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

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The Defender LTX M/S is Michelin's Highway All-Season tire developed to combine long tread life with all-season capabilities for vans, pickups and sport utility vehicles, as well as for commercial vans, shuttles and chassis cab vehicles using heavy-duty, light-truck sizes. The Defender LTX M/S is designed to combine a smooth, quiet ride with year-round traction in dry, wet and wintry conditions, even in light snow.

Compared to the popular Michelin LTX M/S2 it replaces, the new Defender LTX M/S tires share the same highly functional tread pattern, and offer improvements in wear life/longevity to better meet the high-torque demands of modern trucks. Defender LTX M/S is designed to be stronger, longer.

Evertread Technology

Defender LTX M/S tires feature Michelin Evertread compound, which is a stronger advanced compound that holds up to tougher conditions longer. This compound is molded into a symmetric tread design of stable independent tread blocks featuring high-density 3-D Active Sipes to deliver all-season traction on dry roads and in inclement weather. Four wide circumferential channels, multiple lateral grooves and open shoulder slots promote lateral water evacuation to enhance wet traction and stopping performance. The tire's profile features Michelin's MaxTouch Construction to produce a contact patch that promotes reliable traction and long wear by evenly distributing acceleration, braking and cornering forces.

The tire's internal structure includes twin steel belts to provide the strength and durability needed to handle heavy loads.

NOTE: The Defender LTX M/S Highway All-Season tire is NOT a dedicated winter / snow tire. It does NOT meet the severe snow traction requirements and is NOT branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

*Specific sizes utilizing Michelin Total Performance eco-focused manufacturing methods are identified as such on the Sizes tab, as well as on the tire's Specs tab.

Related Information: Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing

Tire Rack Test Results Michelin Defender LTX M/S

October 20, 2023

Tires Tested

Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

Vehicles Used

2022 Ford Explorer ST

Few tire lines are as iconic as Michelin's LTX Highway All-Season tire which has amassed a loyal following, satisfying generation after generation of product release. The latest in the brand's lineage has recently debuted and follows the expected naming convention as the second iteration of the Defender Highway All-Season line, aptly named, the Defender LTX M/S2.

With big shoes to fill and little margin for error, our team was excited to finally get some seat time with what would most likely be another celebrated step for the brand and category. Like what many longtime customers may experience, our team compared the new version to its predecessor: the Defender LTX M/S. Our evaluation used 2022 Ford Explorer ST test vehicles fitted with new, full tread depth 265/60R18 tires mounted on 18x8.0 wheels.

On the Road

Our standard road ride route let our team experience both tires back-to-back in identical situations. With the route's mix of road types and speeds, our drivers were able to distinguish differences from two very similar performances. The ride from each was undoubtedly good, with the Defender LTX M/S2 feeling slightly tauter over impacts, but with an improvement in communication with the road. The new tire's increase in control and minimal penalty on ride comfort should sync up well with modern vehicles and felt right at home on our sporty SUV test platform. Noise comfort was very close between the two as well, with the new tire minimizing more harmonics on smooth pavement, but the previous iteration blending tones a little better on coarse surfaces. While apparent to our test drivers in a controlled back-to-back testing environment, they noted that the differences were slight. Steering around corners and along highway ramps highlighted a solid improvement in the new Defender LTX M/S2, with slightly better response and weight that helped it feel more precise and direct in turns.

On the Track

Around the wet track, the new Defender LTX M/S2 demonstrated some improvements that compounded to showcase stronger combined dynamic handling. An incremental, one hundredth of a g step up in lateral traction and a slight four-foot advantage in braking distance from fifty miles per hour may not sound like much but helped accentuate the improved traction and handling from the new tire. The sharper, more accurate steering helped our team make quick directional changes through the slalom with ease. In addition, the more capable feel at the limit created a track experience that was simply less dramatic, which is precisely what pays dividends on the public streets when emergency maneuvers become necessity.

Wet TrackAverage Times50-0mph
SlalomTotal LapLateral gsABS Stop
Michelin Defender LTX M/S5.6933.860.68114.5
Michelin Defender LTX M/S25.5833.370.69110.5

Once the track dried off, the Defender LTX M/S2 delivered a larger lead in lateral traction figures with braking essentially matched between the two tires. Like in the wet, the new Defender LTX M/S2 just felt more put together when hustled through corners. While dry limit handling is not the objective of Highway All-Season tires, this advantage on track was also felt on the road with less aggressive inputs. With no, or limited penalty for the increased dynamic performance, our drivers welcomed the additional handling feel and control from the new tire.

Dry TrackAverage Times50-0mph
SlalomTotal LapLateral gsABS Stop
Michelin Defender LTX M/S5.3831.930.8091.0
Michelin Defender LTX M/S25.3031.270.8389.1

Driving in Winter Conditions

With the predecessor's good customer ratings in winter traction and particularly good light snow traction reviews, wintry weather performance was no doubt a metric that designers worked hard to maintain in the Defender LTX M/S2. Our team was excited to test them head-to-head and see if any significant changes were made in the snow or on the ice. In the snow, each tire made the dash from zero to twelve miles per hour within a half-foot of each other, with the Defender LTX M/S2 just barely edging out its elder. Braking distances from twenty five miles per hour were again very similar, with the two essentially right on top of each other, separated by just over a foot difference. Under light handling maneuvers in the snow, our team thought both had sharp turn-ins with a short delay in the actual change in trajectory. One difference they did note however was the rear end’s reaction after the turn was initiated. The Defender LTX M/S allowed more oversteer but was easy to recover without overshooting the intended path. The Defender LTX M/S2 delivered higher levels of lateral grip and would simply turn, without any of the additional rear end movement. Both were capable and balanced, but the subjective increase in lateral stability was a notable improvement with the Defender LTX M/S2. Braking on the ice from twelve miles per hour was separated by about a foot, with the original Defender LTX M/S just besting its replacement.

Actual Ratings/Test Values
Michelin Defender LTX M/SMichelin Defender LTX M/S2
Snow Acceleration w/TCS (feet)18.3017.80
Snow Stopping Distance (feet)68.569.7
Ice Stopping Distance (feet)42.943.8

Conclusion

As expected, this latest generation of Highway All-Season tire from Michelin checked all the right boxes and balanced what were probably careful compromises from its development team. It's hard to argue they haven't found the right formula to satisfy drivers. This latest model seems to have improved traction, but most notably handling dynamics and steering feel fit for the next generation of SUVs and light trucks. As for the LTX loyalist, it seems they will be pleasantly satisfied that the latest iteration of their beloved tire line has retained its successful formula along with an incremental improvement in traction and a nice evolution in handling. As for new customers, they can take comfort knowing they'll be getting the latest and greatest Highway All-Season performance Michelin has to offer.

Read Full Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Michelin Defender LTX M/S

Tire Category: Highway All-Season

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Excellent
99%
34M
8.9 - Excellent
8.3 - Good
8.6 Dirt Traction
8.2 Sand Traction
7.9 Mud Traction
8.4 Rock Traction
9.2 - Excellent
9.2 Hydroplaning Resistance
9.2 Wet Traction
9.4 - Excellent
9.3 Corner Stability
9.5 Dry Traction
9.3 Steering Response
8.4 - Good
8.9 Light Snow Traction
8.4 Deep Snow Traction
7.9 Ice Traction
9.2 - Excellent
9.3 Ride Quality
9.1 Noise
9.1 - 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.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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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

Testing Highway All-Season Tires: Michelin Defender LTX M/S (1:52)

The untested Michelin Defender LTX M/S is the latest tire in a line of long-standing consumer favorites, so we used it as a benchmark for what a successful Highway All-Season tire must achieve to satisfy drivers.

Read the Full Test Report

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