The Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Hankook Weatherflex GT is a battle in one of America’s hottest tire segments: 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) all-weather tires. The CrossClimate 2 has long been the benchmark, combining strong wet, dry and winter performance in one year-round package. Now Hankook’s Weatherflex GT enters the fight with the same all-weather promise and a lower price point. Can Hankook challenge Michelin’s established favorite, or does the CrossClimate 2 still justify its premium? Let’s find out.
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Results : Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Hankook Weatherflex GT
The test results are based on Treadwell data from Discount Tire. The graph below compares the Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Hankook Weatherflex GT across key performance categories.
For subjective evaluations, each point is treated as equivalent to a 5% difference. For example, if Tire A scores a 4 and Tire B scores a 3, Tire A is considered 5% better than Tire B in that category.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped in 145 ft, which is 5 ft shorter than the Hankook Weatherflex GT at 150 ft. This gives the Michelin a 3% advantage. In wet handling, the Hankook scored 4.5/5, which is 0.5 points higher than Michelin’s 4/5, giving the Weatherflex GT a 2.5% advantage.
Overall, Michelin is slightly stronger in wet braking, while Hankook has the edge in wet handling. The wet performance between these two tires is very closely matched.
Weatherflex GT :
- -3% Wet Braking
- +2.5% Wet Handling
Winter
In winter performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scored 4.5/5, which is 0.5 points higher than the Hankook Weatherflex GT at 4/5. Based on the comparison table, this gives Michelin a 2.5% advantage. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 has a small edge in winter performance, but the Weatherflex GT remains very close.
Weatherflex GT :
- -2.5% Snow
Mileage
In mileage, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 delivers a median of 45,500 miles, which is 6,500 miles more than the Hankook Weatherflex GT at 39,000 miles. Based on the comparison table, Michelin has a 14% advantage. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 has a clear advantage in tread life, making it the stronger choice for drivers who prioritize mileage.
Weatherflex GT :
- -14% Mileage
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stopped in 125 ft, which is 12 ft shorter than the Hankook Weatherflex GT at 137 ft. Based on the comparison table, Michelin has a 9% advantage. In dry handling, Michelin scored 4/5, which is 0.5 points higher than Hankook’s 3.5/5, giving Michelin a 2.5% advantage. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 is clearly stronger in the dry, with the biggest difference coming from braking.
Weatherflex GT :
- -9% Dry Braking
- -2.5% Dry Handling
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
For quietness, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scored 3.5/5, which is 0.5 points higher than the Hankook Weatherflex GT at 3/5. Based on the comparison table, Michelin has a 2.5% advantage. For ride comfort, Hankook scored 3.5/5, which is 0.5 points higher than Michelin’s 3/5, giving the Weatherflex GT a 2.5% advantage. Overall, Michelin is slightly quieter, while Hankook delivers the more comfortable ride.
Weatherflex GT :
- -2.5% Quiet Ride
- +2.5% Comfort
Fuel Consumption
In fuel efficiency, the Hankook Weatherflex GT scored 2.5/5, which is 0.5 points higher than the Michelin CrossClimate 2 at 2/5. Based on the comparison table, Hankook has a 2.5% advantage.
Weatherflex GT :
- +2.5% Fuel Efficiency
Price
For a 215/55R17, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 costs $215, which is $34 more than the Hankook Weatherflex GT at $181. Based on the provided comparison, the Weatherflex GT is 19% cheaper.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- CrossCliamte 2: $215
- Weatherflex GT: $181
Difference: -19% more cheaper for Weatherflex GT
Conclusion:
From my view, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the stronger all-round tire, with better braking, winter performance, mileage and quietness, while the Hankook Weatherflex GT offers better wet handling, comfort and fuel efficiency at a 19% lower price. I would choose the Michelin for maximum overall performance and longevity, but the Hankook is the better value choice.
Dr Edwin Pang