Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: Fasten your seatbelts for the epic clash between Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive! Michelin CrossClimate 2, the long-standing gold standard with its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, faces a bold challenger in Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive, which also boasts the same certification. Promising exceptional performance, safety, and versatility, Pirelli aims to dethrone the reigning champion. This isn’t just a comparison; it’s a battle for the crown of the ultimate all-weather tire. Get ready for the most thrilling face-off of the decade!
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
Results below were taken from tire rack’s “Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2023” test. A total of 4 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive based on the relevant performance category. The CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has planned the snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling will be available only at the end of the 2023 winter season. The tire size of interest is a 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Wet
In wet braking, the CrossClimate 2 has a slight edge, stopping in 106 feet compared to the Pirelli’s 114.3 feet. For subjective wet handling, the Pirelli scores slightly higher with 7.31/10 versus Michelin’s 7.25/10, indicating a marginally better feel and responsiveness. In wet lap times, the Pirelli also leads, completing a lap in 32.20 seconds, while the Michelin takes 32.55 seconds, suggesting better agility and speed in wet conditions for the Pirelli.
Below is an in-depth look at the wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
CrossClimate 2:
Its performance was marked by precision through corners, similar to what the team observed on regular roads. The CrossClimate2’s sharp and precise steering encouraged the drivers to be more aggressive, though it sometimes exceeded the tire’s grip capabilities. However, when driven within its limits, the tire allowed the car to glide through corners with ease.
Test driver feedback on CrossClimate 2
Cinturato WeatherActive:
The Cinturato WeatherActive showcased excellent cornering, closely matching the Vredestein but with slightly longer braking distances. However, its exceptional steering in wet conditions made it easy to maneuver, especially through slaloms and tight sections. Drivers enjoyed its lively and responsive handling, leading to fast lap times, just behind the Vredestein’s more subdued performance.
Test driver feedback on Cinturato WeatherActive
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- -7% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (subj)
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
Dry braking performance is crucial for safety, and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 excels, stopping in 87.4 feet compared to the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive’s 90.7 feet. For subjective dry handling, the Michelin also leads with a score of 7.44/10, offering better control and responsiveness than the Pirelli’s 7/10. In dry lap times, both tires perform similarly, with the Michelin completing a lap in 30.44 seconds and the Pirelli in 30.46 seconds, indicating comparable speed and agility.
Below is an in-depth look at the dry handling evaluation by the test drivers:
CrossClimate 2:
The CrossClimate2 showcased an impressive combination of reliable braking, accurate steering, and stable grip on the sides, which contributed to flawlessly smooth laps.
Test driver feedback on CrossClimate 2
Cinturato WeatherActive:
On the other hand, the Cinturato WeatherActive excelled in side traction during the skidpad tests and clocked laps that were on par with the Michelin, albeit requiring more effort to handle. In dry conditions, the drivers observed that the Pirelli struggled to synchronize different elements, and its rapid steering tended to overreach, resulting in understeer.
Test driver feedback on Cinturato WeatherActive
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- -4% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (subj)
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive perform well. They are equal in steering and road handling, each scoring 7.5, offering similar control and responsiveness. The Michelin slightly outperforms the Pirelli in noise levels, scoring 7.5 to Pirelli’s 7.38, indicating a marginally quieter ride. Both tires have identical ride quality scores of 8.13, ensuring smooth and comfortable driving experiences. Overall, they are closely matched, with the Michelin having a slight edge in noise levels, making either tire a strong choice for comfort and control.
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- ~0% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 outperforms the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive in snow braking, stopping 3.3 feet shorter from 25-0 mph. In terms of snow acceleration, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 also has a slight edge, needing 0.2 feet less to accelerate from 0-12 mph with traction control. When it comes to snow handling, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores slightly higher with a 6.67/10 compared to the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive’s 6.50/10.
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- -5% in Snow Braking
- -1% in Snow Acceleration
- -1% in Snow Handling (subj)
Ice
In ice braking, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate 2, stopping 1.4 feet shorter from 12-0 mph. For ice acceleration, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is slightly faster, taking 0.11 seconds less to cover 60 feet with traction control.
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- +3% in Ice Braking
- -2% in Ice Acceleration
UTQG rating
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive both have commendable UTQG values, indicating strong performance and durability. The Michelin has a Tread Wear rating of 640, while the Pirelli scores higher at 700, suggesting a longer tread life for the Pirelli. However, the Michelin has been tested to last up to 85,000 miles, demonstrating proven endurance. Both tires have an “A” rating for Traction and Temperature, ensuring excellent grip and temperature resistance. They also come with a 60,000-mile warranty, offering consumers peace of mind. While Pirelli’s higher Tread Wear rating is promising, Michelin’s proven real-world performance makes it a reliable choice.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | CrossClimate 2 | All | 640 | B | A |
| Pirelli | Cinturato WeatherActive | All | 700 | A | A |
Price
For tire size 225/40R18, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 costs $242, while the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive is priced at $215. The Cinturato WeatherActive is 13% cheaper than the CrossClimate 2.
Tire size: 225/40R18
- CrossClimate 2: $242
- Cinturato WeatherActive: $215
Difference: -13% more cheaper for Cinturato WeatherActive
Summary
As a tire expert, I still consider the Michelin CrossClimate 2 the reigning all-weather king. Despite the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive’s commendable performance and lower price, the CrossClimate 2 excels in critical areas. It stops shorter in wet, dry and snow braking, offers better dry handling, and has proven durability with up to 85,000 miles in real-world tests. This makes it a more reliable choice for drivers seeking optimal safety, comfort, and performance across all conditions.
Dr Edwin Pang