The Defender2 is Michelin's Standard Touring All-Season tire built for drivers of coupes, sedans, crossover, SUVs and minivans, looking for a dependable tire with reliable year-round traction. Defender2 tires are built to combine long, durable tread life with capable all-season performance in dry, wet and wintry conditions, even in light snow.
The all-season compound is molded into a symmetric tread design allowing for flexible rotation patterns, helping manage block wear and maintain a smooth, quiet ride. Interconnected tread elements minimize airborne noise and help ensure a stable footprint for predictable handing in dynamic maneuvers. Wide, circumferential grooves provide ample pass-through volume and channel water from generous lateral notches for enhanced hydroplaning resistance. Carefully integrated lateral and longitudinal sipes help provide biting edges and grip on slippery pavement for confidence in inclement weather and wintry roads.
Internal construction of the Defender2 consists of a single-ply casing with a high turn-up ply design to maintain durability while preserving ride comfort. Twin steel belts provide a robust foundation for the tread and are reinforced by a polyamide cap ply for stability at high speeds.
El neumático Defender2 de Michelin pertenece a la categoría: Turismo Estándar Para Toda Estación y fue fabricado para conductores de autos cupé, sedán, utiliautos (crossover), vehículos utilitarios deportivos (SUV, por sus siglas en inglés) y minivans, que desean un neumático con tracción confiable durante todas las estaciones del año. El Defender2 ha sido diseñado para combinar un desgaste lento y durabilidad, con buen rendimiento durante todo el año en condiciones secas, mojadas e invernales, incluyendo superficies con poca nieve.
El compuesto de caucho para toda estación es moldeado en una huella con patrón simétrico, que permite una rotación flexible, lo cual ayuda a manejar el desgaste de los bloques y mantener un manejo parejo y tranquilo. Elementos interconectados en la huella disminuyen el ruido y ayudan a asegurar una huella estable, la cual, proporciona un manejo predecible en maniobras dinámicas. Ranuras circunferenciales anchas permiten pasar gran cantidad de agua a canales laterales, y así proporcionar mayor resistencia al deslizamiento sobre agua (hydroplaning). Pequeñas ranuras laterales y longitudinales integradas, ayudan a proporcionar bordes adherentes y tracción sobre pavimento resbaloso, proporcionando mayor confianza en climas inclementes y durante el invierno.
La construcción interna del Defender2 posee una estructura con una capa de bordes altos diseñados para mantener durabilidad y mantener un andar confortable. Correas gemelas de acero proporcionan una fundación robusta para la huella, y son reforzadas con una capa de poliamida que proporciona estabilidad a velocidades elevadas.
Specifications shown are as accurate as possible based on the information provided to us by the tire manufacturers. The dimensions reflect average values for tires measured on the specified measuring rim width. Individual tires may vary from data shown.
All tires are subject to continuous development. The tire manufacturers and Tire Rack reserve the right to change product specifications at any time without notice or obligation.
*Although regularly updated, the country of origin for tires may vary from what is shown. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for tires with a specific country of origin.
For assistance selecting products for your vehicle, please contact our sales specialists at 888-541-1777 or via email.
Treadwear:6 Years / 80,000 Miles Half mileage for rear if different size than front
Manufacturer Special Warranty:60-day satisfaction (1), 3-yr roadside assistance
Additional Information:(1) Up to 6 per customer, exchange for any brand.
Notes
See official manufacturer's warranty brochure for specific details.
New vehicle Original Equipment tire warranties often differ from those covering replacement tires. Consult your vehicle documents to confirm Original Equipment tire warranty coverage.
Tire Rack Test Results Michelin Defender2
Premium Touring Tires: Elevating the Journey - 2024 Test 8 - With Winter Update (28:51)
Ultra High Performance All-Season tires are the best of the best when it comes to maximizing warm-weather traction while maintaining four-season usability. In this test, we compare 9 tires from this category to see what stands out and what leaves more to be desired.
User feedback reveals the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus delivers excellent dry traction (9-10 scores dominate) with precise steering and stable cornering. Wet performance earns strong praise for grip and hydroplaning resistance, with most ratings in the 8-10 range. Winter traction is capable in light snow (7-9 scores), though ice performance shows mixed results (3-6 scores in some reviews). Comfort receives consistent praise for a smooth, quiet ride (8-10 ratings), aligning with grand touring expectations. Treadwear is generally rated positively (7-10), with many noting durability for an ultra-high-performance tire, though a few report faster wear under aggressive driving.
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Customers Like:
890 customers mention "Wet Traction"
871 positive
19 negative
Customers praise the wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, with most scoring 9s and 10s. A few rate 7-8, still noting confident grip in rainy conditions.
December 08, 2024(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5
...Very good dry and wet road handling (I live in a very rainy area)...
Great tires. Very good dry and wet road handling (I live in a very rainy area). I have not used them in really any snow, as I live near in south-central Virginia, but my siblings up north in PA and New England also bought these tires and they say they perform excellently in snow. Treadwear meets expectations, and actually wears a bit better than I expected for such grippy tires. They also look great.
Vehicle: 2003 Mazda Protege 5 Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: LYNCHBURG, VA Driving Style: Average
...Wet traction is PHENOMENAL. I find myself not making any adjustments to high speed wet driving...
Actually I think these are the best tires I've ever owned. The XL distinction for these tires makes for a stronger sidewall, which is much for hitting ruts, potholes and such. My car has a lowered suspension (H&R Greens on stock struts) which needs extra help in the NY area. Wet traction is PHENOMENAL. I find myself not making any adjustments to high speed wet driving. Dry traction is on rails. These tires do everything I want them to with no complaints. I also had my wheels/tires balanced via Road Force balancing and I highly recommend it. I've never had such smooth driving without any vibrations, especially above 80mph. I hope Continental continues to make quality products in the future.
Vehicle: 2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec Miles Driven on Tires: 30,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: NEW HAMPTON, NY Driving Style: Spirited
I needed great traction especially for wet conditions living in Florida... These tires are like glue on the road...
I love these Extreme Contacts. I've only owned one other set of Continentals some 30 years ago and chose these for my Mustang as I needed great traction especially for wet conditions living in Florida. I have had several sports style cars over the years and these tires outperform Goodyear's , Michelin's, Firestone's , Goodrich and Hankook, all of which I've had in the past. I like the term spirited driver that you use nice way of saying like to go fast and push some turns to the limit. A couple days ago I pushed these tires to what I thought would be the limit around a certain turn and I could not even get a squeal out of these tires. My Hankook's these replaced, could never even come close to taking that turn that "spirited".These tires are like glue on the road. These tires not only have great traction, they have very low road noise land a great smooth ride. I love them and highly recommend! Worth every penny.
Vehicle: 2013 Ford Mustang Convertible Automatic Transmission Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: SARASOTA, FL Driving Style: Spirited
Customers rate winter traction highly, with snow/deep snow scores mostly 8-10. Ice traction shows variability, with some ratings 5-7 indicating mixed icy performance.
March 11, 2025(Verified Purchase)
4.3 out of 5
...Having come from dedicated summer performance and winter traction tires, I occasionally miss some of the grip in both warm and cold seasons. But in terms of all-around balance - dry traction, snow traction, wet traction and comfort - combined with not having the hassle of seasonal tire swapping, the Contis have been pretty freakin brilliant...
I am loving these tires. Having come from dedicated summer performance and winter traction tires, I occasionally miss some of the grip in both warm and cold seasons. But in terms of all-around balance — dry traction, snow traction, wet traction and comfort — combined with not having the hassle of seasonal tire swapping, the Contis have been pretty freakin brilliant. (Plus, the tread pattern looks so cool.)
Vehicle: 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 235/35-19 Miles Driven on Tires: 11,000 Driving Conditions: Mostly City Location: LITTLETON, CO Driving Style: Average
...I drive fairly aggressively and these have been great in dry, wet, icy, and snowy conditions...
Upgraded to this tire from another continental tire - I drive fairly aggressively and these have been great in dry, wet, icy, and snowy conditions - would definitely purchase again.
Vehicle: 2022 Audi SQ7 Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: MICHIGAN CITY, IN Driving Style: Spirited
Customers praise the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus for excellent dry traction, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Reviews highlight responsive handling and confident grip, aligning with its ultra-high performance all-season design.
January 02, 2025(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5
excellent wet/dry traction; great cornering/handling.
excellent wet/dry traction; great cornering/handling.
Vehicle: 2023 Subaru WRX Premium Miles Driven on Tires: 4,500 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: MC LEAN, VA Driving Style: Spirited
...These tires have 95% of the dry traction of the Michelin tires but offer a better, quieter ride and a significant increase in wet traction. There is a little more body roll in fast cornering and I believe the sidewall is softer on these tires, but in an almost negligible way...
This is my fourth set of Continental DWS 06 tires but the first on my Genesis G70. These replaced the OEM Michelin Pilot Sport 4s. These tires have 95% of the dry traction of the Michelin tires but offer a better, quieter ride and a significant increase in wet traction. There is a little more body roll in fast cornering and I believe the sidewall is softer on these tires, but in an almost negligible way. I have put 15k miles on them since install and if they continue to wear as they have I expect 35-40k miles out of the set. I may have to replace the Rear set sooner but that's my fault :)
For the G70 specifically there is more sidewall to protect the rim as opposed to the OEM Michelin PS4s which almost look stretched as standard.
...In cornering, they are very communicative, taking a nice set when corning harder. Traction in dry and wet is excellent...
I was surprised just how good the ride quality and performance characteristics of this tire are. In cornering, they are very communicative, taking a nice set when corning harder. Traction in both dry and wet is excellent. Ride quality is very good. I would absolutely purchaes these tires again.
Vehicle: 2005 Cadillac STS V8 235/50-17F 255/45-17R Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: MARIETTA, GA Driving Style: Spirited
Customers praise the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus for excellent ride comfort, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Many highlight smooth handling and low noise levels, though some note minor noise variations.
December 02, 2024(Verified Purchase)
4.1 out of 5
Very happy over standard OEM tires car came equipped with. Greatly improved traction and driving comfort...
Very happy over standard OEM tires car came equipped with. Greatly improved traction and driving comfort. Convinced my son to purchase a complete set for his Subaru Wagon. Can’t beat Tire Rack for Reviews and pricing. Been using you for over 40 years and always referred Tire Rack being in the automotive industry.
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Miles Driven on Tires: 7,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: PORT JEFFERSON STATIO, NY Driving Style: Average
...The are a perfect balance between comfort and performance. When compare to similar tires this tires stands out specially for its comfort...
This is the 4th set of these tires I have purchased. The are a perfect balance between comfort and performance. When compare to similar tires this tires stands out specially for its comfort. Great value!
Vehicle: 2022 BMW 540i xDrive M Sport Brakes Staggered Runflat Tires Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: CAPE CORAL, FL Driving Style: Spirited
Customers praise treadwear durability, with most scoring 9s and 10s. A few report lower scores (0-6), noting uneven wear or shorter lifespan than expected for an all-season tire.
December 01, 2024(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5
...Awesome treadwear and no road noise...
Extremely good purchase get in all weather conditions. Awesome treadwear and no road noise. Snowy weather moderate but spirited definitely my go to from now on!!
Vehicle: 2001 BMW 530i Sport Package Miles Driven on Tires: 17,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: ORANGE PARK, FL Driving Style: Spirited
...The main reason I went with Continental is the tread wear is excellent, I would have loved to stick with the sticky sport cup 2's that came with the car but they were bald in 5K miles of which I enjoyed immensely...
These are really good tires I ran them on my ‘17 STI as well. The main reason I went with Continental is the tread wear is excellent, I would have loved to stick with the sticky sport cup 2’s that came with the car but they were bald in 5K miles of which I enjoyed immensely. I’ll buy another set when I wear these out.
Vehicle: 2020 Subaru WRX STi Series.White Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: MOORESVILLE, NC Driving Style: Spirited
This is the second set I have purchased for my WRX. I was very happy with the first set purchased so I got them again...
This is the second set I have purchased for my WRX. I was very happy with the first set purchased so I got them again. Living in Minnesota I have found they are a great year round tire for a sports car, very confident in almost every driving condition I have faced on Minnesota roads.
Vehicle: 2016 Subaru WRX Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: RUSH CITY, MN Driving Style: Spirited
Premium Touring Tires: Elevating the Journey - 2024 Test 8 - With Winter Update (28:51)
Ultra High Performance All-Season tires are the best of the best when it comes to maximizing warm-weather traction while maintaining four-season usability. In this test, we compare 9 tires from this category to see what stands out and what leaves more to be desired.
The Unsung Heroes of the Daily Driver – 2024 Test 4 With Winter Update (29:18)
Ten touring all-season tires built to handle everyday commuters’ needs take their turn on a car built to do the same, a 2025 Toyota Camry. Our testing team assesses strengths and tradeoffs and ranks them top-to-bottom to help you determine which is right for you. This updated version includes our 2024 winter testing!
The Michelin Defender2 is a Standard Touring All-Season tire built for drivers of coupes, sedans, crossover, SUVs, and minivans, looking for a dependable tire with reliable year-round traction.
Testing Standard Touring All-Season Tires: Michelin Defender2 (1:57)
The Michelin Defender2 is the latest entry into the Standard Touring All-Season category, so our team put it up against two other previously tested and highly ranked competitors.
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