Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Tomket Allyear 3: Premium vs Budget All Season –> In the world of all-season tires, the clash between premium and budget options presents a fascinating showdown. Leading the charge is the Michelin CrossClimate 2, the undisputed king of all-season tires. This pioneering tire not only revolutionized the segment but also set high standards with its exceptional performance. The CrossClimate 2, with its advanced technology and unmatched reputation, has been a game-changer, offering drivers a blend of durability, efficiency, and all-weather capability. It proudly bears the coveted 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, symbolizing its excellence in severe snow conditions.
Enter the challenger, Tomket Allyear 3 – a budget-friendly contender that proves quality doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. Despite its more affordable nature, the Tomket Allyear 3 also boasts the 3PMSF certification, a testament to its ability to tackle harsh weather conditions. As one of the most cost-effective options in the market, Tomket Allyear 3 is a formidable opponent for the premium Michelin CrossClimate 2.
This comparison isn’t just about price versus quality; it’s a battle of philosophies. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 represents the pinnacle of tire technology and innovation, while the Tomket Allyear 3 embodies accessibility and value for money. Both tires promise safety and reliability, but which one will come out on top? This showdown between the premium Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the budget-friendly Tomket Allyear 3 is not to be missed by any car enthusiast or everyday driver seeking the best in all-season tires.
Table of Contents
Results : Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Tomket Allyear 3
Results below were taken from the 2022 Tyre Reviews video “Can a New Budget Tire Beat a Worn Premium Tire in the Dry, Wet and Snow?”. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Tomket Allyear 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Honda Accord & Hyundai Elantra. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
When comparing the wet performance of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Tomket Allyear 3, the differences are quite significant. In terms of wet braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 shows superior performance, stopping at a distance of 32.2 meters. In contrast, the Tomket Allyear 3 takes notably longer, with a wet braking distance of 41 meters. This difference of nearly 9 meters highlights the advanced capabilities of the Michelin tire in wet conditions.
Similarly, in wet handling, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 again outperforms the Tomket Allyear 3. It completes a lap in wet conditions in just 98.7 seconds, whereas the Tomket Allyear 3 lags behind with a lap time of 105.6 seconds. This difference of almost 7 seconds in lap time further emphasizes the superior handling and control offered by the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in wet conditions, compared to the budget-friendly Tomket Allyear 3.
Tomket Allyear 3 :
- -21% in wet braking
- -7% in wet handling (lap time)
Snow
In the realm of snow performance, the classic target conflict between wet and snow capabilities is evident. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Tomket Allyear 3 showcase different levels of balance in this conflict. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 manages to strike a remarkable balance, demonstrating its versatility, while the Tomket Allyear 3 falls a bit short in this aspect.
For snow braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops at 31.1 meters, slightly outperforming the Tomket Allyear 3, which comes to a stop at 32.7 meters. This difference of 1.6 meters in snow braking distance may seem small, but it is a critical factor in snowy conditions, showcasing Michelin’s ability to balance performance across different terrains.
Similarly, in snow handling, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 again leads, completing a snow-covered lap in 109.4 seconds. The Tomket Allyear 3, on the other hand, takes longer, with a lap time of 115.8 seconds. This gap of 6.4 seconds indicates a significant difference in handling and control on snow between the two tires. The Michelin CrossClimate 2’s superior performance in both snow braking and handling exemplifies its well-rounded capabilities in managing the wet-snow target conflict, a challenge that the Tomket Allyear 3 struggles with to some extent.
Tomket Allyear 3 :
- -5% in snow braking
- -6% in snow handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the performance of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Tomket Allyear 3 shows noticeable differences. Looking at dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a shorter stopping distance, coming to a halt at 38.5 meters. In comparison, the Tomket Allyear 3 requires more distance to stop, with a dry braking distance of 43 meters. This difference of 4.5 meters illustrates the superior braking efficiency of the Michelin tire on dry surfaces.
When it comes to dry handling, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 again demonstrates better performance. It completes a lap on a dry track in 78.9 seconds, whereas the Tomket Allyear 3 takes slightly longer, finishing the lap in 80.3 seconds. This difference of 1.4 seconds in lap time may not seem substantial, but it reflects the enhanced handling and agility of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in dry conditions compared to the budget-friendly Tomket Allyear 3. This difference underlines the superior dry performance of the Michelin tire, maintaining its edge over the Tomket in various driving conditions.
Tomket Allyear 3 :
- -10% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (lap time)
Rolling Resistance
When comparing the rolling resistance of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Tomket Allyear 3, there’s a slight but notable difference. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a rolling resistance of 7.9 N/KN, while the Tomket Allyear 3 is slightly higher at 8.2 N/KN. This difference of 0.3 N/KN, although minor, can be significant, particularly with the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs).
Rolling resistance is a crucial factor for tires, especially in the context of EVs. Lower rolling resistance means the tire requires less energy to roll, which directly translates to better fuel efficiency in traditional vehicles and extended range in EVs. The lower the rolling resistance, the less energy the car consumes, making it a key factor in the overall efficiency and performance of the vehicle. In this respect, the Michelin CrossClimate 2, with its marginally lower rolling resistance, offers a slight edge in efficiency, potentially contributing to better range and energy usage in EVs compared to the Tomket Allyear 3.
Tomket Allyear 3 :
- -4% in rolling resistance
Price
In terms of pricing for the size 205/55 R16, there is a clear budget advantage with the Tomket Allyear 3. Priced at £57, it is significantly more affordable compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2, which is priced at £96. The Tomket Allyear 3 is about 68% cheaper than the Michelin CrossClimate 2, offering a substantial cost-saving option for consumers.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- CrossClimate 2 : £ 96
- Tomket Allyear 3 : £ 57
Difference: -68% more cheaper for Tomket Allyear 3.
The significant price difference between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Tomket Allyear 3 highlights the classic premium versus budget debate in tire selection. The Michelin, with its higher price, embodies a premium tire, known for superior performance and quality, appealing to those who prioritize top-tier capabilities, especially in diverse weather conditions.
On the flip side, the Tomket Allyear 3 offers a budget-friendly alternative, delivering reliable performance at a more affordable price, suitable for cost-conscious consumers seeking all-season tire versatility without the premium price tag. Ultimately, the choice between these tires comes down to balancing the desire for advanced performance and brand prestige against the appeal of cost savings and acceptable performance trade-offs.
Summary
In the Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Tomket Allyear 3 comparison, the CrossClimate 2 stands out as the winner, excelling in performance across various conditions like wet, dry, and snow. Its higher price reflects its premium quality and advanced technology, making it ideal for those who prioritize exceptional performance and can afford it. Meanwhile, the Tomket Allyear 3, though not on par with the Michelin in performance, offers great value for its price, appealing to budget-conscious consumers who seek reliable all-season tires without a high cost.
Dr Edwin Pang
Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and budget, with Michelin catering to performance-seekers and Tomket to those seeking affordability without major quality compromises. Both tires effectively serve their market segments, addressing different consumer priorities.