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.
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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
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!
Customer feedback data reveals strong performance in dry traction (9-10 scores) with precise cornering and responsive handling, aligning with its Max Performance Summer design. Wet traction also earns high marks (7-10), showing reliable grip in rainy conditions. Ride comfort receives consistent praise (7-10) for smoothness and low noise, though a few note minor road feedback. Treadwear scores are more mixed (2-10), with some users reporting faster wear than expected for a summer tire. Overall, drivers highlight its exceptional dry and wet capabilities, while suggesting tread longevity may vary based on driving style or conditions.
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Customers Like:
789 reviews mention "Wet Traction"
751 positive
38 negative
Customers consistently rate wet traction highly, with most scoring 9s and 10s. The Pilot Sport 4S delivers confident grip and excellent hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions, aligning with its summer tire design priorities.
June 18, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
3.9 out of 5
...The track had puddles, small streams running across the track and damp spots. There were moments of down pour rain, steady drizzle and sun all in the same session and the PS4S performed consistently and I felt confedient carring speed on the straight away and corners with these tires...
I bought these tires for a wet track day. I also had these tires on my 2020 M2 Comp on a wet track day. These tires performed better than expected the 1st time I had a wet track day in my M2. So when I had a wet track day in my 2022 GT4 there was no question what tires I needed to use for that day. The track had puddles, small streams running across the track and damp spots. There were moments of down pour rain, steady drizzle and sun all in the same session and the PS4S performed consistently and I felt confedient carring speed on the straight away and corners with these tires. I would recomend these for wet driving conditions on track.
Vehicle: 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Miles Driven on Tires: 300 Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross Location: BEVERLY, MA Driving Style: Spirited
...You can feel everything in the road no doubt, every line, every pebble, but it grabs the road and corners like no other tire I've had, including in the wet...
Originally ordered the PS4s from my local installer to replace the Eagle F1s and was amazed at the performance especially on sweeping round about on ramps. All be it not the most comfortable option or the quietest, the outright grip has been amazing and that's what I want, noise isn't really an issue with my Monotune exhaust. It can have a bit of wheel hop on slight incline but no tire chunking unlike the AS3+ on 17" rims. Not really sure how many miles I have on them given I typically use the AS3+ all seasons during the long constantly cold and wet western washington months most of year. I'll use them when the temp will stays above 50F, from late may or June into September. You can feel everything in the road no doubt, every line, every pebble, but it grabs the road and corners like no other tire I've had, including in the wet. They are forgiving when I break traction around sweeping turns. Been to autocross a few times and loved every minute of it. I'll likely run this set bald trying to hold out for the S5, but it'll prob be a decade if at all. They are still awesome tires even at the wear bar, I have no regrets and will likely purchase again.
Vehicle: 2016 Ford Focus ST Miles Driven on Tires: 30,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: EVERETT, WA Driving Style: Spirited
Most customers rate dry traction as excellent, with scores of 9-10. Responsive handling and strong grip in dry conditions make it a top choice for summer performance driving.
January 03, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.7 out of 5
...Dry traction is phenomenal!...
These are on 911 Carrera S. These have excellent on my car. Dry traction is phenomenal! Wet weather traction have excellent though I do drive well within reason and the traction system does the rest. These are quieter and smoother than the factory tires.
Vehicle: 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: HOPE MILLS, NC Driving Style: Spirited
fantastic tire. very load road noise, but also very good grip in the dry. rain performance is also above my expectations. really good daily-able summer tire
Vehicle: 2022 Toyota GR86 215/40-18 Miles Driven on Tires: 16,000 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: JOHNSONBURG, PA Driving Style: Spirited
...In both cases the cars came new with P Zeros which are fine in warm/hot weather, but the pilot 4S works much better as a 3 season tire and can still build tire temp reasonably quickly even on 45 degree days. They also preform well on track days as long as you alternate your hot laps with cool down laps as you can easily overheat them...
I'm a huge fan of these tires. I have them on my Ferrari Portofino and my Aston Martin Vantage. In both cases the cars came new with P Zeros which are fine in warm/hot weather, but the pilot 4S works much better as a 3 season tire and can still build tire temp reasonably quickly even on 45 degree days. They also preform well on track days as long as you alternate your hot laps with cool down laps as you can easily overheat them; especially if you just continually pound around for entire session in which case the Cup 2 would be a better choice.
Vehicle: 2019 Ferrari Portofino Standard Tire Miles Driven on Tires: 1,500 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: LONDONDERRY, NH Driving Style: Spirited
Most customers rate comfort 9s and 10s, praising excellent ride quality and low noise. High scores highlight refined handling and smoothness expected in Max Performance Summer tires.
July 07, 2024
(Verified Purchase)
4.3 out of 5
...Ride comfort is awesome. Noise level is very low compare to my previous, Continental Pro Contacts, Michelin Pilot All Season or Michelin A/S 3+...
From all the tires I've bought in the past Forty years, these tires by far out-shined them all. Even during under-steering, there's still under control. Ride comfort is awesome. Noise level is very low compare to my previous, Continental Pro Contacts , Michelin Pilot All Season or Michelin A/S 3+. During heavy rain, I can slice through the water at a comfortable speed of 75MPH. Tread-wear has been normal. For 30K mile tires, I'm abut 1/2 way there for tread wear. Hope this helps.
Vehicle: 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Miles Driven on Tires: 15,500 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: LA CRESCENTA, CA Driving Style: Spirited
The stock brand N0 tires were replaced with these and I was immediately surprised by the improved comfort. I expected this to be combined with a reduction in handling. With my first autoX on the new tires I found that comfort and handling can go hand in hand...
The stock brand N0 tires were replaced with these and I was immediately surprised by the improved comfort. I expected this to be combined with a reduction in handling. With my first autoX on the new tires I found that comfort and handling can go hand in hand. The Sport 4S handle and communicate better than the stock spec tire. Pretty impressive for a tire with this treadwear rating.
Vehicle: 2014 Porsche Cayman S Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000 Driving Conditions: Mostly City Location: PHOENIX, AZ Driving Style: Spirited
...You give up some comfort and higher road noise in exchange for their superior traction and handling.
This is a replacement for a damaged tire due to hitting a pothole at night. I have gotten about 40,000 miles on these tire before they should be replaced. Are very good when using the car in higher performance mode. You give up some comfort and higher road noise in exchange for their superior traction and handling.
Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model 3 AWD Performance 235/35-20, Performance Brakes Miles Driven on Tires: 6,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: POWAY, CA Driving Style: Average
Most customers rate treadwear highly with scores of 8-10, highlighting excellent durability for summer driving. While a few lower scores note variability in longevity experiences, the majority praise consistent dry and wet performance throughout the tire's lifespan.
April 30, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.4 out of 5
...Tread ware is about what's expected - actually pretty good for summer performance tires. I have 29,000 miles on them - and they're ready to be replaced...
Very good tires - handle really well in both dry and wet conditions. Noise level is not bad for the type of tire they are. Tread ware is about what's expected - actually pretty good for summer performance tires. I have about 29,000 miles on them - and they're ready to be replaced. I would definitely consider buying them again as replacements. The only hesitation is cost - there appear to be similar performing tires - especially the Vredstein Ultrac Pro - which are reported to have almost comparable performance but for substantially less money - greater than $ 500 difference for a set of four. From a strictly performance perspective perspective, however, I don't think you can go wrong with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires - I've been well satisfied with them.
Vehicle: 2012 Infiniti G37 Coupe Sport Miles Driven on Tires: 29,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: AUSTIN, TX Driving Style: Spirited
...They wear really well and I'm impressed by their grip...
I bought these for track duty on cool and wet days. Have used during wet, cool and hot conditions. They wear really well and I'm impressed by their grip. I only go to slicks now on the most advanced days where I'm pushing the car very hard. Otherwise I have the 4S on the car for all other conditions.
Vehicle: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Miles Driven on Tires: 500 Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross Location: BALLWIN, MO Driving Style: Spirited
Treadwear is very poor, down to the wear bars in less than 8,000 miles. Michelin treadwear warranty is totally useless. You must take the car to an authorized Michelin tire center, but all of the ones in my area are generic big box tire shops that refuse to work on my car because it is a Porsche 911, not a minivan or a Honda...
Treadwear is very poor, down to the wear bars in less than 8,000 miles. Michelin treadwear warranty is totally useless. You must take the car to an authorized Michelin tire center, but all of the ones in my area are generic big box tire shops that refuse to work on my car because it is a Porsche 911, not a minivan or a Honda. I'm not refusing to go there, they are refusing to service my car (which is probably for the better anyway). I'm stuck coming out of pocket for replacement tires barely halfway through the warranty. This aside, they are tremendous tires from a performance perspective. Even in heavy rain they are confidence inspiring. I just wish I actually got the 15,000 miles out of them as guaranteed from Michelin.
Vehicle: 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: BRENTWOOD, TN Driving Style: Spirited
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)
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.
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.
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