Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 vs Michelin CrossClimate Plus: the full picture
This comparison is built only from published independent tests — no manufacturer claims and no sponsored reviews. Between them, the Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 and Michelin CrossClimate Plus appear in 18 tests, though they have not yet met head-to-head in the same test. Head-to-head results carry the most weight here, because surface, weather and test car all change between events and make raw numbers from different tests hard to compare directly.
How the Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 performs. It takes the win in snow, noise / comfort, efficiency. Its overall Tire Lab Score is 88/100, based on 2 tests.
How the Michelin CrossClimate Plus performs. It takes the win in dry, ice, mileage. Its overall Tire Lab Score is 95/100, based on 16 tests.
What this means for you. Category wins matter more than the overall score when your driving is weighted toward one condition — a wet-climate commuter should follow the wet braking column, while a high-mileage driver should follow wear and rolling resistance. Also check that both tires are actually offered in your size and load rating: performance can shift between sizes, and availability differs between the European and North American markets.
Verdict
The Michelin CrossClimate Plus is the stronger all-round choice, leading in dry and Tire Lab Score. The Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 still wins on snow, making it the right pick if that matters most to you.
Which one should you buy?
- You prioritise snow
- You prioritise noise / comfort
- You prioritise efficiency
Choose Michelin CrossClimate Plus if
- You prioritise dry
- You prioritise ice
- You prioritise mileage
Test profile
| Metric | Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 | Michelin CrossClimate Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Touring | Touring |
| Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tests used | 2 | 16 |
| Best rank | #1 | #1 |
| Avg rank | 4.4 | 5.1 |
| Latest test | 2020 | 2021 |
| Tire Lab Score | 88.1 | 94.5 |
Tire Lab Score
Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2
Michelin CrossClimate Plus
Performance overview
Category-by-category results
| Category | Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 | Michelin CrossClimate Plus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧Wet | Avg rank 4.8 | Avg rank 4.7 453 | Tie |
| ☀️Dry | Avg rank 4.8 1 | Avg rank 3.8 1047 | Michelin CrossClimate Plus |
| ❄️Snow | Avg rank 5.4 | Avg rank 5.6 122 | Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 |
| 🧊Ice | No data | Avg rank 4.0 | Michelin CrossClimate Plus |
| 🔇Noise / Comfort | Avg rank 4.0 2 | Avg rank 5.6 55 | Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 |
| 📏Mileage | No data | Avg rank 1.7 21 | Michelin CrossClimate Plus |
| 🔋Efficiency | Avg rank 2.0 2 | Avg rank 5.5 11 | Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 |
💧 Wet: Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 vs Michelin CrossClimate Plus
Both tires perform similarly in wet, with average ranks of 4.8 and 4.7.
☀️ Dry: Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 vs Michelin CrossClimate Plus
The Michelin CrossClimate Plus wins this category with an average rank of 3.8, compared to 4.8 for the Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2.
❄️ Snow: Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 vs Michelin CrossClimate Plus
The Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 wins this category with an average rank of 5.4, compared to 5.6 for the Michelin CrossClimate Plus.
🧊 Ice: Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 vs Michelin CrossClimate Plus
The Michelin CrossClimate Plus wins this category with an average rank of 4.0, compared to no data for the Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2.
🔇 Noise / Comfort: Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 vs Michelin CrossClimate Plus
The Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 wins this category with an average rank of 4.0, compared to 5.6 for the Michelin CrossClimate Plus.
📏 Mileage: Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 vs Michelin CrossClimate Plus
The Michelin CrossClimate Plus wins this category with an average rank of 1.7, compared to no data for the Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2.
🔋 Efficiency: Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 vs Michelin CrossClimate Plus
The Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 wins this category with an average rank of 2.0, compared to 5.5 for the Michelin CrossClimate Plus.
Frequently asked questions
Which has shorter dry braking distance?
The Michelin CrossClimate Plus averages a better dry-braking rank than the Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 across the tests where both appeared.
Which tire is quieter and more comfortable?
On combined noise and comfort metrics, the Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 ranks better than the Michelin CrossClimate Plus.
Which tire lasts longer?
Based on wear and abrasion testing, the Michelin CrossClimate Plus shows better mileage performance than the Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2.
How many tests were used in this comparison?
Maxxis VanSmart AS AL2 appears in 2 independent tests, Michelin CrossClimate Plus in 16.
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Data aggregated from independent testing organizations including ADAC, Auto Bild, TCS, and Auto Motor und Sport. Read our methodology →
