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Michelin Defender2
  • Michelin Defender2
  • Michelin Defender2
Tire Rack Test

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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.

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.

Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

Ratings Charts & Reviews Michelin Defender2

Tire Category: Standard Touring All-Season

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Price
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Michelin Defender2
Excellent
100%
$270
5.3M
8.8 - Excellent
9.2 - Excellent
9.2 Hydroplaning Resistance
9.2 Wet Traction
9.5 - Excellent
9.4 Corner Stability
9.5 Dry Traction
9.4 Steering Response
8.1 - Good
8.6 Light Snow Traction
8.1 Deep Snow Traction
7.7 Ice Traction
9.1 - Excellent
9.3 Ride Quality
9.0 Noise
9.3 - Excellent

Customers Say

Drivers consistently rate the Michelin Defender2 as a top performer in its category, with excellent treadwear (9-10 scores) and long-lasting durability standing out as key strengths. Comfort receives high praise for a smooth, quiet ride, supported by 8-10 ratings in noise reduction and ride quality. Winter traction shows strong performance in snow (7-10 range), though a few note reduced confidence on ice. Wet traction earns consistent 8-10 scores for confident grip and hydroplaning resistance. Dry traction is outstanding, with near-perfect 9-10 ratings for responsive handling and stability. Customers highlight its balanced all-season capability, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

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Customers Like:

434 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 416 positive
  • 18 negative

Most customers give wet traction 9s and 10s, praising confident grip and hydroplaning resistance. Occasional 7s still indicate reliable wet performance for all-season use.

January 13, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...The wet weather grip is much improved from stock tires...

Its a very quiet tire, and has changed the feel of the van. The wet weather grip is much improved from stock tires. Dry weather grip is good and cornering feels better on off ramps etc.

Vehicle: 2016 Toyota Sienna FWD XLE
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: AUSTIN, TX
Driving Style: Average
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January 27, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

...The tires make me feel secure on wet surfaces...

I already had a set of Michelin Defender on two other vehicles . The tires make me feel secure as I ride on wet surfaces. When I purchased the 24 Civic for my grandson . My wife told me to look up on Tire Rack the price for a set of Michelin Defenders for my grandson’s Civic. Can’t go wrong with Michelin Defender and can’t go wrong buying them from Tire Rack.

Vehicle: 2024 Honda Civic Sedan LX
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: EL PASO, TX
Driving Style: Average
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January 11, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...Smooth ride on dry pavement, excellent in wet conditions...

Great all weather tire. Smooth ride on dry pavement, excellent in wet conditions and I’ve been very pleased so far with traction on snowy conditions.

Vehicle: 2015 Honda Pilot Touring
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SOUTH BEND, IN
Driving Style: Average
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184 customers mention "Winter Traction"

  • 168 positive
  • 16 negative

Customers rate winter traction highly, with snow/deep snow scores mostly 9s-10s. Ice traction has mostly 7s-10s but some 0s-5s, showing variability in icy conditions.

January 20, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...When I start from a stopped position at the light in snowy conditions, there is no pause in pressing the gas pedal and the vehicle going forward. It is smooth and no sliding...

You can feel a huge difference in the contact the tires have with the road through the steering wheel. When I start from a stopped position at the light in snowy conditions, there is no pause in pressing the gas pedal and the vehicle going forward. It is smooth and no sliding. These tires make me feel much more safe when I am driving in all conditions. I feel like I have control over my vehicle, instead of me being behind a wheel of a vehicle that can go out of control by itself. I love having these tires on my vehicle. Thank you for making a great tire for people to be more safe on the road today.

Vehicle: 2015 Chrysler Town and Country Touring
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: HOLT, MI
Driving Style: Spirited
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September 16, 2024

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

...fantastic traction in snow. I live in Central NY so we get LOTS of snow...

This is my second set of Defenders. I had some on my last car, same model AWD and I got every penny of the 80,000. Wears even, fantastic traction in snow. I live in Central NY so we get LOTS of snow. In the rain they are amazing. These were recommended by my mechanic and I tell everyone about them. Worth the cost. Very low road noise and ride nice. Highly recommend!!!

Vehicle: 2022 Nissan Murano AWD SL
Miles Driven on Tires: 39,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: FULTON, NY
Driving Style: Spirited
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May 11, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...They are the best for both Summer and Winter driving.

In my experience in driving (59 years) I have enjoyed driving with Michelin. They are the best for both Summer and Winter driving.

Vehicle: 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan
Miles Driven on Tires: 50
Driving Conditions: All Highway
Location: NORTHVILLE, NY
Driving Style: Average
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480 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 471 positive
  • 9 negative

Customers praise the Defender2's dry traction, with most scoring 9s and 10s for responsive handling and confident grip. Some 7-8s note solid performance, aligning with its all-season touring focus.

April 04, 2025

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...Wow, what a difference in ride quality, noise, and grip on wet and dry roads...

My 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands came with Pirelli Scorpion tires. They were quite loud, even on smooth roads and almost intolerable on grainy roads. I just hit 30,000 miles on my Bronco and just installed these Michelin Defender II's. Wow, what a difference in ride quality, noise, and grip on wet and dry roads. With the mileage warranty, I will probably never need another set of tires until I get rid of this car. We had a set of the original Defender I's on our Mercedes ML 350 that were quite good. These are even better.

Vehicle: 2023 Ford Bronco Sport 225/65-17
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MYRTLE BEACH, SC
Driving Style: Spirited
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October 07, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

...They handle very nicely for something in this class, they brake extremely straight as well, a lot of tires will squirm on an LS, but these brake straight...

I ordered these for my LS430 since I have dedicated Snow tires. These are pretty solid/hard for wear. But they are incredibly quiet and smooth riding, even on a picky car like an LS430. They handle very nicely for something in this class, they brake extremely straight as well, a lot of tires will squirm on an LS, but these brake straight. I would highly recommend these if you do not need any snow handling. If you have to have one tire for snow I would run the CrossClimate 2's, but if you have snow tires or just don't have to deal with snow more than a few times a year these are my go to tires for anything that isn't focused on handling.

Vehicle: 2004 Lexus LS430
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: HUGO, MN
Driving Style: Spirited
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April 09, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...I am very pleased with the traction shown on the wet and dry roads.

I've only been driving on the tires for a month, but they ride well. I am very pleased with the traction shown on the wet and dry roads.

Vehicle: 1998 Infiniti I30 Touring
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,600
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: WESTMINSTER, MD
Driving Style: Average
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479 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 459 positive
  • 20 negative

Customers praise the ride comfort and low noise levels, with most scoring 9s and 10s. A few reviews rate 7-8, still indicating good performance. High marks highlight smooth handling and reduced road noise, aligning with all-season touring expectations.

November 12, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...They are very quiet and extremely comfortable...

Man these tires are great! They made my car feel brand new again. They are very quiet and extremely comfortable. Great in wet & dry weather. I would 100% recommend and would purchase another set in the future.

Vehicle: 2011 Kia Forte 5-Door EX
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: SAN ANTONIO, TX
Driving Style: Easy Going
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April 01, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...very smooth on the highway, very quit...

great tire very smooth on the highway, very quit, stopping ability is great

Vehicle: 2018 Cadillac XT5 AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 8,085
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: HYDE PARK, MA
Driving Style: Easy Going
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307 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 298 positive
  • 9 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate treadwear as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s for exceptional longevity. A few note slightly lower durability (7-8), but overall satisfaction remains very high.

March 23, 2025

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Good tread wear and comfort

Great tires ! Good tread wear and comfort

Vehicle: 2016 Toyota Highlander AWD XLE
Miles Driven on Tires: 43,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: PITTSBURGH, PA
Driving Style: Average
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January 22, 2025

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

Ive used these Michelin Defenders on my service van and Crosstrek for years they are absolutely the best wearing and handling tire I have ever used easily I get 60k on these tires before I reach the 4/32 mark when I replace them...

Ive used these Michelin Defenders on my service van and Crosstrek for years they are absolutely the best wearing and handling tire I have ever used easily I get 60k on these tires before I reach the 4/32 mark when I replace them. Removed the factory installed Falken tires off my Crosstrek at 14k those tires were awful. I stick with Michelins you won't be disappointed!

Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited
Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: READING, PA
Driving Style: Easy Going
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October 23, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

I stick with Michelin tires, they perform well, and provide many miles of travel!...

I stick with Michelin tires, they perform well, and provide many miles of travel! They are worth the few extra bucks.

Vehicle: 2008 Honda Odyssey LX
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CLINTON, CT
Driving Style: Easy Going
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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

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.

Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

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! 

Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

Experience the Michelin Defender2 (00:55)

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.

Read the Full Test Report

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