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Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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7 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 97 | 87 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 95 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 92 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 100% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 98% | 96% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 92 | 83 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 88 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 82 | 87 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 97% | 100% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 97% | 91% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 96% | 96% |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 74 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | – |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 100 | 82 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 87 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 92 | 84 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 43 | 78 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 80 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 81 | 80 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | CrossClimate 2 SUV | Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 86 |
| DriverReviews owners | 86 | 92 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 82 | 89 |
| Dry | 94 | 91 |
| Wet | 88 | 87 |
| Snow | 79 | – |
| Comfort | 97 | 86 |
| Noise | 43 | 84 |
| Treadwear | 81 | 90 |
| Handling | 84 | 95 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 100% #1/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test | 100% #1/7 · Michelin Range Test - CrossClimate 3, 3 Sport, Primacy 5, Pilot Sport 5 and Cup 2 | 0 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% #1/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test | 100% #1/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #3/9 · 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tyre Test | 96% #1/5 · 2025 AutoView Sports Tyre Test | +1.5 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 96% #2/9 · 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tyre Test | 89% #8/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test | +6.5 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 96% #3/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test | 100% #8/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | -4.3 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 50% #2/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test | 33% #3/7 · Best Performance Tyres For 2025 | +16.7 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 100% #1/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test | 97% #7/9 · 2021 Auto Bild UUHP Summer Tyre Test | +3.5 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 100% #1/9 · 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tyre Test | 90% #2/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | +10 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 97% #3/9 · 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tyre Test | 100% #1/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | -2.6 | Different tests |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 97% #6/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test | 91% #5/10 · 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test | +6.7 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 96% #6/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test | 96% #4/7 · 2020 EVO UHP Summer Tyre Test | -0.3 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV is widely regarded as a versatile, high-performance all-season tire that excels in winter conditions and provides superior ride comfort. While most users praise its year-round reliability and traction, some report concerns regarding fuel efficiency, noise at higher speeds, and inconsistent wet-weather performance.
Pros
- Exceptional traction and grip in snow and ice conditions
- High levels of ride comfort and noise reduction on road imperfections
- Strong durability and tread life
- Predictable handling and braking performance in dry conditions
Cons
- Reports of increased road noise at speeds exceeding 50 MPH
- Potential for reduced fuel economy in certain hybrid and ICE vehicles
- Soft sidewall construction may feel less sharp for performance-oriented driving
- Inconsistent wet-weather grip reported by a minority of users
Observations
- Users of high-torque EVs and hybrids report mixed results, with some noting significant drops in fuel economy while others praise the low rolling resistance and tread wear.
- Drivers transitioning from run-flat tires frequently report a noticeable improvement in cabin quietness and impact absorption.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is widely regarded as a benchmark ultra-high-performance summer tire, consistently praised for its exceptional wet and dry grip, confidence-inspiring handling, and superior ride comfort compared to OEM run-flat alternatives. While most users laud its versatility and safety, some enthusiasts note that its relatively soft sidewalls can result in slightly less steering precision or feedback compared to more track-focused or stiffer-walled competitors.
Pros
- Exceptional wet and dry traction
- High levels of ride comfort and reduced road noise
- Predictable handling and stability at high speeds
- Excellent rim protection design
- Strong longevity for a high-performance tire
Cons
- Soft sidewalls can feel vague or sluggish during aggressive steering inputs
- High price point compared to competitors
- Performance can degrade significantly as the tread wears down
- Reports of sidewall cracking or perishing in some climates
- Not suitable for cold weather or snow
Observations
- Users transitioning from OEM run-flat tires on luxury and performance vehicles (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Tesla) report a transformative improvement in ride quality and noise reduction.
- Drivers of high-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive vehicles frequently highlight the tire's ability to put power down effectively, though some note faster wear on rear axles.
- Some users with heavy vehicles or specific performance setups noted that the tire's soft sidewall can lead to a 'bouncy' or less precise feel during rapid direction changes.
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
Community opinion on the Michelin CrossClimate 2 (and SUV variant) is overwhelmingly positive, with drivers praising its exceptional winter traction, severe snow service rating (3PMSF), and confidence-inspiring wet and dry grip. While a few users note minor drawbacks like a noticeable decrease in EV range/fuel efficiency, higher initial pricing, or slight road noise, the tire remains a top-tier recommendation for all-weather performance.
“Had to drive Sunday morning around midnight to the far west side of Madison. Normally 30 minutes from my house on a good day. New CC2s and a small AWD SUV made it far less treacherous than it could have been. Only took me 10 extra minutes but I didn’t lose traction or control once. 5/5 stars, will buy again.”
“New CrossClimate 2 tires almost stranded my family. Massive efficiency drop on Model Y. Just a heads-up for anyone swapping to Michelin CrossClimate 2s. Put a set on my Model Y about 3 weeks ago from Discount Tire and just did a road trip from Denver to Taos, NM with my wife and two toddlers. We charged up to 90% at the Pueblo Supercharger, and the Tesla app estimated we would arrive in Taos with 15% battery remaining. Well, the new tire efficiency hit is incredibly real. The range dropped so fast that we were tracking to hit 0% and had to make an emergency Type 2 charging stop on the way just to make sure we didn't get stranded with the kids in the car. I’m now seriously thinking about taking advantage of Discount Tire's return policy and going back to the OEM Continental ProContact RX. Has anyone else faced similar problems or massive efficiency drops when switching to the CC2s? Does the range eventually get better after a break-in period, or should I just cut my losses and swap back to the Continentals? I need something reliable for road trips with the family, so I'd love to hear your suggestions and experiences!”
“Safest among your choices is CC2, the most comfortable is Defender 2, and right into the thrash is Bridgestone. I will never trust a Bridgestone tire except the Brizzak snow tires. My previous car had Bridgestone Turanza on it when bought brand new, and the car felt like a giraffe on skates in any tricky weather. 900 miles into the new car, bought CC2s and made everything perfect. Good riddance.”
“Look at all weather tires (3PMSF rated) instead of a basic all season. Michelin CrossClimate2 is hard to beat for safety and snow grip and they’re not that loud in my experience. I put them on my wife’s Highlander and they’ve been smooth and confident in slush and highway rain. If you want something a little quieter and softer riding, Bridgestone WeatherPeak or Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive are also solid. When I priced 245/50R20 CC2s recently, Costco was around $314 per tire installed $1,256 set before tax during a promo, Tire Rack was about $302 per tire $1,208 before install and Discounted Wheel Warehouse had them closer to $279 per tire $1,116 before install so roughly $140 difference on a set before mounting”
Based on 45 community posts
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is widely praised by the community as a premier max performance summer tire, offering exceptional dry and wet grip, precise steering feel, and refined road manners for daily driving and spirited street use. While some users note higher pricing and relatively quick wear on heavier vehicles or hot tracks, it remains a benchmark choice that many enthusiasts gladly return to despite alternatives like Continental or Kumho.
“Tire condition after 1st track day. PS4s on a GR86 First 2 pics are drivers front, rest pass front. This was at CMP, temps mid 70s, mostly cloudy. Lowered TP to 31psi. Highest I saw on track was 36 psi. The driver side l thought looked good, but passengers side inner looks like they melted. Is this track rubber I picked up or due to mostly turning right on this clockwise circuit?? Also was pleasantly surprised to only have used 1/16 of tread depth after 110 minutes on track. Given what I have read, thought the ps4s would be all used up. Maybe on a hot track surface they would have been eaten up. Read more”
“Am I the owner of the newer PS4s?😁 Hello everyone, new in the sub and just want to share my love for the Pilot Sport 4s. This is the third set and I love it. To me they are the perfect compromise beetween performance anche tyre wear. Last set last me 43k km, I do lot of highway and some spirited drive when possibile. I also had a set of Sport Contact 7, awesome grip, to me better than the PS4s, almost too much for my stock Golf. They also wear out faster. I saw yesterday the review of Potenza Sport Evo and they promise very week, maybe next time I’ll try!”
“I’ll say this. Going from the Pilot Super Sport to the Pilot Sport 4 S of the same size, I’m disappointed in the soft sidewall of the 4 S. This is an 8.5” wide wheel with 235/40/18 tires. The left-right fast slalom action got a bit mushy like the weight transfer was slowed down when I switched to the 4 S. I think a shorter sidewall 4 S would perform better in this way, or the same tire on a 9” wide wheel too. That said, the dry and wet grip is exceptional. To save money, I’d recommend the Continental ExtremeContact Sport.”
“Depending on the size they are absolutely overkill for street use on stock motor. I just installed a set of 245 ps4s on 17x9 rpf1s and its almost impossible to trigger the abs and traction co trol. The car is on absolute rails. That being said, if you have the money, there is not really any negatives from that. I intend to use mine on track days. Felt the cup 2s were overkill for 2 to 3 track days a year.”
Based on 104 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All Season Premium Touring tires | Summer Max Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | — | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Which one should you actually buy?
Michelin
Michelin
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better noise, handling and treadwear. Pick the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV if comfort and dry matter most to you.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 84 vs 43 on noise.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 97 vs 86 on comfort.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 95 vs 84 on handling.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 90 vs 81 on treadwear.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.