When it comes to Touring All-Season tires, two names stand out: the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (grand touring all season) and the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive (CUV touring).
Both these all weather tires are engineered to deliver top-notch performance across seasons, with a particular focus on winter conditions. But while they share some similarities, they cater to slightly different driving needs. Let’s find a better tire for you here.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
So overall, the main takeaway here is this:
The Pirelli Weatheractive leads in dry performance and icy conditions, and it also provides relatively better overall comfort and a quieter ride.
On the other hand, the Michelin CC2 excels in the wet particularly in terms of braking and directional grip and it also provides better winter performance, especially when it comes to snow handling.
Specs of Both Tires
Let’s talk about the sizes and specs for both tires, because this is where things get interesting.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is available in a wider range of sizes compared to the Pirelli, making it a great fit for everything from compact cars to SUVs. Whether you’re driving a sedan or a crossover, you’ll likely find a size that works for your vehicle.
In total, the CrossClimate 2 comes in 107 sizes in 16 to 22 inch wheels, with speed ratings ranging from H (up to 130 mph) to V (up to 149 mph). The load ratings are equally impressive, with most sizes falling in the SL (Standard Load) and XL (Extra Load) categories. As for tread depth, you’re looking at 10.5/32 inches, which is pretty solid for all-season performance.
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, on the other hand, is more focused on SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. It comes in 26 sizes (in 17 to 22 inche rims), so while it’s not as versatile as the Michelin, it still covers a lot of ground for larger vehicles.
Now Weatheractive also comes in SL and XL sizes with H and V speed ratings but has a slightly greater tread depth of 11/32″ (on all).
And yes it is also slightly wider too (comparing all sizes).
Both tires are branded with 3 peak mountain snowflake ratings and come with 60k miles warranty
Main Tread Features
Let’s start with the CrossClimate 2.
This tire has a directional tread pattern, which gives it a sleek, streamlined look.
If you take a closer look, you’ll notice the tread forms V-shaped lugs that are split only toward the outer edges by longitudinal slits.
These slits separate the shoulders from the middle section, creating a unique design.
The middle of the tire is packed with wave-like sipes that turn into thicker linear slits as you move toward the shoulders.
These sipes aren’t just for show—they help with grip on wet roads and in winter conditions.
The shoulders are equipped with thick lateral slits that act as both sipes and biters. On wet roads, they improve traction, while in winter, they dig into snow and ice for better stability.
Inside, the CrossClimate 2 is built with a 2-ply polyester casing, reinforced by two steel belts and a single polyamide cap ply. This construction makes it durable and stable, even under heavy loads.
Review CC2 here: https://tiredriver.com/michelin-crossclimate-2-review/
Now, let’s talk about the Scorpion WeatherActive.
Like the Michelin, it has a directional tread pattern, but the design is more aggressive. The tread is split into five distinct columns, creating four longitudinal channels.
These channels are key to its ability to disperse water, which helps with wet traction and reduces the risk of hydroplaning.
The central groove is especially interesting—it has a zigzag shape with interlocking lugs that provide extra bite.
These lugs also have in-groove notches that improve grip, particularly in snowy conditions.
As you move outward, the neighboring ribs have a similar siping pattern, though the angles are slightly different. The shoulder lugs have thicker linear sipes arranged both sideways and lengthwise.
This multi-directional design ensures great grip in all kinds of conditions, whether you’re turning or driving straight.
Inside, the Scorpion WeatherActive has a 2-ply polyester casing, supported by dual steel belts and reinforced with 2-ply polyamide cap plies. This sturdy construction makes it a reliable choice for year-round driving.
Review WeatherActive tire in greater detail: https://tiredriver.com/pirelli-scorpion-weatheractive-review/
Dry Performance
When it comes to dry performance, a tire’s effectiveness boils down to two main things: directional grip (how well it accelerates and brakes) and cornering (how it handles turns).
Let’s break it down and see how the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive stack up.
Braking Grip
Directional or braking grip is all about how well a tire sticks to the road when you’re moving straight (whether you’re accelerating or braking).
And several factors come into play here, like the tread composition, the amount of rubber touching the road, the tire’s weight, and even rolling resistance.
In this department, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive takes the lead. Both tires have a streamlined, directional tread pattern and use soft rubber compounds for excellent road grip, but the Pirelli has a secret weapon: it’s lighter.
The lighter weight of the Pirelli means it has less momentum to deal with, which makes it easier to slow down. This translates to a shorter braking distance in tests which is a key measure of directional grip.
(FYI: braking distance is the ultimate test of how well a tire grips the road in a straight line.)
On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a bit heavier and has a more open tread design. This means each lug (the blocks of tread) has to bear more weight, creating greater momentum. Plus, the Michelin’s central tread area lacks the aggressive biters you’ll find on the Pirelli.
Speaking of which, the Pirelli’s zigzag central groove, thanks to its interlocking lugs which adds even more bite to its longitudinal traction. This gives it a clear edge in straight-line performance.
Dry Cornering: Handling the Twists and Turns
While directional grip is important, it’s only part of the story. The real test of a tire’s dry performance is how well it handles corners. This comes down to a combination of lateral grip (side-to-side traction) and steering response (how quickly the tire reacts to your inputs).
Here’s where things get interesting. Even though the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive has more biting edges on its shoulders, (thanks to its longitudinal and lateral slits), it still falls slightly behind the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in handling tests.
On average, the Michelin shaves about 1.2 seconds off lap times compared to the Pirelli.
So, why does the Michelin perform better in corners? It all comes down to steering response.
The Michelin communicates with the driver more effectively, offering smoother and quicker feedback. In contrast, the Pirelli’s steering feels a bit sluggish. This is partly due to its softer tread composition, which causes the lugs to flex more during aggressive maneuvers. While this flexing can improve comfort, it also compromises control when you’re pushing the tire hard through corners.
The Michelin, with its firmer tread and quicker response, simply feels more planted and predictable when you’re taking tight turns or navigating winding roads.
The Verdict on Dry Performance
So, who wins in dry conditions? It’s a bit of a split decision.
- If you’re looking for shorter braking distances and better straight-line grip, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is the way to go.
- But if you prioritize cornering performance and sharper steering response, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 takes the crown.
Both tires are strong performers, but your choice will depend on what matters most to you: stopping power or handling finesse.
Wet Performance: Who Handles the Rain Better?
When it comes to wet conditions, tires have two main jobs: displace water to avoid hydroplaning and maintain grip on damp surfaces. They do this through a combination of grooves (which channel water away) and sipes (tiny slits in the tread that suck up remaining water).
The sipes work like tiny sponges where they contract to push out air and expand to create a vacuum, which soaks up water. But how well they do this depends on the tread’s flexibility.
Now, comparing the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Scorpion WeatherActive, we see some mixed results, where Pirelli provides better wet handling, and CC2 offers better braking.
Why the Pirelli Shines in Wet Handling?
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to wet performance.
First, its curved sipes on the shoulders stay flexible even as the tire turns. This means they can keep gripping the road effectively, even during sharp maneuvers.
Second, the Pirelli’s tread is more voided up, meaning it has more open spaces between the tread blocks. These voids help water escape faster, reducing the burden on the sipes and improving overall wet traction.
Finally, the Pirelli’s sipes are specifically designed to stick well to damp surfaces. While the Michelin focuses more on snow performance, the Pirelli’s sipes are optimized for wet conditions.
All of this adds up to better lateral grip and steering feedback in the rain. If you’re navigating wet curves or need confident handling on slippery roads, the Pirelli has the edge.
Why the Michelin CC2 Excels in Directional Grip (Wet Braking)?
While the Pirelli handles corners better in the wet, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 takes the lead when it comes to straight-line performance.
The Michelin’s interlocking siping structure in the middle of the tread provides excellent directional grip. This means it can brake and accelerate more effectively on wet roads compared to the Pirelli.
The Michelin also has a more stable on-center feel, which gives you better control when driving straight. However, its steering feedback isn’t quite as sharp as the Pirelli’s… though the difference is minor.
So, if you’re looking for a tire that performs well in wet straight-line scenarios, the Michelin is the better choice.
The Verdict on Wet Traction
In the end, it’s a trade-off:
- Choose the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive if you want better wet handling and sharper steering feedback.
- Go for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 if you prioritize directional grip and faster braking/acceleration in wet conditions.
Both tires are strong performers in the rain, but your choice will depend on what matters most to you: cornering confidence or straight-line stability.
Winter Performance
When it comes to winter performance, both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive are top contenders in the all-season category.
They’re like the perfect blend of summer and winter tires, offering excellent snow and ice performance while still being versatile enough for year-round use. Plus, both tires proudly wear the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating, meaning they’re certified for severe snow conditions.
But there are some key differences between the two. Let’s break it down.
Ice Performance: Pirelli Takes the Lead
When it comes to icy surfaces, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive has a slight edge. Its secret lies in its dense, full-depth siping with an interlocking structure. These sipes provide exceptional grip on ice, making it a reliable choice for icy roads.
The Pirelli also has more sipes per square inch compared to the Michelin, which further enhances its traction on ice.
However, this design comes with a trade-off: the Pirelli lacks the M+S (Mud and Snow) rating because its tread voids make up less than 25% of the tread area.
This means it’s not as strong in deep snow, but it more than makes up for it on icy surfaces.
Snow Performance: Michelin Comes Out on Top
While the Pirelli shines on ice, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 takes the crown when it comes to powdery snow. Its swooping lugs are designed to trap snow particles, creating a snow-to-snow interaction that improves traction.
Here’s why that matters: snowflakes naturally bond better with each other than with rubber. So, by trapping snow in its tread, the Michelin creates a “snowball effect” that boosts grip. These swooping lugs also help with acceleration by throwing snow backward, generating forward momentum.
In short, if you’re dealing with deep or powdery snow, the Michelin is the better choice.
The Verdict on Winter Performance
So, who wins in winter conditions? It depends on what you’re up against:
- Choose the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive if you need superior ice traction.
- Go for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 if you’re tackling powdery snow.
Both tires are excellent in winter, but they each have their own strengths.
Ride Quality: Comfort and Noise
Ride quality is all about how comfortable and quiet a tire feels on the road. It’s influenced by factors like tread noise, on-road vibrations, and the tire’s ability to absorb bumps.
Let’s see how these two tires compare.
Tread Noise: Pirelli is Quieter
Tire noise is primarily caused by air interacting with the tread. As air enters the shoulder gaps and hits the tread walls, it creates sound.
In this area, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive comes out on top. Even though both tires have noticeable voids on the shoulders, the Michelin’s gaps are slightly wider, allowing more air to enter and create noise.
The Michelin’s tread compound also seems to amplify the sound, making it a bit louder overall. That said, the difference isn’t huge. The Michelin’s rounded contact patch and sleek lugs help redirect air efficiently, keeping noise levels manageable.
If a quieter ride is a priority, though, the Pirelli is the better pick.
On-Road Comfort: Pirelli Wins Again
When it comes to comfort, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive takes the lead. Its softer tread composition does a better job of cushioning bumps and road irregularities, making for a smoother ride.
This doesn’t mean the Pirelli feels unstable, though. It strikes a great balance between comfort and control, so you won’t get that “floating” sensation some softer tires can have.
The Michelin, while still comfortable, leans slightly more toward performance, which means it’s a bit firmer. It’s not harsh by any means, but it doesn’t absorb bumps as well as the Pirelli.
The Verdict on Ride Quality
If comfort and quietness are your top priorities, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is the clear winner. It offers a smoother, quieter ride without sacrificing stability.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is still a solid choice, but it’s a bit louder and firmer, which might not suit everyone.
Thanks! This was very helpful to pick an “all weather tire” for a Subaru Outback. For our usage and the climate in Colorado we will probably go with the Michelin.
Glad I helped