Michelin CrossClimate2 vs Primacy MXM4 Head-to-Head Review - DadsTalkTECH

[@fredkendall4955]

Great review. My experience has been similar with your observation about the tread life on the Primacy 4s. I have run two sets of primacy 4s on my Peugeot 308 diesel wagon (60k miles total). I drive rather leisurely ... around 10% over the speed limit (30-65 mph) and turn/brake easily. I do mostly country road and highway driving. I have been getting around 35K miles per set - much less than I expected. I change tires around the 3.5-4mm level. On this last round of tires and just prior to replacement, I noticed that the rear of the wagon got a bit jiggly turning on bumpy pavement (pardon the tech jargon). However, this was immediately corrected with a new set tires. I rotate the tires around every 6k miles (at Costco) and monitor the pressure closely. I live in subtropical climate where it seldom snows and is hot/humid for 5 months of the year (maybe like Savannah, GA). The tire shop staff felt the Cross Climate 2 would have a shorter tire life here. So, now I am on my 3rd pair of Primary 4s. Overall, I like the Primacy 4s. Reasonably good handling (esp. wet braking), quiet, good fuel economy and not too expensive. The tire life is disappointing, and I will not run them to a 2mm level. Thinking about it, I like your hypothesis about the Primacy 4s being more sporty oriented in terms of compounding.

[@dadstalktech]

I am currently within around 7,000 miles of what I got on the Primacy's. For your climate, the CC2's may give-up too many things for little to no benefit since you don't get snow. I also have no idea how the CC2's would handle the weather conditions and they too would get fewer miles. The CC2's on my Taurus are going to sail past the Primacy's, so for me, I know they aren't the right tire. TyreReview just did their large tire roundup review. You may want to check it out. There are some new contenders that are better in wet and dry conditions than the CC2's. There may be a better alternative among those tires since the CC2's are a good all-around tire that is great in snow. There are a couple great all-arounds that are good in snow. Might be worth a look. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@deananolan]

I’m exceptionally impressed with the knowledge, and the review, shared. Thank you.

[@dadstalktech]

We appreciate you watching and leaving your kind words in the comments!

[@curtbennett8402]

Summer temperatures where I live can exceed 110°. How do you think they would do?

[@dadstalktech]

I hear you! Although it isn't often, we can have stretches where temps exceed 100 degrees. Then in the winter it can be 30 below zero. Temperature extremes are tough on everything. I see no reason the CC2's wouldn't handle that, but having a garage and shaded parking (many extreme high temperature climates have some access to shaded packing) can help. The sun is the enemy of rubber compounds and the effects of the sun on tires can lead to premature deterioration and tire replacement well before you would need to in less extreme temperature locations. I would recommend a high quality tire dressing with UV protection. The tires ship with a factory coating, but that will eventually wear off. If you end up with the CrossClimate 2's, be sure to update us. We'd love to know how the tires do for you in such an extreme high temperature setting. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@arun120977]

I was hoping to see an actual review, instead this is a video of two guys pontificating.

[@dadstalktech]

Its in there between the pontificating...

[@mcgilljb92]

@@dadstalktech we need in the car review

[@dadstalktech]

Let us know what you have in mind and what you would like to see tested. We can probably start work on another update from the Taurus with various driving conditions, Thanks for the feedback!

[@eneos3795]

Nice review, good breakdown and analysis so I don't get some of the hate. You should do a video on the Primacy Tour A/S. Website states "17% better snow traction" than the MXM4 and l believe that has been a old design tire that's been out for awhile too. I tried searching for videos on the Primacy Tour A/S and can't find anything.

[@dadstalktech]

Thank you! We would love to do more tire reviews, but currently we don't get any tires from manufacturers to test. We have to review what we research for our own needs and that severely limits the scope of what we can review. We appreciate you watching and leaving a comment!

[@g0fvt]

The airless tyre presents a lot of engineering challenges, one of which is localised heat build up, another is fatigue of the springing elements. The air-filled tyre has a lot going for it, the air does not fatigue, it is not toxic and will not end up in landfill. All airless tyre designs show an open structure, I believe that it is a marketing gimmick. Imagine just one pebble getting trapped in that structure. My car has Cross Climates, so far they seem a very competent long lived tyre for a road vehicle. My AWD car has not yet seen any snow for me to really test them.

[@dadstalktech]

Once you can put them through their paces, stop-back and let us know what you think! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@colinschmitz8297]

This discussion is very long. What I want to know is how is the comfort? If you have an incredibly sensitive back you want the car to be as soft and smooth as possible. Is this firmer (BMW M3) or softer (Lincoln Town Car). What is the impact on fuel economy?

[@dadstalktech]

These tires will not be the most comfortable tires out there. They aren't bad by any means, but their bias is towards traction. Now, you can probably run them on the lower side of the inflation recommendation to assist with the comfort, but you'll also give up some additional mileage. There is a slight mileage penalty with these tires, you're driving habits will also play a role in just how much. I saw about 1-2 MPG over the long-haul reduction and my wife experienced less than a single MPG lower fuel economy on hers. So, if comfort is your #1 criteria, these tires might not be your first choice. If you want great all-weather traction and good everything else, it is hard to go wrong with these tires. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching and posting a comment!

[@colinschmitz8297]

@@dadstalktech thank you for letting me know. Any advice on one that is more comfort focused?

[@dadstalktech]

Here are some for you to review online. I won't say this list is exhaustive, but it should get you started. Michelin Primacy MXV4, Michelin Defender 2, Continental PureContact LS, Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack, and Goodyear Assurance Comfortred Touring. Check the reviews for the features you value most in ranked order. Good Luck!

[@colinschmitz8297]

@@dadstalktech thank you

[@deananolan]

I was shocked to see that the Primacy MXM4s, supposedly supplied new from our Lexus dealership, after 28,000kms (yes, not miles) wore unevenly. Following my shock of only 2/32 for both front, 1/32 on the passenger rear and 4/32 on the driver rear, I took my vehicle for a wheel alignment. No issues with the wheel alignment. I spoke with the Michelin support team. Shared my concern with the Primacy vs my usual high end Michelin tire. End result: I only have to pay 40% + labour costs to upgrade to the CC2’s. Gold. I’m not sure whether it’s a Primacy MXM4 issue. I suspect it’s the dealership not installing new tires at all ie. simply charging for them. No suspension issues either. Dodgy Lexus dealership it may be. Thanks to Michelin personnel for addressing and resolving my issues. Thank you to the dear gentlemen sharing their thoughts and expertise. D

[@dadstalktech]

I am glad that Michelin stood behind their tires and took care of the situation! Thank you for watching and leaving the comment. It is good to hear the stories out there to build a broader picture. Best Regards, Bruce and Keith

[@18_rabbit]

i am same age and country as u guys and to me the CClimates look better than Primacy or any other typical tire. CC's have a beefy strong look, and a look that is both very sporty and very water clearing or rain/slush safety orientated. While i do get the idea that not long ago the look of the Primacy was/is better, to me i really dn't see it that way. I dn't have CC's yet but will in future. Currently have either Primacy or similar that were from Costco

[@jshelhorse]

Did the same thing. Replaced OEM Goodyear run flats on my wife's 2021 BMW X3 M40i at 29k mi's. Yep. 29k. How worthless were they? OEM run flats, any brand, are the worst. Did some KZbin University research, and decided on the CC2's. Loved them. Quieter than the run flats, handle better, and, allegedly, the wet grip & snow grip are unparalleled. Haven't had too much weather yet in about 5k mi's, but she drives it, and safety first for wifey. Had Michelin Defender LTX M+S on my 2011 Ford Escape with 69k on the tires, installed in early 2017. Quite frankly, they've been great. I have a compressor with a hose reel in our garage, so tire pressure is checked & corrected weekly, at a minimum. Also, have wheels rotated every 10k mi's. Had plenty of tread left on the Defenders, but trusted mechanic said with winter and 7 yrs. of age coming, replacement advisable. So, put CC2's on. Love them. Turn-in & handling better, tracks better. Plenty quiet, so far. No weather yet in 1k mi's or so.

[@dadstalktech]

Thanks for watching and commenting! It is great to hear everyone's experiences good or bad. It helps people make informed decisions on what can be a very expensive purchase! Be sure to keep us update-to-date on how things go for you over the long term! Cheers!

[@lindabarbadoro346]

my 2018 MKZh came with the MXM4 tire , it was very good except in winter weather it would slip and had no grip on snow . CC2 tire is exceptional in winter weather . Bottom line is that the CC2 is much safer tire in all weather conditions .

[@dadstalktech]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad your experience with the CC2's has been similar to mine. We have them on 3 different cars now, so we definitely think they are a great tire and we're putting our money where our mouth is.

[@sunnyv1281]

Debating which one to buy thank you

[@dadstalktech]

I think you know where Bruce stands from the video. The weather in Omaha can be just bad enough that having the extra traction is something he wouldn't trade. The only real advantage the Primacy has over the CC2's is the aesthetic, at least on his Taurus, and some as Keith stated, may prefer the CC2's. We think both are good tires, but the CC2's would have a clear advantage in climates that get some wintery weather. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Good luck with your purchase decision and be sure to leave a comment once you've made your choice and get your new tires!

[@exshenanigan2333]

4:22 I thought we were all in agreement that CC2s were the best looking tires. Interesting.

[@dadstalktech]

LOL! I love the tread design, but how the Primacy hugged the rims and looked - it was really nice. Even though the sizes are the same, the Primacy seemed lower profile and perhaps I just really love the sporty look. That being said, I wouldn't trade the performance of the CC2's. We're actually going to put a set on another car - the one may soon to be 16 year old daughter drives. So, that will make 4 cars sporting those tires... Yeah, I just did that. Anyway, Keith is probably right - I love the look of the CC2's more and more because of how they perform. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@exshenanigan2333]

@@dadstalktech I think it comes down to personal preference. We don't get a lot of snow but we really liked how the CC2s looked on the car, so besides the poor wet performance of the defender 2's, looks was also a (small) contributing factor for us to go with the CC2s. Thanks for your reply and for the review!

[@martin1203]

Ok,what people forget is different countries have different Tarmac make up. Scandinavian countries need a Tarmac that will perform to extreme cold. Countries like England, France, Germany etc. Their weather is wet,warm, and sometimes cold. Countries like Spain, Italy, Greece have extreme heat. All these countries have to have Tarmac that works for the weather there. Not all tyres work for every country country. That is a fact. I retired to Greece and found the continental tyres l had on my Isuzu D-Max pick up were useless. No grip in the wet and driving on marbles in the dry. But in in France and england they worked !!!!!. Ok, so l changed to the forerunner of the cross climate. Lattertude cross Michelin tyres. Changed the whole handling of the car. Grip was and is amazing to say the least.l do tend to press on as it were. I have just ordered 5 cross climate 2 tyres for my wifes car.cannot wait to try them out. Yes l will also be getting them for my D-Max when these tyres l have wear out. I have l must say ,Michelin tyres on all my cars. They work the best and wear is amazing. I had a Chrysler 180 sports saloon car with Michelin tyres. 56,000 miles the front tyres wore out. 58,000 the rear wore out. As a young man in early 20's this was amazing. So l have been a Michelin man all my life and swear by them. Grip, long life and handling. Safety first for family.

[@dadstalktech]

I have 3 cars now with the Cross Climate 2's. Haven't regretted the decision to go with these tires. We'll likely be doing another update on the ones on my wife's van this winter. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@jivepatrol6833]

Not a real data driven video.

[@dadstalktech]

This is true. We don't have a test track and expensive test equipment. I do, however, bring 40 years of driving experience and tens of thousands of miles driven on these tires. Sometimes people just want to know what other drivers using the tires in the real world think of them. There are some large channels with the resources to do the exact data driven analysis you're looking for and that have tested both tires. If that is what you're looking for, I would encourage you to check them out. There are some pretty-good ones out there to choose from. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dave0z96]

We won’t be seeing airless tires for road and highway use because it will cause balancing problems that i guarantee and they will be unnecessarily expensive.