Drivers who need year-round traction often face a tough call between the General Altimax 365AW and the Michelin CrossClimate 2. Both promise dependable performance through sun, rain, and light snow, but their personalities on the road tell different stories.
The General Altimax 365AW delivers impressive versatility at a budget-friendly price, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 pushes the limits of all-weather innovation with premium grip and refined comfort.
Each tire targets drivers who want all-season reliability without the hassle of seasonal changeovers. From tread design to road feel, every detail matters in this matchup.
Discover which tire offers better handling, durability, and value for your driving style in this detailed comparison that separates solid performance from true excellence.
General Altimax 365AW vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
Drivers often want tires that can handle changing weather without constant replacements. Both the General Altimax 365AW and Michelin CrossClimate 2 promise solid performance across seasons, but they do so in different ways.
One offers practical value and everyday reliability, while the other focuses on premium engineering and refined performance. Below is a detailed comparison that explores their design, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make a confident choice.
General Altimax 365AW Tire
Product Details
- Brand: General Tire
- Size: 225/60R18 100H
- Section Width: 225 Millimeters
- Load Capacity: 1764 Pounds
- Tread Depth: 11/32″
- Tread Type: Non-Directional
- Maximum Pressure: 51 PSI
- Rim Width: 18 Inches
- Tire Diameter: 28.6 Inches
- Treadwear Warranty: 60,000 miles
Features
The General Altimax 365AW focuses on dependable performance for year-round driving. Its all-weather compound stays flexible in cold temperatures and firm in heat.
The tire’s center rib gives strong road contact for steady steering. Deep grooves and angled tread blocks push water away to prevent hydroplaning.
Small biting edges built into the tread improve traction on light snow. The design aims to balance comfort, handling, and grip without sacrificing tread life.
What is the Good?
The Altimax 365AW offers excellent stability in dry conditions. It handles wet roads confidently due to its wide circumferential grooves. Snow traction is surprisingly capable for a non-winter tire, which makes it a good fit for mild winters.
The tire runs quietly and absorbs road noise better than many budget all-weather models. It also provides good fuel efficiency because of its low rolling resistance.
What is the Bad?
The tire struggles a bit on packed snow or icy surfaces. While it grips well on slush, it doesn’t match premium winter-rated tires in deep snow performance.
The steering response feels slightly softer during high-speed turns. Also, tread wear may appear sooner on aggressive driving styles or rough roads.
Overall Opinion
The General Altimax 365AW stands as a solid mid-range all-weather tire. It gives dependable traction, quiet comfort, and fair longevity. For drivers who want all-season practicality at a reasonable price, it is a smart and steady option.
Michelin Cross Climate 2
Product Details
- Brand: Michelin
- Size: 235/65R17 104H
- Section Width: 235 Millimeters
- Load Capacity: 1984 Pounds
- Tread Depth: 10/32″
- Tread Type: Directional
- Maximum Pressure: 51 PSI
- Rim Width: 7 Inches
- Tire Diameter: 29.1 Inches
- Speed Rating: H
- Treadwear Warranty: 60,000 miles
Features
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 combines all-season flexibility with near-winter performance. Its directional V-shaped tread pattern cuts through snow and water efficiently.
A unique thermal-adaptive rubber compound keeps traction consistent in extreme cold or heat.
3D self-locking sipes create biting edges that improve braking and acceleration on slick surfaces. The tire’s solid shoulders help it maintain control during cornering and high-speed driving.
What is the Good?
The Cross Climate 2 performs remarkably well on both wet and dry surfaces. It offers short braking distances and confident cornering.
The tread compound stays soft enough for winter conditions, which makes it one of the few all-weather tires approved for severe snow use.
Ride comfort is excellent, and noise levels remain low. It also tends to last longer than most all-weather competitors, often providing an extra year of tread life.
What is the Bad?
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 comes at a higher price point. Its firm sidewalls can make the ride feel stiffer on uneven roads. The directional tread design also limits rotation patterns, which may affect long-term even wear if not rotated properly.
Overall Opinion
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers premium all-season performance with strong winter grip and excellent durability. It suits drivers who prioritize safety, control, and long tread life, even if it costs more upfront.
Detailed Comparison for General Altimax 365AW vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
Both tires target the same all-weather segment but appeal to different buyers. The General Altimax 365AW focuses on everyday dependability at a moderate cost.
Its comfort and efficiency make it ideal for city and highway driving. In contrast, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 pushes performance boundaries. It provides stronger traction on snow and rain, sharper braking, and better overall handling.
In dry grip, Michelin has a clear edge, offering a sportier, more stable feel. On wet roads, both perform well, but the CrossClimate 2’s directional tread clears water faster.
In winter, Michelin again leads with its certified snow rating. The General tire, though capable, fits better in regions with light winter weather.
Comfort-wise, the Altimax feels smoother, while Michelin gives more road feedback. Durability favors Michelin due to its advanced compound and even wear pattern.
FAQs
1. Are both tires good for snow?
Yes, but the Michelin CrossClimate 2 handles deeper snow better because it carries the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol.
2. Which tire lasts longer?
The CrossClimate 2 generally lasts longer due to its advanced tread compound and construction.
3. Is the General Altimax 365AW worth buying?
Yes, it’s a reliable and comfortable tire for mixed weather and moderate winters.
4. Do both provide good fuel economy?
Both have low rolling resistance, but the Altimax 365AW may save slightly more fuel due to its lighter build.
5. Which one is quieter?
The General Altimax 365AW produces slightly less noise on smooth roads, while Michelin maintains quietness even at higher speeds.
Conclusion
The General Altimax 365AW fits drivers seeking balanced comfort, all-weather reliability, and good value. It shines in daily driving and mild winter use.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 stands for drivers who expect top performance across all seasons, including harsh winters, and don’t mind paying extra for long-lasting quality.
For moderate climates, General Altimax 365AW is practical. For demanding conditions and safety-focused performance, Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the better pick.