I bought a set of four of the Defender 2 model earlier this month expecting them to be an improved version of my previous Michelin Defender tires. What I didn’t know until I got home and had a chance to look them over more closely was that the traction rating is “B,” unlike the previous model of tires which were rated “A” for traction. What a disappointment! Why would you have this mediocre traction design to the Defender 2, Michelin? My only other Michelin option for the size I need was the snow tire model, but I wanted year round, all season tires and that left the Defender 2 as the remaining choice. While it’s great to buy tires made in the USA, this traction B rating seems rather bush league coming from such a renowned manufacturer.

Defender 2's have a smooth ride quality that is very noticeable as compared to regular Defenders. Makes my 97 4Runner have a ride it hasn't had using the original Defender. Very pleased with the looks, ride quality, and performance of the tire. Seems the tread design does not make much noise. My only regret after having tires for eleven weeks! Apparently ran over a piece of 1/2" steel that got inserted into the tire tread. Selling dealer, even with a paid protection plan, plug patched tire with only 1345 miles instead of replacing it? Hope the tire is safe with this repair and doesn't start having issues with belts separating and roaring like a snow tire.

The Michelin Defender2 provides a nice quiet ride. They're very responsive yet stable. The 80,000 mile warranty is nice, and did impact my decision, and so far I'm happy with them. Probably the last tires I'll be buying for this vehicle (MB ML350).

These tires changed the entire feel of our mini-van. Three years ago we tried to improve the ride when bought another brand. After getting an alignment and front-end work, the car still pulled left and right. With the new Michelins, it no longer pulls, is much quieter, and holds the road regardless of weather. We've decided to keep the car, and always use Michelins.

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.

I had defender tires on my old vehicle… super quiet and smooth. They made it 110,000 miles.. super happy. So I bought the new defender2 tire. Something has changed in the compound of the defender2 tire. Rides much rougher and and not nearly as quiet as the continental tires that came on my MDX. Decent … but not overwhelmed by these tires.

The Defender2 tires were a safety problem for my Rav4 Prime SE. The cars ABS periodically began to engage shortly after the Defender2 was mounted. Reference Michelin case numbers 03727059, 03673882 and others. I cannot recall the ABS ever engaging with the OEM tire (not Michelin) nor since replacing the Defender2 with Michelin Primacy Tour A/S tires. I've now had the Primacy Tour A/S tires mounted for nearly a thousand miles, no ABS engagements or dashboard warnings, I am happy with the Primacy Tour, but the Defender2 seems defective to me. The Defender2 would easily skid on dry roads, hence the ABS, dash lights and warning sounds from the car. First time I have ever used the "Michelin Promise Plan of a 60-day satisfaction guarantee", and am glad Michelin stood behind their product. Note that I did bring the car to a Toyota repair facility, who inspected the car and found it functioning properly. The dealer pointed out the Defender2 only had a B traction rating on the sidewall, suggesting the Defender2 was not a high traction tire and likely the culprit for the ABS activating. Thank you Michelin for standing behind your product and satisfaction guarantee. However, I feel the Defender2 is a bad product, at least for my Rav4 Prime SE. One last note, I tried to contact Michelin after the tires were replaced, to find out if they tested the Defender2 tires that came off my car. I was not successful in getting information. If someone at Michelin can contact me with any failure analysis, I would like to learn what was found. I hope the problem was isolated to the tires I had, not to all Defender2 tires

Installed new Defender 2 mid April 2024. Very pleased with the handling when driving are 2015 Elantra. Notice a big difference in wet conditions. Like driving a different vehicle. Very pleased with the performance of this top notch tires. Definitely good value for the buck. Highly recommended.

I just bought all four tires, (as I had expired dry almost cracking tires around the rim - didn't know tires did this - I was experiencing a rough ride on the freeways, bouncy/shaky like I was out of alignment, but the steering will didn't shake/move) so I was afraid of a blowout. I drove off, and drove the 405/5 freeways and it made such a big smooth difference!

I was disappointed when I saw the B rating on the traction for an all season radial. I would have preferred and 800 tread wear with an A traction for an all season radial. My fault for thinking all Michelin Defenders were A A rated when I was investigating the tires. The same name (Defender) across the line is confusing.