Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21: In this exciting showdown, we pit the Michelin CrossClimate 2, launched in 2020 and hailed as the undisputed best all-season tire, against the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21, which entered the market in 2018. The CrossClimate 2 has set the bar high with its exceptional performance in various conditions, but can the BluEarth 4S AW21, with its earlier debut, come close to challenging Michelin’s supremacy?
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21
Results below were taken from the 2024 ADAC All Season Test. There were 16 tires tested fully this time around which. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
ADAC did the full range of test including snow, ice & the expensive wear test. The tire size of interest is a 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Toyota Corolla Altis. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
In terms of wet performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 demonstrates superior wet braking, stopping 1.3 meters shorter than the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21, with distances of 34.8 meters and 36.1 meters, respectively. When it comes to straight aquaplaning resistance, the CrossClimate 2 again outperforms, maintaining grip at a higher slipping speed of 81 km/h compared to the BluEarth 4S AW21’s 74.8 km/h. These significant differences highlight the Michelin tire’s edge in wet conditions.
BluEarth 4S AW21 :
- -4% in wet braking
- -8% in aquaplaning
Snow
When comparing snow performance, the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 shows a slight edge in snow braking, stopping 0.6 meters shorter than the Michelin CrossClimate 2, with distances of 10.5 meters versus 11.1 meters, respectively. However, in snow traction, the CrossClimate 2 pulls ahead, generating a stronger pulling force of 225.5 Newtons compared to the BluEarth 4S AW21’s 212.3 Newtons. These differences highlight the strengths of each tire in snowy conditions.
BluEarth 4S AW21 :
- +6% in snow braking
- -6% in snow traction
Ice
In terms of ice performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 outshines the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 in ice braking. The CrossClimate 2 stops 1.4 meters shorter, with a braking distance of 19.8 meters compared to the BluEarth 4S AW21’s 21.2 meters. This notable difference underscores the superior ice braking capability of the Michelin tire.
BluEarth 4S AW21 :
- -7% in ice braking
Wear
When comparing mileage and abrasion, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 significantly outperforms the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21. The CrossClimate 2 lasts 10,100 kilometers longer, with a wear life of 44,000 kilometers compared to the BluEarth 4S AW21’s 33,900 kilometers. In terms of abrasion, the CrossClimate 2 also shows a stark difference, with a lower abrasion rate of 52 mg/km/t versus the BluEarth 4S AW21’s 92 mg/km/t, indicating it wears down much less over the same distance. These differences highlight the durability and longevity advantages of the Michelin tire.
BluEarth 4S AW21 :
- -23% in mileage
- -43% in abrasion
Dry
In dry performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 continues to top the charts as the best dry braking all-season tire, stopping at 39.5 meters. In contrast, the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 is at the other end of the spectrum, requiring 46.1 meters to come to a stop. This significant difference of 6.6 meters underscores the superior dry braking capability of the CrossClimate 2.
BluEarth 4S AW21 :
- -14% in dry braking
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is quieter, producing 71.1 decibels compared to the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21’s 72.2 decibels. This difference of 1.1 decibels indicates that the CrossClimate 2 provides a slightly quieter ride.
BluEarth 4S AW21 :
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.1 dB)
Fuel Consumption:
In terms of efficiency, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 proves to be more fuel-efficient, with a consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers compared to the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21’s 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers. This difference of 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers highlights the better fuel efficiency of the CrossClimate 2.
BluEarth 4S AW21 :
- -4% in fuel consumption
Price
When comparing tire prices for the 205/55R16 size, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 costs €107, while the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 is priced at €67. The stark difference is that the BluEarth 4S AW21 is 60% cheaper than the CrossClimate 2, offering a more budget-friendly option.
Tire size: 205/55R16
Difference: -60% more cheaper for BluEarth 4S AW21.
Conclusion
As a tire expert, I can confidently say that the essence of an all-season tire is about managing conflicting performance targets, and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 excels in this aspect. Its outstanding wet, dry, and snow performance, combined with excellent mileage, abrasion resistance, and fuel efficiency, demonstrate its superior engineering. The CrossClimate 2 has consistently proven to be the master of balancing these diverse demands, making it the benchmark in the all-season tire category. Meanwhile, the Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21 shines in snow braking and offers a much lower price point.
Dr Edwin Pang