I am a evangelist for the Cross Climate 2s. Have had on my Outback for 1 year. Performance in Snow is awesome as expected, but did not expect such a massive improvement overall in handling, breaking distance, and traction in rainy conditions. And the first time I drove on a dirt road, it felt like a Rally car. 55mph on dirt feels as grounded as pavement. Also, have spots on my regular route that get pooling on the road during decent rain, and it simply will not hydroplane at 60mph.
I got Cross Climates on my wife’s Outback last year and they are amazing! Road noise went to zero and they handle perfectly!
I live in GA and have had the Defender 2’s on my ‘20 Outback Limited for ~10k miles. They replaced the stock tires from when I bought the car. I have been very happy with the ride so far. It is smooth and quieter than I expected. I am a pretty conservative driver, so I haven’t really “tested” the tires. When I have to stop suddenly or drive in the rain, they handle well, and I can’t remember a time where I felt I didn’t have adequate traction.
I have 50,000 miles on CrossClimate2s. Spectacular tire. When I bought them, COSTCO made me sign a form that they recommended against them. They had a higher price recommendation. But CC2s were longer lasting, quieter, smoother with phenomenal wet pavement specs. They have lived up to all those claims.
I have those on my Honda Element and they have great traction and wear. They are super quiet and very smooth on the interstate.
I live in the PNW. I have had the defender and cross climate on my outback. I personally prefer the cross climate so far. We drive in very wet weather and snow. I have not had any issues so far. I do like the handling in extreme rain and light snow with the cross climates.
I have Michelin Defender 2s on my Civic, and they're great. I'm in North Carolina, so I get loads of rain. I had them on my old Cruze, too, and they were the best part of that car. They still had decent tread left after 50,000 miles when I sold it.
Still on my stock tires for my Outback but I have Defender 2s on a RAV4 hybrid. Not the same car, I know, but they have been so awesome in wet conditions. No issues with hard braking either. The tread also wears extremely well.
My winters aren't too different, and I've had or have all of them: Pilot Alpin, X-Ice Snow, and CC2 (all North American versions). The CC2 were just too floppy and imprecise for me, and that's on a modified daily driver crossover. On a 986 the steering and handling response would be damaged noticeably over Pilot Alpins imo. If you're a fan of feel (and likely traction overall, honestly), get the UHP winters. They're by far my category of choice because of the sporty feel they maintain on performance cars.
My problem with Michelin is the tires are just too soft, they wear a lot faster than some of the tougher tire brands
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