Head-to-head Updated

Michelin Defender2 vs Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 — 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 + 3 road tests and 11,304 + 5,009 owner reviews. How we score

Too close to call: Defender2 77, Pilot Sport All Season 4 78.

Add your size for an exact match
/R

Both Amazon links then search this exact size.

TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Michelin Defender2
Tire AMichelin

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!”

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
± 5

Tests 77 · 3 tests Owners 80 · 5,009 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 9 in 2024 Tire Rack UHP All Season Tyre Test (snow braking)

“I just switched from the Pilot Sport All Season 4 to the Continental DWS 06 Plus, and the contis are WAY quieter and ride so much smoother than the Michelins. Hopefully they'll last longer too, the Michelins only lasted me about 28k~ miles despite regularly rotating them.”

Category by category

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

  1. 80

    Dry

    Pilot Sport All Season 4 +3
    83
    Why this score
    SourceDefender2Pilot Sport All Season 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 3 tests7379
    Reviews found online9289

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

    Pilot Sport All Season 4: 60% × 78.6 + 40% × 88.7 = 83

  2. 75

    Wet

    Pilot Sport All Season 4 +9
    84
    Why this score
    SourceDefender2Pilot Sport All Season 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 3 tests6481
    Reviews found online9289

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

    Pilot Sport All Season 4: 60% × 81.1 + 40% × 89.4 = 84

  3. 60

    Snow

    Pilot Sport All Season 4 +16
    76
    Why this score
    SourceDefender2Pilot Sport All Season 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 1 tests4684
    Reviews found online7964

    Defender2: 60% × 46.4 + 40% × 79.3 = 60

    Pilot Sport All Season 4: 60% × 84.4 + 40% × 64.4 = 76

  4. 82

    Comfort

    Defender2 +9
    73
    Why this score
    SourceDefender2Pilot Sport All Season 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 3 tests≈ 72 (est.)69
    Reviews found online8877

    Defender2: 40% × 72.5 (est.) + 60% × 87.6 = 82

    Pilot Sport All Season 4: 40% × 68.8 + 60% × 76.5 = 73

    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).

  5. 79

    Noise

    Defender2 +14
    65
    Why this score
    SourceDefender2Pilot Sport All Season 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 3 tests7355
    Reviews found online8779

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

    Pilot Sport All Season 4: 60% × 54.9 + 40% × 79 = 65

  6. 80

    Treadwear

    Defender2 +10
    70
    Why this score
    SourceDefender2Pilot Sport All Season 4
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 75 (est.)≈ 69 (est.)
    Reviews found online8972

    Defender2: 60% × 74.6 (est.) + 40% × 89 = 80

    Pilot Sport All Season 4: 60% × 68.5 (est.) + 40% × 72 = 70

    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).

    No road tests of treadwear for Pilot Sport All Season 4. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).

  7. 89

    Handling (owners)

    Defender2 +7
    82
    Why this score
    SourceDefender2Pilot Sport All Season 4
    Reviews found online8982
Scores at a glance
Michelin Defender2 vs Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryMichelin Defender2Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Relative Score 77 78
Dry 80 83
Wet 75 84
Snow 60 76
Comfort 82 73
Noise 79 65
Treadwear 80 70
Handling (owners) 89 82

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

Defender2

± 5

Pilot Sport All Season 4

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.

DisciplineCategoryDefender2Pilot Sport All Season 4ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 96% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 100% #1/5 · 2025 AutoView Ultra High Performance All-Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Dry Circle Dry 100% #2/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 100% #1/4 · Tire Rack Ultra High Performance All-Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Dry Handling (tester's mark) Dry 91% #9/11 · 2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test 88% #3/9 · 2024 Tire Rack UHP All Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Braking Wet 84% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 100% #1/5 · 2025 AutoView Ultra High Performance All-Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Handling Wet 99% #5/7 · Tire Rack Touring All-Season Tire Test (November 2025) 98% #5/9 · 2024 Tire Rack UHP All Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Handling (tester's mark) Wet 81% #10/11 · 2024 TireRack All Season and Weather Tyre Test 94% #4/9 · 2024 Tire Rack UHP All Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Ice Braking Snow 70% #2/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 93% #7/9 · 2024 Tire Rack UHP All Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Snow Braking Snow 100% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 100% #1/9 · 2024 Tire Rack UHP All Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Snow Handling Snow 100% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 98% #3/9 · 2024 Tire Rack UHP All Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Comfort (tester's mark) Comfort 94% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 100% #1/5 · 2025 AutoView Ultra High Performance All-Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Noise (tester's mark) Noise 100% #1/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 99% #2/5 · 2025 AutoView Ultra High Performance All-Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Road Rating (tester's mark) Other 85% #3/10 · 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test 88% #4/4 · Tire Rack Ultra High Performance All-Season Tyre Test – Different tests
Overall Ranking Overall #2/10 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test #2/5 2025 AutoView Ultra High Performance All-Season Tyre Test – Different tests

Pros, cons & observations

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

Tire A 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

Tire B Pilot Sport All Season 4

Pros

  • Exceptional grip and confidence in both wet and dry weather conditions
  • Noticeable improvement in ride comfort, responsiveness, and smoothness compared to OEM run-flat tires
  • Strong braking performance and resistance to hydroplaning in heavy rain

Cons

  • Faster-than-expected treadwear, particularly on performance vehicles or staggered setups
  • Noticeable road noise, humming, or cavity resonance at highway speeds for some users
  • Firm sidewalls can transmit sharper impacts over rough roads and potholes
All owner themes in the Pilot Sport All Season 4 review

What real owners are saying

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

Tire A

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

Tire B

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

Positive

Community sentiment for the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is predominantly positive, with drivers praising its dry and wet grip, responsive handling, and substantial upgrade over stock tires. However, several users report drawbacks including mediocre deep snow performance, noticeable road noise or ride stiffness compared to competitors like the Continental DWS 06 Plus, and an efficiency or range penalty on electric vehicles.

r/WRX ·2 upvotes ·2021-05-01

“Im running pilot sport a/s4 in 265/35 r18 on 18x9.5 konig ampliform. I have been driving them about 5 months, i cant complain. They are good for where im at (only 93 octane stage 1 tune, no major mods). Side note, i feel the road imperfections alot more with such a small sidewall.”

impreza5.com ·2 upvotes ·2025-07-06

“I just replaced my Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 that I had on my Impreza with the Michelin CC2s. I got 30k out of the PSAS4 tires, and neither the tire shop nor Michelin would honor the 45k warranty, even with regular rotations and even wear. I was not impressed with them in the snow, and I've had about 30 winters of driving with different all seasons. The CC2, on the other hand, were incredible. Such a good tire in my first winter that I bought a set for my daughter's Forester. A little noisier than the PSAS4s, but I'll take superior handling on ice/snow over the quieter tire.”

r/TeslaModelY ·52 upvotes ·2023-02-26

“Replaced tires with Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, ride significantly improved My 2021 MYLR with 19" Gemini wheels ran over a screw in the tire sidewall and I had to replace the tire. I decided to replace all four tires since the tread was low anyway. I ended up replacing with the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. I was happy to find that the ride quality significantly improved after this. Just wanted to let folks know. Others have pointed out that there's a slight range efficiency hit and the tires don't reach all the way to the Gemini rims like the stock Continentals do. I find I don't care about these things and enjoy the ride quality improvement a lot. If I put the car in Chill mode now and drive others around, it's a much better ride experience for them on residential streets. The tires were a bit expensive, $1700 to replace all four including labor (in the SF Bay, a HCOL area) but I had to replace the tires anyway and the benefits were worth it to me.”

Top themes
#wet and dry grip#winter and snow capability#EV efficiency and range#Continental DWS06 Plus comparison#CrossClimate 2 comparison#road noise and ride comfort#tread life and wear

Based on 241 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Michelin Defender2 B · Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
CategoryAll SeasonAll Season
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available13
Rim diameters18″20″
Tread depth10 - 11/32″9 - 10/32″
UTQG840 B B440 - 540 A - AA A
Treadwear warranty80,000 mi—
SidewallBlack Side WallBlack Side Wall
Max pressure50 - 51 psi50 - 51 psi

Which one should you actually buy?

Michelin Defender2

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

Too close to call: Michelin Defender2 and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 are within 2 points overall. Michelin Defender2 is stronger on noise, treadwear and comfort. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is stronger on snow, wet and dry.

Pick tire B You drive through snowy winters

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 scores 76 vs 60 on snow.

Pick tire A You want a quieter cabin

Michelin Defender2 scores 79 vs 65 on noise.

Pick tire A You want the longest tread life

Michelin Defender2 scores 80 vs 70 on treadwear.

Pick tire A You want the most comfortable ride

Michelin Defender2 scores 82 vs 73 on comfort.

Tire A · Michelin Defender2
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Defender2 or Pilot Sport All Season 4?

Which is better in the wet, Defender2 or Pilot Sport All Season 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, 84 vs 75 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Defender2 or Pilot Sport All Season 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, 83 vs 80 on our dry score.

Which is better in snow, Defender2 or Pilot Sport All Season 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, 76 vs 60 on our snow score.

Which is quieter, Defender2 or Pilot Sport All Season 4?

Michelin Defender2, 79 vs 65 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, Defender2 or Pilot Sport All Season 4?

Michelin Defender2, 82 vs 73 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Defender2 or Pilot Sport All Season 4?

Michelin Defender2, 80 vs 70 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