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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
stars916 ratings910 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (771)
  2. 4 stars8% (74)
  3. 3 stars3% (28)
  4. 2 stars2% (17)
  5. 1 star3% (26)
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Showing 341-350 of 910 reviews
Nov 28, 2024
Vietnam Combat Veteran KJ
5 out of 5 stars review

Wow, what a great set of Defender2 tires for snow and ice!

3 weeks before our first Colorado major winter storm, i had a set of Defender2 tires put on. Our first storm, over 5 days, was over 40" of snow, which then turned into several inches of ice. I have a very steep driveway and with my previous tires, I slid at every inch of snow we received (I have a 2023 KIA Sorento 4WD). Not only was I able to drive up my driveway without any trouble, but when I came back, I easily drove down the driveway without the ABS kicking in. These tires are amazing. Please thank the engineers. I have been driving for 64 years and have never had an experience so spectacular. Thank you all!

Review from michelinman.com
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Aug 4, 2023
wpn64
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
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
May 6, 2025
BillTrekker
5 out of 5 stars review

Smooth and quiet

These tires have changed the way my 25 Crosstrek drives. I love how smooth and quiet my ride is now. Have not had a chance to test on wet roads yet. But I would certainly recommend these tires. I have always gone with Michelin on all of my vehicles and the Defender 2 did not disappoint.

Review from michelinman.com
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May 15, 2025
Old, older guy
5 out of 5 stars review

Now what?

I’ve used Michelin tires for many years and never had a problem. I have a vibration problem with my Kia (1007 Sportage) and every thing, and I mean everything, has been checked and the last resort was to put 4 new tires on. I put on the same tire that were on the car, Michelins of course. The current tires were near aging out even though they were only about half worn out. So new tires—but the same vibration. Now what do I do. The car has been gone over twice by two different tech, both fully certified and both are stumped. Now what. The tires are great though.

Review from michelinman.com
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Sep 21, 2023
Roberto
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.

Jul 19, 2024
willjax2
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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Oct 1, 2022
Sticks49
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.

Jan 6, 2024
Thenepkp
5 out of 5 stars review

Amazing quiet and comfortable ride with better handling than the original equipment

I am so happy to get four new Michelin Defender 2 tires for my 2018 Toyota Corolla LE. I was considering the Cross Climate 2 but I glad I got the Defenders instead. It rides better than new and the Michelin Primacy MXV4 that came with the car were amazing and lasted 75000 miles and were still legal. The steering response is better than ever and the ride and directional stability are improved and very quiet. I highly recommend these to Corolla owners, because they are a perfect match. They go and go and go just like the Toyota cars

Review from michelinman.com
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Oct 14, 2022
Previous cvt owner 1234
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
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Aug 19, 2024
Matthew
5 out of 5 stars review

Excellent handling and quiet

With only 10,500 miles on our 2024 Honda CRV Sport Touring AWD Hybrid, we picked up a nail in a non-repairable spot (I spent 25+ years in automotive repair and tires so I know when I have to replace and not repair). Unfortunately it was going to take about a week to ge the same exact Michelin tire to replace this one, but my daughter has to leave to go back to college in the early morning. The option was to buy another set of tires and keep the 3 good ones. So that is what we did. The Michelin Defender 2 is a great tire with an 80,000 mile life expectancy. It handles well and provides a nice smooth and quiet ride. If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is a noisy ride on my car (looking in the direction of other major tire brands that sponsors variations of auto races and monster trucks). Back to these specific tires though, the handling is great and my daughter that drives this car even mentioned that she likes these tires better than the orignial ones that came on the car. The tires are responsive and flex the way they should to provide a smooth and quiet drive. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an excellent tire.

Review from michelinman.com
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