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
All-Weather vs. Winter Tires: The Definitive Test(12:05)
Brent and TJ set off with a couple of objectives in this, the first test of 2026. The first is to highlight the differences between two types of Grand Touring tires: all-season and all-weather. Second, to see how they stack up to dedicated winter tires. The internet is a great resource, but not all the information out there is accurate, and this test is designed to truly set the record straight.
Customers praise the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx for outstanding dry traction (9-10 ratings) and reliable wet performance, with strong hydroplaning resistance (8-10 scores) suited to rugged all-terrain use. Winter traction earns consistent praise in deep snow (8-10), though ice performance shows occasional 7s. Treadwear scores (8-10) highlight durability for heavy-duty use. Comfort receives mostly positive feedback (7-10) for ride quality, but noise levels split opinions-some report noticeable road hum (1-6 scores), while others find it acceptable. Overall, drivers rate it highly for off-road capability and on-road stability, aligning well with its commercial all-terrain design.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Select to learn more
Customers Like:
67 reviews mention "Wet Traction"
57 positive
10 negative
Wet traction earns mostly 8-10s, with customers praising reliable grip and stability on wet terrain. Hydroplaning resistance also scores strong 8-10s, though some note challenges in extreme downpours.
October 03, 2023
(Verified Purchase)
4.4 out of 5
...I live in a dry climate, but when it does rain they handle the wet road well, never hydro plain, but they might spin with too much throttle at acceleration...
It’s an old school skinny 33” tire that gives a truck a little more offroad security without a lift. They’ve been great in every season. In snow you have to remember to air down because fully inflated they seem to want to spin in fresh snow. The “pizza cutter” size allows the tire to dig down in deep snow for traction, they do not float my 7.3 powerstroke cclb truck. I live in a dry climate, but when it does rain they handle the wet road well, never hydro plain, but they might spin with too much throttle at acceleration. They handle Rocky Mountain roads with ease, I’m not concerned with a puncture due to carcass construction. They haven’t seen a ton of mud, but they handled it well. The cooper st maxx clears mud and debris well. I have a gravel driveway and once on the highway rocks are flung out into the fender well regularly. We regularly haul a truck camper in the bed and these tire are always up for the task. They are firm on the road and corner well with great sidewalk stability. I’d run them again for my full size diesel without hesitation.
Vehicle: 1999 Ford F350 4wd Miles Driven on Tires: 12,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Off Road/Highway Location: DUFUR, OR Driving Style: Spirited
Most customers rate winter traction highly, with snow and deep snow scores often 8-10. Ice traction sees mostly 7-8, suitable for rugged all-terrain use. A few note lower ice grip but praise overall capability.
October 12, 2022
(Verified Purchase)
4.9 out of 5
...This tire is the absolute best tire for winter and mountain driving while maintaining fairly quiet ride on highway (all things considered for big tread pattern tire)... !...
Get them syped! This tire is the absolute best tire for winter and mountain driving while maintaining fairly quiet ride on highway (all things considered for big tread pattern tire). they don’t wear out as uneventful as, say, Wrangler Duratrac which I’ve had for years until I shifted to these. if you get them syped the traction on show and ice is freaking remarkable!!! best winter/mud/dirt road I’ve ever had. This tire will never leave you hanging and will get you in and out of the mountains with confidence.
Vehicle: 2006 Toyota Tundra Access Cab SR5 4wd Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Off Road/Highway Location: BOZEMAN, MT Driving Style: Spirited
Vehicle: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4wd Regular Cab Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Off Road/Highway Location: BOLTON LANDING, NY Driving Style: Average
...Had deep snowfall in 2018 over 10 inches on road, pulled right through...
I've had no problem with these tires. Little noisy but I like noise. Responsive on interstate highways as well as off road. Not much wear on them after 20,000 miles. Had deep snowfall in 2018 over 10 inches on road, pulled right through. I recommend!
Vehicle: 2010 Ford F150 XL 4x4 Super Cab Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: INWOOD, WV Driving Style: Spirited
Customers rate dry traction highly with most scores 9-10, praising confident grip and stability on rugged terrain. While a few note 7-8 ratings, performance excels in all-terrain conditions as intended.
66 reviews mention "Ride Quality"
54 positive
12 negative
Most customers rate ride quality and noise comfort highly, with scores between 7-10. Positive feedback highlights smooth handling and durability in rugged conditions, impressive for a commercial all-terrain tire. Some variability noted, but overall satisfaction is strong.
December 09, 2022
(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5
...Cooper ST Maxx are very comfortable and surprisingly quiet.
TireRack order shipped fast and arrived fast. Cooper ST Maxx are a great all purpose tire, balanced well, good traction across all types of surfaces except not deep wet snow or deep clay mud. Cooper ST Maxx are very comfortable and surprisingly quiet.
Vehicle: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Off Road/Highway Location: OHIO, NY Driving Style: Average
...I drive a lot of miles a week on open hwy and in the city and weather I am doing 85 or 25 the ride quality is about the same...
These are great compared to other tires in this class, rotate them, keep the correct pressure and you will see excellent results from these tires. I drive a lot of miles a week on open hwy and in the city and weather I am doing 85 or 25 the ride quality is about the same. These are not Michelins and if that is the ride you want then you should buy those, but if you want a great on/off road tire I can definitely recommend this tire. Have a great and safe driving.
Vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4wd Regular Cab Miles Driven on Tires: 30,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: DUNNVILLE, KY Driving Style: Average
Treadwear scores are predominantly 8-10, with customers praising durability in rugged all-terrain conditions. A few lower ratings exist, but most highlight exceptional longevity ideal for commercial use.
November 20, 2019
4.8 out of 5
...This set currently has 61,000 miles on them (getting rotated and balanced at a local Discount Tire) and still have 7/32 of treadlife left. The store manager looked up my total miles to date for me and did two double takes on the miles. Couldn't believe the miles I have on them...
These are absolutely the best all around all terrain tire I have ever run, and I have run many different tires on my Jeeps and Land Cruiser over the last 35 years. This set currently has 61,000 miles on them (getting rotated and balanced at a local Discount Tire) and still have 7/32 of treadlife left. The store manager looked up my total miles to date for me and did two double takes on the miles. Couldn't believe the miles I have on them. Always have them balanced and rotated every 3 to 5 thousand miles at Discount Tire (lifetime for free!!) The tires are heavy, lost a couple miles to the fallen when changing to them but also had moved to a size larger than stock so not all MPG loss due to weight. Will absolutely run these tires again and, as of now, have no plans to run any other tire on my Jeeps.
Vehicle: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Miles Driven on Tires: 61,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: FAYETTEVILLE, GA Driving Style: Average
...I got 70k+ out of the tires on my Ford before I sold the truck with PLENTY of tread left, was able to get well over 100k on my first set for the Ram (only reason I swapped them was to up size a little) and they had plenty of tread left. Currently I am at about 40k miles on this set and they look and feel like new!
This is my 3rd set of Cooper ST Maxx tires. I had a set on my Offroad Ford Expedition, and this is my second set on my Ram 1500. I tow and haul alot, off road regularly (light trails and off trail. no mudding or rock climbing) and these tires have never disappointed. I got 70k+ out of the tires on my Ford before I sold the truck with PLENTY of tread left, was able to get well over 100k on my first set for the Ram (only reason I swapped them was to up size a little) and they had plenty of tread left. Currently I am at about 40k miles on this set and they look and feel like new! Whether it be towing, hauling or just daily driving to and from work and no matter the weather these tires ALWAYS deliver! I will NEVER EVER put another tire on any truck or SUV I own so long as they make these. They are worth EVERY PENNY.
Vehicle: 2016 RAM 1500 4WD Crew Cab Miles Driven on Tires: 40,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Off Road/Highway Location: MOUNT AIRY, MD Driving Style: Spirited
All-Weather vs. Winter Tires: The Definitive Test(12:05)
Brent and TJ set off with a couple of objectives in this, the first test of 2026. The first is to highlight the differences between two types of Grand Touring tires: all-season and all-weather. Second, to see how they stack up to dedicated winter tires. The internet is a great resource, but not all the information out there is accurate, and this test is designed to truly set the record straight.
Premium Touring Tires: Elevating the Journey – 2025 Test 7 - With Winter Update(30:19)
New tires, customer favorites, and former test winners are among the group for 2025’s Test 7, which also sees some manufacturers with multiple tires. Both Bridgestone and Goodyear have two tires in this group, while Continental, Michelin, and Yokohama each have a horse in this race. Who comes out on top and what category will it represent, Standard Touring or Grand Touring All-Season? In the end where will these tires stack up in our ever-growing combined results of tested touring tires? Watch now to find out!
Premium Touring Tires: Elevating the Journey - 2024 Test 8 - With Winter Update(28:51)
The Camry is back in action in this premium touring tire test. 9 Grand Touring All-Season tires, 6 of which are 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake and 2 Standard All-Season tires, are tested to see how they stack up in this highly competitive and popular category. This test is a spiritual successor to Test 4, which saw 9 other touring tires ranked. The ante has been raised this time around as we combine the results of both tests and winter updates to help you make the most informed choice.
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.
Need help choosing the right products for your vehicle? Our US-based team of highly trained experts has the knowledge and passion to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a ring. Or let's chat via email. We love solving problems and lending a hand (or an ear).
(1,116)
