Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Hankook iON FlexClimate: In the battle of all-season tires for electric vehicles, we have a thrilling matchup: the Michelin CrossClimate 2, the trailblazer that defined this segment, versus the new contender, the Hankook iON FlexClimate. Launched in 2024, the iON FlexClimate is Hankook’s latest all-season, 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tire, specifically designed for EVs. With the electric vehicle trend still electrifying the automotive world, can Hankook’s latest innovation dethrone the Michelin CrossClimate 2, the segment’s original pioneer? Get ready for an intense showdown as these two giants go head-to-head!
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Hankook iON FlexClimate
The results below are from the independent TÜV SÜD Tire Test 2024 Benchmark Report No. 713312678-AS-BM2022, commissioned by Hankook. However, it’s important to note that this is not a fully independent magazine test, so the results should be viewed with some caution. Previous comparisons between TÜV SÜD tests commissioned by tire manufacturers against truly independent magazine tests have shown varying results.
The wet and dry tests were conducted at ATP Papenburg in Germany, while the snow test took place at Technotrack in Ivalo, Finland. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Hankook iON FlexClimate based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 235/45R18 which is a common tire size for Toyota Camry & Hyundai Kona. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Wet
The Hankook iON FlexClimate outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in wet braking by 5%, providing stronger deceleration on wet asphalt surfaces. In terms of lateral wet grip, the Hankook also has a 5% advantage over the Michelin, resulting in faster lap times and better cornering stability on a wet circle track. For straight-line aquaplaning, the Hankook shows a 7% improvement, maintaining traction at higher speeds in water depths of about 9 mm. Based on the test results, the Hankook iON FlexClimate demonstrates superior wet performance across braking, grip, and aquaplaning resistance compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
iON FlexClimate :
- +5% in wet braking
- +5% in wet handling
- +7% in aquaplaning
Snow
In snow acceleration, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 slightly outperforms the Hankook iON FlexClimate, accelerating 3% faster from 10 to 40 km/h on compressed snow. For snow braking, the Hankook has a 1% edge over the Michelin, indicating a slightly shorter stopping distance from 40 to 5 km/h on snow. When it comes to snow handling, the Michelin shows a 1% better performance compared to the Hankook, suggesting slightly better control and speed on a snow handling circuit. Overall, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers marginally better snow performance than the Hankook iON FlexClimate.
iON FlexClimate :
- -3% in snow acceleration
- +1% in snow braking
- -1% in snow handling
Wear
No mileage results were reported, but we fully expect the CrossClimate 2 to perform much better, given its higher abrasion values observed in previous tests.
Dry
In dry braking, the Hankook iON FlexClimate matches the Michelin CrossClimate 2, with both tires achieving the same stopping distance from 100 to 0 km/h on dry asphalt. This result is unexpected, considering the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has consistently led the dry braking charts over the last three years. If these dry braking performances are accurate, the Hankook iON FlexClimate deserves much praise for achieving such a high standard, especially against a well-established leader like the CrossClimate 2.
iON FlexClimate :
- 0% in dry braking
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the Hankook iON FlexClimate outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate 2, with the Hankook receiving a “B” rating on the EU label compared to the Michelin’s “C” rating. This suggests the iON FlexClimate offers lower rolling resistance, which is crucial for electric vehicles as it directly impacts range and efficiency. Surprisingly, despite the importance of rolling resistance for EVs, the actual test result was not openly reported. However, the EU label ratings give us a rough indication of their performance differences.
EU label:
CrossClimate 2 : “C“
iON FlexClimate : “B“
Price
The Michelin CrossClimate 2, known for its premium brand status, is priced at €188 for the 235/45 R18 size. In comparison, the Hankook iON FlexClimate is more affordable at €154 for the same size, making it 22% cheaper than the Michelin.
Tire size: 235/45 R18
Difference: -22% cheaper for iON FlexClimate
Expert’s Perspective
From a tire expert’s perspective, the Hankook iON FlexClimate shows promising advantages at first glance, particularly in wet performance and dry braking, making it an appealing choice for EV owners. However, a word of caution: mileage was not tested, and while rolling resistance is crucial for the EV market, the results were not openly reported. Stay tuned for the first official independent magazine tests to see if these initial findings hold true!
Dr Edwin Pang