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Head-to-head Updated

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT 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 0 + 1 road tests and 196 + 3,699 owner reviews. How we score

Wrangler Duratrac RT leads, 79–77 Narrow edge

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Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Tire BMichelin

Defender LTX M/S2

All Season

± 7

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.

  1. 80

    Dry

    Wrangler Duratrac RT +12
    68
    Why this score
    SourceWrangler Duratrac RTDefender LTX M/S2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests≈ 76 (est.)52
    Reviews found online8791

    Wrangler Duratrac RT: 60% × 75.6 (est.) + 40% × 86.5 = 80

    Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 52 + 40% × 91.3 = 68

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

  2. 83

    Wet

    Wrangler Duratrac RT +6
    77
    Why this score
    SourceWrangler Duratrac RTDefender LTX M/S2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests≈ 80 (est.)67
    Reviews found online8891

    Wrangler Duratrac RT: 60% × 80 (est.) + 40% × 87.7 = 83

    Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 66.8 + 40% × 91.4 = 77

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

  3. 79

    Snow

    Defender LTX M/S2 +2
    81
    Why this score
    SourceWrangler Duratrac RTDefender LTX M/S2
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests≈ 75 (est.)84
    Reviews found online8577
    Ice Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–090%86%
    Ice Traction (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–098%90%
    Snow Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–196%97%
    Snow Traction (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–187%94%
    Snow Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–179%94%

    Wrangler Duratrac RT: 60% × 75.2 (est.) + 40% × 85 = 79

    Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 84 + 40% × 76.9 = 81

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

  4. 73

    Comfort

    Defender LTX M/S2 +9
    82
    Why this score
    SourceWrangler Duratrac RTDefender LTX M/S2
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 70 (est.)≈ 72 (est.)
    Reviews found online7588

    Wrangler Duratrac RT: 40% × 70 (est.) + 60% × 75.2 = 73

    Defender LTX M/S2: 40% × 72.5 (est.) + 60% × 87.6 = 82

    No road tests of comfort for Wrangler Duratrac RT. 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).

  5. 70

    Noise

    Defender LTX M/S2 +5
    75
    Why this score
    SourceWrangler Duratrac RTDefender LTX M/S2
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Reviews found online7589

    Wrangler Duratrac RT: 60% × 66.5 (est.) + 40% × 74.5 = 70

    Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 66.5 (est.) + 40% × 88.8 = 75

    No road tests of noise for Wrangler Duratrac RT or Defender LTX M/S2. The test half is the tested tires’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests.

  6. 78

    Treadwear

    Defender LTX M/S2 +2
    80
    Why this score
    SourceWrangler Duratrac RTDefender LTX M/S2
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 73 (est.)≈ 75 (est.)
    Reviews found online8689

    Wrangler Duratrac RT: 60% × 73.5 (est.) + 40% × 85.8 = 78

    Defender LTX M/S2: 60% × 74.6 (est.) + 40% × 89 = 80

    No road tests of treadwear for Wrangler Duratrac RT. 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 Defender LTX M/S2. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).

  7. 74

    Handling (owners)

    Defender LTX M/S2 +13
    87
    Why this score
    SourceWrangler Duratrac RTDefender LTX M/S2
    Reviews found online7487
Scores at a glance
CategoryGoodyear Wrangler Duratrac RTMichelin Defender LTX M/S2
Relative Score 79 77
Dry 80 68
Wet 83 77
Snow 79 81
Comfort 73 82
Noise 70 75
Treadwear 78 80
Handling (owners) 74 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
± 7

Wrangler Duratrac RT

± 7

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 1 tests that ran both, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT finished ahead 0 times and Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 1 times.

DisciplineCategoryWrangler Duratrac RTDefender LTX M/S2ΔHead-to-head
Ice Braking Snow 90% 86% +3.8 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17
Ice Traction Snow 98% 90% +7.3 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17
Snow Braking Snow 96% 97% −0.2 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17
Snow Handling (tester's mark) Snow 79% 94% −14.6 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2026 Tire Rack All Terrain Tyre Snow Test · 265/70 R17
Snow Traction Snow 87% 94% −7.6 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)
Overall Ranking Overall #17/30 #3/30 – 0–1 in 1 shared test 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 Wrangler Duratrac RT

Pros

  • Outstanding traction in deep snow, ice, and winter weather
  • Aggressive and rugged tread design that enhances vehicle appearance
  • Surprisingly low road noise for an aggressive all-terrain tire

Cons

  • Slightly firmer or harsher ride due to stiff 3-ply sidewalls
  • Minor reduction in fuel economy (MPG)
  • Noticeable tire hum or noise at certain speeds
All owner themes in the Wrangler Duratrac RT review

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
All owner themes in the Defender LTX M/S2 review

What real owners are saying

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

Tire A

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT

We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.

Tire B

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

Positive

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/GrandCherokee ·2 upvotes ·2025-09-01

“I had the crossclimate on my Avalon. They were noisy. Don't know if vehicle choice matters. Put the Defender LTX M/S2 on my GC Overland. So far I really like them.”
tahoeyukonforum.com ·5 upvotes ·2026-03-06

“Defender LTX M/S2 275/50/22 on Fuel 22’s Coming off the Allenzas the quiet smooth ride is very noticeable. A section of paved road that has roots underneath but not really washboard - on the Allenzas it was noisy and bumpy and with the Defenders it is barely noticeable. They are that good”
bobistheoilguy.com ·5 upvotes ·2025-06-04

“Got them last month. Did road trip to Vegas and back. Astonishing tire. You almost don’t know they are there. They just provide feedback necessary to have good control. No noise, no uncomfortable transfer of impact. Excellent in rain. Went through several downpours. As expected from 12/32 depth and this design, hydroplaning resistance is excellent. But what I pay attention is braking and handling, and they are excellent there. Did by now 3,000mls no any noticeable wear.”
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 · Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT B · Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
CategoryAll-Season tireAll Season
Vehicle typeSUV and 4x4SUV and 4x4
Sizes available441
Rim diameters16″ – 22″22″
Tread depth16 - 18/32″11 - 14/32″
UTQG500 B B820 B A
Treadwear warranty50,000 mi—
SidewallSerrated Black LetteringBlack Side Wall - Raised Outline White Lettering
Max pressure50 - 80 psi50 - 80 psi

Which one should you actually buy?

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

Narrow edge: Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT — better dry and wet. Pick the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 if handling, comfort and noise matter most to you.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 scores 87 vs 74 on handling.

Pick tire A You want the most grip on dry roads

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT scores 80 vs 68 on dry.

Pick tire B You want the most comfortable ride

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 scores 82 vs 73 on comfort.

Pick tire A Your priority is wet-weather safety

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT scores 83 vs 77 on wet.

Tire A · Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT
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Tire B · Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
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Wrangler Duratrac RT or Defender LTX M/S2?

Which is better in the wet, Wrangler Duratrac RT or Defender LTX M/S2?

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT, 83 vs 77 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Wrangler Duratrac RT or Defender LTX M/S2?

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT, 80 vs 68 on our dry score.

Which is better in snow, Wrangler Duratrac RT or Defender LTX M/S2?

Neither, by our numbers: 79 vs 81 on the snow score, within 3 points.

Which is quieter, Wrangler Duratrac RT or Defender LTX M/S2?

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, 75 vs 70 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, Wrangler Duratrac RT or Defender LTX M/S2?

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, 82 vs 73 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Wrangler Duratrac RT or Defender LTX M/S2?

Neither, by our numbers: 78 vs 80 on the treadwear score, within 3 points.

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