Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO: The Michelin CrossClimate 2, launched in 2020, and the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO, introduced in 2021, represent two strong contenders in the all-season 3-peak mountain SUV segment. With Michelin’s proven innovation in year-round performance and Bridgestone’s enhanced wet handling and snow capability, this battle is set to determine which tire dominates the challenging all-season SUV market.
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO
Results below were taken from the 2024 Minivan/SUV All Season Tire Test with a total of 14 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO 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 subjective tests, the evaluation was based on average lap speed which is commonly used in magazine tests. The tire size of interest is a 235/55 R17 which is a common tire size for Audi Q3. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen T6 Bulli.
Wet
In wet braking, the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO stops 0.6 meters shorter than the Michelin CrossClimate 2, showcasing a slight edge in emergency stopping. However, in wet handling, the A005 EVO is faster, completing the course at 75.2 km/h compared to the CrossClimate 2’s 74.2 km/h, a difference of 1 km/h. When it comes to straight-line aquaplaning, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 leads significantly, resisting aquaplaning up to 91 km/h, which is 12 km/h better than the A005 EVO.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- +1% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling
- -13% in aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 outperforms the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO by stopping 1.7 meters shorter. For snow traction, the CrossClimate 2 also takes the lead, delivering a pulling force of 4522 N compared to the A005 EVO’s 4262 N, a difference of 260 N. In snow handling, the CrossClimate 2 is significantly quicker, maintaining a speed of 63.4 km/h, which is 4 km/h faster than the A005 EVO.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- -6% in snow braking
- -6% in snow traction
- -6% in snow handling
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 3.2 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO, highlighting a clear advantage in emergency stops. However, in dry handling, the A005 EVO edges ahead slightly, completing the course at 95.5 km/h, just 0.5 km/h faster than the CrossClimate 2.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- -7% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling
Noise
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is quieter, producing 70.7 dB of exterior noise compared to the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO’s 71.4 dB, a difference of 0.7 dB, making the CrossClimate 2 slightly more comfortable in terms of noise.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.7 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 has lower rolling resistance at 6.75 N/kN compared to the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO’s 7.13 N/kN, making the CrossClimate 2 more efficient by 0.38 N/kN.
Weather Control A005 EVO :
- -5% in rolling resistance
Price
The Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO is slightly cheaper at €158 compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2 at €160, making it 1% less expensive.
Tire size: 235/55 R17
- CrossClimate 2 : € 160
- Weather Control A005 EVO : € 158
Difference: -1% more cheaper for Weather Control A005 EVO
Conclusion
As a tire expert, I can confidently say that both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO have their strengths. The Bridgestone excels in wet braking and handling, making it a strong performer in certain conditions. However, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 demonstrates superior snow and dry performance, significantly better aquaplaning resistance, and lower rolling resistance, all while maintaining quieter operation. These advantages make the Michelin CrossClimate 2 the clear winner in this comparison.
Dr Edwin Pang