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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 31-40 of 1,054 reviews
Mar 12, 2026
Reviewer name: Tripp
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

The Best

I only buy Michelin tires from an authorized Michelin dealer. The Defender 2 and th Defender LTX are my goto tires. Smooth riding, quiet, traction, and durability are second to none in my book. Also, my local dealer has a lot to do with it as well. Good people, helpful, and I've been dealing with them for a long time.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
Mar 29, 2024
Reviewer name: Fox
2 out of 5 stars
2 out of 5 stars review

Not What I expected

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.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
reply from Michelin US

Fox, we're sorry to read of your disappointment in the Defender2. Remember, as part of the Michelin Promise Plan, there is a 60 day satisfaction guarantee of this tire. Simply return to the selling retailer for the tires to be swapped out. Give us a call at 866-866-6605 with any questions.

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
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
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 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
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
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
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
May 15, 2026
Reviewer name: Stephan
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

Plush and soft

Those tires are not supporting the character of a BMW. They feel very plush, no feedback from the road, and just way too soft. Will not buy them again. I drove over 4000 miles in long distance rides. When arrived we feel still swimming. I had the suspicion checked, which according to BMW is good.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the Defender 2 tires did not meet your expectations for handling and road feel. The Defender 2 is designed to prioritize comfort, a quiet ride and long-lasting performance, which can result in a softer feel compared to more performance-focused tires. We recommend speaking with your authorized tire dealer about options better suited to your preferences. You may also contact our Consumer Care team at 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST) for further assistance.

Jun 19, 2026
Reviewer name: CriticalEye
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

The Industry Standard for Premium Quality, Standard Touring, All-Season Passenger Vehicle Tires

Compared to the OEM tires we replaced, we're enjoying greater peace of mind w/our new, Michelin, premium-quality, std. touring, all-season tires on our mid-size SUV. These tires provide exceptional tread longevity w/an 80k-mi. warranty. They also offer excellent dry, wet, & winter traction along w/responsive steering, balanced handling, stable cornering, & a quiet ride. For maximum safety, even wear, & extended mileage, we had a 4-wheel alignment performed at a reputable nearby shop immediately after the tires were installed. Just be sure your alignment shop can clearly explain the digital printout of the measurements taken with a "before & after" comparison against your specific vehicle's factory specs, incl. details re: the camber, caster, & toe for all 4 wheels, along w/the thrust angle for your rear axle. Some tire centers offer a pkg. deal for free alignments for the life of your vehicle, which is a good investment if you plan to keep your vehicle for more than a yr. Alignments are recommended annually, & the pkg. price is often about the same or even slightly less than the price of 2 alignments.

Review from michelinman.com
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May 5, 2026
Reviewer name: Horseman34
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

TIRES ARE OK BUT HAVE ROAD NOISE

Bought 4 replacement tires for my 2017 Rav4, tires are just as noisy as my original OEM tires. Was hoping for quieter ride, but the same. Set pressure to 32 psi, but no difference. My winter Michelins are quieter, Defenders are a harder rubber with gives them longer life, but increase road noise.

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
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781
Jun 12, 2026
Reviewer name: OHDutchman
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Great Ride & Handling

These tires are a great fit for our 2019 Hyundai Tuscon. Excellent Handling & smooth quiet ride. Experienced a major "cloud burst" downpour on the way home on Loop 270 and the tires channelled the water just fine. Even cornering on tight bank turns, the vehicle handled great.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?5C8DTGBTJMKN15189673781