Drivers often face a tough choice between all-season comfort and sporty performance, and Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 and Pilot Sport All Season 4 stand at the top of their categories.
The CrossClimate 2 delivers exceptional year-round traction with a design tailored for unpredictable weather, making it ideal for those who prioritize safety and confidence in rain or light snow.
On the other hand, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 focuses on spirited driving, offering sharp handling, quick steering response, and high-speed stability without sacrificing everyday comfort. Both tires showcase Michelin’s premium craftsmanship, yet they cater to different priorities behind the wheel.
The CrossClimate 2 aims for versatility and all-weather mastery, while the Pilot Sport All Season 4 excites drivers seeking precision and control. Understanding how these two perform in grip, comfort, and durability reveals which tire truly fits your driving style and environment.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Pilot Sport All Season 4
Michelin makes some of the best all-season tires on the road. Two of its most popular options the CrossClimate 2 and the Pilot Sport All Season 4 serve different types of drivers.
Both handle year-round weather, but one focuses on everyday comfort and safety, while the other delivers sporty grip and high-speed control.
The CrossClimate 2 is made for reliability in all climates, even light snow. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is tuned for power, cornering, and excitement. They share Michelin’s quality and technology but are built for different priorities. Let’s explore both tires in detail.
Michelin CrossClimate 2
Product Details
Brand: Michelin
Size: 235/65R17 104H
Section Width: 235 mm
Load Capacity: 1,984 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
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is designed for sedans, SUVs, and crossovers that face changing weather. It stands out for its ability to perform in rain, dry heat, and even light snow. This makes it one of the most versatile all-season tires available.
Features
The CrossClimate 2 uses a V-shaped directional tread pattern that pushes water and slush away from the contact patch. This design helps prevent hydroplaning and keeps traction strong in wet conditions.
Michelin’s Thermal Adaptive Tread Compound allows the rubber to stay flexible in cold weather while staying firm on hot pavement. This means consistent performance across temperatures.
The tire’s 3D SipeLock Technology adds hundreds of biting edges to grip snow and ice while maintaining tread block stability on dry roads. It’s one of the few all-season tires certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning it meets winter performance standards.
Michelin engineered the tire for long wear too. It’s proven to outlast some rivals by up to one extra year of tread life, making it an excellent long-term investment.
What Is the Good?
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Excellent wet and snow traction. Feels safe and planted in rain or light snow.
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Smooth and quiet ride. Road noise stays low, even on rough surfaces.
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Long tread life. Designed to last longer than many competitors.
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Reliable braking. Strong stopping power in both dry and wet conditions.
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All-weather versatility. Performs consistently in heat, rain, and mild winter.
The CrossClimate 2 is a true four-season tire that doesn’t force drivers to switch between summer and winter sets.
What Is the Bad?
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Not a sporty tire. The handling feels less sharp at high speeds.
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Slightly firm ride. Some drivers notice stiffness over potholes.
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Higher price range. Premium quality comes with a cost.
Despite these points, the CrossClimate 2 is one of the most balanced and capable all-season tires available for daily drivers.
Overall Opinion
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers peace of mind for all weather conditions. It delivers strong grip, confident braking, and long life while keeping comfort high.
It’s perfect for family vehicles, commuters, and anyone who values year-round dependability over sporty performance. For stability, safety, and longevity, it’s a standout tire for real-world driving.
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Product Details
Brand: Michelin
Size: 245/40ZR18 XL 97Y
Section Width: 245 mm
Load Capacity: 1,609 pounds
Tread Depth: 10/32″
Tread Type: Asymmetrical
Maximum Pressure: 50 PSI
Rim Width: 9.5 inches
Tire Diameter: 25.9 inches
Speed Rating: Y
Treadwear Warranty: 45,000 miles
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a high-performance tire built for sports cars, performance sedans, and coupes. It delivers precise control, fast response, and excellent traction across all seasons even in light snow.
Features
The tire uses an asymmetrical tread pattern that maximizes grip during hard cornering while maintaining stability on straight roads. Each section of the tread handles a specific task the outer shoulder for dry grip, the center for braking, and the inner section for wet traction.
Michelin uses Helio+ Technology, a rubber compound enriched with sunflower oil and silica. This keeps the tire flexible in cold temperatures while maintaining high grip in the heat.
The Dynamic Response Technology uses aramid and nylon belts to keep the contact patch stable at high speeds. This ensures even wear and sharper steering.
The tire is also original equipment on performance models like the Chevrolet Corvette, showing its capability for high-end driving needs.
What Is the Good?
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Strong cornering grip. Feels precise and confident on turns.
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Excellent dry traction. Handles power and speed with stability.
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Impressive wet control. Maintains good traction during rain.
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Responsive steering. Quick reaction during acceleration or braking.
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Suitable for light snow. Offers year-round capability with sporty behavior.
The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is for drivers who want excitement without sacrificing daily comfort.
What Is the Bad?
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Shorter tread life. Wears faster than CrossClimate 2 under heavy use.
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Slightly louder road noise. Performance tread design produces more sound.
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Firm ride. Stiff sidewalls trade comfort for sharper handling.
The tire’s performance nature makes it less soft and quiet, but it gives outstanding control for those who value driving feel.
Overall Opinion
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 offers impressive grip, responsive steering, and balanced performance in all weather.
It’s a true performance tire that works across seasons without switching to summer rubber. It suits drivers who enjoy spirited driving and want dependable traction on both dry and wet roads.
Detailed Comparison: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Pilot Sport All Season 4
Both tires belong to Michelin’s premium all-season lineup but serve different drivers.
The CrossClimate 2 is an all-weather touring tire designed for safety and comfort in daily driving. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a performance-oriented tire aimed at those who enjoy control and agility.
Tread Design: The CrossClimate 2 uses a V-shaped directional tread for strong water evacuation and snow traction. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 features an asymmetrical pattern for enhanced dry and cornering grip.
Grip and Handling: The Pilot Sport All Season 4 offers sharper handling, faster steering response, and stronger grip during aggressive driving. The CrossClimate 2 focuses on stability and predictability, especially in wet or snowy conditions.
Ride Comfort: The CrossClimate 2 provides a smoother and quieter ride, ideal for long commutes or family travel. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 rides firmer but feels more connected to the road.
Longevity: The CrossClimate 2 lasts longer, with a 60,000-mile tread warranty compared to 45,000 miles for the Pilot Sport All Season 4.
Wet and Snow Performance: The CrossClimate 2 performs better in snow and heavy rain. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 still manages well but focuses on dry traction first.
Price: Both are premium tires, though the Pilot Sport All Season 4 often costs slightly more in sport sizes.
Best For:
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CrossClimate 2: Everyday drivers, commuters, and SUV owners who want comfort and safety in all weather.
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Pilot Sport All Season 4: Enthusiasts and drivers who value grip, performance, and precise control year-round.
In short, the CrossClimate 2 gives peace of mind. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 gives excitement.
FAQs
Q1: Which tire lasts longer?
The CrossClimate 2 lasts longer with its 60,000-mile warranty. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 has about 45,000 miles of tread life.
Q2: Which tire handles snow better?
The CrossClimate 2 performs better in snow due to its V-shaped tread and winter certification.
Q3: Which tire offers better handling and grip?
The Pilot Sport All Season 4 gives sharper steering and higher dry grip, perfect for sporty driving.
Q4: Which tire is quieter?
The CrossClimate 2 is quieter and smoother on highways.
Q5: Which tire is better for SUVs or crossovers?
The CrossClimate 2 fits SUVs and crossovers better. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 suits sports cars and sedans.
Conclusion
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Pilot Sport All Season 4 are both top-tier all-season tires, but they serve different needs.
Drivers who value safety, quiet comfort, and year-round traction will prefer the CrossClimate 2. It’s dependable, smooth, and built for changing weather.
Drivers who love performance, cornering grip, and fast response will lean toward the Pilot Sport All Season 4. It brings sporty excitement while still offering all-season flexibility.
Both stand at the top of Michelin’s lineup, but your choice depends on what kind of driver you are calm and steady, or fast and focused.