Tests 78 · 2 tests Owners 77 · 18 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 13 in 2022 Consumer Reports All Season Truck Tires (tested tread life (miles))
Head-to-head
Updated
Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 — 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 2 + 1 road tests and 18 + 3,699 owner reviews. How we score
Too close to call: TerrainContact H/T and Defender LTX M/S2 are level at 77.
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Tests 65 · 1 test Owners 88 · 3,699 reviews
Best test result: #2 of 30 in 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test (snow braking)
“The tires are over inflated for transport. The dealership should set them to the proper PSI during PDI but that's not always the case. I had 55 PSI in mine which explained the rough ride.”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
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77
Dry
TerrainContact H/T +968Why this score
Source TerrainContact H/T Defender LTX M/S2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 1 tests 77 52 Reviews found online 77 91 Dry Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 93% Dry Circle (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 99% TerrainContact H/T: 60% × 77 + 40% × 77.3 = 77
Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 52 + 40% × 91.3 = 68
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80
Wet
TerrainContact H/T +377Why this score
Source TerrainContact H/T Defender LTX M/S2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 1 tests 77 67 Reviews found online 83 92 Wet Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 99% 92% Wet Circle (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 99% 94% Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 97% TerrainContact H/T: 60% × 77.5 + 40% × 83.2 = 80
Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 66.8 + 40% × 91.5 = 77
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75
Snow
Defender LTX M/S2 +681Why this score
Source TerrainContact H/T Defender LTX M/S2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 1 tests 75 84 Reviews found online 74 77 Ice Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 86% 86% Ice Traction (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 89% 90% Snow Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 93% 97% Snow Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 94% 97% Snow Traction (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 87% 94% Snow Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 85% 94% TerrainContact H/T: 60% × 74.8 + 40% × 74.3 = 75
Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 84 + 40% × 76.9 = 81
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70
Comfort
Defender LTX M/S2 +1282Why this score
Source TerrainContact H/T Defender LTX M/S2 Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 69 (est.) ≈ 72 (est.) Reviews found online 70 88 TerrainContact H/T: 40% × 68.9 (est.) + 60% × 70.1 = 70
Defender LTX M/S2: 40% × 72.5 (est.) + 60% × 87.6 = 82
No road tests of comfort for TerrainContact H/T. 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 Defender LTX M/S2. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).
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72
Noise
Defender LTX M/S2 +375Why this score
Source TerrainContact H/T Defender LTX M/S2 Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 66 (est.) ≈ 66 (est.) Reviews found online 80 89 TerrainContact H/T: 60% × 66.4 (est.) + 40% × 80.4 = 72
Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 66.4 (est.) + 40% × 88.8 = 75
No road tests of noise for TerrainContact H/T or Defender LTX M/S2. The test half is the tested tires’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests.
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77
Treadwear
Defender LTX M/S2 +380Why this score
Source TerrainContact H/T Defender LTX M/S2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / – tests 80 ≈ 75 (est.) Reviews found online 74 89 TerrainContact H/T: 60% × 80.1 + 40% × 73.6 = 77
Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 74.6 (est.) + 40% × 89 = 80
No road tests of treadwear for Defender LTX M/S2. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).
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78
Handling (owners)
Defender LTX M/S2 +987Why this score
Source TerrainContact H/T Defender LTX M/S2 Reviews found online 78 87
Scores at a glance
| Category | Continental TerrainContact H/T | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 77 | 77 |
| Dry | 77 | 68 |
| Wet | 80 | 77 |
| Snow | 75 | 81 |
| Comfort | 70 | 82 |
| Noise | 72 | 75 |
| Treadwear | 77 | 80 |
| Handling (owners) | 78 | 87 |
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
77
/ 100
TerrainContact H/T
77
/ 100
Defender LTX M/S2
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.
In the overall rankings of 2 tests that ran both, Continental TerrainContact H/T finished ahead 1 times and Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 1 times.
| Discipline | Category | TerrainContact H/T | Defender LTX M/S2 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% | 93% | +7.1 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Tire Rack Highway All Season Tyre Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Dry Circle | Dry | 100% | 99% | +1.3 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Tire Rack Highway All Season Tyre Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 99% | 92% | +7.1 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Tire Rack Highway All Season Tyre Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 99% | 94% | +4.7 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Tire Rack Highway All Season Tyre Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 100% | 97% | +3.4 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Tire Rack Highway All Season Tyre Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Ice Braking | Snow | 86% | 86% | −0.3 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Ice Traction | Snow | 89% | 90% | −1.6 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 93% | 97% | −3.4 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 94% | 97% | −3.1 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Tire Rack Highway All Season Tyre Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Snow Handling (tester's mark) | Snow | 85% | 94% | −8.8 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 87% | 94% | −7.7 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Road Rating (tester's mark) | Other | 97% | 98% | −1.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 Tire Rack Highway All Season Tyre Test · 265/70 R17 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #9/30 | #3/30 | – | 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17 |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A TerrainContact H/T
Pros
- Strong wet and dry grip, with reviewers reporting no slipping or hydroplaning even in heavy rain and at higher speeds
- Capable snow traction for a highway-terrain tire, with several users getting through storms and bad winter conditions with confidence
- Stable, controlled handling for trucks and SUVs, including improved sway control when towing and sportier steering feel
Cons
- Ice and heavy-snow traction is limited for some users, with one Tundra owner finding the tires give up grip easily and relying on 4WD
- Tread wear is described as not stellar by a heavy-duty hauler, and wear is likely accelerated by towing loads
- Balance and road-force problems for one reviewer, with vibration persisting after multiple balancing attempts
Tire B Defender LTX M/S2
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet and smooth highway ride
- Outstanding tread life and long-term durability
- Improves fuel economy and lowers rolling resistance
Cons
- High upfront purchase price
- Occasional difficulty with balancing and high-speed vibrations
- Can pick up small rocks and struggles in deep snow compared to dedicated winter tires
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Continental TerrainContact H/T
We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.
Tire B
Positive
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
The community widely views the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 as an outstanding highway and daily driving tire, praising its smooth ride, low road noise, and reliable wet traction. While considered an ideal replacement for noisy all-terrain or OEM tires, some users question its performance in severe winter or deep mud conditions compared to dedicated off-road tires. A few owners also raised minor concerns regarding warranty differences, balancing, and tread life compared to prior generations.
r/ram_trucks
·4 upvotes ·2025-06-29
“Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 vs Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 for '21 Ram 1500 Limited Unfortunately I'm having to get my 2nd set of tires in 4 years. I had the OEM Goodyear tires the first two times and only got 20-25K miles each time so I'm looking for something better. I usually get my tires from Sam's Club because I've found they give the best value. I wanted to get the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2's at my last need for tires but they cost more than I could afford at the time. I can afford them now but I've also come across these Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3's that are at a better deal and have consistently decent reviews as well that would cost me about $500 less in total. I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience with both sets or has a recommendation between the two tires and if you can provide reasonings why. TIA! Leer más”
r/Rivian
·30 upvotes ·2023-11-22
“275/50R22 Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 At about 15k miles the front 2 Pirelli Scorpions were pretty much worn out/down to the wear bar. I wanted to try something different and always liked Michelin tires so I went with the Defender LTX M/S2. Replaced the front two. If I like them I'll get another 2 next year and shuffle these to the rears. It seems the truck has had to relearn how to drive after putting new tires on. It's been 5 days and it seems that it's almost back to normal. The steering felt a little too loose is how I'd describe it. Otherwise they feel great and I like how they look. A little more meatier than the Pirellis. I'll be measuring the wear to see how it compares and will post some data in the future.”
r/ToyotaTundra
·2 upvotes ·2026-01-18
“I have the same truck. I love my Defender LTX M/S2 tires. Very good on the rroadand in rain and snow. I haven't towed with them but have had no issues on forest service roads in Washington state. I would definitely get them again.”
Top themes
#highway ride comfort#wet weather traction#low road noise#fuel and range efficiency#light snow performance#all-terrain comparison
Based on 83 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Continental TerrainContact H/T | B · Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All Season | All Season |
| Vehicle type | SUV and 4x4 | SUV and 4x4 |
| Sizes available | 30 | 1 |
| Rim diameters | 16″ – 22″ | 22″ |
| Tread depth | 12 - 14/32″ | 11 - 14/32″ |
| UTQG | 360 - 800 A - AA A - B | 820 B A |
| Sidewall | Black Side Wall - Raised Outline White Lettering | Black Side Wall - Raised Outline White Lettering |
| Max pressure | 44 - 80 psi | 50 - 80 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
77
/ 100
Continental TerrainContact H/T
77
/ 100
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Too close to call: Continental TerrainContact H/T and Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 are within 2 points overall. Continental TerrainContact H/T is stronger on dry and wet. Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is stronger on comfort, handling and snow.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 scores 82 vs 70 on comfort.
Pick tire A
You want the most grip on dry roads
Continental TerrainContact H/T scores 77 vs 68 on dry.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 scores 87 vs 78 on handling.
Pick tire B
You drive through snowy winters
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 scores 81 vs 75 on snow.
Tire A · Continental TerrainContact H/T
Tire B · Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
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TerrainContact H/T or Defender LTX M/S2?
Which is better in the wet, TerrainContact H/T or Defender LTX M/S2?
Continental TerrainContact H/T, 80 vs 77 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, TerrainContact H/T or Defender LTX M/S2?
Continental TerrainContact H/T, 77 vs 68 on our dry score.
Which is better in snow, TerrainContact H/T or Defender LTX M/S2?
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, 81 vs 75 on our snow score.
Which is quieter, TerrainContact H/T or Defender LTX M/S2?
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, 75 vs 72 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, TerrainContact H/T or Defender LTX M/S2?
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, 82 vs 70 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, TerrainContact H/T or Defender LTX M/S2?
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, 80 vs 77 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