Michelin Primacy MXM4 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2: The Michelin Primacy MXM4 is a premium touring all-season tire focused on comfort, quietness and responsive road manners, commonly fitted as original equipment on luxury vehicles. The CrossClimate 2 takes a different approach: an all-weather tire combining strong dry and wet performance with certified winter capability.
This battle pits refined highway comfort against genuine four-season versatility. Can the newer CrossClimate 2 outperform Michelin’s established touring tire everywhere, or does the Primacy MXM4 still have an advantage on clear roads?
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Results : Michelin Primacy MXM4 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
The test results are based on Treadwell data from Discount Tire. The graph below compares the Michelin Primacy MXM4 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 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, 14 feet shorter than the Primacy MXM4 at 159 feet, giving it a 10% advantage. It also scores 4 out of 5 for wet handling, one point higher than the Primacy MXM4’s 3 out of 5—a further 5% improvement. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 is the clear wet-performance winner, delivering shorter braking and more confident handling.
CrossClimate 2 :
- +10% Wet Braking
- +5% Wet Handling
Snow
In winter performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 4.5 out of 5, three points higher than the Primacy MXM4’s 1.5 out of 5—a 15% advantage. This makes the CrossClimate 2 the clear choice for drivers who regularly face snow and cold conditions.
CrossClimate 2 :
- +15% Winter Rating
Mileage
For mileage, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is expected to last 52,000 miles, which is 15,000 miles longer than the Primacy MXM4 at 37,000 miles—a substantial 41% advantage. This makes the CrossClimate 2 the clear winner for long-term durability and value.
CrossClimate 2 :
- +41% Mileage
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops in 125 feet, 7 feet shorter than the Primacy MXM4 at 132 feet—a 6% advantage. Both tires score 3.5 out of 5 for dry handling, making them equal in this area. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 takes the dry-performance win through its shorter braking distance.
CrossClimate 2 :
- +6% Dry Braking
- 0% Dry Handling
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
Both tires score 3.5 out of 5 for a quiet ride, leaving no difference between them. For ride comfort, the Primacy MXM4 scores 4 out of 5, which is 0.5 points higher than the CrossClimate 2 at 3.5—a 2.5% advantage. Overall, cabin noise is identical, but the Primacy MXM4 provides a slightly more comfortable ride.
CrossClimate 2 :
- 0% Quiet Ride
- -2.5% Comfort
Fuel Consumption
For fuel efficiency, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores 3.5 out of 5, one point higher than the Primacy MXM4 at 2.5 out of 5—a 5% advantage. This makes the CrossClimate 2 the more efficient choice, with the potential to reduce fuel consumption over time.
CrossClimate 2 :
- +5% Fuel Efficiency
Price
In size 235/45 R18, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 costs $251 per tire, making it $19—or 8%—cheaper than the Primacy MXM4 at $270. Across a complete set, that saves $76, giving the CrossClimate 2 a clear price advantage.
Tire size: 235/45 R18
- Primacy MXM4 :$ 270
Difference: -8% cheaper for CrossClimate 2
Conclusion:
In my view, the Primacy MXM4 still suits drivers who prioritise a slightly more comfortable ride, while matching the CrossClimate 2 for dry handling and cabin noise. However, I would recommend the CrossClimate 2 because it delivers stronger wet and dry braking, far better winter capability, longer mileage and improved fuel efficiency—while costing 8% less.
Dr Edwin Pang