Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3: Michelin CrossClimate 2 — long hailed as the gold standard of all-season and all-weather tires — now faces its long-awaited successor: the Michelin CrossClimate 3, officially launched in May 2025! After years of dominance, the CrossClimate 2 finally passes the torch… or does it? The battle is ON to see if the new-gen tire can truly outperform its legendary predecessor. Buckle up — it’s the ultimate all-season showdown!
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3
Results below were taken from the 2025 Tyre Review’s Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs CrossClimate 3 Tire Test with a total of 2 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin CrossClimate 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Golf. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 stopped in 30.29 meters, which is 0.94 meters shorter than the CrossClimate 2’s 31.23 meters — a 3% improvement. During wet handling, the CrossClimate 3 completed the course in 100.06 seconds, 0.67 seconds faster than the CrossClimate 2, marking a 1% advantage. Subjective wet handling also favored the CrossClimate 3, scoring a perfect 10 compared to the CrossClimate 2’s 9.5. In straight-line aquaplaning, the CrossClimate 3 maintained grip up to 83.44 km/h, 0.8 km/h higher than the CrossClimate 2 — another 1% edge.
The conclusion? The Michelin CrossClimate 3 clearly builds on its predecessor’s legacy, offering sharper wet handling, stronger grip, and slightly better aquaplaning resistance. It’s a step forward in every way.
CrossClimate 3 :
- +3% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling
- +2% in wet handling (subj)
- +1% in aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 stopped in 8.89 meters, 0.33 meters shorter than the CrossClimate 2’s 9.22 meters — a 4% improvement. For snow traction, the CrossClimate 3 accelerated to speed in 4.75 seconds, 0.12 seconds quicker than the CrossClimate 2, also a 3% gain. On the snow handling course, the CrossClimate 3 clocked 80.56 seconds, beating the CrossClimate 2’s 81.37 seconds by 0.81 seconds — a 1% advantage.
Overall, the CrossClimate 3 delivers stronger snow performance across the board, showing clear refinement in braking, traction, and control over its already excellent predecessor.
CrossClimate 3 :
- +4% in snow braking
- +3% in snow traction
- +1% in snow handling
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 stopped in 38.79 meters, just 0.17 meters shorter than the CrossClimate 2’s 38.96 meters — a marginal 0.5% improvement. On the dry handling course, the CrossClimate 3 completed the lap in 80.7 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the CrossClimate 2, showing a 1% advantage. Subjectively, it also scored a perfect 10 compared to the CrossClimate 2’s 9.25 giving itself a 4% advantage.
The result? While dry braking gains are minimal, the CrossClimate 3 delivers noticeably sharper dry handling and improved driver feedback, tightening its grip on all-season dominance.
CrossClimate 3 :
- ~0% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling
- +4% in dry handling (subj)
Comfort
In terms of comfort, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 scored a perfect 10, edging out the CrossClimate 2’s already impressive 9.5. That’s a 2% improvement in subjective ride quality, reflecting better damping and road refinement.
CrossClimate 3 :
- +2% in subjective comfort
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin CrossClimate 3 recorded a rolling resistance of 7.2 kg/t, slightly higher than the CrossClimate 2’s 7.1 kg/t — a 1% increase. This suggests a minor trade-off in efficiency, likely due to the improved grip and handling performance.
CrossClimate 3 :
- -1% in rolling resistance
Mileage
According to Michelin’s official press release, the CrossClimate 3 delivers 15% more mileage compared to the CrossClimate 2. With the CrossClimate 2 set as the 100% benchmark, the new CrossClimate 3 reaches 115%, marking a significant improvement in tread life. This positions the CrossClimate 3 not only as a performance upgrade but also as a more durable long-term investment for everyday drivers.
CrossClimate 3 :
- +15% in mileage
Conclusion
As a tire expert, I can confidently say the Michelin CrossClimate 3 is a true evolution of an already legendary tire. It delivers better grip in the wet, sharper handling in the dry, stronger snow performance, and even adds 15% more mileage — all while improving comfort. Yes, rolling resistance nudged up slightly, but the gains far outweigh the trade-off.
Michelin has once again raised the bar in the all-season segment. The CrossClimate 3 isn’t just a successor — it’s a statement. They’ve done it again!
Dr Edwin Pang