Defender2 TIRE REVIEW
There are 1016 reviews for the Defender2
Rating Snapshot
When asked, 93% of reviewers recommend this tire
Review Summary
The Michelin Defender 2 tires offer a mix of positive and negative attributes. Positives include excellent grip and handling, especially in wet and snowy conditions, a smooth and quiet ride, and long tread life and durability. However, some customers have reported decreased fuel efficiency, a rough and bumpy ride quality, and premature wear not meeting the warranty. Overall, the tires provide good traction and handling, but customers should be aware of the potential impact on fuel economy and ride quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
1001-1010 on 1016 reviews
Had them for 60,000 miles. No troubles at all. May get close to the 80000 mile mark. Smooth ride, great handling!
Have a great trip
Bought them like a months ago not sure what to make of them not an expert on rubber, travel with them across the nation road condition not that good pot holes and falling trees uneven road. Driving 12:39 am Middle of the desert rear back left tire a screw about 3/16 size got into it dash light of low air light up, luckily a service station with in a mile patch the tire and keep on driving. Not sure how much is the damage on the front tires with all the pot holes got into it. We do not need a team of experts to judge the tires. No concerns about the performance of the tires it’s great but what kills the tires is the composition what is made off more resistance to all the crazy elements on the road . I don’t care if you have to put particles of airplanes tires just do it make long lasting tire, Now I have to go the front counter of the retailer , which I hate this process. Theirs no time for star rating. No problem , I would talk to your research team and engineering and the president of tired company. Hope no other family goes to the same vacation trip, what profanity ?
We are sorry to read of your disappointment in the Defender2. Remember, as part of the Michelin Promise Plan, there is a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. Simply return to the selling retailer to have the tires swapped out.
January 23, 2023
Michelin Tires are the BEST!
Amazing handling, and my car has never driven so smooth! I did see an immediate drop in MPG approximately 4 mpg due to having more rubber on the ground which explains the go cart like handling. The overall handling and comfort is well worth the small loss in mpg.
Less noise, more traction.
Just bought these and could immediately tell the difference in decreased road noise and increased traction/handling. I had the first version just placed on the rear wheels which I can't complain about but I think these new ones are better.
Buy these!
Swapped over from a set of Khumo tires that came stock on my 2022 Elantra. These tires have completely changed the driving experience. So quiet and comfy on the road. I wish I would’ve known about these sooner.
Bumpy ride on smooth roads.
The Defender 2 tires are replacements on my Lexus ES 350. The tires are quiet and handle well but they are very bumpy/rough riding. I've had the tires rebalanced but it didn't fix the bumpy ride. I've driven them about 500 miles so far and I wouldn't recommend these tires due to the ride quality. I'm giving two stars because they are very quiet and handle great.
Eric100, thanks for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your feedback. Keep in mind, the Defender2, as well as all Michelin products, have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee as part of the Michelin Promise Plan. Simply return to your retailer for the tires to be swapped out.
November 28, 2022
Amazing Ride Comfort!
I bought these tires 2 weeks ago, took a bit for me to get used to these kinds of tires but I first needed to break them in 1st but once I placed 500 miles into them the driving experience became very different in a good way, compared to my previous tires which were Kumho's. I own a Hyundai Elantra 2019 and when I 1st bought it from the dealership which was a month ago, I noticed the suspension to be a bit stiff on bumpy roads but now with these Michelin Defenders 2 tires the ride comfort changed so much that I feel way more confident in my car over bumpy roads and highway driving. These tires keep my vehicle stable on the road and my vehicle suspension feels more stronger now. Your guy's tires made me love my car even more thank you for creating such an amazing tire I definitely will shop for Michelin tires in the future especially these Defenders #2.
Dependable, reliable, durable
The last 5 cars I have owned in the past 10 years I have put defenders. I have never had major issues. I have had issues with the other tire manufacturers I have used. They are not cheap, but I do not have issues besides the occasional nail. These tires are great!
Michelin Defender 2
Had to buy these Defender 2 tires a few months ago because the Premier LTX D/T tires were supposedly being discontinued. Tires are adequate but not as comfortable of a ride versus the Premier LTX D/T tires. Disappointed in the Defender 2 Traction and Temperature ratings of "B", they should be at least A or better yet AA. I will only buy Michelin tires as long as they have quality tires and strive to improve tire materials and traction control; especially, in wet weather where I live. Unfortunately the YOKOHAMA YK740 GTX were rated better (A traction and A temperature) than the Defender 2 tires ; however, I do not like Yokohama tires. I have not had the Defender 2 tires long enough to rate treadwear; however, I do not expect them to last even 50,000 miles. We shall see!
Sticks49, thanks for taking the time to submit a review on the Defender 2. We understand your concern and wanted to share a bit more information with you. The UTQG traction grade is a 40-year-old, locked-wheel wet braking test and is, in our estimation and in the estimation of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, a method that is outdated and inconsistent because all modern vehicles have anti-lock brakes. A braking test based on anti-lock brakes measuring peak adherence rather than slide adherence, which is better suited for today’s vehicle. Michelin has chosen to design tires based on anti-lock braking, not locked-wheel braking. This sometimes produces a lower locked-wheel result, even though our testing and independent testing used in claims show the MICHELIN® Defender®2 tire to have superior wet braking over leading competitors. This question is an excellent one and highlights why regulation needs to be updated and/or eliminated as technology changes and improves. Our testing and independent testing show that consumers will be very pleased with the wet braking performance of the MICHELIN® Defender®2 tire, not only in when the tire is new, but even as it wears.
December 12, 2022
Wears slow, great traction, low noise
I bought these tires in May after my OE tires needed to be replaced and they have exceeded my expectations. They provide excellent traction when dry or wet and my vehicle is super quiet while on the road. It’s likely that these tires will last at least twice as long as my OE tires. You won’t regret this purchase.