Drivers expect their tires to handle every challenge rain-soaked highways, sun-scorched pavement, and light winter dustings with the same confidence. Michelin offers two standout options that aim to meet those expectations: the Primacy Tour A/S and the CrossClimate 2.
Each tire represents a different approach to all-season performance. The Primacy Tour A/S focuses on quiet luxury, smooth handling, and dependable comfort for daily drives, while the CrossClimate 2 brings advanced all-weather grip and snow capability that rivals winter tires.
Both use Michelin’s latest tread technologies and high-quality compounds, but their strengths shine in different driving conditions. Selecting between them depends on priorities such as ride comfort, tread life, and traction versatility.
Exploring their real-world differences reveals which model delivers the ideal balance of refinement and reliability for year-round confidence on the road.
Michelin Primacy Tour A/S vs CrossClimate 2
Both the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S and Michelin CrossClimate 2 deliver trusted all-season performance, but they serve very different drivers.
The Primacy Tour A/S focuses on comfort, quietness, and smooth highway handling, while the CrossClimate 2 takes pride in all-weather traction, including snow performance.
Both are premium tires with Michelin’s quality and long tread life. Let’s explore both in detail to find out which one fits your lifestyle best.
Michelin Primacy Tour A/S All-Season Tire
Product Details
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Brand: MICHELIN
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Size: 235/60R18 XL 107V
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Section Width: 235 mm
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Load Capacity: 2149 lbs
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Tread Depth: 9/32″
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Tread Type: Asymmetrical
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Maximum Pressure: 50 PSI
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Rim Width: 8.5 inches
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Tire Diameter: 29.1 inches
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Speed Rating: V
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Load Index: 107
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Category: Premium Luxury Car All-Season Tire
Features
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S is designed to give drivers a refined and quiet driving experience. Its asymmetrical tread pattern improves stability and road contact, leading to smoother handling on dry roads.
The tire uses Comfort Control Technology, which helps reduce road noise and vibration, making every ride calm and peaceful.
Its rubber compound enhances traction in both dry and wet conditions, while the tire’s shoulders and center ribs work together to provide responsive steering. Built mainly for luxury sedans and crossovers, this tire focuses on balance, silence, and comfort.
What is the Good?
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Outstanding ride comfort and quietness.
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Excellent dry and wet road handling.
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Smooth cornering stability.
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Long tread life for a luxury touring tire.
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Ideal for premium cars like Lexus, BMW, and Audi.
What is the Bad?
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Limited snow and ice traction.
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Price is higher than many mid-range touring tires.
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Not ideal for drivers in harsh winter climates.
Overall Opinion
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S stands out for its peaceful ride and strong performance on dry pavement. It offers luxury comfort with precise steering, perfect for highway driving.
Drivers who want a soft, quiet, and refined feel will enjoy this tire. It’s not built for heavy snow, but for those in warmer or mild climates, it delivers an impressive balance of performance and comfort.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire
Product Details
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Brand: MICHELIN
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Size: 235/65R17 104H
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Section Width: 235 mm
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Load Capacity: 1984 lbs
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Tread Depth: 10/32″
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Tread Type: Directional
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Maximum Pressure: 51 PSI
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Rim Width: 7 inches
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Tire Diameter: 29.1 inches
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Speed Rating: H
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Load Index: 104
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Category: All-Season / All-Weather Tire
Features
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is designed for drivers who face changing weather through the year. It uses a directional V-shaped tread pattern that provides powerful grip on wet, dry, and snowy roads.
The tire carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, meaning it meets severe snow service standards. Its thermal adaptive compound keeps the rubber flexible in cold weather and firm in warm conditions.
The deep tread grooves help channel water away to prevent hydroplaning, while the unique tread design improves braking performance in both dry and slippery conditions.
What is the Good?
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Excellent grip on dry, wet, and snowy roads.
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Reliable braking and cornering in all weather.
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Great tread life for an all-weather tire.
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True year-round performance without changing tires.
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Safe handling even in colder climates.
What is the Bad?
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Slightly firmer ride than the Primacy Tour A/S.
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Can be noisier at highway speeds due to the aggressive tread.
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Costs more than most regular all-season tires.
Overall Opinion
The CrossClimate 2 is a versatile tire made for drivers who want peace of mind in any season. It performs confidently in rain and light snow and stays stable on dry roads.
The design focuses on safety and control, making it an ideal choice for areas that see both summer heat and winter chill. It’s built for reliability, not luxury, but its grip and balance are hard to match.
Detailed Comparison: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S vs CrossClimate 2
Both tires represent Michelin’s best work in all-season performance but target different needs. The Primacy Tour A/S focuses on smooth comfort and quietness.
Its tread pattern and rubber compound are tuned for highway cruising and daily comfort. Drivers who mostly experience warm or moderate weather will enjoy its premium ride quality and stable handling.
The CrossClimate 2, by contrast, is an all-weather tire with stronger grip in rain, cold, and light snow. Its directional tread and 3PMSF rating give it an edge in harsh conditions.
It offers better year-round traction but rides a bit firmer and produces more noise than the Primacy Tour A/S.
The Primacy Tour A/S wins in comfort, silence, and smoothness. The CrossClimate 2 wins in traction, durability, and versatility.
So the right pick depends on where you drive. Warm and dry climate? Go for the Primacy Tour A/S. Mixed or snowy climate? Choose the CrossClimate 2.
FAQs
Q1: Which tire lasts longer, Primacy Tour A/S or CrossClimate 2?
Both have strong tread life, but the CrossClimate 2 often lasts slightly longer under mixed weather conditions.
Q2: Can the Primacy Tour A/S handle snow?
It can manage light snow but is not built for heavy winter use.
Q3: Which tire is quieter on highways?
The Primacy Tour A/S is quieter and smoother, perfect for long drives.
Q4: Is the CrossClimate 2 good for hot weather?
Yes, it performs well in summer and maintains grip even in high temperatures.
Q5: Which tire is better for safety in rain?
The CrossClimate 2 provides stronger wet traction and shorter braking distances.
Conclusion
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S and CrossClimate 2 share the same brand quality but serve different drivers. The Primacy Tour A/S fits luxury cars and drivers who value quiet comfort and stable handling.
The CrossClimate 2 fits drivers who need strong all-season traction, including snow performance, without switching tires each year.
Both are premium choices. For smooth, silent highway drives, go with the Primacy Tour A/S. For all-weather confidence and dependable grip year-round, the CrossClimate 2 stands as the better option.