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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 225/50R17 98H Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 225/50R17 98H Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars
1,034 ratings1,030 reviews
  1. 5 stars85% (874)
  2. 4 stars8% (82)
  3. 3 stars3% (30)
  4. 2 stars2% (19)
  5. 1 star3% (29)

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Showing 381-390 of 1,030 reviews
Apr 3, 2024
Reviewer name: Random guy on the interne
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

First set of Michelin's

Best tires I have ever owned. I have mainly leased in the past and OEM was never Michelin. I have worked in and around cars for a good part of my career and as an enthusiast as well, I always knew Michelin was the best. When it came time to replace all 4 on my wifes SUV, I knew there was only one brand. Handles like a dream in the rain, they absorb bumps and potholes much better than her old tires, and I feel way more confident with this rubber than other tires I have experienced. Not the cheapest but you get what you pay for.

Review from michelinman.com
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Aug 25, 2024
Reviewer name: Anonymous
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars review

Nice tires but not performance oriented enough

Tires ride smoothly and quietly. Was hoping to replace my Michelin Primacy with another set of Michelin Primacy. Old tires had plenty of tread but were getting old (summer only car with low mileage). The Defender do not corner like the Primacy. The Primacy were more performance oriented and you can tell the difference. Unfortunately the Primacy in my tire size is no longer available (225R60/16). I do not drive like a race car driver but when I made a U-turn, you could tell they didn't grip the same. Also when making a left turn with and advanced light, sometimes I can tell my tires are slipping (accelerate a little too hard for the tires). I wish the Primacy were still available in my size.

Review from michelinman.com
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Jul 3, 2025
Reviewer name: Ron7530
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Exceptional tire!!! Defender 2

These tires have demonstrated exceptional handling capabilities. Road performance is superb, with unmatched wet and dry traction across various terrains. The tires appear to be durable, boasting an 80,000-mile rating. While the price point is slightly higher, the value proposition justifies the investment. This is undoubtedly a superior tire.

Review from michelinman.com
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Mar 21, 2024
Reviewer name: JJ
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

Harsh ride

These new Defender 2 tires provide a very harsh ride. I feel every little road imperfection. Especially noticeable at very low speeds. Feels like the tire is thumping, as though out of round. They are not. Have had dealer check and redo balance twice, last time on a Hunter Road Force Balancer. Tires and wheels all check out within all vehicle and tire specs. No manufacturing defects were noted (i.e. broken or separated belts, etc.). Tires are structurally sound. Also, alignment is perfect. I've had five sets of the prior version of this tire on different cars, Defender T & H, and was very satisfied with the performance and comfort. Never received the advertised 90K miles on any of those tires - more like 45-50K. But did not care. They gave a good ride. These Defender 2's feel like they are inflated to 50 lb! Very hard ride. But, I'll get used to them I am sure.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Michelin US

JJ, sorry to read of your disappointment in the ride. We have several families of tires that are each optimized to meet specific needs, such as mileage, durability, performance, control and comfort. As a last resort, remember that as part of the Michelin Promise Plan, there is a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. Simply return to the selling retailer for the tires to be swapped out. Contact us at 866-866-6605 with any questions.

Aug 14, 2025
Reviewer name: Toots
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars review

New tires Defender 2

I had the primacy ltx standard issue. These are a little louder, a little less gas mileage, but the cornering is better. I haven't driven in rain yet. The ride is slightly rougher but these should last way longer. I only got 41000 out of the primacy ltx.

Review from michelinman.com
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Mar 9, 2025
Reviewer name: KP FSU 77
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Re-shoe for worn out soles

Great Tire so far. Our 2023 GMC Acadia SLT factory Primacy Tour A/S tires were good but were getting low on tread depth at 40,000 miles. With all the home reconstruction going on in Treasure Island, FL, due to last year's double whammy of a 3' of tidal surge and then Hurricane winds two weeks later, the "balding " tires were getting prone to debris/construction material nails, shards, etc.

Review from michelinman.com
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Aug 4, 2023
Reviewer name: wpn64
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Michelin stands by their warranty! (great tires, too!)

These tires are like driving on clouds - everything is smooth, the tires absorb bumps and road imperfections easily, and I can tell they "have the road". In short, I feel very safe with these tires, which is important since my commute to work is 250 miles twice a month. I originally purchased CrossClimate 2 as replacement tires for my 2020 XT5 Sport but was not satisfied with them (wrote a review). I took the car back to my retailer and they swapped them for a new set of Defender 2 no questions asked. Michelin stands by their product and I've had exceptional customer service from both the retailer and Michelin in this process. The commitment to their product and exemplary service is why I will stay a Michelin customer.

Review from michelinman.com
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Feb 17, 2024
Reviewer name: Rick52
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Very noisy

Just installed a set of Defender 2 tires, re placing the Defender tires purchased 3 years ago. To my surprise the new tires a New tires are very noisy despite Michelin claiming they are very quiet.  The ride of the tire is very hard and as a result it creates a very noisy Ride when travelling on a rough road.  Not sure why you changed the style of tire.

Review from michelinman.com
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Jul 19, 2024
Reviewer name: willjax2
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Smooth ride, great handeling

I purchased a set of these to replace a set of General AltMAX RT 43's. Boy, what a world of difference. Much quieter, and smoother ride. Handeling was noticeably quicker response. These tires really hug the road. Have driven on multiple road surfaces and they grip well in all terrain.

Review from michelinman.com
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Dec 19, 2024
Reviewer name: Anonymous
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Better Than Goodyear Assurance Max Life

I originally purchased a set of Goodyear Assurance Max Life tires in September. After putting 8,000 miles on them, I just wasn’t happy with them, especially after the first heavy rain. America’s tire bought the Good Years back and sold me this set of Michelins. I could feel the difference almost immediately. After almost a week on the tires, they are very quiet and smooth, even on rough roads. Have not driven in the rain with them yet, but I am sure they will be excellent. Very happy with these tires.

Review from michelinman.com
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