I purchased a set of these tires a month ago. They do not ride smooth and they are noisy. They sound like I am driving a pick up truck with off road tires.

QUIET RIDE

smooth and quiet ride.

I purchased Defender 2 tires in April 2024 and had my Michelin X-Ice removed from vehicle for the summer months. When I picked up my vehicle from the garage I immediately noticed the ride with my New Defender tires was not as smooth and I had more road noise than with the X-Ice tires. I was surprised by this as I expected the opposite . Aside from the above observations I will say the Defender tires are very responsive to handling & braking

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.

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.

2003 Lexus LS430, replaced Continentals with the D2–and I am blown away at the better ride, noise, wet traction, feel… I have never felt such a difference with tires. The car sits better and has a better stance. I am a believer in Michelin Defender, the Defender2 is even better. I am very pleased with this decision 100%.

I bought these for my Jetta in 2019, my car had 62,000 miles on it. I am almost ready for new ones I have 145,000 on my car! I love Michelin's won't buy anything else, if it is good enough for the Paris Metro than it is good enough for me! (We road the Metro)