Which is better for a light truck or SUV?

The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2. It is built as a highway tire for trucks and SUVs, with load index 116 in XL ply and an 820 treadwear rating. The Pirelli is a touring tire with standard load.

The Michelin on paper. It carries an 820 treadwear rating and a tread life warranty of up to 75,000 miles, size-dependent. Pirelli does not publish a treadwear number for the Scorpion AS Plus 3.

Is the Michelin worth the extra money?

If you tow, haul or keep tires for many years, yes: the tread life warranty and load rating justify $272.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026. For a sedan or crossover driven mostly on pavement, the Pirelli at $138.23 at eBay as of November 4, 2026 is the better value.

Which rides more quietly?

The Pirelli. Reviewers consistently describe the Scorpion AS Plus 3 as quiet, smooth and comfortable. The Michelin is a firm highway tire and rides stiffer.

Which handles better?

The Michelin has the higher speed rating in most sizes and even-wear construction for stable handling under load. One Pirelli reviewer reported worse handling than their previous Michelins.

Do both work in light snow?

Both are all-season tires with sipes and wide water channels, so both handle light wintry conditions. Neither is a winter tire, so use dedicated winter tires for deep snow or ice.

Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 vs Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

Buy the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 if you drive a truck or SUV and want the longest tread life and the strongest owner ratings. Buy the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 if you drive a car or crossover and want a quiet, comfortable ride for less money. The gap is large: $138.23 at eBay as of November 4, 2026 for the Pirelli versus $272.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026 for the Michelin.

Today the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 costs $42.00 less at its best price.

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