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MichelinDefender LTX M/S2
  • MichelinDefender LTX M/S2
  • MichelinDefender LTX M/S2
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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 MichelinDefender 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%
$300+
4.8M
9.0 - Excellent
8.4 - Good
8.6 Dirt Traction
8.4 Sand Traction
8.2 Mud Traction
8.5 Rock Traction
9.3 - Excellent
9.2 Hydroplaning Resistance
9.3 Wet Traction
9.5 - Excellent
9.4 Corner Stability
9.5 Dry Traction
9.4 Steering Response
8.4 - Good
8.8 Light Snow Traction
8.4 Deep Snow Traction
7.9 Ice Traction
9.2 - Excellent
9.3 Ride Quality
9.2 Noise
9.4 - Excellent

Customers Say

Feedback patterns show the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 delivers outstanding treadwear (9-10 scores dominate), with many customers highlighting long-lasting performance. Comfort earns consistent praise for a smooth, quiet ride, supported by high marks in noise reduction. Winter traction is strong in snow (8-10 range), though ice traction shows occasional lower scores (4-7), suggesting variability in extreme cold. Wet traction and hydroplaning resistance are excellent (8-10), with dry handling described as confident and responsive. As a highway-focused all-season tire, it excels in year-round predictability, balancing durability with refined driving dynamics. A few lower ice scores remind users to adjust expectations for severe winter conditions.

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Customers Like:

352 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 342 positive
  • 10 negative

Most customers rate wet traction 9-10, highlighting excellent hydroplaning resistance and confident grip in rainy conditions, ideal for all-season highway use.

April 30, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...They track well in wet weather.

Really pleased with the purchase. Tires are quiet. They track well in wet weather.

Vehicle: 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ
Driving Style: Spirited
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April 22, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

...They handle very well in rainy - wet road conditions, the heavy front end diesel truck corners well on wet roads, even at high speeds. It takes a 2 - 3" deep puddle at 75 mph or faster to even get a little hydroplaning.

This is my second set of these and once again on my way to 60,000 miles treadwear.
They handle very well in rainy - wet road conditions, the heavy front end diesel truck corners well on wet roads, even at high speeds. It takes a 2 - 3" deep puddle at 75 mph or faster to even get a little hydroplaning.

Vehicle: 2015 Ford F350 4WD Single Rear Wheel 275/70-18 OE
Miles Driven on Tires: 23,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: SANDY, UT
Driving Style: Spirited
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January 10, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...After lots of research I decided to go with these new Defender LTX M/S2's... and best of all, I can't break the rear loose even if I try my best on a rainy day. Just did a 300-mile road trip in cold rainy weather, and the cushy/silent ride combined with virtually none of the good road/steering feedback loss I expected is really impressive...

I had only put about 25k miles on the Goodyear Wrangler Adventurer A/T w/ Kevlar's (E-rated) that were on the truck when I bought it (truck was used, the dealer put those on new when I got the truck), when the traction in even light rain on flat roads had become so bad that the rear end would break loose every time I tried to leave a stop sign or turn a corner at 15 mph. After lots of research I decided to go with these new Defender LTX M/S2's (P-rated since I don't really tow/haul, but they do have an "XL" rating in the size I purchased which should do fine with light towing), and my goodness what a difference. The noise level dropped to essentially zero at every speed, the teeth-chattering over every crack in the road turned into a smooth and composed ride, and best of all, I can't break the rear loose even if I try my best on a rainy day hammering on it. Just did a 300-mile road trip in cold rainy weather, and the cushy/silent ride combined with virtually none of the good road/steering feedback loss I expected is really impressive. The truck just feels planted on the road now. Looking forward to getting a snowstorm so I can test these in ice/snow and on the dirt/sand roads on my buddy's property, but I have no doubt they will be as great or better than the previous Defender LTX M/S. With the limited feedback I've had so far, I highly recommend these.

Vehicle: 2019 Ford F150 4WD SuperCrew
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ
Driving Style: Average
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181 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 167 positive
  • 14 negative

Most customers rate winter traction highly, with snow/deep snow scores often 9-10 and ice traction mostly 7-8. Excellent snow performance noted, with reliable grip in varied conditions. A few lower ice scores show minor variability.

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 in the snow and rain! Perfect tire for a large SUV dealing with New England winters!

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
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August 06, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

These tires get great traction on packed snow/ice...

These tires get great traction on packed snow/ice. Really like the ride quality which is smooth. Very happy with purchase and would buy again.

Vehicle: 2021 Ford F150 4WD SuperCrew 275/60-20, Max Trailer Tow Pkg
Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LANSING, MI
Driving Style: Easy Going
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August 12, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...And my drive is thru the Sierra Nevadas, storms included. Deep snow, slush, ice, and water on the steepest downhill sections with sudden curves at the bottom. Again, a new car feel, confidence greatly improved, fear at a much lower level!...

I was going to sell this Escalade because I thought the suspension was worn out. But with winter beginning I opted for new tires and decided on this Defender. It transformed my suv into a dramatically improved handling vehicle. And my drive is thru the Sierra Nevadas , storms included. Deep snow, slush, ice, and water on the steepest downhill sections with sudden curves at the bottom. Again, a new car feel, confidence greatly improved, fear at a much lower level! Heart rate and blood pressure no longer sky high on the dangerous sections. Very happy with this decision!!

Vehicle: 2015 Cadillac Escalade
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: RENO, NV
Driving Style: Spirited
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381 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 378 positive
  • 3 negative

Customers consistently rate dry traction highly, with most scoring 9s and 10s. The Defender LTX M/S2 delivers responsive handling and reliable grip, excelling in its intended highway all-season use.

March 25, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...They have a great ride and are quiet for highway driving, yet work really well on dirt roads, in rain and in snow...

These are pretty close to perfect tires for real SUV's and truck (vs. crossovers). I loved the previous LTX's, but these seem better in every almost every way. They have a great ride and are quiet for highway driving, yet work really well on dirt roads, rain and snow. The new versions also look a bit more aggressive. I big plus is the always-great Michelin quality, as I also run Michelin sport tires on my Porsches as with zero issues. Unless you need a very aggressive off-road traction tire on your SUV, this is your tire.

Vehicle: 2008 Lexus GX470
Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MORGAN HILL, CA
Driving Style: Spirited
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November 27, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...Just handled a 800 mile road trip like butter...

Absolute gold for my 1500 RAM. Worth every penny. Top shelf experience with these. Just handled a 800 mile road trip like butter. The OEM Pirelli Scorpion Verde were complete rubbish. As always, the TireRack experience was flawless. Do your research, of course, but you will not be disappointed. If you’re not a researcher, but a click and buy consumer, just buy these and be done. And happy. Cheers

Vehicle: 2022 RAM 1500 4WD Quad Cab (6 Lug) 285/45-22
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: FRISCO, TX
Driving Style: Average
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383 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 364 positive
  • 19 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2's comfort as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s for smooth ride quality and quiet cabin noise. High scores highlight its ability to deliver refined highway driving in all-season conditions.

April 23, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...immediate difference in ride quality and noise when compared to the OEMs these replaced...

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
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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
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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 never thought that a nicer tire could improve the comfort level as much as these have. It is like driving a different vehicle...

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
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266 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 257 positive
  • 9 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate treadwear as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s. The Defender LTX M/S2 demonstrates outstanding durability for highway use, with many noting long-lasting performance even under demanding all-season conditions.

January 28, 2025

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

I cannot make the defenders slip. They ride more comfortable and look great!...

I went back and forth between these and the Scorpions and I chose the Defenders. I am so happy with my purchase. I do not recall what tires were on my Expedition but they were horrible. I live in Florida so, in the summer, the roads are always wet. The tires on the vehicle were horrible. I replaced them even though they were full tread because I was worried about safety.

I cannot make the defenders slip. They ride more comfortable and look great! If you are torn, buy these.

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Expedition Max 2WD 285/45-22
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: OVIEDO, FL
Driving Style: Average
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November 21, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...I go 70,000 miles on the first set and took them off at 4/32" tread remaining.

This the second time I have purchased these tires. I go 70,000 miles on the first set and took them off at 4/32” tread remaining.

Vehicle: 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4wd Crew Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MURPHY, NC
Driving Style: Average
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October 24, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...Great traction in all conditions, great confidence, and I was getting as much as 81,000 miles per set... after 31,000 miles I'm still at 11/32nds...

The legend evolves. I've had 3 sets of the OG Defender LTX M/S on my Silverado, and I was always pleased with what I experienced. Great traction in all conditions, great confidence, and I was getting as much as 81,000 miles per set. When I saw they updated the LTX M/S, I knew I had to try them. I'm not sure how Michelin accomplished this, but the new tire is even better than the old. Grip is better, especially in inclement weather, no fuel mileage change, and after 31,000 miles I'm still at 11/32nds. There may be a touch of more road noise on certain roads, but you have to be looking for it. I am thoroughly satisfied and will be running these tires until they update them yet again. The best tires are made by Michelin.

Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd Double Cab
Miles Driven on Tires: 31,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: CASPER, WY
Driving Style: Spirited
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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.

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