Drivers who demand year-round confidence often face a tough choice between the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2. Both tires aim to deliver premium comfort, durability, and traction across unpredictable weather.
The Scorpion AS Plus 3 focuses on a quiet, smooth highway experience with a long tread life that appeals to SUV and crossover owners. Its tread pattern enhances wet grip and stability during everyday drives.
The CrossClimate 2, on the other hand, brings all-weather versatility with a design inspired by winter tire technology. It provides exceptional traction on snow and wet roads while maintaining sharp dry handling.
Each tire represents a different approach to all-season performance Pirelli’s refined touring comfort versus Michelin’s adaptive, weather-ready edge.
Exploring their real-world behavior reveals which tire offers the most value for drivers who expect confident performance in every season.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
Tire performance can change everything about how your SUV or crossover feels on the road. Pirelli and Michelin both create premium all-season tires trusted by millions.
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 and the Michelin CrossClimate 2 sit at the top of their brands’ lineups, each made to handle wet, dry, and light snow conditions with comfort and durability.
Both promise long tread life and year-round traction. But they differ in tread design, compound, and real-world behavior. Let’s explore them in depth.
Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3
Product Details
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Brand: Pirelli
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Size: 225/65R17 102H
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Section Width: 225 mm
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Load Capacity: 1874 lbs
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Tread Depth: 12/32″
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Tread Type: Asymmetrical
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Maximum Pressure: 44 PSI
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Rim Width: 17 inches
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Tire Diameter: 28.5 inches
This tire is made for modern crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks. It is a part of Pirelli’s Scorpion family designed for comfort, control, and long mileage.
Features
The Scorpion AS Plus 3 uses an innovative tread compound that stays flexible across temperatures. It keeps grip strong in dry, wet, and light snowy roads.
The asymmetrical tread pattern provides stable handling during sharp turns. It also improves braking distance on both wet and dry pavement.
Pirelli’s full-depth sipes continue working even as the tread wears down, maintaining traction throughout the tire’s life.
Its 3D sipe technology gives the tire more biting edges for improved snow and wet grip, while still keeping a quiet, smooth ride.
Pirelli also tuned this tire to suit many popular SUVs and crossovers from the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 to the Audi Q5 and Jeep Cherokee.
What is the Good?
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Strong all-season traction in both wet and dry roads.
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Quiet and smooth ride, even on long highway drives.
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Excellent tread life thanks to the durable compound.
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Very stable cornering and confident steering feel.
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Full-depth sipes that keep performance consistent as the tire wears.
What is the Bad?
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Snow performance is decent but not as strong as a true winter tire.
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Handling can feel slightly soft at higher speeds.
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Price is on the higher side compared to budget all-season tires.
Overall Opinion
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 delivers a balanced blend of comfort, traction, and durability. It feels refined and secure on highways, even in the rain.
Drivers who want quietness and long-lasting tread will find it reliable. It suits mild winter conditions but not heavy snow or icy terrain. This tire works best for urban and suburban drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads.
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
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 stands out as one of the most advanced all-weather tires on the market. It’s designed for SUVs and crossovers that face every season from heavy rain to light snow while still giving a quiet and comfortable drive.
Features
The CrossClimate 2 uses a directional V-shaped tread pattern that channels water fast and reduces the risk of hydroplaning.
Its high-silica compound improves wet and cold weather grip. The tire stays flexible even in freezing temperatures, giving more control on slippery surfaces.
Michelin’s thermal adaptive tread compound changes its behavior depending on road temperature, which improves traction across all climates.
It also comes with a severe snow service rating (3PMSF symbol), meaning it performs better than most all-season tires on snowy roads. The Piano Noise Reduction design lowers road noise, making drives quiet and relaxing.
What is the Good?
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Outstanding traction in wet, dry, and snowy conditions.
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Excellent hydroplaning resistance during heavy rain.
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Shorter braking distances than most all-season competitors.
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Quiet and comfortable even on rough pavement.
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Long tread life and consistent grip as the tire wears down.
What is the Bad?
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Slightly firmer ride than comfort-focused tires like the Defender 2.
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Higher cost due to premium materials and technology.
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Can wear faster in very hot climates if not rotated regularly.
Overall Opinion
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is one of the best all-weather tires available. It offers strong traction in nearly all conditions, including winter roads.
Drivers experience solid control, short braking distances, and a stable, quiet ride. It’s an ideal tire for drivers who deal with mixed weather and want safety throughout the year without switching tires seasonally.
Detailed Comparison: Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 focuses more on comfort, tread life, and a calm driving experience. It’s built for drivers in areas with mild winters and frequent rain. The asymmetrical tread gives smoother handling and less noise.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2, in contrast, emphasizes all-weather control, including snow and ice performance. Its directional tread and adaptive compound give it better grip on cold and slippery roads. It’s a stronger choice for regions with real winter conditions.
In tread life, both are excellent, but Pirelli’s deeper 12/32″ tread can last slightly longer under normal use. Michelin, though, maintains traction better as it wears due to its evolving compound technology.
Noise and comfort lean in favor of Pirelli, while safety in harsh weather leans to Michelin.
For highway comfort and longevity — Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3.
For year-round traction and confident winter control — Michelin CrossClimate 2.
FAQs
1. Which tire lasts longer?
Both offer long tread life, but the Pirelli may last a little longer in warm climates. Michelin performs better across varying temperatures.
2. Are both good in snow?
Michelin CrossClimate 2 is far superior in snow and ice due to its 3PMSF rating and special winter grip compound.
3. Which tire is quieter?
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 produces less noise on highways. Michelin is quiet too but focuses more on traction than silence.
4. Which tire gives better fuel efficiency?
Pirelli’s lighter tread design helps improve rolling resistance slightly more than the CrossClimate 2.
5. Which one should I pick for city and highway driving?
Go with Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 for everyday commuting comfort. Pick Michelin CrossClimate 2 for mixed climates and better safety in winter months.
Conclusion
Both tires represent top-level engineering for SUVs and crossovers. The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 excels in comfort, tread life, and quiet performance.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 wins in all-weather capability, braking, and control under unpredictable conditions. Drivers in warmer regions or who value ride comfort should lean toward Pirelli.
Those facing rain, cold, or occasional snow will get stronger safety and grip from Michelin. Both are premium choices that deliver reliability, confidence, and long-lasting value on the road.