Tests 59 · 1 test Owners 79 · 26 reviews
Head-to-head
Updated
Continental CrossContact LX25 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 1 + 2 road tests and 26 + 11,304 owner reviews. How we score
Defender2 leads, 77–73 Narrow edge
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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))
“I just ordered Michelin Defender 2 for our 15 Outback . We've had 2 sets of Yokohama YK-CTX after OEM which only lasted about 20k (first set) and 25k (second set). I've had Michelin Defender (orig) and Michelin Defender2 on our Ford Taurus. Very comfortable and great tread life.”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
75
Dry
Defender2 +580Why this score
Source CrossContact LX25 Defender2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 1 tests 70 73 Reviews found online 83 92 CrossContact LX25: 60% × 70.4 + 40% × 82.7 = 75
Defender2: 60% × 72.7 + 40% × 91.5 = 80
-
80
Wet
CrossContact LX25 +575Why this score
Source CrossContact LX25 Defender2 Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests ≈ 77 (est.) 64 Reviews found online 83 92 CrossContact LX25: 60% × 77.5 (est.) + 40% × 83.1 = 80
Defender2: 60% × 64 + 40% × 92.3 = 75
No road tests of wet for CrossContact LX25. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.55).
-
53
Snow
Defender2 +760Why this score
Source CrossContact LX25 Defender2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 1 tests 40 46 Reviews found online 72 79 CrossContact LX25: 60% × 40.2 + 40% × 71.7 = 53
Defender2: 60% × 46.4 + 40% × 79.3 = 60
-
76
Comfort
Defender2 +682Why this score
Source CrossContact LX25 Defender2 Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 71 (est.) ≈ 72 (est.) Reviews found online 79 88 CrossContact LX25: 40% × 70.8 (est.) + 60% × 79.4 = 76
Defender2: 40% × 72.5 (est.) + 60% × 87.6 = 82
No road tests of comfort for CrossContact LX25. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).
No road tests of comfort for Defender2. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).
-
71
Noise
Defender2 +879Why this score
Source CrossContact LX25 Defender2 Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests ≈ 66 (est.) 73 Reviews found online 78 87 CrossContact LX25: 60% × 66.4 (est.) + 40% × 77.5 = 71
Defender2: 60% × 73.3 + 40% × 87 = 79
No road tests of noise for CrossContact LX25. The test half is the tested tires’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests.
-
72
Treadwear
Defender2 +880Why this score
Source CrossContact LX25 Defender2 Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 70 (est.) ≈ 75 (est.) Reviews found online 76 89 CrossContact LX25: 60% × 69.8 (est.) + 40% × 75.5 = 72
Defender2: 60% × 74.6 (est.) + 40% × 89 = 80
No road tests of treadwear for CrossContact LX25. 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).
-
79
Handling (owners)
Defender2 +1089Why this score
Source CrossContact LX25 Defender2 Reviews found online 79 89
Scores at a glance
| Category | Continental CrossContact LX25 | Michelin Defender2 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 73 | 77 |
| Dry | 75 | 80 |
| Wet | 80 | 75 |
| Snow | 53 | 60 |
| Comfort | 76 | 82 |
| Noise | 71 | 79 |
| Treadwear | 72 | 80 |
| Handling (owners) | 79 | 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
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Recomputed
Headline score
73
/ 100
CrossContact LX25
77
/ 100
Defender2
The professional test results behind the scores
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
| Discipline | Category | CrossContact LX25 | Defender2 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 93% #2/3 · Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental CrossContact LX25 vs Goodyear WeatherReady | 96% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 68% #3/3 · Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental CrossContact LX25 vs Goodyear WeatherReady | 90% #8/11 · 2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #2/3 Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental CrossContact LX25 vs Goodyear WeatherReady | #2/10 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A CrossContact LX25
Pros
- Extremely quiet and smooth ride quality at all speeds
- Significantly improved wet and snow traction
- Enhanced braking performance and responsiveness
Cons
- Tends to pick up and throw gravel from the road surface
- Can feel a bit harsh or firm when hitting deep potholes
- Occasional reports of unexpectedly rapid treadwear in rare instances
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
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Continental CrossContact LX25
We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.
Tire B
Positive
Michelin Defender2
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 LX25 | B · Michelin Defender2 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All Season | All Season |
| Vehicle type | SUV and 4x4 | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 40 | 1 |
| Rim diameters | 16″ – 22″ | 18″ |
| Tread depth | 10 - 12/32″ | 10 - 11/32″ |
| UTQG | 740 A A - B | 840 B B |
| Treadwear warranty | — | 80,000 mi |
| Sidewall | Black Side Wall - Raised Outline White Lettering | Black Side Wall |
| Max pressure | 44 - 51 psi | 50 - 51 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
73
/ 100
Continental CrossContact LX25
77
/ 100
Michelin Defender2
Narrow edge: Michelin Defender2 — better handling, noise and treadwear. Pick the Continental CrossContact LX25 if wet matters most to you.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin Defender2 scores 89 vs 79 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Michelin Defender2 scores 79 vs 71 on noise.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Michelin Defender2 scores 80 vs 72 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You drive through snowy winters
Michelin Defender2 scores 60 vs 53 on snow.
Tire A · Continental CrossContact LX25
Tire B · Michelin Defender2
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CrossContact LX25 or Defender2?
Which is better in the wet, CrossContact LX25 or Defender2?
Continental CrossContact LX25, 80 vs 75 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, CrossContact LX25 or Defender2?
Michelin Defender2, 80 vs 75 on our dry score.
Which is better in snow, CrossContact LX25 or Defender2?
Michelin Defender2, 60 vs 53 on our snow score.
Which is quieter, CrossContact LX25 or Defender2?
Michelin Defender2, 79 vs 71 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, CrossContact LX25 or Defender2?
Michelin Defender2, 82 vs 76 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, CrossContact LX25 or Defender2?
Michelin Defender2, 80 vs 72 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