This article will outline the key features of both leading tyre models, comparing both the tyres’ successes to see how they truly match up together.
What Is the Difference Between Michelin Primacy 4 and Michelin CrossClimate 2?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Primacy 4 and Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the type of driving they’re designed for.
The Michelin Primacy 4 is a premium summer tyre engineered to deliver excellent comfort, wet braking performance and long tread life in warmer conditions.
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 one set of tyres to remain fitted throughout the year.
It’s also worth noting that Michelin has since introduced the Primacy 5 and CrossClimate 3, the latest generations of each tyre range. Drivers buying new tyres today may also wish to compare these newer models, which build on their predecessors with improvements in longevity, wet braking and overall performance.
The Michelin Primacy 4 is a premium
summer tyre released by Michelin in January 2022.
Even if the Primacy 4 is a summer tyre model, it still offers fantastic wet grip performance through Michelin’s EverGrip technology. This gives the tyre 22% more space to clear water in wet conditions, even when worn.
Michelin also equipped the Primacy 4 with their Max Touch Construction technology, enhancing the tyre’s traction on the road when accelerating, braking heavily, and cornering.
On average, the Michelin tyre model lasts 11,000 miles longer on the roads than its competitors, highlighting the fantastic longevity of the model.
The Michelin Primacy 4 replaced the
Primacy 3 in 2017, offering improved fuel efficiency and 20% more mileage than its predecessor.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a
premium tyre model manufactured by Michelin since 2020.
Unlike the Primacy 4, the CrossClimate 2 is an
all-season tyre. All-season tyres offer consistent levels of performance throughout different types of weather conditions.
The CrossClimate 2 features a thermal adaptive tread compound, making the tyre adaptive to all kinds of changes in road temperatures.
A Cool Running Sidewall is also featured on the tyre, reducing rolling resistance of the model by 10% compared to its predecessor. Reduction of rolling resistance helps with fuel efficiency and electric vehicle range.
The CrossClimate 2 replaced the
CrossClimate+ upon its release in 2020.
Tyre label ratings grade three different aspects of a tyre’s level of performance. Label ratings vary between different tyre sizes.
The categories are broken down as follows:
Fuel Efficiency – Ranked A to E
Wet Grip – Ranked A to E
Tyre Noise – Ranked with numbers and A to C/Decibels (dB)
Primacy 4 Label Ratings
Fuel efficiency of the Primacy 4 ranges from A – C, with sizes from
205/55 R17 to
255/45 R20 consisting of either A or B ratings.
The Primacy 4 features strong wet grip ratings of either A or B across all
tyre sizes.
Tyre noise level ratings vary between 68b and 72b across available Primacy 4 tyre sizes.
CrossClimate 2 Label Ratings
The CrossClimate 2 has fuel efficiency ratings anywhere from A to D, with the most common ratings being B or C.
Wet grip ratings are consistently B across all tyre sizes.
External tyre noise of the CrossClimate 2 ranges between 69B and 73B.
Primacy 4 Awards
Since its inception, the Michelin Primacy 4 has seen various awards and recognitions from tyre experts around the world.
One of the most prestigious awards for the Michelin tyre was back in 2021, when the Primacy 4 scooped the WhatTyre ‘Summer Tyre of the Year’. WhatTyre recognised the Primacy 4 with this award as they were “impressed by the tyre’s ‘AA’ rating for wet grip and rolling resistance as well as Michelin’s efforts to extend grip and handling performance throughout the tyre’s lifetime.”
Just one year later, the WhatTyre Tyre of the Year Awards were also very complimentary of the Primacy 4, as the tyre model earned ‘SUV Tyre of the Year’.
DriverReviews also heralded the Michelin summer tyre back in their inaugural customer choice awards in 2022 – the Primacy 4 was acclaimed as “Highly Recommended” in the ‘Best Tyres for Family Cars’ category.
It’s safe to say that within its short existence, the Michelin Primacy 4 has seen many successes regarding accolades from industry experts and critics alike.
CrossClimate 2 Awards
Since the tyre’s release in 2022, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has also been revered within the tyre industry.
In TyreReviews’ 2022/23 All Season Tyre Test, the model finished 1st out of 10 tyres due to the CrossClimate 2 being “ridiculously good in snow” and an “excellent tyre”.
Much like the Primacy 4, WhatTyre highly rates the CrossClimate 2, as seen at the recent Tyre of the Year awards in 2023. This is where the Primacy 4 was awarded with the prestigious ‘All-Season Tyre of the Year’ award, making it a back-to-back win in the all-season tyre category.
At the DriverReviews Customer Choice awards, the CrossClimate 2 was named ‘Best All-Season Tyres’ for 2022, shining a light to the tyre model’s all-season capabilities.
With a prestigious award as recent as 2023, it is safe to say the Michelin CrossClimate 2 still has years left to scoop more in years to come.
Customer Reviews Compare Primacy 4 vs CrossClimate 2
Powered by
DriverReviews, our customer review system is broken down into four categories for our customers to critique their previously purchased tyres.
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
Primacy 4 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Primacy 4 as follows:
CrossClimate 2 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the CrossClimate 2 as follows:
Why Choose Michelin CrossClimate or Primacy Tyres?
Michelin’s CrossClimate and Primacy ranges are both designed to deliver premium performance, but they’re built for different driving needs.
The CrossClimate range is designed for drivers who want dependable performance throughout the year without changing between summer and winter tyres. The Primacy range focuses on delivering a comfortable, refined and efficient driving experience during warmer conditions while maintaining excellent wet braking performance.
Both ranges benefit from Michelin’s commitment to long-lasting safety, rigorous quality standards and technologies designed to maintain performance throughout the tyre’s lifespan.
Fully fitted prices for both tyre models will vary depending on tyre size, with the larger tyre sizes normally being the more expensive.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Primacy 4 range from £ to £.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 range from £ to £.
Should You Buy the Michelin Primacy 4 or Michelin CrossClimate 2?
Both tyres remain excellent premium Michelin products, but they’re designed for different driving conditions.
Choose the Michelin Primacy 4 if you mainly drive in warmer weather and want a premium summer tyre that prioritises comfort, refinement and long-lasting performance.
Choose the Michelin CrossClimate 2 if you want dependable all-season performance without changing tyres between seasons. Its ability to perform in dry, wet and cold conditions makes it a practical option for many UK drivers.
If you’re buying a new Michelin tyre today, it’s also worth considering the latest generations in each range. The
Michelin Primacy 5 builds on the Primacy 4 with improvements in mileage and wet braking, while the
Michelin CrossClimate 3 enhances the CrossClimate 2 with improved wet braking, tread life and all-season capability.
For most UK drivers looking for one tyre to use throughout the year, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 is likely to be the strongest all-round choice. However, if you only use summer tyres, the Michelin Primacy 5 represents Michelin’s latest premium touring technology.
Where Can I Buy Michelin Primacy 4 or Michelin CrossClimate 2?
You can buy both the Michelin Primacy 4 and Michelin CrossClimate 2 directly from
Blackcircles.com. Simply enter your vehicle registration or tyre size to compare available options, view fully fitted prices and book fitting at one of thousands of trusted local garages across the UK.
FAQs:
Can I use Michelin Primacy 4 all year round?
The Primacy 4 can be driven year-round in mild-winter regions, but as a summer tyre it performs best in warmer temperatures. For one set of tyres in the UK’s changing weather, the CrossClimate 2 is generally the more suitable choice.
Is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 suitable for winter driving?
Yes. The CrossClimate 2 carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, meaning it has been tested for use in snowy conditions. While it isn’t a dedicated winter tyre, it offers greater winter capability than a traditional summer tyre.
Which tyre offers better wet weather performance?
Both tyres deliver excellent wet weather performance. The Primacy 4 focuses on maximising wet braking during warmer conditions, while the CrossClimate 2 combines dependable wet grip with year-round capability, including colder temperatures.
Which tyre offers better fuel efficiency?
Fuel efficiency varies depending on tyre size and vehicle fitment. The Primacy 4 is available with EU fuel efficiency ratings from A to C, while the CrossClimate 2 ranges from A to D. Check the label for your size.
Which Michelin tyre is likely to last longer?
Both tyres are designed with longevity in mind. The Primacy 4 is engineered for high mileage in summer conditions, while the CrossClimate 2 combines long tread life with dependable year-round performance. Lifespan depends on driving style, mileage and road conditions.
Which tyre is quieter: Michelin Primacy 4 or CrossClimate 2?
Both tyres are designed to provide a comfortable driving experience. The Primacy 4 has EU external noise ratings from 68dB to 72dB, while the CrossClimate 2 ranges from 69dB to 73dB. Noise levels vary by tyre size.
Is the Michelin Primacy 4 still worth buying?
Yes. The Primacy 4 remains an excellent premium summer tyre. However, if you’re buying new tyres today, it’s worth considering the newer Michelin Primacy 5, which builds on the Primacy 4 with improvements in wet braking and tyre longevity.
Is the Michelin CrossClimate 2 still worth buying?
Yes. The CrossClimate 2 continues to be one of the leading premium all-season tyres. However, Michelin has since introduced the CrossClimate 3, which builds on the CrossClimate 2 with improvements in wet braking, tread life and overall all-season performance.
Are all-season tyres better than summer tyres for UK driving?
It depends on driving needs. All-season tyres like the CrossClimate 2 suit drivers wanting year-round convenience and dependable performance in changing weather. Summer tyres like the Primacy 4 offer comfort, efficiency and wet braking, but perform best in warmer weather.
Should I buy the latest Michelin tyre models instead?
If you’re buying new Michelin tyres, consider the latest generations. The Primacy 5 succeeds the Primacy 4 with improvements in mileage and wet braking, while the CrossClimate 3 builds on the CrossClimate 2 with enhanced wet braking and tread life.
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