The goal of the Michelin Defender 2 vs CrossClimate 2 is to provide a high-performing tire that incorporates the best qualities of summer and winter tires. I’ve worked with tires for a year and suggest them to city drivers. It’s essential to find the right tire for you. In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at two tremendous models. We’ll check their performance in dry and wet weather, how they handle snow, their comfort, and more.
Michelin Defender 2 vs CrossClimate 2: Comparison Table
The comparison chart below offers a brief overview of the similarities and differences between the Michelin Crossclimate 2 vs Defender 2.
DEFENDER 2 | CROSSCLIMATE 2 | |
| Dry Performance | Good | Better |
| Wet Performance | Better | Good |
| Snow Performance | Bad | Good |
| Comfort Level | High | High |
| Noise Level | Low | Low |
| Treadwear Warranty | 80,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Price | Cheaper | More Expensive |
Michelin Crossclimate vs Defender: Detailed Comparison
The CrossClimate tire is made to grip well in wet and dry conditions and handle light snow. The Defender tire is focused on lasting a long time and being durable, with a strong emphasis on treadwear. The CrossClimate has a V-shaped tread pattern for better grip, while the Defender uses Michelin’s Evertread compound for long wear.
Dry Performance
Michelin Defender 2
The Defender 2 is very stable perfect for drivers who want a safe ride. Its quick steering gives the best control and movement, even on rugged roads. The Defender 2’s 3-D sipes, which improve grip by giving more biting edges, are worth noting. The tire has excellent grip, even when it’s wet or slippery.
CrossClimate 2
This product has an advantage with its tightly grouped lugs in the middle area that provide stability at high speeds. The rounded contact patch gives a firm grip while driving. It stands out for its braking abilities. The V-shaped edges on the blocks improve traction when braking, leading to shorter stops.
Wet Performance
Michelin Defender 2:
The Defender 2 is great at managing wet conditions, thanks to its unique 3D SipeLock technology and many sipes made for wet roads. These sites are flexible, so they grip slippery surfaces well. This gives better braking and cornering.
CrossClimate 2:
The CrossClimate 2 uses advanced 3D SipeLock technology to improve grip on wet surfaces. A slight difference is that the CrossClimate 2 has fewer sipes, especially near the shoulders. This is a more significant number of sipes that help remove water and increase resistance to hydroplaning.
Snow Performance
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the top choice. Its unique design spreads the weight evenly over the whole tire. This improves durability and gives excellent grip in winter. Due to its Thermal Adaptive Tread compound, the tire stays flexible in cold weather. It has won the prestigious three-peak mountain snowflake symbol for its excellent performance in heavy snow.
The main drawback is its lack of biting edges, essential for providing traction on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice. The rubber compound used in the Defender 2 is not thermally adaptable. When temperatures drop below freezing, the rubber becomes more rigid and less flexible, reducing its ability to grip snowy surfaces.
Noise And Comfort Level
Michelin CrossClimate 2:
The CrossClimate 2 steps in, ready to shine, and specifically designed to provide optimal comfort and noise control in dry and snowy conditions. The tread design incorporates noise-reducing technologies that help diminish road noise, creating a quieter cabin environment for a more peaceful and enjoyable drive.
Michelin Defender 2:
The Defender 2 gives a smooth, quiet ride, even on wet roads, making your drive peaceful. This is designed to reduce road noise, quietening your car’s interior. Whether in light rain or a downpour, this tire performs well by providing better grip and traction, making your drive safer on wet roads.
Treadwear Warranty
The Michelin Defender 2 is the better choice. This tire includes the Michelin Promise Plan for stress-free driving. The plan gives customers a mileage warranty, a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, and roadside help for added comfort.
The Defender 2 has a standout 80,000-mile warranty, more than the CrossClimate 2’s 60,000-mile warranty. You can rust the Defender 2 to last longer without fear of early wear or needing to replace it.
Fuel Efficiency
The Defender 2 tire is very fuel efficient, with a 21% improvement over the old model. The CrossClimate 2 tire is also impressive, with an 18% increase in fuel efficiency. Both tires are designed for eco-friendly driving. The Defender 2 can last for up to 80,000 miles, which is 27% better than the old model. The CrossClimate 2 can last for up to 75,000 miles, which is a 25% improvement. This shows that both tires are durable and perform well on different roads.
Price
Despite being more budget-friendly, the Michelin Defender 2 does not compromise performance or quality.
- The Michelin Defender 2 stands out as the more affordable choice when it comes to price. A price range of $163 to $276 per tire provides excellent value for budget-conscious consumers.
- The CrossClimate 2 falls within a higher price range, ranging from $172 to $348 per tire, depending on the chosen tire size.
Final Thoughts
The Michelin Defender 2 vs CrossClimate 2 are highly rated and dependable tire options for various weather conditions. The Defender 2 is great for dry roads because of its grip and long-lasting tread. It’s perfect for drivers who primarily drive on dry surfaces. The CrossClimate 2 is better for wet and snowy conditions because of its superior grip and control. The best tire for you depends on your driving needs and weather conditions. It’s best to talk to a tire expert or do more research to determine which tire is best for your car.
FAQs
What is the stopping distance for the Michelin Defender 2?
According to internal wet braking tests conducted on a 2021 Toyota RAV4 using tires in size 225/65R17, the average stopping distance for the MICHELIN Defender 2 tire was measured at 130 ft.
What do the T and H mean on the Michelin defender?
The T and H on Michelin tires show their speed rating. There are 31 speed ratings, each shown by a letter. T means the tire can handle speeds up to 118 mph, and H can go up to 130 mph.
What is the pressure and top speed of the CrossClimate 2?
The top speeds for each category are: R – 106 mph, S – 112 mph, T – 118 mph, H – 130 mph, V – 149 to 168 mph, and Y – up to 186 mph. Keep the pressure between 42 and 43 psi (cold) for safety.
Can Michelin CrossClimate 2 Run On Summer?
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire is made for year-round use, including in the summer. It’s designed to perform well in hot and cold weather, so it’s good for all seasons. The special tread pattern and rubber compound give it good traction and handling on dry, wet, and light snow-covered roads.