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.

These are not like the Defender LTX. Disappointed in the ride and look. The side walls look like something you would put on a SUV or Truck that would be trail riding. The side wall is not a smooth design like the LTX. The Defender 2 seem like they are pushing my crossover. In fact I looked at the tire wondering was it one directional. It is not. I would not recommend for small Crossovers. Note: I have Defender LTX on our 4 Runner and FJ Cruiser. The Defender LTX is a 5 Star. The Defender 2 definitely not a 5 Star.

When I was on a road trip it started to rain and out of nowhere I skidded around several times as if nothing had happened. Luckily I didn't cause an accident. Since then I realized that it's very easy to skid when it's wet. Now I'm afraid of having an accident when the pavement is wet.

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.

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.

I bought Defender 2 tires for my 2014 Prius Five four weeks and 450 miles ago. I am thoroughly happy with the choice. These replaced some Continental SureContact units that had been scrubbed about a bit because of poor alightment. The dry traction of the Defender 2 is outstanding. I’ve had some opportunity to drive in wet conditions and the traction and braking is similarly impressive. Wet performance and noise characteristics were the primary drivers for my choice of this tire. Given that the Prius is a not well insulated car as the engineers wanted to keep the weight down, I am really impressed at how little tire noise gets into the cabin. That alone argues to put these things on my massive 2003 4,000-lb-plus Jaguar which will need new tires in the spring. The Prius’s mileage has dropped a little, but I really bought the car because it had cutting edge safety technology and I’m getting older. So trading a little drop in mileage for great dry/wet traction, exceptional handling and a low noise factor is just no biggie. As these wear a bit I would expect the mileage to slowly rise some. And at my age (75) and the amount I drive (~6000 a year) these tires should be just broken in by the time I trade the Prius in on what will likely be my last car.

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 recently purchased these to replace my set of 70,000 mi Energi that came on my car from the OEM. First thoughts of the Defender were good until I had to drive on the highway. The amount of groove wander I have with these tires is alarming. In fact so alarming, I had to stop driving on the highway because I thought a wheel was loose. I took the car to the dealer where they had it for three days trying to figure what I was complaining about. I think they are a good tire just not suited for my Fusion.

The factory Yokohama tires on my 2024 Subaru Crosstrek were fair at best. They had a decent ride BUT they did not even make it to 36,000 miles (which is not acceptable!). I bought the Michelin Defender 2 tires and I am exceedingly pleased with the results. The Michelin Defender 2’s (along with a wheel alignment) have made a significant difference in the overall quality and performance of the ride. Tight on the corners and overall smooth and quiet. The Michelin Defender 2’s are noticeably quieter and hug the road smoother. From now on I will only be driving on Michelin tires. Also, they have an 80,000 mile warranty. I drive in all kinds of weather conditions and thus far they have exceeded my expectations in all respects. Great job Michelin you have made a lifetime customer out of me.

I HAD MICHELIN DEFENDER 2 FOR NINE YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS SO I REPLACED THEM WITH THE SAME BRAND. I was pleased with the longevity and the ride. I live where there’s lots of snow, but it doesn’t stop me from driving. THE DEFENDER 2 tires plowed through without slipping or spinning I’m pleased with my purchase.