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Deal.ai › Compare

Michelin Defender 2 vs Michelin CrossClimate2

The CrossClimate 2 is the better all-weather tire and the better pick if you see real snow or want one tire for every season. The Defender 2 is the better pick for long highway miles in mild climates, where its 80,000-mile treadwear warranty and quiet ride pay off. Both are strong on wet and dry grip, and owners rate them highly. The catch is size: these two listings are different sizes, so confirm what your vehicle takes before choosing.

  • Choose the Defender 2 if you drive mostly dry and wet roads in a mild climate, want the longest tread life and a quiet, comfortable ride, and your vehicle takes 235/65R17.
  • Choose the CrossClimate 2 if you face snow and ice in winter, want one tire year-round without swapping to winter tires, and your vehicle takes 235/40R18.

Prices

  • Michelin Defender 2: $215.99 at Tires Wheels Direct (last seen Nov 10)
  • Michelin CrossClimate2: $274.99 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Michelin Defender 2 is $59.00 cheaper than the Michelin CrossClimate2 at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 11)
Michelin
Michelin Defender 2 All Season 235/65R17 104H Passenger Tire

Michelin Defender 2

Michelin Defender 2 All Season 235/65R17 104H Passenger Tire

4.7(1,193 ratings)
$215.99at Tires Wheels DirectChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Tires Wheels Direct
Pros
  • 80,000-mile limited treadwear warranty
  • Quiet, comfortable highway ride
  • Strong wet and dry braking
  • Extra Load capacity for SUVs
Cons
  • Not rated for severe snow
  • Less sharp steering response
  • Only light-snow capable
Michelin
Michelin CrossClimate2 235/40R18 XL 95V

Michelin CrossClimate2

Michelin CrossClimate2 235/40R18 XL 95V

$274.99at AmazonChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Three-peak mountain snowflake rated for real winter weather
  • One tire for all four seasons
  • Confident wet and slush traction
  • Crisp dry-road handling
Cons
  • No long-mileage treadwear warranty
  • Firmer ride and more road noise
  • Wears faster if you drive mostly highway

What separates them

Michelin Defender 2Michelin CrossClimate2
Seasonal capabilityAll-season; rated for light snow onlyAll-weather; carries the three-peak mountain snowflake rating for severe snow
Tread life80,000-mile limited treadwear warranty; Michelin claims it outlasted three leading rivals by 25,000+ milesLonger mileage than typical all-season tires, but no 80,000-mile warranty
Snow and ice tractionAdequate in light snow; not a winter substituteDesigned to grip in snow and slush; the standout feature of the line
Ride comfort and noiseOptimized tread design cuts road noise and vibrationFirm, sporty feel; more road noise than the Defender 2
Handling feelTouring bias; smooth and predictableRigid tread blocks lock together in the dry for sharper, sportier steering
EV and heavy-load useExtra Load rating, 1,984 lb max per tireEV-compatible and XL-rated in this size
Size in this listing235/65R17, H speed rating (130 mph)235/40R18 XL, V speed rating (149 mph)

Price history

$274.99$215.99
Nov 10Nov 11
  • Michelin Defender 2: lowest $215.99 on Nov 10 at Tires Wheels Direct; $224.99 on Nov 11.
  • Michelin CrossClimate2: lowest $274.99 on Nov 11 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Michelin Defender 2

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $224.99Free shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • PriorityTireNew

    In stock

    $224.99Free shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit PriorityTire
  • Tires Wheels DirectNew

    Availability unknown

    $215.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit Tires Wheels Direct

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Michelin CrossClimate2

  • americantiredepot.comNew

    In stock

    $322.99Checked 59 min ago
    Visit americantiredepot.com
  • Big Brand Tire & ServiceNew

    In stock

    $322.99Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Big Brand Tire & Service
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $274.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • VIPNew

    Availability unknown

    $305.00Free shippingChecked 59 min ago
    Visit VIP
All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMichelin Defender 2Michelin CrossClimate2
colorBlack—
Load Capacity (max) (lb)1984.0—
Load Index104.0—
Speed IndexH (210 km/h)—
Suited ForSUV—
StudsNo—
Rim Diameter17—
SeasonAll Season Tire—
Width235—
Load Capacity (max) (kg)900.0—
Item TypeTire—
Wheel / TireTire—
Show all 31 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMichelin Defender 2Michelin CrossClimate2
SubtypeTouring—
Tire TypeRadial—
Aspect Ratio55—
Diameter17 inch—
Section Width235 mm—
Speed RatingH—
Wheel Diameter17 inch—
Weight28 lbs—
Dry GripExtra grip (on dry pavement), Improved dry brak…—
Wet GripExtra grip (in slippery conditions)

What reviewers say

Michelin Defender 2

  • 4.7 / 51,193 ratings

Owners rate the Defender 2 highly, with 4.7 out of 5 across roughly 1,200 ratings. Most praise centers on tread life, quiet running and confident wet braking. Complaints are fewer and tend to focus on snow performance and ride firmness on some vehicles.

What people mention
  • Tread lifePraisedOwners say the tires wear slowly and still have usable tread after tens of thousands of miles.
  • Ride noisePraisedDrivers describe a quiet cabin on the highway compared with their previous tires.
  • Wet gripPraisedReviewers report short, stable stops in rain and no hydroplaning scares.
  • Snow tractionMixedLight snow is handled fine, but owners say deep snow calls for a dedicated winter tire.

Michelin CrossClimate2

Reviewers and owners rate the CrossClimate2 highly for wet and light-snow traction and long tread life. Many say it is noisier and firmer than the all-season tire it replaced.

What people mention
  • Wet tractionPraisedOwners say it grips confidently in heavy rain and resists hydroplaning.
  • Snow gripPraisedReviewers report it handles light snow and slush well for an all-season tire.
  • Road noiseCriticisedMany owners find it louder at highway speed than the tire it replaced.
  • Ride comfortMixedSome say the ride is firm over rough pavement, while others call it acceptable.

Questions and answers

Which is better in snow?
The CrossClimate 2. It carries the three-peak mountain snowflake rating, so it meets a severe-snow standard the Defender 2 does not. The Defender 2 handles light snow but is not a winter tire.
Which lasts longer?
The Defender 2. Michelin backs it with an 80,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and says it outlasted three leading competitors by more than 25,000 miles. The CrossClimate 2 trades some tread life for winter grip.
Is the CrossClimate 2 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you drive in snow and want to skip seasonal tire swaps. If your winters are mild, the Defender 2 gives you a quieter ride and longer wear for less.
Can I run either tire year-round?
Yes. Both are all-season tires. The CrossClimate 2 is the safer choice in cold, snowy winters; the Defender 2 is fine for mild climates.
Are these the same size?
No. The Defender 2 here is 235/65R17 and the CrossClimate 2 is 235/40R18. Check the size on your vehicle's door jamb before buying either.
How do owners rate them?
The Defender 2 holds 4.7 out of 5 from about 1,200 ratings. The CrossClimate 2 is widely praised by owners and reviewers for winter traction, though some note more road noise.

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More comparisons

  • Continental ContiCrossContact LX25 235/55R20 vs Michelin Defender 2 All Season 235/65R17 104H Passenger Tire
  • Continental ContiCrossContact LX25 235/55R20 vs Michelin CrossClimate2 235/40R18 XL 95V
  • Continental 275/55R19 CrossContact LX25 Tires vs Michelin Defender 2 All Season 235/65R17 104H Passenger Tire
  • Continental 275/55R19 CrossContact LX25 Tires vs Michelin CrossClimate2 235/40R18 XL 95V

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best all-season SUV tires
—
Puncture ResistanceNo punctures—
Performance TypeAll-Season—
Terrain SuitabilityLight snow, Dry, Wet, Wintry conditions—
GripExtra grip (in slippery conditions)—
Load CapacityExtra Load—
Maximum Speed130 mph—
Noise LevelLowers road noises and vibrations—
Type—All Season
Size—16″, 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″