Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs. Michelin CrossClimate 2: Which Is Better?

Feeling uncertain about whether to choose Bridgestone WeatherPeak or Michelin CrossClimate 2?

No need to worry – we’re here to help you make the right choice based on your specific needs.

In this article, you will be provided with:

• A detailed comparison of differences between these tires
• Final recommendations

Let’s dive in!

Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs. Michelin CrossClimate 2: Comparison Overview 

Here is an overview of a side-by-side comparison of Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires, highlighting their performance in various aspects.

Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs. Michelin CrossClimate 2: Detailed Comparison

Dry Performance

In general, the performance difference on dry surfaces between Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Michelin CrossClimate 2 is not too noticeable. However, if your decision primarily depends on dry conditions, you should opt for the Michelin CrossClimate 2. This recommendation is based on its outstanding dry braking and handling capabilities.

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is tested to stop shorter than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak on dry pavement, thanks to the bevelled tread block edges. These enhance the tire’s contact area and provide firmer road grip, resulting in more efficient braking on dry roads. 

Moreover, the handling performance of the Michelin Crossclimate 2 on paved roads is also rated higher, solidifying its position as the top pick for dry conditions.

Even though Bridgestone WeatherPeak doesn’t perform as well as Michelin CrossClimate 2, it doesn’t lag far behind. With its open shoulder slots design, you can feel great traction and handling when driving on these tires in dry weather conditions.

Wet Performance

Once again, these tires seem quite similar regarding their wet surface performance. That said, when comparing the two, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a slight edge over its rival.  

This conclusion is primarily drawn from the observation that the handling of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is not as confident as it is with Michelin CrossClimate 2, particularly in rainy conditions.

Michelin’s EverGrip Technologies are pivotal in ensuring wet weather performance. The widened section of the V-shaped grooves efficiently evacuates water from the tread’s center to the shoulders, both when the tire is new and as it wears down.

Snow Performance

You cannot overlook this aspect if you reside in regions with frequent snowfall.

Both of these tires come with a 3-peak Mountain SnowFlake certification, assuring that you can confidently use either the Bridgestone Weatherpeak or Michelin CrossClimate 2 during the winter season.

Compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2, the snow braking distance of the WeatherPeak tires is shorter. It means that the WeatherPeaks provide better stopping power in snow. They feature more sipes in the tread blocks, providing improved traction in light snow and slush conditions. Meanwhile, these tires moderately perform in deep, fresh, and heavy-wet snow conditions.

The snow handling capabilities of Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires are rated higher than the WeatherPeaks. You can confidently navigate plowed snow roads using them, and they also exhibit satisfactory performance on ice. 

However, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 struggles to maintain traction in deep, wet snow due to its long tread blocks. While these blocks provide excellent grip in non-snowy conditions, they face challenges when navigating dense, wet snow.

Now, the question is: “Which is better?”. While both tires have their strengths, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak slightly outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate in snowy and icy conditions overall.

Road Noise

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 produces more noise than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. This noise tends to increase as the tires age, and the hum may become more constant after reaching a mileage of 60,000 miles. 

However, it’s worth noting that the road noise, while it increases with age, is still considered acceptable given the tire’s excellent performance.

In contrast, WeatherPeaks appears to have less road noise and are your best pick if you prefer tires with minimal road noise. 

Longevity & Fuel Efficiency

To evaluate the tread life of these two tires, let’s first consider their UTQG ratings. 

The Bridgestone WeatherPeak has a higher UTQG treadwear rating of 700, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a rating of 640. 

Additionally, the latter has higher rolling resistance. This results in faster tread wear, meaning the Michelin CrossClimate 2 may not last as long as the Bridgestone WeatherPeak.

The higher rolling resistance of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 not only contributes to faster tread wear but also leads to a reduction in fuel efficiency. It’s observed that there is a decrease in miles per gallon (mpg) by 5 to 10% when driving with these tires.

Cost

Out of the two options, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak is the more economical choice when compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2.

The Bridgestone WeatherPeak is available in various sizes, with pricing that starts at $166 and goes up to $266.

Conversely, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is offered at a wider price range, ranging from $170 to $382, with variations based on the chosen tire size.

Warranty

The Bridgestone WeatherPeak comes with a longer tread life warranty compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2. It offers a 70,000-mile Limited Warranty, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 provides a 60,000-mile Manufacturer’s Treadwear Limited Warranty.

Final Recommendations

It’s essential to recognize that both Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Michelin CrossClimate 2 are great tires. Your decision should depend on the weather conditions you encounter most frequently and your priorities.

• If you prioritize dry performance, wet performance, and acceptable snow performance, Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the better choice. 

• If you prefer quieter tires with potentially longer tread life, better fuel efficiency, and solid snow performance, go for the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, especially if you’re on a budget.

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