Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin Primacy Tour A/S: Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two titans of tire technology – the Michelin CrossClimate 2, launched in 2021, and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, which hit the market in 2017. These juggernauts of rubber represent the pinnacle of Michelin’s craftsmanship, each catering to a specific audience with distinctive features. Will the innovative design and comprehensive versatility of the CrossClimate 2 carry the day, or will the exceptional comfort and smooth ride of the Primacy Tour A/S reign supreme? Let’s set the stage for the epic tire tussle.
Unveiled in 2021, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 storms into the fray with its standout feature: the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification. This emblem of all-season competency signifies that the CrossClimate 2 is not only capable of conquering dry and wet roads, but also ready to tackle severe snow conditions. This makes it a tire truly for all seasons, delivering reliable performance no matter what Mother Nature throws at it. With its V-formation tread pattern and unique compound, the CrossClimate 2 brings an aggressive approach to all-season driving, blending safety, longevity, and fuel efficiency.
On the other side of the ring, we have the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, a tire that, since its launch in 2017, has built a reputation for its unrivalled comfort and smooth touring capabilities. Engineered for luxury touring vehicles, this tire is all about optimizing the driving experience with quieter rides and superior wet and dry handling. The Primacy Tour A/S prides itself on its MaxTouch Construction, which enhances contact with the road for better acceleration, braking, and cornering. Plus, with its Comfort Control Technology, this tire reduces road noise and vibration for a serene journey every time.
Get ready for the clash of the Michelin titans, where innovative all-weather ability meets unbeatable comfort. Which will be the champion in this tire-iffic battle? Stay tuned to find out!
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Results : Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin Primacy Tour A/S
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly. Fortunately, Discount Tire has tested both tires, allowing us to use their data-tested results to assess the performance of each tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin Primacy Tour A/S based on the relevant performance category.
Wet
Let’s put our two contenders to the test in the crucial area of wet braking performance. Braking distance can be a make-or-break factor in critical situations, especially in wet conditions where traction can be less predictable.
Wet Braking :
- CrossClimate 2 : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 96%
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 delivers an impressive performance in this category. When forced to a stop from a certain speed on wet surfaces, it manages to halt at 135 feet. This is a testament to its excellent grip and traction, designed for varied weather conditions including heavy rainfall. The CrossClimate 2’s V-formation tread pattern plays a significant role here, efficiently evacuating water and reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, while not far behind, comes to a stop at 140 feet under the same wet conditions. Despite the slight difference, it’s important to note that this tire was primarily designed with comfort and smooth handling in mind. Nevertheless, it still offers a solid performance in wet conditions, thanks to its unique tread design and compounds, which work to maintain control even in damp environments.
While the CrossClimate 2 takes the crown in this particular comparison by a margin of 5 feet, both tires showcase Michelin’s commitment to safety and performance, each offering reliable wet braking capabilities. Remember, it’s about choosing the right tire for your specific driving conditions and requirements. Whichever your choice, both Michelin options promise to provide a dependable driving experience.
Dry
Now, let’s turn our attention to the critical parameter of dry braking performance. This aspect is particularly crucial in everyday driving conditions where quick stopping can prevent accidents and ensure driver safety.
Dry Braking :
- CrossClimate 2 : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 102%
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S flexes its strength in this category. Engineered with MaxTouch Construction that optimizes tire-to-road contact, it manages to bring the vehicle to a complete stop from a certain speed at a distance of 115 feet. This highlights the tire’s superior dry braking performance, showcasing its effective grip and control on dry surfaces.
In contrast, the Michelin CrossClimate 2, while showcasing strong overall versatility, halts at a slightly longer 117 feet under the same conditions. The margin is small, but in braking, every foot counts. However, considering its primary design focus on all-season competence, including harsh winter conditions, this performance is still quite commendable. The CrossClimate 2’s slightly longer braking distance does not take away from its remarkable capabilities in diverse weather conditions.
In this round, the Primacy Tour A/S takes the lead by 2 feet. However, the narrow margin reminds us that both tires deliver excellent dry braking performances. They underline Michelin’s dedication to ensuring safety across different driving conditions. The choice comes down to your specific driving needs – the all-weather readiness of the CrossClimate 2 or the comfort-focused performance of the Primacy Tour A/S.
Mileage
The mileage potential of a tire is a critical determinant of its value, longevity, and overall performance. Both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S bring unique offerings to the table in this regard.
Mileage:
- CrossClimate 2 : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 65%
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 presents an impressive median mileage of 75,000 miles, significantly exceeding its warranty guarantee of 60,000 miles. This is a testimony to Michelin’s commitment to creating durable, reliable tires that can outlast even their own warranty promises. The CrossClimate 2’s extended lifespan is a testament to its construction and materials, which contribute to its impressive tread life, even under varied weather and road conditions.
On the other hand, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S offers a median mileage of 49,000 miles, falling somewhat short of its warranty offering of 55,000 miles. Although its median mileage is lower than that of the CrossClimate 2, the Primacy Tour A/S still demonstrates a strong performance in its class, providing many miles of smooth, comfortable driving. It’s important to note that mileage can vary based on several factors including vehicle type, driving conditions, and maintenance.
In this round of comparison, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 outperforms the Primacy Tour A/S in terms of median mileage, offering longer tire life beyond its warranty. However, the Primacy Tour A/S still offers a substantial lifespan for a comfortable touring tire. Both options underscore Michelin’s dedication to producing durable, high-quality tires for different driving needs. As always, the ideal choice depends on your specific driving habits, conditions, and requirements.
Handling, Comfort & Noise
NVH, which stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, is a key parameter when evaluating the performance and comfort provided by tires. Both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S have their respective strengths and nuances in this area.
Handling :
- CrossClimate 2 : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 102.5%
Starting with handling, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores a 3.5 out of 5. This tire’s robust performance across a variety of weather conditions showcases its versatility and adaptability. Despite its primary design focus on all-weather readiness, it still provides satisfactory handling, ensuring a controlled and stable driving experience. However, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S takes the lead in this area with a score of 4 out of 5. With its focus on offering a smooth, touring ride, the Primacy Tour A/S shines in its handling capabilities. Its unique tread design and MaxTouch Construction work together to provide excellent road grip and control, enhancing overall handling performance.
Quite Ride:
- CrossClimate 2 : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 105%
When it comes to providing a quiet ride, the Primacy Tour A/S again comes out on top with a score of 4 out of 5. Its Comfort Control Technology reduces road noise, allowing for a tranquil journey every time. The CrossClimate 2 lags slightly behind with a score of 3 out of 5, indicating a bit more road noise, which is not uncommon for all-season tires designed for diverse road conditions.
Comfort:
- CrossClimate 2 : 100%
- Primacy Tour A/S : 105%
Lastly, in terms of comfort, the Primacy Tour A/S continues to maintain its dominance with a score of 4 out of 5. The tire’s focus on optimizing the driving experience with reduced vibrations and smoother rides evidently pays off here. The CrossClimate 2 scores a 3 out of 5, which, while lower, still demonstrates a comfortable enough ride given its all-weather performance orientation.
Overall, when it comes to NVH performance, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S outshines the CrossClimate 2. It provides superior handling, a quieter ride, and greater comfort. However, keep in mind that the CrossClimate 2 offers a commendable performance given its primary purpose as an all-season tire. The best tire for you ultimately depends on your unique driving needs and preferences.
UTQG rating
The UTQG, or Uniform Tire Quality Grading, is a rating system introduced by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide consumers with information to help them purchase tires based on their relative treadwear, traction, and temperature capabilities.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | CrossClimate 2 | All | 640 | B | A |
| Michelin | Primacy Tour A/S | All | 540 | A | A |
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a treadwear rating of 640, which suggests longer tread life and aligns with its superior median mileage of 75,000 miles and mileage warranty of 60,000 miles. This higher treadwear rating indicates a longer-lasting tire, aligning with the CrossClimate 2’s performance in real-world conditions. In contrast, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S has a treadwear rating of 540, suggesting a slightly shorter tread life. This corresponds with its median mileage of 49,000 miles and mileage warranty of 55,000 miles. Despite the lower treadwear rating, the Primacy Tour A/S still provides substantial durability and mileage for a comfortable touring tire.
When we look at traction, things become interesting. The CrossClimate 2 has a “B” traction rating, while the Primacy Tour A/S boasts an “A” rating. This may seem counterintuitive, especially given the superior wet braking performance of the CrossClimate 2 (135 feet vs. 140 feet). However, it’s important to remember that the UTQG traction test doesn’t fully encompass real-world driving conditions. It only measures straight-line wet braking performance on specific surfaces and doesn’t account for cornering, dry braking, or performance under varied weather conditions – all areas where the CrossClimate 2 excels.
Finally, both tires have an “A” temperature rating, the highest score, indicating excellent resistance to heat and maintaining their performance characteristics under high-temperature conditions.
In conclusion, while UTQG ratings provide useful comparative information, they don’t cover all aspects of tire performance. Real-world testing and consumer experience, such as mileage performance and wet braking, are also key considerations when choosing between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S.
Price
The price point of a tire can often be a deciding factor in the purchasing decision, as it’s essential to balance cost with performance. Let’s take a look at how the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S stack up in terms of price for a tire size of 235/45 R18.
Tire size: 235/45 R18
- CrossClimate 2 : $246
- Primacy Tour A/S : $212
Difference: -16% more cheaper for Primacy Tour A/S
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is priced at $246 per tire. The premium price reflects its advanced all-weather capabilities, versatile performance, and longer tread life, as evidenced by its higher median mileage. The higher cost is justified by its unique features such as the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, which denotes its ability to handle severe snow conditions.
On the other hand, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S is priced at $212 per tire, making it 16% less expensive than the CrossClimate 2. This more economical option delivers a superior comfort experience and smooth handling, as backed by its higher NVH performance ratings. Although its median mileage is lower than that of the CrossClimate 2, the Primacy Tour A/S still offers substantial mileage and excellent performance, especially considering its lower price.
In summary, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 comes with a higher price tag, it offers exceptional all-weather performance and longer tread life. The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, while less expensive, provides a more comfortable ride with smooth handling. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific driving needs and budget. Whether you prioritize all-weather capability and longevity or comfort and value-for-money, both Michelin options offer compelling advantages.
Summary
As we wrap up this detailed comparison between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, it’s clear that both tires have their unique strengths and are standout performers in their respective segments. The CrossClimate 2 offers impressive all-weather competence, notable for its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, superb median mileage, and respectable NVH performance. On the other hand, the Primacy Tour A/S shines in providing a quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride, with strong dry braking performance and commendable handling scores.
As a tire expert, it’s important to state that there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation. The best tire depends on various factors like your driving style, typical driving conditions, and personal priorities. Are you regularly traversing varied climates and need a tire that can confidently handle all weather conditions? The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is an excellent choice. Or perhaps you prioritize smooth, comfortable rides with superior handling and low noise levels, in which case the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S is a top contender.
Dr Edwin Pang
Remember, both of these tires demonstrate Michelin’s commitment to safety, innovation, and performance. Your final decision should be based on your unique driving needs and requirements, ensuring you choose the tire that offers the best match for you. Safe travels!