Michelin are a leading tyre manufacturer that has been producing top quality tyres since the 19th century.
The French tyre brand has specialised in manufacturing all sorts of tyre types, including the production of all-season tyres and winter tyres. That’s where their
CrossClimate tyre series and Alpin series respectively enter the conversation.
CrossClimate tyres are a relatively new all-season tyre series sold by Michelin, with its latest rendition being the successful
CrossClimate 2.
Michelin’s flagship winter tyre series is Alpin tyres, with the
Alpin 7 now available at Blackcircles.com.
So how do these two tyre models compare? That’s what this article will cover here today.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Alpin 7: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Michelin Alpin 7 is the type of winter driving they’re designed for.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a premium all-season tyre that combines dependable dry, wet and winter performance in a single tyre. It’s designed for drivers who want year-round convenience without changing tyres between seasons.
The Michelin Alpin 7 is Michelin’s premium winter tyre. It has been specifically engineered to maximise grip, braking and traction in freezing temperatures, snow and ice, making it the better choice for severe winter conditions.
It’s also worth noting that Michelin has since introduced the
CrossClimate 3, the latest generation of its award-winning all-season tyre. Drivers considering the CrossClimate 2 may also wish to compare it with the newer CrossClimate 3, which introduces improvements in wet braking, mileage and overall all-season performance.
In simple terms:
Choose the CrossClimate 2 if you want one tyre to use throughout the year
Choose the Alpin 7 if you regularly drive in snow, ice or prolonged winter conditions
Since the CrossClimate 2 is an all-season tyre, the model is manufactured and developed to give consistent levels of performance across all seasonal driving conditions.
Featuring a thermal adaptive tread compound, the CrossClimate 2 is adaptive to various weather conditions.
The CrossClimate 2 is also equipped with a Cool Running Sidewall, reducing the tyre’s rolling resistance by 10% compared to the previous CrossClimate tyre model. Reduction of rolling resistance betters fuel efficiency of a car throughout any distanced journeys.
This all-season tyre has been heralded by many car manufacturers, with brands such as
Citroen and
Volvo selected the model as an Original Equipment (OE) tyre for many of their new cars.
Upon its release in 2020, the CrossClimate 2 replaced its predecessor –
CrossClimate+.
The
Michelin Alpin 7 is a premium winter tyre released by Michelin in 2024.
As the Alpin 7 is a
winter tyre, the model offers great driving performance throughout wet, icy, and snowy weather conditions.
This winter tyre incorporates advanced Michelin technology with a newly developed compound that excels in low temperatures.
This innovative compound ensures robust traction on the road, enhancing driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Additionally, the Michelin Alpin 7 is designed with unique grooves that emerge as the tyre wears. This intelligent tread design ensures consistent performance throughout the tyre's lifespan, particularly in snowy conditions.
The Alpin 7 replaced the
Alpin 6 upon its release in 2024.
Tyre label ratings are EU regulated grades, breaking down the capabilities of a tyre model in key categories that indicate optimal tyre performance. Label ratings may vary between different tyre sizes.
The categories are broken down as follows:
Fuel Efficiency – Ranked A to G
Wet Grip – Ranked A to G
Tyre Noise – Ranked with numbers and A to C/Decibels (dB)
CrossClimate 2 Label Ratings
The CrossClimate 2 has fuel efficiency ratings ranging from A to D, with a rating of B or C being the most common.
Wet grip ratings are B across all tyre sizes.
External tyre noise of the CrossClimate 2 ranges between 69B and 73B.
Alpin 7 Label Ratings
The Michelin Alpin 7 has fuel efficiency ratings ranging between B to D.
Wet grip ratings for the Michelin winter tyre, like the CC2, is B across all tyre sizes.
Tyre noise levels of the Alpin 7 is anywhere from 69B to 71B.
CrossClimate 2 Awards
Since its launch in 2020, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has earned significant acclaim in the tyre industry.
In the TyreReviews 2022/23 All Season Tyre Test, it ranked first out of ten tyres, praised for being "ridiculously good in snow" and an "excellent tyre."
The CrossClimate 2 has also been highly regarded by WhatTyre, similar to the Primacy 4, at the recent Tyre of the Year awards in 2023. Here, the Primacy 4 clinched the esteemed 'All-Season Tyre of the Year' award for the second consecutive year.
Furthermore, at the DriverReviews Customer Choice Awards, the CrossClimate 2 was honored as the 'Best All-Season Tyres' for 2022, highlighting its exceptional versatility across different weather conditions.
With a prestigious accolade as recent as 2023, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is poised to continue its success and garner more awards in the future.
Alpin 7 Awards
As a newer addition to Michelin’s winter tyre range, the Alpin 7 has not yet accumulated the same volume of award wins as some of Michelin’s more established models.
However, we’re sure that as the Alpin 7 features in more key winter tyre tests, awards from the likes of DriverReviews and WhatTyre will come its way due to its cutting-edge winter tyre technology.
Customer Reviews Comparing Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Alpin 7
Powered by DriverReviews, our customer review system allows our customers to review their previously purchased tyre from 4 different categories.
The categories are as follows:
Overall Rating
Would the customer buy the tyres again
Does the car feel better to drive
Were the tyres value for money
CrossClimate 2 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the CrossClimate 2 as follows:
Alpin 7 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Alpin 7 as follows:
When Should You Choose an All-Season Tyre Instead of a Winter Tyre?
For many UK drivers, an all-season tyre offers the best balance between convenience and performance. Tyres such as the Michelin CrossClimate 2 are designed to remain fitted all year, providing dependable grip in dry, wet and cold conditions while also carrying the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification for use in snow.
A dedicated winter tyre such as the Michelin Alpin 7 becomes the better option if you regularly drive in temperatures below 7°C, experience frequent snowfall or icy roads, or travel to regions with prolonged winter weather. Its specialised tread pattern and winter compound are designed to maximise traction and braking when conditions are at their most challenging.
Benefits of Choosing Michelin Tyres
Long-lasting safety throughout the tyre’s life
Rigorous quality standards
The most 5-star consumer ratings
The most awarded tyre brand in Europe
Trusted by premium vehicle manufacturers
Race-inspired technology developed through motorsport
Tyres designed to last longer, helping reduce waste and improve long-term value
Price Difference Between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Alpin 7
Price ranges for most tyre models will typically vary between different tyre sizes.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 range from £ to £.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Alpin 7 range from £ to £.
Should You Buy the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or Michelin Alpin 7?
Both tyres are excellent premium Michelin products, but they’re designed for different driving conditions.
Choose the Michelin CrossClimate 2 if you want dependable year-round performance without changing tyres between seasons. It combines summer-like performance with certified winter capability, making it a practical choice for many UK drivers.
Choose the Michelin Alpin 7 if you regularly drive in freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall or icy conditions. As Michelin’s winter tyre, it’s specifically engineered to maximise winter grip, traction and braking performance.
If you’re buying a new Michelin all-season tyre today, it’s also worth considering the
Michelin CrossClimate 3. As the latest generation of the CrossClimate range, it builds on the strengths of the CrossClimate 2 with improvements in wet braking, tread life and all-season performance.
For most UK motorists, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 is likely to be the best all-round option thanks to its year-round versatility and the latest Michelin technology. However, if you regularly encounter severe winter weather, the Michelin Alpin 7 remains the better choice because it has been specifically designed for winter driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 good enough for snow?
Yes. The CrossClimate 2 carries 3PMSF certification, meaning it’s tested for use in snowy conditions. Drivers who regularly face heavy snowfall or icy roads may still benefit from a dedicated winter tyre like the Alpin 7.
Can I use Michelin Alpin 7 tyres all year round?
Although the Alpin 7 can be driven all year, it’s designed for winter conditions and performs best when temperatures fall below 7°C. During warmer months, the CrossClimate 2 is the more practical option.
Which tyre offers better grip on snow and ice?
The Alpin 7 is specifically engineered to maximise grip, braking and traction on snow and ice, making it the stronger performer in severe winter conditions. The CrossClimate 2 also performs well in snow but provides balanced performance throughout the year.
Which tyre offers better fuel efficiency?
Fuel efficiency varies depending on tyre size and vehicle fitment. The CrossClimate 2 is available with EU fuel efficiency ratings from A to D, while the Alpin 7 ranges from B to D. Check the label for your size.
Which Michelin tyre is likely to last longer?
Both tyres are designed for long-lasting performance, but because the CrossClimate 2 is intended for year-round driving, many drivers benefit from its durability across a range of conditions. Actual tyre life depends on driving style, mileage, road conditions and maintenance.
Which tyre is quieter: Michelin CrossClimate 2 or Alpin 7?
Noise levels vary depending on tyre size. The CrossClimate 2 has EU external noise ratings from 69dB to 73dB, while the Alpin 7 ranges from 69dB to 71dB. Check the label for your exact size.
Is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 still worth buying?
Yes. The CrossClimate 2 remains a premium all-season tyre with dependable year-round performance. However, drivers buying new all-season tyres should also consider the newer CrossClimate 3, which builds on it with improvements in wet braking, tread life and all-season performance.
Do I need winter tyres in the UK?
For many UK drivers, the CrossClimate 2 offers an excellent balance of convenience and year-round performance. If you drive in areas with prolonged freezing temperatures, frequent snowfall or icy roads, the Alpin 7 can provide greater grip and braking.
Which tyre is better for everyday UK driving?
For everyday driving across the UK, the CrossClimate 2 is generally the more practical choice because it is designed to remain fitted throughout the year. The Alpin 7 is better suited to drivers who regularly encounter severe winter conditions.
Is the Michelin Alpin 7 worth buying over an all-season tyre?
If you regularly drive in snow, ice or temperatures below 7°C, the Alpin 7 is likely to deliver better winter performance than an all-season tyre. Otherwise, many find the CrossClimate 2 or newer CrossClimate 3 more convenient.
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