Michelin CrossClimate 2: A Good Tire For Your Minivan?
Is Michelin CrossClimate 2 good for minivans? Let’s find out with real-world test data.
As a minivan owner, you need tires that can handle anything the road throws at you – from sunny summer days to snowy winter wonderlands. You want tires that keep your family safe in every condition while also saving you money in the long run.
But with so many tire options on the market, how do you know which is the best choice for your minivan?
In this in-depth article, we’ll take a close look at the Michelin CrossClimate 2 to see if it’s the right tire for your minivan’s needs.
What to Look for in Minivan Tires
When evaluating tires for SUVs and minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, or Mercedes Metris, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- All-season performance: Ability to handle dry, wet, and winter weather
- Braking: Shorter stopping distances in wet and dry conditions
- Winter traction: Grip and control in snow and ice
- Comfort: Smooth, quiet ride
- Treadwear: Durability and long tread life
You want a tire that excels across all these areas to ensure safety, performance, and value.
Overview of the Michelin CrossClimate 2
The CrossClimate 2 is Michelin’s newest generation all-season tire, designed to outperform in a wide range of weather conditions.
Here are some standout features and capabilities:
- All-season excellence: Provides year-round traction in dry, wet, and winter conditions.
- Superior wet braking: Stops shorter than leading competitors in wet braking tests.
- Enhanced winter grip: Up to 20% more snow and ice traction versus the previous CrossClimate.
- Comfort and quietness: Optimized for a smooth, quiet ride.
- Treadwear warranty: 60,000 miles limited treadwear warranty.
- Run-flat availability: 225/45R18 size offered with run-flat technology.
Multiple third-party tests confirm the CrossClimate 2 delivers on its promises of enhanced traction, braking, and tread life.
Why The CrossClimate 2 is Ideal for Minivans
So what makes the CrossClimate 2 well-suited for minivan applications?
Unbeatable Wet Braking
Shorter stopping distances are crucial for larger vehicles, especially in wet conditions. Internal wet braking tests by Michelin show the CrossClimate 2 stops up to 21 feet shorter than leading competitors.
Superior wet braking gives minivan drivers confidence and control when facing wet roads.
Winter Driving Performance
Minivan owners need tires that can handle whatever weather comes their way. The CrossClimate 2 offers up to 20% better snow and ice traction than the previous generation CrossClimate.
Real-world testing in winter conditions confirms the CrossClimate 2’s capabilities. It provides dependable cold-weather performance without compromising on dry/wet handling.
All-Season Reliability
With advanced tread design and compounding, the CrossClimate 2 maintains performance year-round across various temperatures and conditions.
Driving Comfort
Long road trips and daily driving add up. The CrossClimate 2 is engineered for a smooth, quiet ride to keep passengers comfortable mile after mile.
Treadwear and Warranty
The CrossClimate 2 delivers long tread life thanks to maximizing treadwear construction. And it comes with a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty for added peace of mind.
Run-Flat Option
Michelin offers the CrossClimate 2 in a 225/45R18 size with run-flat technology. Run-flats allow you to safely drive up to 50 miles after a puncture. This provides an extra layer of protection for minivan owners.
Potential Drawbacks for Minivans
While the CrossClimate 2 is highly capable, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Its focus on all-season performance means it doesn’t excel at summer performance driving. So it may not be the best for minivans that see occasional track use.
- The CrossClimate 2 tends to wear more quickly on minivans that frequently carry heavier loads or tow trailers. Owners should monitor wear and rotate regularly in those cases.
- There are some reports of tread noise increasing as the CrossClimate 2 tires wear down. This is something to consider if ride quietness is a priority.
For normal passenger and cargo use, the CrossClimate 2 performs very well overall. But it’s important to factor in driving habits and expectations when choosing the right tire.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Other Top Tires for Minivans
| Tire Model | Michelin CrossClimate 2 | Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack | Continental TrueContact Tour | Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Season Performance | 9.5 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| Wet Braking | 9.7 | 9.3 | 9.2 | 9.5 |
| Winter Suitability | 9.8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 9.6 |
| Comfortable Ride | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.5 |
| Durability | 9.6 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.5 |
| Noise Reduction | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| Responsive Handling | 9.6 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.8 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.5 |
| Snow Traction | 9.7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 9.5 |
| Tread Life | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 6.0 |
| Manufacturer Reputation | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.7 |
What Owners Should Consider
While the CrossClimate 2 hits the marks in many areas, here are a few things minivan owners should keep in mind:
- Verify tire size compatibility with your minivan’s specifications.
- Compare speed indexes like V vs Y based on priorities.
- Consider regional weather patterns and your typical driving.
- Compare to other top minivan tires to make sure it’s the best choice.
The CrossClimate 2 isn’t ideal for track days or performance driving. For everyday use, it’s an excellent fit.
Must read: Check out the best all-season tires for minivans here.
The Verdict: A Great All-Season Tire for Minivans
For minivan owners seeking an all-season tire, they can truly count on year-round, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 checks all the boxes.
It provides shorter wet stopping distances, enhanced winter traction, all-season reliability, and a comfortable, quiet ride.
With available run-flat sizes, it offers an extra layer of protection against punctures. Backed by Michelin’s 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, it’s built to last.
While it has some limitations in performance driving, for everyday usage it’s hard to beat the CrossClimate 2’s blend of safety, performance, and value.
Before purchase, verify sizing and speed ratings. But for most minivan applications, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is an excellent choice that owners can depend on year after year.
