Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2: The Michelin CrossClimate 2 has long reigned as the king of the all-weather segment, boasting unmatched versatility across dry, wet, and even snowy conditions. But in 2024, Goodyear has fired back with the all-new Assurance WeatherReady 2—a 3-peak mountain certified all-weather tire aiming to dethrone the CrossClimate 2.
Can Goodyear finally break Michelin’s dominance and claim the top spot? Or will the CrossClimate 2 prove once again why it’s the benchmark in this category? Let’s dive into this all-weather battle!
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2
Results below were taken from the Tyre Review’s “The 7 BEST All Weather Tires Tested” Test. A total of 7 tires were tested this time around with an intriguing studless winter refence to gauge the all season performances. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all weather tires with a 3 peak mountain logo on it, an extensive snow & ice testing was conducted. Note that for subjective comfort evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. The tire size of interest is a 225/65R17 which is a common tire size for Honda CRV and Mazda CX-5. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Toyota Rav 4.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 5.1 feet (1.56 meters) longer than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2, giving Goodyear a 5% advantage in stopping power on wet surfaces.In wet handling, the Assurance WeatherReady 2 is 0.87 seconds faster around the course than the CrossClimate 2, translating to a 1% advantage in lap times. Additionally, subjective wet handling ratings favor Goodyear slightly, scoring 10 points vs. 9.5 for the Michelin.
However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the CrossClimate 2 resists hydroplaning 2.6 mph (4.2 km/h) better than the WeatherReady 2, giving Michelin a 5% advantage in deep water stability.This battle is tight—Goodyear leads in braking and handling, but Michelin fights back with superior aquaplaning resistance!
Assurance WeatherReady 2 :
- +5% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
- +2.5% in subjective wet handling
- -5% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 0.95 feet (0.29 meters) shorter than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2, making the difference almost 2% in Michelin’s favor for stopping power on snow-covered roads. In snow traction, the CrossClimate 2 accelerates 0.14 seconds quicker than the WeatherReady 2, giving it a 4% advantage in getting moving on snow.
In snow handling, Michelin completes the course 2.36 seconds faster, translating to a 3% advantage in snow agility. This is further backed by higher subjective snow handling ratings, with 9.5 points vs. 9, confirming better driver confidence. While Goodyear brings strong all-weather performance, Michelin retains the edge in snow braking, traction, and handling, reinforcing its dominance in winter conditions!
Assurance WeatherReady 2 :
- -2% in snow braking
- -4% in snow traction
- -3% in snow handling (lap time)
- -2.5% in subjective snow handling
Ice
In ice braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) shorter than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2, giving Michelin a 7% advantage in stopping power on icy surfaces. In ice traction, the CrossClimate 2 accelerates 0.63 seconds quicker, translating to a 6% advantage in maintaining grip and launching more effectively on ice. Michelin once again proves its winter supremacy, delivering shorter braking distances and better acceleration on ice, making it the stronger contender for harsh winter conditions!
Assurance WeatherReady 2 :
- -7% in ice braking
- -6% in ice traction
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 7.1 feet (2.17 meters) shorter than the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2, giving Michelin a 5% advantage in stopping power on dry roads. In dry handling, the Assurance WeatherReady 2 is 0.73 seconds faster around the course, translating to a 1% advantage in lap times.
Additionally, subjective dry handling ratings slightly favor Goodyear, scoring 10 points vs. 9.75 for the Michelin. While Michelin dominates in braking, Goodyear delivers sharper handling, making this a tight battle for dry performance supremacy!
Assurance WeatherReady 2 :
- -5% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
- +1.5% in subjective dry handling
Noise & Comfort
In comfort, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 scores 1 point higher than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (9.5 vs. 8.5), giving Goodyear a 5% advantage in ride quality and smoothness. In subjective noise, both tires score 9 points, indicating no noticeable difference in perceived cabin noise levels.
However, in measured exterior noise levels, the CrossClimate 2 registers at 72 dB, while the WeatherReady 2 is 0.9 dB louder, making Michelin slightly quieter in objective testing. While both tires offer similar noise levels, Goodyear takes the edge in comfort, providing a plusher ride!
Assurance WeatherReady 2 :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.9 dB)
- +5% in subjective comfort
- 0% in subjective noise
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 registers 7.05 N/kN, while the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 comes in at 9.24 N/kN. This means the CrossClimate 2 has 24% lower rolling resistance, making it the more fuel-efficient option.
Assurance WeatherReady 2 :
- -24% in rolling resistance
Price
In 225/65R17, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 is $7 cheaper than the Michelin CrossClimate 2, making it 3% more affordable.
Tire size: 225/65R17
- CrossClimate 2 : $ 220
- Assurance WeatherReady 2 : $ 213
Difference: -3% more cheaper for Assurance WeatherReady 2.
Conclusion
Based on the test results, I can confidently say the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 is a strong contender in the all-weather category. It excels in wet braking, dry handling, and overall ride comfort, making it a great choice for those prioritizing everyday drivability.
However, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 still holds the upper hand where it truly matters—better snow and ice performance, superior rolling resistance for fuel efficiency, and a quieter ride. Despite all the hype surrounding the new Goodyear, Michelin still has a solid edge as the best all-weather tire in the segment.
Dr Edwin Pang