Wet performance represents the Michelin CrossClimate 2's strongest advantage over competing tires. Customer ratings consistently show excellent wet traction scores of 9s and 10s across performance evaluations. The Continental TrueContact Tour matches this impressive performance with equally strong scores of 9-10 for wet grip and hydroplaning resistance.
These tires dominate their respective categories through different approaches to rainy weather performance. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 delivers superior stopping power, outperforming 4 leading competitive tires in wet braking tests. The Continental TrueContact Tour earned its reputation as the top choice for Standard Touring All-Season buyers, specifically designed for family sedans, coupes, minivans and small crossovers that need reliable wet-weather traction.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 reviews consistently highlight its all-weather capabilities and three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) certification. Continental TrueContact Tour reviews focus on exceptional tread life with warranties reaching 80,000 miles. Rain conditions reveal where these design philosophies create meaningful performance differences for drivers.
We'll break down exactly how these popular tires handle wet roads, from braking distances and hydroplaning resistance to tread patterns and real-world handling characteristics. You'll discover which tire better matches your specific driving needs when weather conditions deteriorate.
Safety performance separates premium tires from budget alternatives when roads turn wet. Both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Continental TrueContact Tour deliver exceptional wet-weather capabilities, yet their approaches to rainy conditions reveal important differences for safety-conscious drivers.
Independent testing reveals identical wet braking performance between these competitors. From 60 to 0 mph, both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Continental TrueContact Tour stop at precisely 153 feet. This identical stopping distance challenges marketing claims suggesting one tire significantly outperforms the other in this critical safety metric.
Subjective wet handling evaluations show virtually identical results. The CrossClimate 2 scores 6.69 out of 10 while the TrueContact Tour achieves 6.63. The Continental edges ahead slightly in wet handling lap times, completing the course in 34.11 seconds versus the Michelin's 34.40 seconds—a mere 0.29 second advantage.
Testing variations across multiple evaluations show the CrossClimate 2's wet braking distances ranging from 27.25 meters to 33.6 meters from 100-0 km/h. These differences reflect varying testing protocols rather than inconsistent tire performance.
Customer ratings reveal outstanding hydroplaning resistance for both tires. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 consistently earns 9-10 out of 10 scores for hydroplaning resistance. The Continental TrueContact Tour receives equally impressive 9-10 ratings from customers.
Technical testing confirms these customer experiences. The CrossClimate 2 demonstrates solid water evacuation capabilities with a float speed of 76 km/h in straight aquaplaning tests. This places it in the upper-middle range among premium all-season tires. For curved aquaplaning tests measuring lateral grip in standing water, the CrossClimate 2 achieves a 2.5 rating for remaining lateral acceleration.
Track testing revealed the CrossClimate 2 provided "plenty of traction to play with, particularly in the straight portions". The Continental TrueContact Tour demonstrated "very strong traction in corners" and proved "one of the better tires in the test for wet braking".
Real-world experiences often exceed laboratory measurements. One Continental TrueContact Tour owner reported: "Have not had any issues with hydroplaning, even in a heavy downpour going 75 mph". Another driver noted "on highway wet condition the tires cut through the rain with no issue".
Michelin CrossClimate 2 owners share equally positive experiences. One driver reported: "I was doing 80 in the driving rain and the car never put a foot wrong... It was totally stable". This confidence in torrential conditions appears consistently in user feedback.
Both tires achieve wet-weather performance through different design strategies:
The CrossClimate 2 uses wide circumferential channels with large rain grooves to evacuate water from the contact patch
The TrueContact Tour employs circumferential grooves that efficiently channel water away from the tire's footprint
The Continental TrueContact Tour shows marginally better handling in wet conditions, while the Michelin CrossClimate 2 provides superior confidence at highway speeds during heavy rainfall based on user experiences.
Tire architecture determines wet-weather performance more than any other factor. Tread design controls how effectively a tire manages water and maintains road contact. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Continental TrueContact Tour use completely different engineering approaches to solve this challenge.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 features a directional tread pattern with a distinctive V-shaped design. This directional configuration actively guides water away from the tire's contact patch. The V-shaped grooves push water outward as the tire rotates, maintaining road contact during heavy precipitation.
The Continental TrueContact Tour uses a symmetric tread pattern instead. This design creates a mirror-image appearance on either side of the central rib, promoting balanced wear across the tire's surface. Symmetric layouts offer greater rotation pattern flexibility and typically cost less than directional designs.
Each design approach provides specific advantages:
The CrossClimate 2's directional pattern maximizes wet weather performance and hydroplaning resistance
The TrueContact Tour's symmetric design delivers predictable handling and promotes even tread wear
The CrossClimate 2's directional design requires proper mounting direction and limits rotation options. Directional patterns can also generate more road noise than symmetric alternatives.
Both tires feature circumferential grooves with different implementation strategies. The CrossClimate 2 incorporates wide circumferential channels designed to actively evacuate water from beneath the tire. This design element prevents hydroplaning by efficiently moving water away from the contact patch.
The TrueContact Tour features circumferential grooves that wrap around the entire tire. These grooves serve as primary channels for water displacement, minimizing the distance water travels before being expelled from the contact area.
Lateral grooves complement the main channels in both tires. These additional grooves disrupt water wedges that form at higher speeds, reducing hydroplaning risk. The combination of circumferential and lateral grooves maximizes rubber-to-road contact in wet conditions.
Sipes—small, thin slits cut into tread blocks—provide crucial wet-weather performance for both tires. These tiny grooves create additional "biting edges" that enhance traction on wet surfaces.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 uses 3D SipeLock technology with V Ramp chamfers. This combination generates additional friction during braking, shortening stopping distances on wet pavement. The precise arrangement and density of sipes directly affects the tire's ability to maintain grip on slick roads.
The Continental TrueContact Tour uses sipes that work with its tread compound to enhance wet grip. Sipes in all-season tires like the TrueContact Tour provide the additional grip necessary for rain performance.
Both designs depend on "void ratio"—the amount of open space in the tread relative to total tread face area. Proper void ratio balance ensures sufficient water evacuation without reducing the rubber-to-road contact that delivers traction.
Both tires successfully address the challenge of maintaining grip in wet conditions through different tread architectures and water evacuation strategies.
Rubber compounds determine whether your tires maintain grip when temperatures drop and rain starts falling. The material science behind these compounds creates the foundation for wet-weather safety, especially when conditions change rapidly.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 uses a Thermal Adaptive Compound that adjusts to temperature changes, ensuring consistent performance across varying conditions. This specialized rubber formulation stays flexible in cold weather while delivering solid traction on wet and dry roads. When temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, this compound maintains the elasticity needed for reliable grip.
Continental takes a different approach with EcoPlus Technology that enhances wet traction while improving fuel efficiency and extending tread life. This temperature-resistant compound handles summer heat exceptionally well. The EcoPlus formulation focuses on wet grip performance while reducing rolling resistance.
Standard tires lose flexibility below 45°F (7°C), reducing traction and control on wet roads. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 maintains grip in cold, wet conditions thanks to its specialized compound that stays pliable at lower temperatures. Its 3PMSF winter certification proves this capability.
The Continental TrueContact Tour performs best above freezing but may stiffen in extremely cold climates. Both tires handle everyday wet roads well, with the Continental specifically engineered for excellent wet braking and hydroplaning resistance.
Compound flexibility directly affects wet-surface grip. The CrossClimate 2's silica-enriched compound enhances wet braking by maintaining elasticity, allowing better road surface contact. This flexibility helps the rubber adapt to changing road textures during wet weather.
The TrueContact Tour demonstrates strong wet traction through its balanced rubber formulation. Its compound works effectively in warm and cold weather, though with less emphasis on extreme cold conditions.
Compound flexibility represents one of the most critical factors for wet-road safety. When rubber hardens from cold temperatures or prolonged heat, wet-surface grip diminishes substantially. The CrossClimate 2's adaptive technology provides advantages during variable conditions, particularly during spring and fall temperature transitions when morning rains occur near freezing.
For drivers frequently encountering cold rain, the CrossClimate 2's flexible compound offers tangible safety benefits. Those in moderate climates with occasional rainfall will find the TrueContact Tour's balanced compound formulation sufficient for their needs.
Image Source: Vitour Tempesta P1
Real-world driving conditions reveal performance differences that laboratory testing can't always capture. When tires lose approximately one-third of their traction on wet pavement, the handling characteristics of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Continental TrueContact Tour show distinct personalities that affect driver confidence and safety.
Driver experiences highlight clear differences in wet cornering behavior between these competitors. The Continental TrueContact Tour earns praise for "very strong traction in corners", with users consistently reporting predictable handling during wet turns. One Continental owner noted: "On highway wet conditions the tires cut through the rain with no issue".
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 provides "plenty of traction to play with, particularly in the straight portions". Owners report excellent stability at highway speeds during heavy downpours. Testing reveals the tire becomes "a little less assured in corners" where "it would begin pushing mid-corner", showing a tendency toward mild understeer when pushed to the limits in wet conditions.
Steering feel determines driver confidence when roads become slippery. The Continental TrueContact Tour delivers "linear, natural" steering response that creates balanced feedback. While "not the most urgent", this consistent response makes the Continental particularly confidence-inspiring during challenging weather.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2's steering precision allows drivers to "point the car where it needed to go initially before the grip let loose". This provides excellent initial turn-in response but requires driver awareness as cornering forces increase. Subjective wet handling scores show virtually identical performance, with CrossClimate 2 at 6.69 and TrueContact Tour at 6.63 out of 10.
Emergency situations reveal the most critical performance differences. The Continental TrueContact Tour successfully completed the Emergency Lane Change test "every time", demonstrating exceptional reliability when drivers need to avoid sudden obstacles.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 showed stability "through back-and-forth slalom maneuvers", performing adequately but not quite matching the Continental's consistent emergency handling reliability. Weather-related accidents account for 23% of vehicle collisions annually nationwide, making this performance difference potentially significant for real-world safety.
Both tires handle the critical "emergency lane change" maneuver—designed to simulate avoiding obstacles like stopped vehicles or pedestrians—with different levels of predictability. Proper driving technique remains essential regardless of tire choice. Experts recommend avoiding "sudden movements such as braking or cornering to prevent hydroplaning".
The Continental shows slightly more predictable behavior at the handling limits, while the Michelin provides excellent straight-line stability during heavy downpours. Both deliver strong wet handling for everyday driving situations.
Rain changes everything about your driving experience. Tire design affects both road noise levels and ride smoothness when roads turn wet.
Water amplifies road noise as tire treads strike wet pavement. The Continental TrueContact Tour uses ContiSilent Technology, integrating polyurethane foam into the tire structure to reduce road noise and enhance driving comfort. This technology creates a buffer against the drum-like resonance common in wet conditions.
Michelin counters with Silent Sidewall Technology that reduces road noise and vibrations for a quieter ride. Direct testing shows both tires achieve identical noise ratings of 4 out of 5, indicating similar noise suppression performance.
Real-world experiences tell a different story. Several drivers report the CrossClimate 2 as noticeably louder. One user stated: "I hated them. They had better handling and braking than my original Primacy A/S, but they were so loud and so much more road noise came through".
The CrossClimate 2 edges ahead with a 4 out of 5 rating for ride comfort versus the TrueContact Tour's 3 out of 5. Michelin's Acoustic Technology reduces interior noise by approximately 20%, creating a more refined rainy driving experience.
Continental takes a balanced approach that minimizes road noise and vibrations while maintaining consistent grip as puddles form beneath the tires.
Both manufacturers address comfort concerns through different approaches. Continental's polyurethane foam solution targets road noise reduction. Michelin uses a dual strategy:
• Custom-designed polyurethane foam that muffles resonance • Strategic tread pattern design using Piano Noise Reduction simulation tools to arrange structural blocks that minimize pattern noise
Continental focuses on reducing vibration transfer to the vehicle cabin. This becomes particularly valuable during rainy conditions when road imperfections create additional feedback through the steering wheel.
The Continental TrueContact Tour scores 7.75 out of 10 for overall noise, comfort, and ride quality, marginally outperforming the Michelin CrossClimate 2's 7.58. This difference is small enough that most drivers would find both tires adequately comfortable during rainy drives.
Customer experiences reveal the true performance differences when these tires face real-world rain conditions. Thousands of drivers have tested both tires across varying weather scenarios, creating clear patterns that go beyond laboratory measurements.
Tire Rack's consumer survey results position the CrossClimate2 as a standout performer, achieving 9.4 out of 10 for both hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. Customers consistently praise its confidence-inspiring capabilities during severe weather conditions.
Real-world testing confirms these high ratings. One driver reported: "Excellent in the snow, confident in the rain, smooth and quiet on the highway... Best tire I have ever purchased". Another reviewer who tested the tires through flooding conditions stated: "The one-word summary is these tires are fantastic in heavy rain".
We've found that customers consistently rate the CrossClimate2's wet-weather performance as exceptional. However, some users report trade-offs in fuel efficiency, with one noting a 10% decrease in gas mileage after installation.
The TrueContact Tour receives strong customer approval for balanced wet-weather capabilities. User feedback highlights its reliable performance across different rain intensities. One customer reported: "Have not had any issues with hydroplaning, even in a heavy downpour going 75 mph".
Tire Rack testing shows the TrueContact Tour 54 delivering lap times on wet surfaces that were "very competitive with the Grand Touring All-Season options". Customers value its predictable handling characteristics, with reviews frequently mentioning "stable handling in wet conditions, demonstrating the tire's adaptability".
Direct performance comparisons reveal specific strengths for each tire. The CrossClimate2 scores 4/5 for wet braking compared to the TrueContact Tour's 3/5 rating. This advantage translates to shorter stopping distances in wet conditions for the Michelin option.
Both tires achieve identical 4/5 ratings for wet handling and hydroplaning resistance, indicating comparable performance when maintaining control through standing water. Independent testing supports these ratings, with the CrossClimate2 providing "plenty of traction to play with, particularly in the straight portions" while the TrueContact Tour demonstrates "very strong traction in corners".
The key specifications reveal where these tires excel and which better suits your specific driving needs. Both tires deliver exceptional wet-weather performance, yet important differences emerge in the details.
Feature/Characteristic |
Michelin CrossClimate 2 |
Continental TrueContact Tour |
Wet Braking Distance (60-0 mph) |
153 feet |
153 feet |
Wet Handling Score |
6.69/10 |
6.63/10 |
Wet Handling Lap Time |
34.40 seconds |
34.11 seconds |
Hydroplaning Resistance Rating |
9-10/10 |
9-10/10 |
Tread Pattern Design |
Directional V-shaped |
Symmetric |
Comfort Rating |
4/5 |
3/5 |
Noise Rating |
4/5 |
4/5 |
Overall Comfort & Noise Score |
7.58/10 |
7.75/10 |
Wet Braking Rating |
4/5 |
3/5 |
Special Technology |
Thermal Adaptive Compound |
EcoPlus Technology |
Warranty |
Not mentioned |
Up to 80,000 miles |
Winter Certification |
3PMSF certified |
Not mentioned |
These specifications highlight the fundamental difference between these tire approaches. The CrossClimate 2 focuses on all-weather versatility with its 3PMSF certification and adaptive compound technology. The TrueContact Tour emphasizes long-term value with its 80,000-mile warranty and balanced performance across moderate conditions.
Wet braking performance remains identical between both tires, making other factors the deciding elements for your selection. The Continental's longer warranty provides peace of mind for high-mileage drivers, while the Michelin's winter certification offers year-round confidence in variable weather conditions.
Both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Continental TrueContact Tour deliver exceptional wet-weather performance, yet each tire serves different driver priorities. Testing reveals identical 153-foot wet braking distances, challenging any claims that one significantly outperforms the other in this critical safety measure.
The CrossClimate 2 excels through its directional V-pattern design and Thermal Adaptive Compound technology. This combination makes it particularly capable during heavy downpours and cold rainy conditions. The 3PMSF certification confirms its all-weather capabilities, bridging the performance gap between standard all-season and winter tires. Drivers consistently report confidence-inspiring highway stability during torrential rainfall.
The TrueContact Tour distinguishes itself with an impressive 80,000-mile warranty and balanced engineering approach. Its symmetric tread pattern paired with EcoPlus Technology delivers predictable handling and superior corner stability when roads get wet. Emergency maneuver testing shows this tire consistently excels in simulated obstacle avoidance scenarios.
Real-world handling reveals subtle yet important differences. The Continental provides better cornering abilities and more predictable behavior when pushed to the limits. The Michelin offers superior straight-line stability and maintains better performance as temperatures drop during rainy conditions.
Both tires achieve identical noise ratings, though the CrossClimate 2 rates higher for overall ride comfort. The TrueContact Tour's marginally better combined comfort and noise score (7.75 vs 7.58) indicates either tire will provide adequate comfort during rainy drives.
Choose the Michelin CrossClimate 2 if you:
Frequently encounter variable weather conditions
Drive in cold rain or occasional snow
Prioritize straight-line highway stability
Need all-weather versatility
Select the Continental TrueContact Tour if you:
Value predictable cornering performance
Want longer tread life with warranty coverage
Drive primarily in moderate climates
Prefer consistent handling across weather conditions
Both options significantly outperform budget alternatives in wet conditions. Either tire provides the peace of mind necessary when unexpected downpours create challenging driving conditions, making their premium pricing worthwhile for safety-conscious drivers.
When choosing between these premium all-season tires for wet weather performance, both deliver exceptional safety but with distinct characteristics that suit different driving needs.
• Identical wet braking performance: Both tires stop at exactly 153 feet from 60-0 mph, despite marketing claims suggesting differences
• CrossClimate 2 excels in extreme conditions: Superior performance in heavy downpours and cold rain thanks to 3PMSF winter certification and directional V-pattern design
• TrueContact Tour offers better cornering stability: Demonstrates more predictable handling in wet corners and consistently passes emergency lane change tests
• Temperature adaptability matters: CrossClimate 2's Thermal Adaptive Compound maintains flexibility below 45°F, while TrueContact Tour optimizes for moderate climates
• Warranty vs versatility trade-off: Continental offers 80,000-mile warranty with balanced performance, while Michelin provides all-weather capability with shorter coverage
Choose CrossClimate 2 for variable weather conditions and highway stability in heavy rain. Select TrueContact Tour for predictable handling, longer tread life, and consistent moderate-climate performance.
Both tires perform excellently in heavy rain, but the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a slight edge in torrential downpours. It provides superior straight-line stability at highway speeds during heavy rainfall, while the Continental TrueContact Tour offers very strong traction in corners.
In controlled testing from 60 to 0 mph, both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Continental TrueContact Tour stop at precisely 153 feet. This identical braking distance indicates that both tires offer comparable wet braking performance.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is better suited for cold, rainy conditions. Its Thermal Adaptive Compound remains flexible in cold weather, and it has a 3PMSF winter certification, allowing it to maintain grip in cold and wet conditions even below 45°F (7°C).
Both tires achieve identical noise ratings of 4 out of 5. However, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 edges ahead in ride comfort with a rating of 4 out of 5 compared to the Continental TrueContact Tour's 3 out of 5. Overall, the Continental scores slightly higher (7.75 vs 7.58 out of 10) for combined comfort and noise.
The Continental TrueContact Tour demonstrates better cornering stability in wet conditions. It shows more predictable handling in wet corners and consistently performs well in emergency lane change tests. The Michelin CrossClimate 2, while excellent in straight-line stability, becomes slightly less assured in corners during wet conditions.
