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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
1,033 ratings1,025 reviews
  1. 5 stars85% (873)
  2. 4 stars8% (82)
  3. 3 stars3% (30)
  4. 2 stars2% (19)
  5. 1 star3% (29)

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Showing 51-60 of 1,025 reviews
Feb 24, 2026
Reviewer name: James Gray
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Capability In Bad Weather

Michelin Primacy MXV4s were the tires replaced by these. The biggest difference between the two is that the Defender 2s are much better in rain, snow, and slush, which is the reason I got them. My biggest concern was that they would be louder on the highway and they are not. The MXV4 is a fine tire, but these make my car more capable in bad weather.

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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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.

Feb 20, 2026
Reviewer name: Jon
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Won't buy again, don't trust them to grip when needed.

Had to replace 2 of my T&H tires on a 2015 Sienna FWD. Traction off the line especially if wet is terrible. Because they put them on the back for h first few months it was too late to take back. Traction on these is worse than my fairly worn older tires. Who cares about how long they last if they don't work well enough to grip. Tried to see what they would do about it and same answer of take it back to where you bought them. Don't plan to use Michelin anymore.

Review from michelinman.com
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Aug 21, 2022
Reviewer name: Joseph
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Excellent Tires with Comfortable and Quite Ride

I recently purchased the Michelin Defender 2 tires with tire size of 235/50R17 for my Lexus ES350. My previous tires were Michelin Premier A/S, which it offers very comfortable and quite ride with excellent handling and traction during dry and wet weather conditions. However, the issue was the Premier A/S did not last very long. I only had 25K and all 4 tires went down to 2/32. By doing a lot of research, I found out that the Defender 2 is built on the foundation of the Defender T+H, the Michelin Defender 2 scores top marks in all categories. Plus, it has the identical tread pattern design like Premier A/S which I like it very much. It provided me very comfortable and quite ride with Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology. In addition, the Defender 2 compounds contain EverTread2.0 and MaxTouch2.0 Technology, which Michelin offers 80,000 miles warranty. By knowing Defender 2 is built from Defender T+H and has the same tread design like Premier A/S, I know this is an excellent tire that would give me the most comfortable quite ride while keep me safe on the roads, plus it will last for a long time. I am very happy with the purchase and the choice I made.

Review from michelinman.com
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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
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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.

May 1, 2026
Reviewer name: Unhappy
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Poor Reliability

I am very disappointed with the Michelin Defender 2. The 4 tires are rated for 80,000 miles. However, I am experiencing uneven wear (feathering) on al 4 tires at 12,000 miles. I have documentation to prove I have been aligning my tires at Firestone since the tires were purchased new. The shocks and struts are new on my vehicle. However, I am experiencing noisy tires, and the roads feel bumpy all the time.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

We are sorry to hear you are experiencing uneven wear with your Defender 2 tires. Our records indicate you have already been in contact with a member of our Consumer Care team. If you would like to discuss further, please call us at at 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST) and reference your case number.

Mar 3, 2026
Reviewer name: william
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars review

hope tires hold up , had aset of these on my 2021 equinox and had 30000 miles on them and would not pass state inspection because od unusual tire wear ! had alignment done and was told alignment was ok ! contacted michelin about this and they said nothing could be done because i was second owner of car !!!!!!

Review from michelinman.com
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Mar 6, 2026
Reviewer name: GramPam
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Bomb-Cyclone / Historic New England Blizzard : NO PROBLEM!

I bought this 'set of four' Michelin Defender2 Tires for my 2008 Nissan Sentra S 4-door sedan. {Which I bought brand new in 2008.} At 2 years I replaced the factory tires with these Michelin tires [ then, faithfully a set of four-at-a-time, thereafter, as needed]. The grip and stability excel in wet OR dry highway driving. Saved me in a few highway "near-misses --THANK GOD!" For an ole lady in a 17+1/2-year-old-car, they rocked-my-socks, in traction during this historic Feb 22 to 24, 2026 Bomb-Cyclone/Blizzard. The leftover snow from the January storm, in my Southeast Massachusetts town became frozen. And the Blizzard dumped another 20+ inches; that covered my Black Sentra; parked in between two other vehicles. After I cleaned the snow, {which had even blown into my tailpipe} cleared snow from the two driver's-side tires & driver's door; clear enough from above the front bumper I was able to climb over the snow pack piled in front of my car. [ Utilizing the ole foot-on-the-brake, inch back & forth 2 or 3 times, until I felt those Defender's grip. Then it was smooth & steady going. I highly recommend these tires; and suggest rotation to extend the wear & durability -- which will extend their life!

Review from michelinman.com
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