I've been happy with my Michelin Defenders but decided to switch to Michelin's CrossClimate 2 CUV tires for today's purchase. The CC2 is their new directional tire with a V-pattern to move water on wet roads out from the sides of the tire instead of the traditional channels that run straight through. The angled treads are also supposed to provide good grip in snow.

My local tire guy has them on his personal vehicle, which is a good testimonial. But the clincher is that Michelin is running a promotion to move this new model. Money talks, so I got them.

They look a little odd so it may be a while before I get used to them.

 

You heading for the South Pole or what? That looks gnarlier than my studded Nokians!

 

Yeah, I know! I should get an air intake snorkel and a winch to complete the "look".

 

That and a stuffed polar bear mounted to the roof to scare off the natives.

 

They do look cool. I was intrigued and went to https://www.michelinman.com/auto/bro.../cross-climate
Though they have the “snowflake” it states right on the website “The MICHELIN®CrossClimate® SUV tire is not designed for extreme winter conditions with substantial ice, slush, heavy snow.”. Sadly, rules it out for me.
But they do look very good…. how does one get high mileage and year round grip out of the same tire… well done.