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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 225/55R18 98V Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 225/55R18 98V Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars
1,064 ratings1,054 reviews
  1. 5 stars85% (900)
  2. 4 stars8% (84)
  3. 3 stars3% (31)
  4. 2 stars2% (20)
  5. 1 star3% (29)

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Showing 21-30 of 1,054 reviews
Oct 14, 2022
Reviewer name: Previous cvt owner 1234
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

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!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
Jun 6, 2026
Reviewer name: Old guy
2 out of 5 stars
2 out of 5 stars review

Side wall cracking

Defender 2 on all 4 tires side walls are cracked badly. Never ran low on air. . 90% hwy miles bought in May of 2020 with 137,208 but on new at honeywood now 199,000km. Been a customer at honeywood 40 years the guys there said need to talk to Michelin

Review from michelinman.com
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May 29, 2026
Reviewer name: Jim29
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Michelin: If you want the best tire made!

I have used Michelin tires on numerous vehicles since I bought my first set in 1968. Handling is superior to any other tire I've used. I've even used them without balancing them without experiencing vibrations so I think they are quite precisely constructed. If vehicle is in alignment and rotation is done these Defender 2 tires will wear longer than the 80,000 mile warranty. Michelin tires have improved the ride of every vehicle I've put them on. Currently I own two vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and 2024 Nissan Ariya both of which have Defender 2 tires on them and significantly add to the quietness and ride quality of both vehicles.

Review from michelinman.com
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Oct 1, 2022
Reviewer name: Sticks49
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars review

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!

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

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.

Mar 24, 2026
Reviewer name: Heritage Hab
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Defender 2 tires are great!

We are very pleased with the Michelin Defender 2 tires that we just purchased for our Ford Escape Titanium. This vehicle is a medium sized SUV so it is light and has turbo so it is quick to respond to changes in speed or direction. Consequently, we are concerned about the tires ability to be stable on windy highways and grip the road at higher speeds and when turning corners especially in wet weather. Since this is early spring and winter road damage has not yet been repaired, they are surprisingly smooth when going over rough roads and occasional potholes and uneven roads. They are also well priced for this level of performance.

Review from michelinman.com
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Jul 7, 2026
Reviewer name: Fun_Sponge
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Amazing longevity! Way past warranty!

I can't recommend these tires enough! We have them on our CRV. They have 95,000 miles on the tire themselves-maybe a bit more. Last time we had them checked @ 93,000 miles they still 4 tread depth! I'm just patiently waiting for the best sale to put new ones on. Don't skip these tires. No hydroplaning in water, great in snow- did good in ice, great on the highway! All have weared equally as well.

Review from michelinman.com
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Jun 11, 2026
Reviewer name: DaSheet
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Impressive

it's only been a lil over a week. I've been driving a long time. I've owned other tire brands and none can touch these. the first thing i noticed was rolling resistance. these tires seem to glide forever! My gas mileage has gone through the roof! The second was the grip on curves. Chefs kiss. i feel confident that these tires will take my ride to the 100,000 mark easily. Added bonus, where I live heat rules. with Michelin's I don't have to worry about blowouts in 100 degree plus temperatures.

Review from michelinman.com
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Sep 21, 2023
Reviewer name: Roberto
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

A mixed bag ...

Put these on my 2019 Honda Accord, 225/50/17. They Mileage actually increased by 1.5mpg, they are quiet, and ride decently. But, they have poor on center feel. The tires wander so much on the highway that it feels like the car is being blown around by wind. The tires are perfectly balanced, the car has perfect alignment, and pressures are right on 32psi. I'm guessing it is tread squirm. Regardless, it is fatiguing to drive due to the constant corrections required. The lane keep and assist feature of my car is MUCH busier trying to keep the car centered. The ride is generally smooth, especially over more rounded bumps. But on square edge, sharper bumps (like 1" high peaked cracks), there is a harsh spike transmitted to the cabin. Super weird. I'm also a little concerned about wet and snow traction in SE Michigan. Interestingly, the same tires on my wife's 17 CRV feel brilliant. We've had 6 sets of Defenders over the years, and they were always a great choice. I'm a former master mechanic, and have never considered returning tires before. I have 1 more week left on the 30 day trial period, and I'm not sure I'm going to keep them. May have to try Pirelli or Continental.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Roberto, thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're sorry to hear of your disappointment in the Defender2 tires. As part of the Michelin Promise, we do offer the satisfaction guarantee.

Nov 11, 2022
Reviewer name: Eric100
2 out of 5 stars
2 out of 5 stars review

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.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

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.

Jul 1, 2026
Reviewer name: steve62
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

Rough ride and noisy

I'm sure the Defender 2 will last a long time. These tires seem to have a stiffer sidewall and harder rubber compound than the OEM tires my Toyota Highlander came with. The Defender 2 ride is much harsher and after about 15K miles they got noisy on smoother road surfaces. I also noticed the wet traction really got worse around 15K miles. I am dreading that I may have to drive on these tires for 3-4 more years, but tires are too expensive to replace them already. I will not buy them again.

Review from michelinman.com
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