Head-to-head Updated

Continental CrossContact LX Sport vs Michelin Defender2 — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 0 + 2 road tests and 562 + 11,304 owner reviews. How we score

Defender2 is ahead, 77–57

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Continental CrossContact LX Sport
± 7

Tests – · none yet Owners 48 · 562 reviews

“CRV-Hybrid Touring owners, how do you like your OEM tires? I'm a proud new owner of a '26 ST and I have the Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires on my car. I'm not crazy about them. I'm wondering if I should upgrade to Michelin Defenders or something. Thoughts? The Touring comes with the Continental Cross Contact LX Sport (not to be confused with LX25) or the Michelin Primacy A/S. I sorta wish I would have pushed them to switch me to the Primacy A/S. Read more”

Michelin Defender2
Tire BMichelin

Defender2

All Season

± 7

Tests 64 · 2 tests Owners 89 · 11,304 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 10 in 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test (noise (tester's mark))

“My RAV4's Michelin Defender2 survived a slow leak for 3 weeks — and Michelin surprised me!”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

  1. 59

    Dry

    Defender2 +21
    80
    Why this score
    SourceCrossContact LX SportDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests≈ 62 (est.)73
    Reviews found online5492

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 62.2 (est.) + 40% × 54 = 59

    Defender2: 60% × 72.7 + 40% × 91.5 = 80

    No road tests of dry for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.41).

  2. 61

    Wet

    Defender2 +14
    75
    Why this score
    SourceCrossContact LX SportDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests≈ 63 (est.)64
    Reviews found online5792

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 63.1 (est.) + 40% × 56.7 = 61

    Defender2: 60% × 64 + 40% × 92.3 = 75

    No road tests of wet for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.55).

  3. 63

    Snow

    CrossContact LX Sport +3
    60
    Why this score
    SourceCrossContact LX SportDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests≈ 66 (est.)46
    Reviews found online5779

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 66.2 (est.) + 40% × 57 = 63

    Defender2: 60% × 46.4 + 40% × 79.4 = 60

    No road tests of snow for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.32).

  4. 61

    Comfort

    Defender2 +21
    82
    Why this score
    SourceCrossContact LX SportDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 66 (est.)≈ 72 (est.)
    Reviews found online5788

    CrossContact LX Sport: 40% × 66.4 (est.) + 60% × 57.3 = 61

    Defender2: 40% × 72.4 (est.) + 60% × 87.6 = 82

    No road tests of comfort for CrossContact LX Sport or Defender2. The test half is the tested tires’ average (69): owners’ comfort ratings barely follow the road tests.

  5. 64

    Noise

    Defender2 +15
    79
    Why this score
    SourceCrossContact LX SportDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests≈ 66 (est.)73
    Reviews found online6187

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 66.4 (est.) + 40% × 60.7 = 64

    Defender2: 60% × 73.3 + 40% × 87 = 79

    No road tests of noise for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is the tested tires’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests.

  6. 40

    Treadwear

    Defender2 +40
    80
    Why this score
    SourceCrossContact LX SportDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 51 (est.)≈ 75 (est.)
    Reviews found online2389

    CrossContact LX Sport: 60% × 50.7 (est.) + 40% × 22.9 = 40

    Defender2: 60% × 74.7 (est.) + 40% × 89 = 80

    No road tests of treadwear for CrossContact LX Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).

    No road tests of treadwear for Defender2. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).

  7. 46

    Handling (owners)

    Defender2 +43
    89
    Why this score
    SourceCrossContact LX SportDefender2
    Reviews found online4689
Scores at a glance
Continental CrossContact LX Sport vs Michelin Defender2: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryContinental CrossContact LX SportMichelin Defender2
Relative Score 57 77
Dry 59 80
Wet 61 75
Snow 63 60
Comfort 61 82
Noise 64 79
Treadwear 40 80
Handling (owners) 46 89

Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.

Weight the categories that matter to you

Wet grip starts at “Important”. Treadwear starts at “Neutral” here: road tests measured it for at most one of the two tires, so it rests on owner reviews. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
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Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
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Recomputed
Headline score
± 7

CrossContact LX Sport

± 7

Defender2

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A CrossContact LX Sport

Pros

  • Low road noise and exceptional cabin comfort
  • Strong handling and reliable grip in wet and dry conditions
  • Confident performance in light snow and winter weather

Cons

  • Disappointing tread life and faster-than-expected wear
  • Occasional reports of reduced traction in heavy mud or specific slick conditions
  • Higher price point relative to the longevity experienced by some drivers
All owner themes in the CrossContact LX Sport review

Tire B Defender2

Pros

  • Long-lasting tread life and high mileage capability
  • Confident dry and wet traction with stable handling
  • Quiet and smooth ride quality on specific vehicles and highway surfaces

Cons

  • Stiffer, harder ride compared to original equipment or older models
  • Noticeable road noise and lack of noise absorption on certain pavement types
  • Reduced fuel economy (MPG) reported by multiple users
All owner themes in the Defender2 review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Continental CrossContact LX Sport

Mixed

Community sentiment regarding the Continental Cross Contact LX Sport is mixed, with drivers frequently noting it as a standard factory OEM equipment on various SUVs and EVs. While some owners praise its low road noise, comfort, and solid dry handling, others criticize it for poor wet traction, quick tread wear, and issues like flaking or chunking. Many drivers consider replacing them with alternatives from Michelin, Pirelli, or EV-specific options once worn.

swedespeed.com ·1 upvote ·2026-03-14

“I'm a fan of the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActives, picked those over the Cross Climate 2s for my XC90 . Not a fan of the Continental CrossContact LX Sports on the wife's 2025 XC60 . Handling in wet feels like absolute garbage, but can't justify swapping them out just yet, but plan to put the WeatherActives or Cross Climate 3s, that's if they come to the States, on her ride when tread is down. Both vehicles ride on 20" rims. I'm also a fan of Vredsteins Quartrac Pro+ and the Nokian Remedy WRG5. Looks like Nokian's Encompass AW02 are in the same vein as the Cross Climate 2 design.”

mbworld.org

“My tires were over inflated at purchase - with rears on my 2020 GLC 300 SUV showing 41.5 PSi, and the fronts were ~ 38.5 PSI. Checked cold tire pressure around sunrise this morning with temperature around 50 degrees. Using a high quality tire pressure gauge checked all tires this morning - and reduced pressure in all four tires to 35 PSI. Before the ride was ok but a bit stiff. Just curious if anyone is running these 18" tires and what you feel works best for your GLC 300's. I'd like to hear your thoughts & comments re: inflation pressure. 235/60 R 18 Continental Cross Contact LX Sport Tire size Inner fuel door pressurre table”

bobistheoilguy.com ·3 upvotes ·2022-10-17

“A broken screw went partially into the tire tread, cutting one of the metal wires / belts in the casing. The tire is not losing air. I am concerned the damaged wire belt could lead to a tire failure. The open divot, deeper than the tire tread, also concerns me since it can get packed with debris, damage the other intact wire, or open the hole even more or further puncturing it. Tire is 2 years old with 17k miles so it's in great shape. Continental Cross Contact LX Sport 245/50 R20. This is on my wife's Pilot so I want her to have a reliable tire with no possibility of having a failure due to this damage, if that is likely here. What do you guys think?”

Top themes
#factory OEM tire#premature tread wear#wet weather handling#EV efficiency comparison#tire pressure optimization#replacement upgrade options

Based on 27 community posts

Tire B

Michelin Defender2

Positive

The community generally views the Michelin Defender2 as a top-tier, long-lasting all-season tire, praised for tread life (60–80k miles reported on Teslas), efficiency, comfort, and its 80k warranty, and it is frequently recommended and cited as top-rated by Consumer Reports. Criticisms are minor and include some road noise, that it is not a performance tire, a speed-rating (H vs V) mounting restriction at Costco, and one report of discomfort from tire off-gassing. Buyers often compare it with the CrossClimate2, Continental LX25, and Primacy Tour, and it is seen as a value pick when rebates or Costco sales apply.

teslamotorsclub.com ·5 upvotes ·2026-03-19

“Swapped the OEM 19s for the 18" TSportLine wheels I had on our 2022 MYP. I installed new Michelin Defender2 tires sized 235/55s last June and they have 9K miles on them and look brand new. The complement the Stealth Gray nicely. I do miss the RED clippers the MYP had. The car was PERFECT at delivery and continues to amaze us with each mile. Just turned 167 miles. HW4 is a game changer.”

bobistheoilguy.com ·2026-02-19

“I’m having a set of four 235/65R18 Michelin Defender2’s installed on the Cadillac as I’m typing this post. I’m at America’s Tire. I’m replacing the OEM Michelin Primacy Tour AS tires that only lasted 25,500 miles. I’m hoping that the Defender2’s will last longer, be quieter and smoother riding. We’ll see!”

mbworld.org

“So here's the latest on Tires recommendations: (still dithering). Looking for smooth, soft ride, good mileage. I do have a mountain home; use ~30ish days during winter ski season, but mostly highway driving in Southern California ( don't disparage me for being a Californian. I cant stand the people or the government too lol. But it's a beautiful state). 2020 300GLC 4MATIC California car, 235/60 18H rating What will it be...?????? MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S - seems like you guys are in favor. But hard to get. And the size is a 235/60 106T designation. Is the T speed max of 116mph not safe enough when OEM was an H rating 130mph? MICHELIN DEFENDER2. $238. Tire rack MICHELIN CrossClimate2 SUV tire rack $248. - hearing both good and bad. I heard they're soft and mileage tanks. Check out reviews on the Michelin USA official site. Pretty interesting. CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX25 $222. tire rack high rating? Also just got this from TireRack customer service CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT DWS 06 PLUS. $238. Not sure, seems like TR is trying to promote them for Cont.”

Top themes
#Exceptional tread life#80k mile warranty#EV efficiency#Road noise comfort#CrossClimate2 comparison#Costco and rebates#Not performance-oriented#Speed rating limitations

Based on 25 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Continental CrossContact LX Sport B · Michelin Defender2
CategoryAll SeasonAll Season
Vehicle typeSUV and 4x4Passenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available391
Rim diameters16″ – 22″18″
Tread depth9/32″10 - 11/32″
UTQG480 A A840 B B
Treadwear warranty—80,000 mi
SidewallBlackwallBlack Side Wall
Max pressure51 psi50 - 51 psi

Which one should you actually buy?

Continental CrossContact LX Sport

Michelin Defender2

Winner: Michelin Defender2 — better handling, treadwear and dry. Pick the Continental CrossContact LX Sport if snow matters most to you.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Defender2 scores 89 vs 46 on handling.

Pick tire B You want the longest tread life

Michelin Defender2 scores 80 vs 40 on treadwear.

Pick tire B You want the most grip on dry roads

Michelin Defender2 scores 80 vs 59 on dry.

Pick tire B You want the most comfortable ride

Michelin Defender2 scores 82 vs 61 on comfort.

Tire A · Continental CrossContact LX Sport
Tire B · Michelin Defender2

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CrossContact LX Sport or Defender2?

Which is better in the wet, CrossContact LX Sport or Defender2?

Michelin Defender2, 75 vs 61 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, CrossContact LX Sport or Defender2?

Michelin Defender2, 80 vs 59 on our dry score.

Which is better in snow, CrossContact LX Sport or Defender2?

Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 63 vs 60 on our snow score.

Which is quieter, CrossContact LX Sport or Defender2?

Michelin Defender2, 79 vs 64 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, CrossContact LX Sport or Defender2?

Michelin Defender2, 82 vs 61 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, CrossContact LX Sport or Defender2?

Michelin Defender2, 80 vs 40 on our treadwear score.

How do we compare tires?

Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.

Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology