Wheel not included

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
  • Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
  • Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Tire Rack Test

Does this tire fit your vehicle?

Tires are designed specifically for different vehicles and wheel sizes. Tell us about your vehicle or the specific size you want so we can help find the right tires for you.

The Defender LTX M/S2 is Michelin's Highway All-Season tire developed to combine all-season capabilities with extended tread life for SUVs, pick-ups, and commercial vans. The Defender LTX M/S2 iterates on a successful legacy to bring a smooth, quiet ride with year-round traction in dry, wet and even light snow.

Defender LTX M/S2

Defender LTX M/S2 tires feature the Michelin Evertread 2.0 compound, an evolution of the DNA found in the prior Defender LTX M/S, specifically formulated to resist abrasion under high load and high torque. The compound is molded into an all-new symmetric tread design; patterned into a series of closely spaced independent blocks, this layout affords additional depth and rigidity compared to its predecessor. This design, combined with high-density 3D SipeLock technology, allows the Defender LTX M/S2 to maintain block cohesion in dry conditions, while still offering the biting edges necessary for all-season traction. Four circumferential grooves and open shoulder slots handle water evacuation from the contact patch for strong wet braking and traction.

The internal construction of the Defender LTX M/S2 includes a twin polyester body casing for stable, crisp steering response and two steel belts providing reliability at highway speeds with the strength necessary to handle heavy loads. A reinforcing polyamide cap ply further enhances performance and stability at high speeds.

Tire Rack Test Results Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

Highway All-Season: The Quietest, Most Comfortable Truck Tires - 2024 Test 7 With Winter Update (24.17)

In our seventh tire test of the year, we took nine Highway All-Season tires to the street, test track, and into wintery conditions to see how they stacked up. The Highway All-Season category is a staple for trucks and large SUVs, combining the weight load limits needed with touring tire manners. If your driving experience keeps to paved and packed gravel surfaces, the Highway All-Season category is for you!

Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

Ratings Charts & Reviews Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

Tire Category: Highway All-Season

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Price
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Excellent
100%
$0
3.4M
9.0 - Excellent
8.4 - Good
8.7 Dirt Traction
8.4 Sand Traction
8.2 Mud Traction
8.6 Rock Traction
9.3 - Excellent
9.3 Hydroplaning Resistance
9.3 Wet Traction
9.5 - Excellent
9.5 Corner Stability
9.6 Dry Traction
9.4 Steering Response
8.4 - Good
8.8 Light Snow Traction
8.4 Deep Snow Traction
8.0 Ice Traction
9.3 - Excellent
9.3 Ride Quality
9.2 Noise
9.4 - Excellent

Customers Say

Ratings highlight excellence across key categories for this highway all-season tire. Treadwear receives strong praise (8-10) with many customers noting long-lasting performance. Comfort scores (8-10) emphasize a smooth, quiet ride ideal for daily driving. Winter traction shows confidence in light snow (7-10), though ice performance has mixed feedback (scores 0-9). Wet traction shines with consistent 9-10 ratings for grip and hydroplaning resistance. Dry traction earns near-perfect marks (9-10) for responsive handling and stability. Customers overwhelmingly praise its balanced all-season capability, with many highlighting reliability in varied conditions as a standout feature.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Customers Like:

257 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 250 positive
  • 7 negative

Customers praise the Defender LTX M/S2's wet traction, with most scoring 9s and 10s for confident grip and hydroplaning resistance. A few note slightly lower scores (7-8) but still report reliable performance in rain.

February 20, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Very responsive and quiet tire that's unbelievable when it comes to driving in the snow and rain!...

Love these on my Escalade! Very responsive and quiet tire that's unbelievable when it comes to driving in the snow and rain! Perfect tire for a large SUV dealing with New England winters!

Vehicle: 2014 Cadillac Escalade AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: HUDSON, NH
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

November 07, 2023

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...My goal was to increase comfort and wet traction... I replaced a set of Hankooks that were horrible in the rain and felt stiff...

I had a lot of different tires on my list of options. I was torn between the Defenders, the Scorpion and the Crossclimates. I live in Florida so I decided to eliminate the Crossclimates, even though they look the coolest as they are directional :-) . I decided on the Michelin Defenders, only because they seem to be the most reviewed on my particular vehicle. I am sure the Scorpions are nice. With that being said, WOW these tires are nice. My goal was to increase comfort and wet traction. I never thought that a nicer tire could improve the comfort level as much as these have. It is like driving a different vehicle. I replaced a set of Hankooks that were horrible in the rain and felt stiff. My wheels are 22 inches and I thought that it would be impossible to get a softer ride but the Defenders accomplished just that. They definitely look nicer too. Something about the shape makes it look like there is more rubber. I will come back and update on wet traction once the Florida rainy season comes but, based on reviews, it should be a big improvement.

NOTE: The Defender 2's do not have many reviews out as they are the newest version. These should be as good, if not better than the original Defenders.

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Expedition Max 2WD 285/45-22
Miles Driven on Tires: 100
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: OVIEDO, FL
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

January 25, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...The brand tires that came on my used truck were some off-brand tires that were loud, wore quickly ( 30,000 miles) and had terrible wet weather and light snow traction... they were noticeably quieter and there was a HUGE improvement in wet and light snow traction...

I have been really happy with these tires. The brand tires that came on my used truck were some off-brand tires that were loud, wore quickly (<30,000 miles) and had terrible wet weather and light snow traction. Here in CT we see all sorts of weather and I wanted good tires that would last. Of course new tires always feel better, but they were noticeably quieter and there was a HUGE improvement in wet and light snow traction. Even the quality of the rubber felt good when they were delivered. For a few extra bucks, I think these Michelins are fantastic and the easy choice for my truck and driving (mix highway and backroads plus towing). I also like that they have an XL load rating, which isn't in the "light truck tire" range but I have 20" wheels and the rating is far more than enough for the tow capacity of my truck and the travel trailer we tow.

Vehicle: 2019 Nissan Titan 4WD Crew Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: BETHANY, CT
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

131 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 120 positive
  • 11 negative

Customers praise winter traction with most scoring 8-10 for snow and deep snow performance. Some note lower ice traction (scores 0-6), indicating mixed results in severe ice despite the tire's all-season design.

April 23, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Deep snow traction is impressive for all season tires as well...

Best tires I've ever owned. There was an immediate difference in ride quality and noise when compared to the OEMs these replaced. Deep snow traction is impressive for all season tires as well. These will be the only tires I use going forward for my truck and SUVs.

Vehicle: 2018 Ford F150 4WD SuperCrew
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WEST RICHLAND, WA
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

January 08, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

I took the tires up to the Snoqualmie Pass out of Seattle. Wet, Snowy, Ice in patches... I found the tires excellent!!! Even more confidence in the rain on crappy pavement traveling 65 to 85 mph. Not a slip, drift, movement just pure confidence. Deep snow, slush again excellent exceeding my expectations...

I just put these on my 04 Range Rover. Unfortunately Michelin stopped making the 255/60/19 size in this tire. So I had to go with the larger 255/65/19. The old Defender LTX M/S was a great tire. Two things I didn't like....The Sidwall was softer or built differently so the tire would look flat because it would bulge slightly. The tire still handled great and it wasn't mushy in a turn. The other issue was tread life. I drive faster than average but I definitely didn't get anywhere close to 70K. On to the new model....first off this tire is XL rated so no more belly in the tire. The sidewall is firmer and the tire has a better stance. You only notice it on choppy pavement...not bad just a trade off that I will take. The load range is higher too. I noticed the quicker steering immediately. Very nice...Turn in is a touch sharper but the other tire was really good to but this one is better. Both tires are super quiet. I would say this is as good or even a hair better. It has a really nice tone at speed. I took the tires up to the Snoqualmie Pass out of Seattle. Wet, Snowy, Ice in patches. My Rover has a decent 4X4 System so my experience maybe slightly different to you. I found the tires excellent!!! Even more confidence in the rain on crappy pavement traveling 65 to 85 mph. Not a slip, drift, movement just pure confidence. Deep snow, slush again excellent exceeding my expectations. Snow is like sand...Big knobby tires only allow you to push a little more snow. They ---- in the rain and they are noisy. I wouldn't look for a more aggressive tire unless I was the 75% of the time. I've taken the old model off road, gravel, mountain roads, logging roads, mud. This tire will be great in all but extreme traction scenarios. Dry grip is excellent. I have never broken the tire loose on dry pavement no matter how hard I pushed it. To drive any faster in a heavy Range Rover you would look like an idiot. So buy with confidence. If you can give me a better tire I would buy it!

Vehicle: 2004 Land Rover Range Rover HSE Standard Model
Miles Driven on Tires: 200
Driving Conditions: Combined Off Road/Highway
Location: SHORELINE, WA
Driving Style: Spirited
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

281 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 279 positive
  • 2 negative

Most customers give dry traction 9s and 10s, praising responsive handling and reliable grip. A few note slightly lower scores (7-8) but still report confident dry performance.

April 30, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...These are quiet and a secure ride which provide great response wet or dry...

Was looking for a quiet tire with great wet traction to replace what felt like slicks in the rain. Mission accomplished. These are quiet and a secure ride which provide a great response wet or dry. Highly recommend

Vehicle: 2021 Ford F150 4WD SuperCrew 275/60-20, Max Trailer Tow Pkg
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: MILFORD, DE
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

February 09, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

From the moment I pulled on to the street, I noticed a HUGE difference in handling. It was amazing. Both wet and dry, strait or in a curve...

From the moment I pulled on to the street, I noticed a HUGE difference in handling. It was amazing. Both wet and dry, strait or in a curve. These tires gave me the confidence, comfort and reaction that exceeded expectations.

Vehicle: 2021 Ford F150 4WD SuperCrew 275/60-20 or 275/50-22
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WALKERTON, IN
Driving Style: Spirited
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

February 12, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

Excellent steering response, nice and quiet compared to the OEM tire...

Excellent steering response, nice and quiet compared to the OEM tire. Looks great and this tire renewed and enhanced the enjoyment of the truck.
What you’d expect from a company that makes the fantastic Sport Cup 2 as well as the Pilot Sport 4s.
Nice job Michelin.

Vehicle: 2020 GMC Acadia AWD AT4
Miles Driven on Tires: 200
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CORAL SPRINGS, FL
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

281 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 269 positive
  • 12 negative

Customers praise the ride comfort and low noise, with most scoring 9s and 10s. A few note minor noise concerns in scores 7-8, but overall performance is excellent.

May 03, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...Quiet ride, Smooth ride, and a great treadware level of 820...

They are exactly what I was looking for. Quiet ride, Smooth ride, and a great treadware level of 820. I am not interested in snow traction since I put snow tires on in the winter. My preferred snow tire are the Blizzaks. So far, I would recommend this tire.

Vehicle: 2022 Ford F150 4WD SuperCrew 275/60-20, Max Trailer Tow Pkg
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: CARMEL, NY
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

January 15, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

These tire are quiet!! comfortable ride.

These tire are quiet!! comfortable ride.

Vehicle: 2021 Ford F150 4WD SuperCrew LT265/70-18 C, Heavy Payload
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MIDDLEBURGH, NY
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

April 16, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...They definitely improved the ride quality

I'm really happy with these tires. They definitely improved the ride quality

Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: RIDGEFIELD, CT
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

186 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 180 positive
  • 6 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate treadwear as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Reviews highlight exceptional longevity and durability across various driving conditions, reinforcing its reputation for long-lasting performance in all-season highway use.

June 12, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

This tire has been holding up much better and tread wear has been solid. 3/32 of wear over 25k.

This tire is one size larger/wider than factory specs, but I was so disappointed with the standard tires wear. This tire has been holding up much better and tread wear has been solid. 3/32 of wear over 25k.

Vehicle: 2019 Land Rover Discovery
Miles Driven on Tires: 25,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MARS, PA
Driving Style: Spirited
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

March 07, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...The first two sets lasted 70000 miles and 62000 miles respectively...

This is my third set of Michelin defender tires. The first two sets lasted 70000 and 62000 miles respectively. They are quiet and give a nice ride. I was also pleased by A-tech auto- who took delivery and installed the tires.

Vehicle: 2015 RAM 1500 4WD Crew Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: COLUMBIA, NJ
Driving Style: Easy Going
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

June 05, 2024

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Finally, I tracked the MPG with the new tires and I'm getting 2 MPG better than with the old tires! I used to be happy with 8 MPG towing the trailer (sometimes 6 if really windy). I got 10.3 MPG on 12 hours of highway and minimal city driving...

Best truck/suv tires I've ever owned!! We tow a 29 foot travel trailer and the previous Goodyear kevlar belted tires were good, but not great. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S (E rated 10 ply) tires are AMAZING!! Seriously, they're a pleasure to drive on. As soon as we hit the freeway with the trailer for our 3 week trip I was blown away at how quiet it was in the cabin. I could only hear the air outside the truck. There was almost zero tire noise and the previous AT tires were quite noisy and not even that aggressive of a tread pattern. The next thing I noticed was when we hit the mountains and frequent corners. The truck felt like it was gripping the road way better than a truck tire has ever before for me. I drive a sports car too, so I know what great tires feel like on a car. These aren't like a sports car, but I can feel improved stability in the corners (not squishy like my last pair), and it gives me extra confidence in mountain driving. Finally, I tracked the MPG with the new tires and I'm getting 2 MPG better than with the old tires! I used to be happy with 8 MPG towing the trailer (sometimes 6 if really windy). I got 10.3 MPG on 12 hours of highway and minimal city driving. Then I reset the counter and drove the truck for an hour without the trailer and got 16 MPG. What the heck?! That's amazing in my truck!

So, final words: Buy these tires if you mostly tow and drive highway miles. Or if you tow and are in the city. Or if you just drive city/highway and don't tow. There are better sand, mud, and gravel tires for sure, but if that's not your thing, then these are your tires. I will buy these for ever more.

Vehicle: 2008 Ford F250 XLT Crew Cab 4x4 Without TPMS
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: BOISE, ID
Driving Style: Average
Was this review helpful?
Yes No
You found this review helpful.
You did not find this review helpful.
Updating...
This is your own survey.

While you can't rate your own survey, you can:

Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Highway All-Season: The Quietest, Most Comfortable Truck Tires - 2024 Test 7 With Winter Update (24.17)

In our seventh tire test of the year, we took nine Highway All-Season tires to the street, test track, and into wintery conditions to see how they stacked up. The Highway All-Season category is a staple for trucks and large SUVs, combining the weight load limits needed with touring tire manners. If your driving experience keeps to paved and packed gravel surfaces, the Highway All-Season category is for you!

Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

Experience the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 (01:01)

The Defender LTX M/S2 is Michelin's Highway All-Season tire developed to combine all-season capabilities with extended tread life for SUVs and pick-ups. The Defender LTX M/S2 iterates on a successful legacy to bring a smooth, quiet ride with year-round traction in dry, wet, and even light snow.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

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).

Contact Us
Three smiling Tire Rack employees