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The Michelin Defender2 delivers outstanding tread life, quiet comfort, and strong braking for passenger cars and crossovers. In our independent tests on a 215/65R17 size, it scored 84/100 overall, with projected mileage up to 75,000. See full scores, pros/cons, and why it's ideal for commuters seeking reliability without compromise.
Quick Pick
The Michelin Defender2 is our top recommendation for grand touring all-season tires, excelling in longevity and ride quality. See our Best Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2024
If you're shopping for a dependable all-season tire for your sedan, crossover, or minivan, the Michelin Defender2 deserves serious consideration. This grand touring tire is frequently chosen as original equipment by automakers, signaling its proven reliability. In our hands-on lab and on-road evaluations using a 215/65R17 99H size purchased at retail for around $199, it earned an overall score of 84/100.
What sets it apart? Exceptional projected treadwear of 75,000 miles, a quiet cabin, and plush ride comfort make it a favorite for everyday drivers. Whether you're navigating highways or city streets, it balances performance with durability. We'll break down the test data, compare it to rivals, and share actionable insights to help you decide if it's right for your vehicle.
Our testing protocol includes controlled lab measurements for braking, handling, and resistance, plus real-world road loops for comfort and noise. Here's how the Defender2 performed across key categories (out of 5):
These results highlight its strengths in comfort and longevity, backed by an 80,000-mile warranty and UTQG rating of 840 AA A.
We pitted the Defender2 against other popular all-season options in our broader tire evaluations. Check this markdown table for a quick side-by-side (scores normalized to our 5-point scale; prices for 215/65R17 size):
| Tire Model | Dry Braking | Wet Braking | Tread Life (Projected Miles) | Ride Comfort | Price | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Defender2 | 5 | 4 | 75,000 | 5 | $199 | Best Grand Touring |
| Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra | 4.5 | 4.5 | 80,000 | 4.5 | $220 | Review |
| Advanta HPZ-02 | 4 | 3.5 | 60,000 | 4 | $120 | Review |
| Average All-Season | 4 | 3.5 | 55,000 | 4 | $160 | Full Guide |
The Defender2 leads in value for comfort-focused drivers, though premium rivals like the Alenza edge it in SUV-specific wet grip.
This tire shines for daily commuters, families, and crossover owners prioritizing a smooth, quiet ride over 50,000+ miles. It's Load Index 99 (1,709 lbs/tire) and H-rated (130 mph) suit sedans like the Toyota Camry or Honda CR-V. Avoid if you face frequent ice or demand track-like handling.
Alternatives:
To hit that 75,000-mile mark, maintain 32-35 PSI cold (check your door sticker). Rotate every 6,000 miles and align annually. A reliable inflator ensures proper pressure—prevent uneven wear and blowouts.
Recommended Accessory: The AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor with 9.8ft cord and digital gauge is perfect for roadside checks. Check current price.
Fast inflation? Grab the Woowind Tire Inflator—1-minute fill-up to 150 PSI. See on site.
For cordless convenience, the Airmoto Tire Inflator auto-shuts off. View details.
Pairing these keeps your Defender2 performing optimally. More tools: Best Automotive.
Moderate snow traction (3/5) handles light conditions, but ice braking lags. For severe winters, opt for dedicated snow tires like those in our Best Winter Tires of 2026.
80,000 miles, with our tests projecting 75,000 actual miles under mixed driving.
Tested on 215/65R17 99H; check sizes for sedans/crossovers. Not run-flat or reinforced.
Beats averages in comfort, noise, and longevity; competitive in braking (see table).
Yes, as a grand touring all-season, but monitor wear in extremes.
Ready to upgrade? Start with our top grand touring picks for safer, smoother drives.
