Pirelli Scorpion vs Michelin Defender2 — Compared

“2023 CX5 Tire Change - 2 yr update on Pirelli Scorpion Switched from the OEM Toyo tires to Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3s on my 2023 Mazda CX-5 at around 47,000 miles . The car is now at 95,000 miles , so I’ve put about 48,000 miles on them over the last two years. One thing I wasn’t expecting was the fuel economy improvement. Before the swap I consistently averaged around 22–23 MPG . Since switching, I’ve been averaging 26–27 MPG with essentially the same commute and driving habits. The ride is quieter, smoother, and the wet-weather grip has also been noticeably better. Math: 48,000 miles driven 22.5 MPG → ~2,133 gallons 26.5 MPG → ~1,811 gallons Fuel saved: ~322 gallons Estimated fuel savings: ~$1,175 Cost of Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3s: $821.67 Net fuel savings after tire cost: ~+$350 Inb4 stock toyos are trash. This post was to provide insights to anyone waiting until stocks are worn out, if you plan to drive the car 2+ more years it’s well worth it. Read more”

“I just purchased a set of the Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 for my 2023 Acura RDX. There was not much data or reviews to go on, but I compared them against the Pirelli Scorpion AS 3, which seems to have great reviews online. Discount Tires website indicated the Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 scored "4" on ride quality, comfort and noise level, as well as 4.5 on fuel efficiency. That's what I was looking for, a quiet, smooth ride, over tire longevity. Thus far, in less than 10 miles of driving home from the tire shop,...the tires seem to be a much better improvement over the Continental Cross Contact LX Sport that came OEM on my Acura RDX when new.”

“Yes, another tire advice post. Anybody running Pirelli Scorpion XC M + Scorpion XC RC combo? Hi, Thinking about buying a Pirelli set for my Scale. Now running stock OEM Schwalbe Racing Ray/Ralph Performance in 2.35. They’re grippy, but slow and heavy most of the time, and they lack suppleness. No other tire was throwing me around so much on small roots and sharp hits. When I lower the pressure they get even slower while still being not supple enough. Logical upgrade was same combo Ray/Ralph 2.35 in SuperRace, so a much lighter and softer version, but I bought 2 sets and had to return both of which, because they were 2.15 actually, not 2.35. Mezcal and Barzo seem like too little grip for me, and I have a crossmark/ikon combo for the super dry conditions. I mostly ride flat singletrack, a bit of sand and want to race. So to the Pirellis. I’d like them to cover most conditions, much like the Racing Ray/Ralph which are surprisingly alright in the wet. I’d like to run both in 2.4, XC RC prowall rear and XC M Lite front. Thanks for any advice! Read more”

“I am sick from New Michelin Defender2 tires. Need recommendation of all season tires with less offgassing of toxic chemicals. Short of breath and nasal congestion from 3 brand new Michelin Defender2 tires offgassing on my SUV. Tires consist of approximately 400 chemicals. What is the half life of their offgassing? I am considering replacing them with Hanhook Kinergy tires. Has anyone smelled them? Read more”

“Michelin Defender2 for handling, comfort, and noise? Vehicle is a 2008 Honda Accord LX Sedan. 215/60/R16. I prefer A/S tires and only drive in a warm dry climate with occasional rain (southern CA) I know that Michelins are generally considered the best tire maker but the main advantage of the Defender2's seems to be their excellent durability and tread life. The thing is I have an older car and although I love it I'll probably be selling it within 4yrs. In addition I only average around 6000 miles per year. So I would rather have tires that are more focused on providing a balance of ride quality, comfort, and handling while I have the car. I can get Turanza Quiettracks for about the same price also from Costco so maybe these or another tire might be better suited for my needs? Thanks for reading. Read more”