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Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV vs Michelin Defender2 — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): 60% professional tests, 40% owner reviews.

CrossClimate 2 SUV leads, 80–77 Narrow edge

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Tire AMichelin

CrossClimate 2 SUV

All Season

Tests 86 · 4 tests Owners 78 · 2,551 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 10 in 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test (dry braking)

“New CrossClimate 2 tires almost stranded my family. Massive efficiency drop on Model Y. Just a heads-up for anyone swapping to Michelin CrossClimate 2s. Put a set on my Model Y about 3 weeks ago from Discount Tire and just did a road trip from Denver to Taos, NM with my wife and two toddlers. We charged up to 90% at the Pueblo Supercharger, and the Tesla app estimated we would arrive in Taos with 15% battery remaining. Well, the new tire efficiency hit is incredibly real. The range dropped so fast that we were tracking to hit 0% and had to make an emergency Type 2 charging stop on the way just to make sure we didn't get stranded with the kids in the car. I’m now seriously thinking about taking advantage of Discount Tire's return policy and going back to the OEM Continental ProContact RX. Has anyone else faced similar problems or massive efficiency drops when switching to the CC2s? Does the range eventually get better after a break-in period, or should I just cut my losses and swap back to the Continentals? I need something reliable for road trips with the family, so I'd love to hear your suggestions and experiences!”

Tire BMichelin

Defender2

All Season

Tests 64 · 2 tests Owners 87 · 11,218 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 7 in Tire Rack Touring All-Season Tire Test (November 2025) (dry braking)

“I just turned 58K miles on my OEMs in my long-range RWD Premium. There is still some tread left--these are rated at 55K miles--but I'm also anticipating needing to replace them before too much longer. Pretty sure they will last well on one more road trip (Las Vegas/Los Angeles from the Bay Area). While replacing them with the same is...fine...I'm also seeing good reviews for the Defender2. And that, as well as a better price ($253 each, $1040 total including installation and fees at Costco) and a better warranty (80K) is what I'm leaning toward. I don't drive aggressively, I don't need severe weather capability, and my primary considerations are range, costs, and durability, so am I missing anything in going for these?”

Category by category

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

  1. 85

    Dry

    CrossClimate 2 SUV +5
    80
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2 SUVDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score)8773
    Reviews found online8290
    Dry Braking (% of best)100%100%
  2. 82

    Wet

    CrossClimate 2 SUV +8
    74
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2 SUVDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score)8264
    Reviews found online8188
    Wet Braking (% of best)99%90%
    Wet Circle (% of best)97%95%
    Wet Handling (% of best)99%95%
  3. 87

    Snow

    CrossClimate 2 SUV +28
    59
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2 SUVDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score)9546
    Reviews found online7777
    Snow Braking (% of best)100%66%
    Snow Handling (% of best)100%90%
    Snow Traction (% of best)99%90%
  4. 83

    Comfort

    CrossClimate 2 SUV +4
    79
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2 SUVDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score)82–
    Reviews found online8388
  5. 75

    Noise

    Defender2 +3
    78
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2 SUVDefender2
    Professional tests (TWG score)8173
    Reviews found online–85
  6. 67

    Treadwear

    Defender2 +11
    78
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2 SUVDefender2
    Reviews found online6987
  7. 82

    Handling

    Defender2 +6
    88
    Why this score
    SourceCrossClimate 2 SUVDefender2
    Reviews found online8288
Scores at a glance
Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV vs Michelin Defender2: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryMichelin CrossClimate 2 SUVMichelin Defender2
Relative Score 80 77
Dry 85 80
Wet 82 74
Snow 87 59
Comfort 83 79
Noise 75 78
Treadwear 67 78
Handling 82 88

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

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Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

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Recomputed
Headline score

CrossClimate 2 SUV

Defender2

The professional test results behind the scores

Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.

DisciplineCategoryCrossClimate 2 SUVDefender2ΔBoth?
Dry Braking Dry 100% #1/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test 100% #1/7 · Tire Rack Touring All-Season Tire Test (November 2025) 0.0 Different tests
Overall Ranking Overall 50% #2/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test 50% #2/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 0.0 Different tests
Snow Braking Snow 100% #1/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 66% #11/11 · 2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test +34.0 Different tests
Snow Handling Snow 100% #1/9 · 2025 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ All-Season Tire Test R17 90% #6/7 · Tire Rack Touring All-Season Tire Test (November 2025) +10.1 Different tests
Snow Traction Snow 99% #2/10 · 2023 SUV All Season Tyre Test 90% #8/11 · 2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test +9.5 Different tests
Subj. Comfort Subj 100% #1/9 · 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tyre Test 94% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test +6.3 Different tests
Wet Braking Wet 99% #3/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 90% #7/11 · 2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test +9.7 Different tests
Wet Circle Wet 97% #6/7 · 2025 Quattroruote All-Season Tire Test R19 95% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test +2.0 Different tests
Wet Handling Wet 99% #5/9 · 2024 Motor SUV All Season Tyre Test 95% #10/11 · 2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test +4.0 Different tests

Pros, cons & observations

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

Tire A CrossClimate 2 SUV

Pros

  • Exceptional wet, ice, and snow traction that inspires winter-weather driving confidence
  • Significantly improved ride comfort and impact absorption over road imperfections
  • Impressive tread life and durability yielding long-term value

Cons

  • Higher initial purchase price compared to competitors
  • Minor fuel economy or range drop reported by some users, especially on hybrids and EVs
  • Occasional low-pitched or increased road noise at highway speeds (between 50-70 MPH)
All owner themes in the CrossClimate 2 SUV 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

Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV

Positive

Community sentiment for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV is largely positive, with drivers consistently praising its exceptional grip and safety in snow, slush, and heavy rain. The primary trade-offs frequently cited are reduced fuel/range efficiency—particularly noted by EV owners—along with a premium price tag, directional rotation limitations, and mixed opinions on road noise.

r/CarTalkUK ·2 upvotes ·2024-11-07

“Opinions please ... Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Michelin Cross Climate 2 SUV? Hi all ... I'm coming up to tyre replacement time so I've looking at what's around. Currently on Bridgestone Turanzas cos that's what came with the car, but I'm not hugely impressed with their lifespan, they seem to pick up sidewall damage easily and the tread seems to age quickly. Which is not much cop when all i do is commute round Southern England. I've pretty much settled on Michelin Primacy 4+ or Cross Climate 2 SUV but I'm having difficulty making a final decision. So I thought the hivemind might settle this: in your experience which one is best for lifespan and fuel consumption? Car is a 2018 SEAT Ateca with 18" alloys. Edit: well guys, I went with the Cross Climates, thanks for the advice!”

teslamotorsclub.com ·7 upvotes ·2021-12-09

“CC2s fitted yesterday. Initial subjective reaction are they deffinately seem both quieter and more comfortable than the stock PS4. I did a non scientific noise test using a app on my phone. On my way to have the tyres changed I drove a section of the A460 toward & from Cannock, approx half a mile in each direction. I did exactly the same run at the same speed with the CC2s a couple of hours later. This is a fairly rough surface well worn tarmac but I avoided all ruts & holes. PS4: 41psi 50mph, average noise level 67.4db. The average being registered by the app, not my calculation. CC2: 40 psi 50mph, average noise level 64.6db. In both cases the phone lay on the central console forward of the tray & armrest. The comfort feeling is the CC2s are softer, damping ridges & ruts better than the PS4, while driving a route of 14 miles each way I drive every Tuesday & Thursday & consists of a wide range of different surfaces including the newer super smooth quiete tarmac.”

swedespeed.com ·2022-01-19

“We visited VT for Christmas and got quite a lot of freezing rain. My parents live on dirt roads and they weren't sanded. Crossclimate 2s on the XC90 took it all in stride. It wasn't my first choice of tire. But I didn't feel "caught with my pants down" either. In NJ we have lots of "winter" days that range from the teens to the 40's. Right now the CC2s are my summer tire and I run Blizzaks for winter. If I were to run CC2s year round, I would buy new tires in Nov, keep them for 2 years, then sell them as barely used and buy a new set. Just like with the older all-season tires, winter performance is definitely better when the tire is newer.”

Top themes
#Snow and winter traction#Wet grip and hydroplaning resistance#EV range and fuel efficiency impact#Road noise and ride comfort#High price and premium value#Directional tread rotation limits#Treadwear and longevity

Based on 97 community posts

Tire B

Michelin Defender2

Positive

Community sentiment toward the Michelin Defender2 is strongly positive, with owners widely praising its exceptional tread life, durability, and 80k-mile warranty. Many drivers and EV owners report excellent longevity and efficiency, though some note elevated road noise compared to premium touring tires or question its necessity for low-mileage driving.

bobistheoilguy.com ·8 upvotes ·2026-05-11

“Taking advantage of Michelin's $80 rebate that runs until 5/23/26, I bought four 225/65R17 Michelin Defender2 tires for my wife's '21 Rav4. I took them home with me and the production dates are 4425 so that is less than a year old and I'm ok with that. I plan to have them mounted this fall after I put on her winter tires. It will also be a good time to put new batteries in her tire pressure sensors although I have never done that before. Last time they see daylight before they go to the basement for storage until fall.”

teslamotorsclub.com ·2 upvotes ·2025-03-13

“I have put Michelin Defender2 on my Model Y P right when I got it. I have driven 62k miles on them and they have plenty life left. Very impressed with their longevity. I didn't drive the Pilot Sport enough to really be able to compare, but the Defender2 is definitely not a performance tire. Efficiency is pretty amazing. I just drove from Dallas to Orlando and my average was 268 Wh/m going at the speed limit of 65 to 75. Road noise could be better, but part of it is that the Y is so well sound insulated from other noises that tire noise is the loudest thing left. It is far less noisy overall than my Model S was. So it might appear noisier only because the other noises are so reduced.”

mbworld.org

“I have Mercedes GLE 350 2018 with Scorpion Verde 255/50/19 R 107H. Drove 45 K miles in 4 years on it and still have 35% left. Got it slightly damaged on the side but still driveable so i am thinking about changing tires. For the same size, what would be better Michelin Defender2 or Primacy Tour A/S? Prefer quiet/smooth ride/noise isolation/safety.Never accelerate too fast/slalom or overusing breaks. Driving in Los Angeles. Max 80 mph/no quick turns. Thought that Primacy Tour A/S should be better for my needs as above, but read bad reviews (very low usable tire mileage ~ 35000 miles, wobbly, bad when raining) vs great for Defender2”

Top themes
#tread life longevity#80k mileage warranty#EV efficiency and range#road noise trade-off#comparison to CrossClimate2#speed rating fitment issues#ride comfort

Based on 24 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV B · Michelin Defender2
CategoryAll SeasonAll Season
Vehicle typeSUV and 4x4Passenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available351
Rim diameters17″ – 22″18″
Tread depth—10 - 11/32″
UTQG—840 B B
Treadwear warranty—80,000 mi
Sidewall—Black Side Wall
Max pressure—50 - 51 psi

Which one should you actually buy?

Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV

Michelin Defender2

Winner: Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV — better snow, wet and dry. Pick the Michelin Defender2 if treadwear, handling and noise matter most to you.

Pick tire A You drive through snowy winters

Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 87 vs 59 on snow.

Pick tire B You want the longest tread life

Michelin Defender2 scores 78 vs 67 on treadwear.

Pick tire A Your priority is wet-weather safety

Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV scores 82 vs 74 on wet.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Defender2 scores 88 vs 82 on handling.

Tire A · Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV
Tire B · Michelin Defender2

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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.

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

80

Narrow edge

CrossClimate 2 SUV

Amazon