Michelin has just unveiled not one but two exciting new additions to their all-season tyre lineup: the CrossClimate 3 and the all-new CrossClimate 3 Sport. While the CrossClimate 3 represents an evolution of the much loved CrossClimate 2, the CrossClimate 3 Sport is a completely new offering aimed at drivers of sportier vehicles who still want all-season versatility.

Having spent a week testing both new tyres alongside the CrossClimate 2, I can explain how these new models perform, and what improvements Michelin has made to their already impressive all-season range.

The CrossClimate 3 was developed as an evolution rather than a revolution of the CrossClimate 2. Michelin's primary goals for this new version were to improve two specific areas where the CrossClimate 2 had lost performance compared to its rivals:

These improvements needed to be achieved without compromising the CrossClimate 2's existing strengths, particularly its class-leading snow performance and excellent rolling resistance.

The below graphs show the improvements made when comparing the CrossClimate 3 to the CrossClimate 2 in 205/55 R16 using a VW Golf.

Dry

Subjective dry handling: Noticeably improved steering response and predictability

Wet

Despite improving wet performance, Michelin actually enhanced snow capability as well, according to TÜV testing:

This is particularly impressive considering the CrossClimate 2 was already the benchmark for snow performance in the all-season category, with capabilities that match or exceed many dedicated winter tyres.

Comfort and Refinement

The subjective improvements in comfort and noise were among the most noticeable changes. The CrossClimate 3 features:

Rolling Resistance

The CrossClimate 3 maintains very low rolling resistance: 7.2 kg/t compared to 7.1 kg/t for the CrossClimate 2. This is lightly due to the higher starting tread depth of the CrossClimate 3.

In wear testing by Dekra, the CrossClimate 3 managed to regain segment leadership, albeit by a small margin over its strongest competitors.

The CrossClimate 3 Sport represents Michelin's response to a specific consumer need: drivers of sportier vehicles who want the convenience of all-season tyres without sacrificing the dynamic handling characteristics they expect.

According to Laurent Pascal, the project manager for the new CrossClimate tyres, the key goal was to "provide sport performance in the summer while having also some snow capabilities."

Technology and Design

Performance Comparison

The full test including the CrossClimate 3 and CrossClimate 3 Sport will be published at the start of July, but here are some of the data points.

This means the CrossClimate 3 Sport will also be one of the best all-season tyres for snow performance, outperforming many existing all-season options.

Wear Performance

The wear target for the CrossClimate 3 Sport was different than the standard CrossClimate 3. Rather than targeting segment leadership, Michelin aimed to match the combined wear performance of using a summer Pilot Sport 5 and winter Pilot Alpin 5 when using two sets of the CrossClimate 3 Sport.

Both new tyres feature attractive sidewall designs:

CrossClimate 3: 130 sizes from 16" to 22" by the end of 2026

CrossClimate 3 Sport: 60 sizes from 18" to 23"

There are only four overlapping sizes between the two tyre lines, so most consumers won't face a difficult choice between models.

The SUV-specific variant of the CrossClimate 2 has been discontinued, with the CrossClimate 3 designed to accommodate both passenger cars and SUVs/CUVs.

I will update the site once I have a full list of sizes.

Michelin has successfully improved on the CrossClimate 2, turning it into an even more capable CrossClimate 3, addressing its few weaknesses while maintaining or improving its many strengths. The introduction of the CrossClimate 3 Sport adds an interesting option for drivers who want both sporty handling and all-season versatility.

The CrossClimate 3 represents a complete upgrade over its predecessor in every performance category, while the CrossClimate 3 Sport delivers impressive dry and wet performance without significant compromises in snow capability - a remarkable engineering achievement that further expands Michelin's strong position in the all-season tyre market.