The Michelin Crossclimate 2 and the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady are two top contenders in the all-weather tire market, each coming up with their distinct features and benefits. With Michelin’s boy offering unmatched handling on snowy tracks, and Goodyear’s providing great wet traction. Let’s see which tire is a better fit for you.
Table of Contents
Sizes Facts
The Michelin Crossclimate 2 comes in 16 to 22 inches with following specs.
- Speed ratings: H and V.
- Load ratings: SL and XL.
- UTQG: 640 B A.
- Tread depth range: 10.5/32″ (on all)
- Weight range: 25 to 36.5 lbs
- Winter ratings: Yes, all sizes have 3 peak mountain snowflake ratings (3PMSF).
Whereas the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady on the other side comes with 15 to 20 inches rims.
And it’s sizes have following specs.
- Speed ratings: T, H and V.
- Load ratings: SL and XL. (What are these load ratings all about?, check here).
- UTQG: 700 A A.
- Tread depth: Either 10/32″ or 11/32″.
- Weight range: 19 to 37 lbs.
- Winter ratings: Yes both M+S/3pmsf available.
Learn How to read tire sizes here.
Tread Appearance
Let’s start things off here with Michelin Crossclimate 2.
The tire shows up with a distinctive, directional tread pattern with V-shaped lugs.
These elongated, independent lugs are very effective in displacing water, slush, and snow, contributing to the tire’s impressive 3-peak mountain snowflake rating.
And they are divided up by longitudinal slits, which basically separates the central area from the shoulders.
The central area consist of more packed up lugs, having interlocking siping structure along with snow vices.
(With closeness of the lugs, you get dry grip, while the snow vices aid winter traction, and interlocking sipes help with wet).
While the shoulders have more lateral gaps in between, and are equipped with rectilinear siping slits.
Review Michelin’s tire in greater details: https://tiredriver.com/goodyear-assurance-weatherready-review/
On the other hand, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady also features a uniquely crafted tread which has an asymmetric design.
This pattern comprises three unique ribs at the center, each distinctly different from the other, forming four longitudinal channels of approximately equal widths.
The central-most rib is practically continuous, featuring lugs with sharp offset edges, notches, and in-groove lateral tread voids. These lugs are further enhanced with a combination of rectilinear and interlocking sipes for improved traction and stability.
The adjacent ribs exhibit more aggressive lug formations.
One rib presents lugs with zig-zag edges that align with the similar edges of shoulder lugs, and besides they also have chamfered sides, and interlocking sipes.
While the other rib showcases sharp, highly angled tread voids, forming needle-like blocks. They are packed with various traction-enhancing features including wave-like slits, sipes, notches, and chamfered edges, further adding to the tire’s all-weather capabilities.
Moving on to the shoulders, blocks here are the least aggressive. They have a blend of longitudinal and lateral rectilinear sipes which are interconnected. Moreover, you also see connectors in the relatively smaller tread voids these shoulder blocks make.
Review Goodyear’s tire in greater details: https://tiredriver.com/michelin-crossclimate-2-review/
Also check this video out, its just great.
Grip and Handling
Dry traction can be divided into two key categories: grip and handling. Grip is generally evaluated by the braking distances while handling is measured through lap times.
And overall Michelin Crossclimate 2 is taking the lead here, it’s densely arranged lugs in the central area account for improved grip with the road surface, which translates into shorter braking distances.
If you wondering why central lugs, then you should know that when the tire rolls straight, most of the weight, on it, gets concentrated in the middle part of the tread, so how well lugs connect with the road from there is significant in calculating “directional” grip.
Moreover since the tire offer rounded contact patch, it also excels in providing better handling compared to Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, as it offer better under and oversteering balance.
Though in terms of handling the difference is only marginal, that’s why both have similar speed ratings.
By the way, I found a great video with similar grip and handling results.
Wet Traction
When it comes to performance on wet surfaces, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady takes the cake.
This is because the tire features a lot more biters, with its balanced mix of siping, notches and chamfered edges, along with tread flexibility.
And this is an essential formula for maintaining a strong grip on wet roads, flexibility with biters. Let me explain why.
The biters/sipes, basically provide small tread voids, where water is temporarily stored in, so that the tread can effectively meet up with the road. And since during cornering braking these can get stiffer, a elastic tread helps here.
In comparison, the Crossclimate 2 lacks with its severely missing siping.
I mean they are good enough in the central area, and that explains its good enough wet braking, but shoulder area really need them.
And so you see lacking handling times compared to Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady.
But yes, worth reminding, the hydroplaning resistance which is another key factors in wet performance, is where CrossClimate 2 is a better pick.
It’s directional design account for faster water evacuation, compared to its counterpart.
Winter Performance
When it comes to conquering winter terrains, the CrossClimate 2 gets to be the king. And that’s pretty impressive, if you ask me, since its dry performance is also very leading.
It’s elongated lugs act as snow shovels, adeptly scooping up slush and snow, and generating a forward thrust that leaves the Assurance WeatherReady behind, literally, even though both of these boys have 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) ratings.
Though still, this rating isn’t everything, I mean it doesn’t tell you about the handling or braking efficacy of the tire. It only signifies that the tire outperforms its non-3PMSF-rated average all-season tire by around 10%, in terms of acceleration.
Side Note: You can learn all about the 3PMSF and M+S ratings here.
Anyways, so besides the directional design of the tire, the CrossClimate 2 also has few other perks too.
Like it’s section width is narrower, so it puts more pressure on the snow particles, as they get easily pushed in to the tread.
And this allows this tire to effectively create snow to snow contact, which is important as snow sticks better on other snowflakes, and not on the rubber.
And one more thing, the tire features thermally adaptive rubber compound, unlike the Goodyear Assurance, this allows the it to keep its biters/snow vices flexible, even under the harsh winter temperatures.
Feel of Ride
Ride quality encompasses elements such as noise levels, and the ability to absorb road bumps. Let’s break down each factor.
Tread Noise
So imagine the tire tread as a concert hall, where the air reverberates against the surrounding walls, due to the clapping of the audience.
This reverberation is known as in-groove resonance, and the air in case of tires, comes in through the shoulder voids.
Now having said that, lets look at both tires.
So in case of Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, the tire features blockers between the shoulder lugs, to prevent air to get in. And little air that does manage to get in, is dampened down with the help of pitch sequencing.
Pitch sequencing is achieved by varying the geometry of the tread blocks (subtly), so air particles hitting them can produce varying tones, which then can cancel out each other.
Moreover the tire’s surrounding tread walls, are also very absorbing of sound waves, so minimal reflecting occurs.
On the other side, the CrossClimate 2 has an ingenious design that keeps noise at bay. It’s streamlined directional pattern basically don’t allow air particles to hit around, and instead it just passed by form one end to the other of the tread (for the most part).
And I’d like to add, that besides the tire’s directional design, its rounded contact patch also has a major play in this.
On-Road Vibrations
The ride quality of a tire is significantly influenced by its internal and external composition. Essentially, tires with a softer compound typically offer a more comfortable driving experience.
For instance, the CrossClimate 2 excels in this area. It uses a softer tread rubber, rich in silica composition, and a softer inner cap ply. These components absorb the shocks and bumps of the road more effectively, enhancing ride comfort.
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, although has a flexible internal polyester casing, it uses a stiffer rubber top layer.
This design choice is intended to extend tread life (briefed in the next topic), but the increased firmness slightly reduces the overall comfort levels of the ride.
Tread Life
The treadwear performance of a tire is determined by its structural design, tread pattern, and rubber composition.
That’s why the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, with its stiffer rubber top layer, is designed for durability and extended tread life.
In contrast, the CrossClimate 2, despite offering a smoother ride due to its softer tread rubber, may experience faster tread wear.
Side Note: The difference between both tires isn’t a lot, especially when you consider my tips on how to improve tread life, see here: https://tiredriver.com/how-to-increase-tread-life-on-tires/
Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption in tires is majorly influenced by rolling resistance. And both of our boys here have high resistance values, so don’t keep you hopes up (for this section), for them both.
However, in testing, the Assurance WeatherReady still performs somewhat better (marginally, I should add).
Basically its stiffer rubber compound that reduces road friction, as it doesn’t allow the lugs to flex and bend a lot (which asks for extra energy expenditure).
The CrossClimate 2, on the other hand, due to its softer compound, exhibits more flexibility which demands more energy, leading to increased fuel consumption and decreased fuel efficiency.
Verdict?
So ending up, I should say that, in the tire tournament between these two big all-season players, each has its own trophy moments.
The Michelin’s tire excels in dry traction, showcasing unmatched grip and braking power, (especially). Meanwhile, the Goodyear shows superior handling and steering stability, when things get wet.
In terms of ride comfort, the CrossClimate 2 promises quieter and smoother rides, while the Assurance WeatherReady lacks with it’s compound, generating more in-groove resonance.
Though its stiffer rubber helps it scores extra points in case of tread life and fuel efficiency, overall.
How about on ice. Other articles have mentioned that the Michelin is not that good ice covered roads.
Do you have any information on the ice tests
Yes, in terms of ice, the Goodyear does better here (comparatively).
Thanks! I’ve been trying to decide between these two tires for a few weeks. You have helped me make the decision.
Going with Michelin.
Glad I helped.
great information. which would you buy for an SUV in snowy, icy minnesota winter?
Thank you for reading and reaching out. For snowy and icy conditions in Minnesota, you should consider Michelin Crossclimate 2, it has a slightly upper hand here. Though you should also check out Bridgestone WeatherPeak.
That being said, please keep in mind, that it’s essential to consider your SUV’s specific make, model, and size.
Hi, I have a Rav4 LE 2023 AWD. I live in Calgary Alberta Canada. Which one would you recommend?
Given the specifics of your Rav4 LE 2023 AWD and considering Calgary’s climate, I would personally lean towards the Michelin Crossclimate 2 for its slightly superior snow performance. However, both tires are top-tier options, so you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Hi. I just bought 2 weather ready tires for the front end of my car ( the back tires are still in great shape from me being lazy and not rotating timely, different brand) I live in the mountains of NC. The snow here is hit and miss. But my main concern is when it does. Do you know whether these goodyear tires grip, say, better going up and down mountain roads inall ranges of wet weather including ice and snow? Thanks!
Hi, there are a lot of variables involved here. Though, out of these tires, Crossclimate 2 offers better (directional) grip. Also I’d suggest you read “Can I replace just 1 tire?”, just search it out (in the search bar).
You can change one tire, to a matching brand on the same Axle, as long as your tread depth is within 4/32nds of each other. Other than that, it should only ever be two or four, or possibly 5 tires depending on how some people are. *Cough* me. I have driven vehicles with both tires on them, and I prefer the Crossclimate 2 from Michelin. I cannot wait to put them on my Durango, once my Defender 2 wears out.
Hello,
Great review, I am looking to replace my Yokohama S34 Blue Earth Tires on my 2022 Toyota Sienna LE, which have really bad grip in just about any condition, to an all weather tire. I live in hot sunny Florida, and was wondering which would be better with the extreme heat and rain that we get here?
Well, with extreme heat, you should consider a summer tire. If you’re budget allows it, I’d say you should go for Continental PremiumContact 7. Otherwise if you want to stay in all-season category, I’d suggest you visit my main all-season tires page here.
I am confused on your comments above. You indicate that the weather ready is better on ice, but you make comments on Minnesota and Calgary that with the icy conditions you defer to the CrossClimate 2? Can you clarify your rational?
Yes, thanks for the correction, I fixed it. To clarify, the Michelin here is better for (salt-like) powdery snow, while Assurance is better for ice.
Hi! Good article! Now I’ve just accepted a position at a company in Everett Washington. I will be crossing the country, in Mid November 2023, beginning in Michigan. I have been told three of my four tire are ready for replacement. Before I leave, I think I’ll invest is new tires. Now, having never been to Seattle, they say it’s wet! I like to ski in the winter, and will probably go to the resorts on the weekends. This new job will be permanent so it includes summer also. With reports of the first snow already coming down around the Rockies, I’m thinking the CrossClimate 2 but I generally get better tires with Goodyear. Which would you say?
Thanks. Glad you liked it. I’d say, go with Goodyear.
I have a 2010 Mercury Milan. Car is heavy. Drive in Michigan winters about 100 miles a day. Also a lot of rain in the spring. Need new tires. Which would be better the Michelin Crossclimate 2 or the Goodyear Assurance?
The Goodyear tire here would deal with Michigan rains better.
Also given that your Mercury Milan is on the heavier side, opting for an XL (Extra Load) size might be a good fit. Though, it’s crucial to verify the maximum load capacity of the tire. (XL sizes typically have a higher load-bearing capacity). I’d suggest you read my article on load ratings (search it out). And make sure to consult with your tire dealer to ensure the best size for your car.
I own a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It’s my wife’s car and she puts on 5-7K miles a year. We live in Wisconsin but when it snows we usually take my 4WD truck. What tire would you recommend?
I think out of these two tires here, WeatherReady would suit you better.
I need 4 tires for a 2021 Lexus RX 350 AWD. I live in Utah in the Salt Lake Valley, elevation about 4800 feet at the beginning of the foothills. We have snow in the winter and dry hot summers. We occasionally drive up to higher elevations to the ski resorts in the winter. Any recommendation for which tire would be best?
Hey, I am currently working on a list of top all season tires for winter performance. You may want to check that, it would be published soon. Though out of these tires here, I think you’d be better off with WeatherReady (in XL sizes).
Have a 2013 chevy cruze and driving from Mt. Pleasent to Lansing every day I am curious about which of these tires would be best on the snowy and icy roads.
The Crossclimate 2 provides better snow and ice braking, while Goodyear’s tire here, provides better handling and traction.
Hello! I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and mainly drive down in the valley, but I have a 2020 Nissan Rouge SV FWD car. We have snowy winters and hot/dry summers would the CrossClimate work better? Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hey Kendal,
Absolutely, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a great choice for your Nissan Rogue, especially considering the snowy winters and hot summers in Salt Lake City.
However, I’d also recommend checking out a few other options:
P.S. You can find reviews and comparisons of all these tires mentioned here using the search bar.
And yes, I also recently published my list of top grand touring tires, you can check it out here.
Great article! These were two tires I’ve been trying to choose between.
I have a VW Atlas SE 255/50R20.
Live in West Michigan and need to commute through what is often white knuckle driving to Chicago for my college student.
Which tire would you choose in this case? Or is there a better option?
Thank you!
Hi, yes, there are a lot of variables involved. I think you should check out the main all season tires page, you’d find it on the homepage. Let me know if you still need any help.
Bought the Michelin CrossClimate 2 for my 2020 Toyota Sienna SE AWD and they handle great on the ice & snow heading up to Kirkwood ski resort, here in our Sierra Nevada. Can’t go wrong!
Between Virginia and North Carolina Piedmont region, so not mountains but rolling hills, speeds from city 25 mph to highways 70 mph. Would drive in all weather conditions, its probably typically more packed and icy vs fluffy snow, or you might know better.
Which would you suggest would provide most overall confidence putting on a minivan between these Goodyear’s Assurance WeatherReady and Michelin CC2 or even Defender 2?
Thank you
If budget is not an issue, I’d go with CrossClimate 2. Though make sure to check out my main all-season tire page (you’ll find it on the front page of the site).