Tyrereviews Test of Seven Tyres 225/40 R18 2026

Is the new Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport a fully-fledged replacement for the iconic summer Pilot Sport 5? And can you drive on track-focused semi-slicks all year round? A unique test of seven Michelin models in size 225/40 R18 (and 235/35 R19 for the Cup 2 R version) on the same track and with the same car (VW Golf GTI Clubsport) revealed the exact differences between the individual categories, from winter snow all the way to dry asphalt.

The lineup underwent brutal testing, from all-season tyres (CrossClimate 3, CrossClimate 3 Sport), through touring and high-performance summer rubber (Primacy 5, Pilot Sport 5, Pilot Sport 4 S), all the way to track semi-slicks (Pilot Sport Cup 2, Cup 2 R).

• Braking on water: The Pilot Sport 5 confirmed its dominance, but a surprise occurred in the clash between all-season tyres and semi-slicks. The standard CrossClimate 3 braked to a stop significantly sooner than the track-oriented Cup 2. The track version Cup 2 R needed up to 47.9% longer stopping distance than the Pilot Sport 5 from the same speed – it was literally floating on the water before braking.
• Aquaplaning: On standing water in a straight line, the sporty all-season CrossClimate 3 Sport shone, beating even the summer touring Primacy 5 thanks to its open grooves.
• Controllability: The fastest tyre on the wet track was the Pilot Sport 4 S. Surprisingly, the track-focused Cup 2 achieved a lap time comparable to the all-season CrossClimate 3, but in cold weather on the road, this semi-slick would be extremely dangerous on water.

• The CrossClimate 3 Sport vs. Primacy 5 battle: Yes! The sport-oriented all-season CrossClimate 3 Sport was half a second per lap faster on the dry track than the summer touring Primacy 5. It offered more precise steering response and much better control over the vehicle.
• Dominance of the semi-slicks: As expected, the Cup 2 and Cup 2 R ruled the track. They offered extreme cornering grip and brutal traction. Conversely, when braking from straight-line speed, the summer Primacy 5, thanks to its full tread surface, was able to outperform the all-season CrossClimate 3 Sport.

• Braking distance on snow: The summer tyre Primacy 5 needed more than 30 meters to stop on snow, while the all-season CrossClimate 3 braked in 16.5 meters (an 85% difference).
• The price of a wrong choice: If you drive on all-season tyres in summer, your braking distance increases by 7 to 12% compared to summer tyres. However, if you stay on summer tyres in winter, your braking distance increases by up to 85%. Risking summer tyres in winter is an enormous gamble.

• Rolling resistance: The most economical tyre in the test was the Primacy 5, closely followed by the all-season CrossClimate 3 Sport and CrossClimate 3. The highest fuel consumption was recorded by the uncompromising Cup 2 R semi-slicks.
• Comfort: Switching from the summer touring Primacy 5 to the premium all-season CrossClimate 3 brings no compromise in noise or ride quality – both are exemplarily quiet and comfortable.

For a true sporty driving enthusiast, the answer is no – the purely summer specials Pilot Sport 5 or Pilot Sport 4 S provide more precise response, better feedback, and shorter braking distances in summer.

However, if you're looking for an all-season solution for a fast car (such as the BMW 340i, Audi S4, or VW Golf GTI) and don't want to change tyres twice a year, the CrossClimate 3 Sport is a fantastic compromise. It brings driving joy back to all-season tyres without leaving you in the lurch during winter.