Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
This test runs the full Michelin range from the CrossClimate 3 all season through to the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R semi slick, so you can see exactly how much performance sits between each category, and what you give up moving between them.
Full data can be found at tyrereviews.com/Tyre-Tests/2026-Michelin-Range-Test---Summer.htm and don't forget to leave a review :)
All tires were tested in 225/40 R18 apart from the Cup 2 R, which was run in 235/35 R19. The Pilot Sport 5 was used as the control tire, re-run every three sets to track circuit evolution.
Tires tested:
• Michelin CrossClimate 3 — premium all season
• Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport — sporty all season
• Michelin Primacy 5 — premium touring summer
• Michelin Pilot Sport 5 — performance summer
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — ultra high performance summer
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 — track focused semi slick
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R — maximum dry performance
Tests: wet handling, straight and curved aquaplaning, wet braking, dry handling, dry braking, snow braking and handling, rolling resistance, plus subjective comfort and noise assessment.
A few things that stood out. The CrossClimate 3 Sport beat the Primacy 5 around the dry handling lap, but lost to it in dry braking. The Cup 2 R gave up 47.9% in wet braking against the Pilot Sport 5, almost all of it caused by aquaplaning at the start of the run. In the snow, the Primacy 5 needed over 30m to stop where the CrossClimate 3 needed 16m. And the all season tires are further ahead in winter conditions than the summer tires are in summer conditions — worth remembering when you're shopping.
A dedicated winter video comparing the full Michelin winter range, including the CrossClimates, the Alpins and the new X-Ice Snow+, is coming - subscribe so you don't miss it.
Questions about any of these tires or combinations, leave them in the comments and I'll answer them.
Support the channel: merch at shop.tyrereviews.com, or buy your tires from channel sponsor Tire Rack if you're in North America.
=====
Please consider reviewing your tires at TyreReviews.com 💖
You can support Tyre Reviews at patreon.com/tirereviews
Follow Tyre Reviews on instagram: instagram.com/tyre_reviews
Really love tires? Come join us on Reddit: reddit.com/r/TyreReviews
You can read about the Tyre Reviews testing ethics, and commitment to unbiased, open testing here: tyrereviews.com/Article/Tyre-Reviews-Review-Ethics.htm
= Chapters
0:00 Why test the whole range
0:43 The seven tires
1:20 Wet handling
8:46 Aquaplaning and wet braking
9:05 Dry handling
14:17 Dry braking
14:58 Snow
15:55 Rolling resistance
17:10 Comfort and noise
17:31 Can the CrossClimate 3 Sport replace the Pilot Sport 5?
This test runs the full Michelin range from the CrossClimate 3 all season through to the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R semi slick, so you can see exactly how much performance sits between each category, and what you give up moving between them.
Full data can be found at tyrereviews.com/Tyre-Tests/2026-Michelin-Range-Test---Summer.htm and don't forget to leave a review :)
All tires were tested in 225/40 R18 apart from the Cup 2 R, which was run in 235/35 R19. The Pilot Sport 5 was used as the control tire, re-run every three sets to track circuit evolution.
Tires tested:
• Michelin CrossClimate 3 — premium all season
• Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport — sporty all season
• Michelin Primacy 5 — premium touring summer
• Michelin Pilot Sport 5 — performance summer
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — ultra high performance summer
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 — track focused semi slick
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R — maximum dry performance
Tests: wet handling, straight and curved aquaplaning, wet braking, dry handling, dry braking, snow braking and handling, rolling resistance, plus subjective comfort and noise assessment.
A few things that stood out. The CrossClimate 3 Sport beat the Primacy 5 around the dry handling lap, but lost to it in dry braking. The Cup 2 R gave up 47.9% in wet braking against the Pilot Sport 5, almost all of it caused by aquaplaning at the start of the run. In the snow, the Primacy 5 needed over 30m to stop where the CrossClimate 3 needed 16m. And the all season tires are further ahead in winter conditions than the summer tires are in summer conditions — worth remembering when you're shopping.
A dedicated winter video comparing the full Michelin winter range, including the CrossClimates, the Alpins and the new X-Ice Snow+, is coming - subscribe so you don't miss it.
Questions about any of these tires or combinations, leave them in the comments and I'll answer them.
Support the channel: merch at shop.tyrereviews.com, or buy your tires from channel sponsor Tire Rack if you're in North America.
=====
Please consider reviewing your tires at TyreReviews.com 💖
You can support Tyre Reviews at patreon.com/tirereviews
Follow Tyre Reviews on instagram: instagram.com/tyre_reviews
Really love tires? Come join us on Reddit: reddit.com/r/TyreReviews
You can read about the Tyre Reviews testing ethics, and commitment to unbiased, open testing here: tyrereviews.com/Article/Tyre-Reviews-Review-Ethics.htm
= Chapters
0:00 Why test the whole range
0:43 The seven tires
1:20 Wet handling
8:46 Aquaplaning and wet braking
9:05 Dry handling
14:17 Dry braking
14:58 Snow
15:55 Rolling resistance
17:10 Comfort and noise
17:31 Can the CrossClimate 3 Sport replace the Pilot Sport 5?
