The Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Nokian Encompass AW02 is a fascinating battle in the increasingly competitive 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) all-weather category. Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 has long been one of the benchmarks, combining strong year-round grip with genuine winter capability. But Nokian—the brand famous for its winter-tire expertise—is coming after it with the Encompass AW02. Can Nokian beat one of the biggest names in all-weather tires, or does the CrossClimate 2 still set the standard? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Results : Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Nokian Encompass AW02
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 stops in 145 feet, while the Nokian Encompass AW02 needs 151 feet, a 6-foot difference, giving the Nokian a 4% disadvantage. In wet handling, both tires score 4/5, so there is no difference (0%) between them. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 has the edge in wet performance, mainly because of its shorter stopping distance, while both tires are equally matched in wet handling.
Encompass AW02 :
- -4% Wet Braking
- 0% Wet Handling
Winter
In winter performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 4.5/5, while the Nokian Encompass AW02 scores 5/5, giving the Nokian a 0.5-point advantage and a 2.5% performance lead. This gives the Encompass AW02 the edge in winter conditions, making it the stronger choice for drivers who prioritize snow and cold-weather capability.
Encompass AW02 :
- +2.5% Snow
Mileage
For mileage, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 delivers a median of 45,500 miles, while the Nokian Encompass AW02 reaches 46,500 miles, giving the Nokian a 1,000-mile advantage and a 2% lead. Overall, the Encompass AW02 has a small advantage in tread life, although the difference between the two tires is relatively minor.
Encompass AW02 :
- +2% Mileage
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops in 125 feet, while the Nokian Encompass AW02 needs 130 feet, giving the Michelin a 5-foot advantage and leaving the Nokian 4% behind. In dry handling, the Michelin scores 4/5 compared with 3.5/5 for the Nokian, a 0.5-point difference and a 2.5% disadvantage for the Encompass AW02. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 is the stronger tire in the dry, with a clear advantage in both braking and handling.
Encompass AW02 :
- -4% Dry Braking
- -2.5% Dry Handling
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
For quiet ride, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 3.5/5, while the Nokian Encompass AW02 scores 3/5, giving the Michelin a 0.5-point advantage and leaving the Nokian 2.5% behind. In ride comfort, the Nokian turns the tables with 3.5/5 versus 3/5 for the Michelin, giving the Encompass AW02 a 0.5-point advantage and a 2.5% lead. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 is the quieter tire, while the Encompass AW02 offers the more comfortable ride.
Encompass AW02 :
- -2.5% Quiet Ride
- +2.5% Comfort
Fuel Consumption
For fuel efficiency, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 2/5, while the Nokian Encompass AW02 scores 2.5/5, giving the Nokian a 0.5-point advantage and a 2.5% lead. Overall, the Encompass AW02 has the edge in fuel efficiency, making it the slightly better choice for drivers looking to reduce rolling losses.
Encompass AW02 :
- +2.5% Fuel Efficiency
Price
For price, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 costs $215, while the Nokian Encompass AW02 costs $172, making the Nokian $43 cheaper and around 20% less expensive. Overall, the Encompass AW02 offers a clear price advantage, making it the stronger value option upfront.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- CrossCliamte 2: $215
- Encompass AW02 : $172
Difference: -20% more cheaper for Encompass AW02
Conclusion:
From my perspective, the Nokian Encompass AW02 is the big surprise here. The CrossClimate 2 still has the advantage in wet braking, dry braking, dry handling and noise, but the Nokian fights back with better winter performance, slightly higher mileage, better ride comfort, better fuel efficiency and a 20% lower price. Taken as a complete package, the Encompass AW02 looks exceptionally strong and, for many drivers, may actually be the better all-weather buy than the CrossClimate 2.
Dr Edwin Pang