If you are looking for a directional tire that is ready to tackle all types of weather conditions head on, you might be hesitating between the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive vs Michelin CrossClimate 2. Both of these winter certified all-season tires stand out from the competition!
The blackcircles Canada team helps you choose the tire that is best suited to your needs in this detailed comparison.
How do the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive vs Michelin CrossClimate 2 compare?
Two winter certified all-season models, both with a directional tread: from the start, the Scorpion WeatherActive and CrossClimate 2 have several features in common.
This duel compares a model that is already well known and loved for the high levels of performance it offers –the CrossClimate- with a model that is new to the market –the WeatherActive-. Although it has only been available for purchase since 2022, it is already being showered with compliments by critics everywhere!
The Scorpion WeatherActive is made for crossover, SUVs and light trucks, and is available in dimensions ranging between 17- and 22- inches. The WeatherActive models also include the Cinturato, made for touring cars.
When it comes to Michelin, the CrossClimate is designed for a wide range of vehicles, like touring cars, SUVs and minivans, and is available in dimensions ranging between 16- and 22- inches. Moreover, this second generation of the CrossClimate offers a range of dimensions that is 40 % bigger than the previous generation.
The CrossClimate 2 is a well-known model in the all-weather tire category. It has stood out from its rivals thanks to maximum traction levels and good maneuverability in all conditions. With the new WeatherActive tire, Pirelli is giving competitors a run for their money!
Before comparing performance levels between the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive vs Michelin CrossClimate 2, let’s find out more about their specs.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive: Specs
With the all-new Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tire, you will find the following features:
- An innovative rubber compound with a polymer/resin system
- A directional tread that helps reduce noise
- Deep continuous sipes
- A 3- rib treadblock
- A long and straight footprint
- A zigzag shaped central groove
- “Trumpet” shaped lateral grooves
Firstly, the tire has a new rubber compound that is designed to help maximise all-season performance. Thanks to a new polymer/resin flexible compound, it manages to retain optimal performance levels even when it gets cold, making it an ideal tire for a wide range of temperatures. Moreover, the compound is also designed to help maintain durability when it is used in warmer temperatures.
When it comes to the tread design, there are V- shaped grooves that help evacuate water quickly and efficiently. Moreover, the lateral grooves end in a “trumpet” shape, which also ensure quick water evacuation. In order to maximise traction on wet or snow covered roads, it also has a zigzag shaped groove at the very center of the tread.
For maximum grip on slippery surfaces like snow, this tire also has deep sipes, which help it grip onto the road surface in order to ensure quick braking and accelerations. The depth also guarantees durable performance, among other things.
Not only does this model offer good performance, it was also designed with comfort, durability and a quiet driving experience in mind. The long and narrow tread also helps ensure a good balance for the contact surface, which in turn generates even wear.
The transition between one block and another is smooth, and the tire’s rounded shape helps reduce noise. The void ratio has also been optimised for the same reason.
All in all, this tire offers durable and versatile performance, along with a quiet driving experience.
Michelin CrossClimate 2: Specs
With the Michelin CrossClimate 2, you are dealing with the second generation of an already well-known model that has proven its worth. This now perfected tire offers features such as:
- A directional tread
- A V- shaped design with sharp angles
- The Thermal Adaptive tread compound
- SipeLock 3D sipes
- The PIANO technology
Firstly, the tread design has very sharp angles and deep grooves. This helps with quick water evacuation, which translates into maximum traction and aquaplaning resistance. This feature, combined with the continuous contact from the central blocks, also helps ensure quick accelerations and short braking distances.
Grooves are aligned around the shoulders. On top of helping with water evacuation, these grooves also ensure maximum control while cornering. As for the tire’s central portion, blocks are also aligned in order to offer a maximum of rigidity, which allows the tire to be even more resistant and to last longer.
All-season driving requires a tough compound that can withstand different weather conditions, and that is what this Michelin tire offers. With the silica based Thermal Adaptive compound, the model offers both the necessary flexibility for winter and good durability in the summer.
And when it comes to winter traction, the 3D SipeLock sipes won’t let you down. This reputable Michelin innovation not only provides the tire with better grip, it also makes the tread blocks more rigid, which means you can expect optimal traction at all times!
Finally, the tire not only offers good performance; the Michelin PIANO technology helps reduce noise for a quieter ride. So, you can expect a high performance and quiet driving experience with this quality tire that excels in all road conditions.
Choosing between the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive and the Michelin CrossClimate 2
In their design, both Michelin and Pirelli focus on similar features. Quick water evacuation for optimal traction on wet roads and slush are part of these. Both also offer maximum traction without compromising on a quiet ride.
Driving on wet roads is a common concern when choosing an all-season tire: between abundant rainfalls in autumn and winter roads covered in melted snow, this is a driving condition you will have to face regularly. Michelin does offer competitive braking distances. In fact, in-house testing has revealed braking distances that can be up to 17 m shorter than is main competitors!
When it comes to braking, the Pirelli tire also stands out, but does not surpass Michelin. The aggressive design on the Michelin tire does provide it with remarkable traction. On dry roads, braking distances are also 4.8 m shorter than its competitors.
On the other hand, Pirelli does stand out when it comes to maneuverability, and critics would agree. In fact, both on wet and dry roads it will provide you with balanced and reassuring road handling. While cornering, it offers excellent steering response and will provide you with a feeling of control at the wheel.
According to a Top Tire Review comparison between the Cinturato WeatherActive and the Michelin CrossClimate 2, both tires offer similar performance levels when it comes to maneuverability.
As we have mentioned, both tires not only focus on good traction performance, but also on a comfortable and quiet driving experience. Tests completed by Top Tire Review reveal similar performance levels, once more.
Both tires offers a smooth and quiet driving experience that minimises noise and absorbs road imperfections. If you are looking for a tire that is both refined and safe, these are two excellent choices.
The Michelin tire does offer traction levels that are superior when it comes to braking and accelerations. However, some drivers might point out that rolling resistance is higher because of it. When it comes to the Pirelli tire, it is lighter and will allow you to save a bit more money.
Comparing durability
The warranty is sometimes a good indicator of a tire’s lifespan. With both of these models, you can take advantage of a similar warranty: limited warranty on tread life reaches 100,000 km.
Another indicator is the UTQG rating (Uniform Tire Quality Grading), which is 640 for the CrossClimate 2 and 700 for the Scorpion WeatherActive. This might indicate a slightly more durable tire with Pirelli.
Nevertheless, the CrossClimate2 has already proven its worth and is known as a durable tire, already surpassing four of its main competitors by over 24,000 km. The actual performance offered by the Pirelli tire has not yet been tested, even though we can guess that it offers a similar lifespan.
All in all, both offer remarkable durability for tires of their category. What stands out the most in this comparison, is superior traction levels for the Michelin tire, but maneuverability that is slightly better for the Pirelli. Take note that prices might also have an influence over your decision, and that the Michelin tire is a little bit more expensive.
No matter your budget or your preferences, you can find the tires you need at the best price with blackcircles!
