops in 23 meters, while the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 takes a marginally longer distance of 23.1 meters, a difference of just 0.1 meters. In terms of snow traction, measured by pulling force in Newtons, the CrossClimate 2 again leads slightly with 2765 N compared to the Turanza All Season 6’s 2660 N. When assessing snow handling, based on average speed, the CrossClimate 2 maintains a small advantage with 58.1 km/h, versus the Turanza All Season 6’s 57.6 km/h. Lastly, in the snow slalom test, which measures maximum lateral acceleration, the CrossClimate 2 achieves 4.27 m/sec², slightly better than the Turanza All Season 6’s 4.16 m/sec².
Comparing these results to the TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report and the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test reveals a general agreement. The Bridgestone report indicates a 1.2% reduction in snow braking performance for the Turanza All Season 6 and a 1.5% decrease in overall snow performance (including acceleration, braking, lateral grip, and handling). Similarly, the Auto Bild test shows no difference in snow braking, a 1% decrease in snow handling, a 4% reduction in snow traction, and a 3% decrease in snow slalom performance for the Turanza All Season 6 compared to the CrossClimate 2. These results suggest that while the snow performance of the Turanza All Season 6 is slightly behind that of the CrossClimate 2, the differences are minimal and generally within expected tolerances, indicating that both tires perform comparably well in snowy conditions.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- -1.2% in Snow braking (TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report)
- -1.5% in Overall snow performance (acceleration, braking, lateral grip, handling) –TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report
2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test
- 0% in snow braking
- -1% in snow handling (average speed)
- -4% in snow traction
- -3% in snow slalom
Wear
In terms of wear performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 show notable differences. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers a higher mileage of 57,046 km, while the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 provides less, at 49,794 km. This difference means that the CrossClimate 2 can last approximately 7,252 km longer than the Turanza All Season 6 under similar conditions, indicating better wear performance.
However, when comparing these results to other tests, there’s a significant discrepancy. According to the TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report, the Turanza All Season 6 is stated to have a 33% increase in mileage, which would imply superior wear performance compared to its competitors. In contrast, the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test reports a 13% decrease in mileage for the Turanza All Season 6. These conflicting results do not correlate at all; not only are the directions of the differences opposite, but the magnitudes of these differences are also substantially divergent. This inconsistency suggests that the wear performance of the Turanza All Season 6, when compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2, may vary significantly depending on the specific conditions and criteria of the tests.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- +33% in mileage ( Based on Bridgestone’s press release & reference estimation)1
- -13% in mileage (2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test)
Dry
In dry conditions, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 demonstrate slightly different performances. For dry braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops in a distance of 37.7 meters, while the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 requires a bit more space, stopping at 38.5 meters. This means the CrossClimate 2 has a stopping advantage of 0.8 meters over the Turanza All Season 6 in dry braking. In terms of dry handling, which is measured by average lap speed, the CrossClimate 2 also edges out slightly with a speed of 89.2 km/h compared to the Turanza All Season 6’s 88.8 km/h.
Comparing these results with those from different tests, there is a remarkable consistency in the findings. The TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report and the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test both indicate a 2% reduction in dry braking performance for the Turanza All Season 6 compared to its competitors. This consistency across different tests confirms the accuracy of the initial results, showing that the dry braking performance of the Turanza All Season 6 is indeed slightly less effective than that of the Michelin CrossClimate 2, aligning closely with the observed differences in the initial test.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- -2% in dry braking (TÜV SÜD Bridgestone report)
2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test
- -2% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (average speed)
Rolling resistance
In terms of rolling resistance and fuel consumption, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 tires show subtle differences. Rolling resistance, which is a measure of the energy lost due to the tire rolling on the road, is slightly lower for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 at 7.69 N/kN, compared to the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6’s 7.86 N/kN. This means that the CrossClimate 2 is slightly more efficient in terms of energy loss while rolling.
As for fuel consumption, the numbers are very close, but the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 has a slight edge. It registers fuel consumption at 5.46 liters per 100 kilometers, marginally better than the CrossClimate 2’s 5.48 liters per 100 kilometers. This difference, though minimal, suggests that the Turanza All Season 6 may contribute to a slightly better fuel economy under similar driving conditions.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- -2% in rolling resistance (2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test)
- ~0% in fuel consumption (2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test)
Price
The price comparison between the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 for the tire size 205/55 R16 reveals a notable difference. The Turanza All Season 6 is priced at €94, while the CrossClimate 2 is more expensive, costing €112. This makes the CrossClimate 2 about 16% more expensive than the Turanza All Season 6. This price difference highlights the CrossClimate 2 as the higher-priced option between the two.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Turanza All Season 6 : € 94
- CrossClimate 2: € 112
Difference: +16% more expensive for CrossClimate 2
Summary
As a tire expert, I always approach manufacturer-published results with a healthy dose of skepticism. It’s crucial to rely on independent tests for unbiased comparisons. In examining the independent test comparisons I’ve reviewed, including instances where tire size and the test vehicle varied, it’s evident that the Michelin CrossClimate 2 distinguishes itself in several key areas. Despite these variations, we generally expect the results to align in the same direction, offering a consistent measure of performance across different scenarios.
One of the most striking aspects of the CrossClimate 2 is its exceptional wear performance. It consistently outlasts its competitors, offering significant longevity, which is a crucial factor for many drivers. Additionally, its performance in snow conditions is noteworthy. It maintains stability and traction, which is essential for safety in winter driving conditions. In dry conditions, the CrossClimate 2 also excels, offering reliable handling and braking, further solidifying its position as a top performer.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that in wet conditions, the CrossClimate 2 does not quite match the performance of the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6. The Turanza shows a slight edge in wet braking and handling, which is an important consideration for driving in rainy or damp conditions.
But when weighing all factors, including wear, snow, and dry performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 emerges as the overall winner in my eyes. Its strengths in these key areas make it a superior choice for a wide range of driving conditions, despite its slightly lesser performance in wet conditions compared to the Bridgestone. As always, it’s crucial for consumers to look beyond manufacturer claims and consider independent test results when making their tire selections.
Dr Edwin Pang
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 demonstrates a 20% improvement compared to its predecessor, the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO. & 2022 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test ↩︎