Why do drivers rate the new Michelin CrossClimate 3?

The long-awaited CrossClimate 3 has arrived, and the reviews are in. So what does the public think of Michelin’s latest tyre?

A decade on from the release of Michelin’s iconic CrossClimate — the first ever summer-derived tyre to be approved for winter use — this year saw the launch of the tyre’s latest evolution: the CrossClimate 3.

Since we released our initial review of the fresh rubber, we’ve been patiently waiting for the opinions that really matter to roll in… That’s right, the public’s verdict. And thanks to driverreviews, they have landed. And it appears Michelin is onto a winner, with its latest release currently sitting at an impressive 4.8/5 rating from public reviews.

So it’s time to go a little deeper, and find out why drivers are rating the new Michelin CrossClimate 3 so highly.

Safety, year round

As an all-season tyre, the CrossClimate 3 picks up where its predecessor left off, with a design tailored for ‘safety, through all seasons, whatever the weather.’

And where better to start than with our personal favourite season: summer, and the peoples’ thoughts.

Better grip, better ride on the road.

The Michelin CrossClimates have already performed well over the summer, so I look forward to seeing how they go in the colder months.

With the tyre’s Thermal Adaptive Tread Compound, the CrossClimate 3 adapts to changing road conditions, providing a level of grip and control which can clearly be felt, and the confidence which comes with that in dry conditions. 

But does this adaptable tread also adjust to the rain showers we can expect in the UK spring or autumn?

The car feels more planted and grips the road more. I drove in heavy rain with a lot of surface water, but the tyres were planted and no problem, giving me confidence.

Extremely impressed! Car feels a 100x better than it did before! Been extremely good in the wet.

We’ll put that one down as a yes. But what else contributes to this driving feel in the wet? Michelin has the explanation. The CrossClimate 3 is designed with a V-shape tread sculpture which optimises water evacuation, providing some welcome stability when travelling on sodden roads, and improving wet braking distance by 4%.

So that’s summer, spring, and autumn covered, which must mean it’s time to get really chilly.

These tyres have superb grip in the wet and in heavy rain. They also grip very well on snow.

Michelin CrossClimate 3 in short: excellent grip on dry and wet roads. Capable in light snow and frost.

These tyres are pretty good in all conditions, but are game changing on ice or snow.

While a UK winter may not yet have passed since their release, adventurous drivers have clearly already managed to hunt down patches of wintery conditions, putting the CrossClimate 3s through their paces.

And this positive public reception is no surprise, as the CrossClimate 3 has earned 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, signifying that it has undergone rigorous winter testing. This means that they are officially approved for use in snow conditions, with a guaranteed level of safety and performance — and it seems the proof is in the pudding.

A smooth operator

But wait, there’s more. The CrossClimate 3 comes equipped with ‘Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology’ which optimises their noise on the road, providing a quieter, smoother, and overall more relaxing drive — and this has been noticed too.

Love them! Such a quiet, smooth drive now and tyres are very grippy.

Very good, very quiet, and pleasant ride.

Not only does this allow for a little bit of zen behind the wheel, but combined with Michelin’s MaxTouch tech — which evenly distributes acceleration, cornering, and braking forces to maximise the tyre’s contact with the road — it contributes to a handy 15% mileage increase. 

As well as boosting longevity, this contact patch optimisation also promotes increased efficiency. But don’t just take our word for it…

I feel confident about the performance of the tyres in wet weather, and also that they will give me good fuel economy and good length of service.

Are you wondering what this means for EVs? Well, more good news: mix this quiet, efficient running with the CrossClimate 3’s ‘Energy Efficiency Technologies’ and you’ve got a tyre which is truly EV suitable — extending range for long, comfy stints between charges.

Based on this overwhelmingly positive public reception, reflected in that impressive 4.8/5 rating, we reckon the CrossClimate 3 has successfully picked up where its predecessor left off, delivering a tyre that truly excels in every season. But do you think it has set a new benchmark for all-season performance?

Image credits:  Michelin