If you drive a light truck, commercial van, or SUV and are looking for a set of tires that will provide you with safety, excellent tread life, and good performance, this review may interest you.
Today, we will explore what makes the Michelin Defender LTX M/S and the Michelin LTX M/S2 two of the best tires for everyday use on work-oriented vehicles.
TL;DR: Michelin LTX M S2 vs Defender
Before we begin analyzing these two incredible tires, it is worth reviewing their pros and cons.
Michelin LTX M/S2
[amazon fields=”B07QCJ6P8L” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Unbeatable ride comfort
- Excellent traction on dry and wet roads
CONS
- Not available in as many sizes
- Slightly lower snow and wet performance
Best For:
Owners of light trucks, commercial vans, and SUVs oriented to daily driving or on-road work.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
[amazon fields=”B0192KSGD6″ image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
PROS
- Incredible tread life
- Amazing wet traction
- Excellent snow/ice performance
CONS
- None worth mentioning
Best For:
Owners of light trucks, commercial vans, and SUVs oriented to daily driving or on-road work.
Performance Ratings: LTX M S2 vs Defender
When it comes to tires, the number of miles reported is everything. That’s because the higher the number of miles reported by drivers, the more reliable their ratings are.
In the case of the Michelin LTX M/S2, we are talking about 24M+ total reported miles, which places it as 6 out of 45 in the Highway All-Season tires segment. For its part, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S has more than 14M total reported miles which places it as 4 out of 45 in the Highway All-Season tires segment.
In other words, both tires have enough reported miles to be confident in their ratings, which also means that, in theory, their positions within the Highway All-Season tires segment should not vary considerably.
That said, we have provided the following links to facilitate your navigation through this review.
- Off-Road Performance
- Dry Performance
- Wet Performance
- Snow / Ice Performance
- Comfort Performance
- Treadwear Performance
- Warranty
- Specs & Options
- Reviews
Off-Road Performance: LTX M S2 vs Defender
|
Off-Road Performance Ratings |
Michelin LTX M S2 |
Michelin Defender |
|---|---|---|
|
Off-Road Overall |
7.7 |
8.1 |
|
Dirt |
8.1 |
8.6 |
|
Sand |
7.6 |
8.1 |
|
Mud |
7.0 |
7.6 |
|
Rock |
7.9 |
8.2 |
While neither tire is intended for serious off-road driving, their tread patterns and materials allow you to use your SUV, pick-up truck, or van on dirt roads without problems. That said, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S has a bit of an advantage over the LTX M/S2 thanks to its highly functional tread pattern and high-density 3-D Active Sipes.
If your daily routine includes frequent off-road trips, then the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is your best alternative.
Dry Performance: LTX M S2 vs Defender
|
Dry Performance Ratings |
Michelin LTX M S2 |
Michelin Defender |
|---|---|---|
|
Dry Overall |
9.2 |
9.3 |
|
Cornering Stability |
9.0 |
9.2 |
|
Dry Traction |
9.4 |
9.5 |
|
Steering Response |
9.1 |
9.2 |
Given that both options are aimed at the same audience and have such similar rankings in the Highway All-Season tire segment, it is not surprising that their dry performance is so similar. In fact, although both tires use different tread designs, the intention remains the same, to offer predictable grip in both straightaways and curves.
In terms of dry performance, you can’t go wrong choosing either of these options.
Wet Performance: LTX M S2 vs Defender
|
Wet Performance Ratings |
Michelin LTX M S2 |
Michelin Defender |
|---|---|---|
|
Wet Overall |
9.0 |
9.2 |
|
Hydroplaning Resistance |
9.0 |
9.2 |
|
Wet Traction |
9.0 |
9.2 |
While the arguments made in the previous section are still valid, we are inclined to favor the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in the case of wet performance.
This is because the tire features four wide circumferential channels along with multiple lateral grooves and open shoulder slots that promote lateral water evacuation. This design allows the tire to have better traction and braking performance on wet roads than the Michelin LTX M/S2, which does not have such an aggressive pattern.
If you are looking for a tire with excellent grip in adverse weather conditions, then the Michelin Defender LTX M/S gives you a slight advantage over the LTX M/S2.
Snow / Ice Performance: LTX M S2 vs Defender
|
Snow / Ice Performance Ratings |
Michelin LTX M S2 |
Michelin Defender |
|---|---|---|
|
Snow / Ice Overall |
7.8 |
8.3 |
|
Light Snow Traction |
8.4 |
8.9 |
|
Deep Snow Traction |
7.6 |
8.2 |
|
Ice Traction |
7.3 |
7.8 |
Snow performance is arguably one of the main aspects of all-season tires, especially when aimed at commercial vans, pick-up trucks, and SUVs. In that sense, the Defender LTX M/S again takes advantage of its tread pattern to prevail over the Michelin LTX M/S2.
For this reason, especially on deep snow roads, the Defender can prove to be much more effective than the LTX M/S2. While both tires are good alternatives for use on light snow roads, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S has noticeably better snow/ice performance.
Comfort Performance: LTX M S2 vs Defender
|
Comfort Performance Ratings |
Michelin LTX M S2 |
Michelin Defender |
|---|---|---|
|
Overall Comfort |
9.0 |
9.1 |
|
Ride Quality |
9.1 |
9.2 |
|
Noise |
9.0 |
8.9 |
This is a category where again, both tires offer exactly the same performance. This is because both share exclusive Michelin technologies such as MaxTouch Construction, which in addition to contributing to better ride quality, also favors even tread wear. In terms of overall comfort, both options provide an unrivaled driving experience in their class.
Treadwear Performance: LTX M S2 vs Defender
|
Treadwear Performance Rating |
Michelin LTX M S2 |
Michelin Defender |
|---|---|---|
|
Treadwear |
8.8 |
8.9 |
When it comes to commercial or daily-driven vehicles, tire life is crucial. Michelin is aware of this, which is why it has used silica-rich compounds in both of these tires, as well as used Michelin’s MaxTouch Construction, and reinforced steel belts to ensure structural integrity and even tread wear. So if your main concern is the durability of these tires, rest assured that both of these tires will give you a long service life.
Warranty: LTX M S2 vs Defender
|
Warranty Type |
Michelin LTX M S2 |
Michelin Defender |
|---|---|---|
|
Treadlife Warranty |
6-year warranty or 70,000 miles (whichever occurs first) / 50,000 miles on LT sizes
This warranty is halved for rear tires when they are different in size from the front tires. |
6-year warranty or 70,000 miles (whichever occurs first) / 50,000 miles on R-speed rated
This warranty is halved for rear tires when they are different in size from the front tires. |
|
Uniformity Warranty |
One year of use or the first 2/32″ of wear |
One year of use or the first 2/32″ of wear |
|
Workmanship / Materials Warranty |
6-year warranty and free tire replacement for the first year, 2/32″ wear, or 25% wear |
6-year warranty and free tire replacement for the first year, 2/32″ wear, or 25% wear |
|
Road Hazard Warranty |
Unfortunately, Michelin does not offer a road hazard warranty on this tire |
Unfortunately, Michelin does not offer a road hazard warranty on this tire |
|
Tire Rack Road Hazard Warranty |
Refunds of up to $40 for repairs per tire per occurrence
Refund of the original purchase price or replacement purchase price (whichever is less) when the tire suffers non-repairable damage (valid within the first 2 years of use). |
Refunds of up to $40 for repairs per tire per occurrence
Refund of the original purchase price or replacement purchase price (whichever is less) when the tire suffers non-repairable damage (valid within the first 2 years of use). |
These tires have exactly the same backing from Michelin regarding the manufacturer’s warranty. Both offer a generous 70,000 mile or 6-year warranty, which is very advantageous for vehicles in continuous on-road use.
Specs & Options: LTX M S2 vs Defender
When it comes to market coverage, both tires offer the most popular sizes for everyday and commercial vehicles. However, while the Michelin LTX M/S2 is only available in tire sizes ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches and rim widths from 245 to 275, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is available in tire sizes ranging from 15 inches to 22 inches and rim widths from 215 to 295.
If we talk about UTQG, the Michelin LTX M/S2 is rated 720 A A A, while the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is 800 A A. For more information about this rating, we suggest you read this article.
In terms of available tire sizes, the Defender LTX M/S has a wide advantage over the LTX M/S2.
Reviews: LTX M S2 vs Defender
There are several points to note from the reviews made by drivers who have used these tires. First, both these tires have an incredible level of user satisfaction. Countless comments are describing the outstanding performance of these tires in all weather conditions.
On the other hand, we have the type of vehicles in which these tires are used. As expected, the vast majority of users drive pickup trucks such as the Ford F-Series or Chevrolet Silverado 2500 or commercial vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. We also found numerous drivers of Toyota 4Runner or GMC Yukon, so it is demonstrated that both these options meet the expectations for which they were designed.
As for their ability to withstand the rigors of continuous road work, both tires have reviews from drivers who have successfully used them for over 90,000 miles without any problems.
All in all, both tires deliver on their promise of amazing durability, good performance, and a smooth, comfortable ride all year long.
Quick Recap
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|
Michelin LTX M/S2 |
|
|---|---|
|
Dry |
9.2 |
|
Wet |
9.0 |
|
Snow / Ice |
7.8 |
|
Comfort |
9.0 |
|
Treadwear |
8.8 |
[amazon fields=”B0192KSGD6″ image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]
|
Michelin Defender LTX M/S |
|
|---|---|
|
Dry |
9.3 |
|
Wet |
9.2 |
|
Snow / Ice |
8.3 |
|
Comfort |
9.1 |
|
Treadwear |
8.9 |
End of the Road
This review analyzed in-depth two excellent tires aimed at work-oriented vehicles, the Michelin LTX M/S2 and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. Both provide an excellent level of wet and dry traction as well as adequate grip and braking power on light snowy roads. Since their performance and price are so similar, it is our opinion that either tire is a good choice for your truck.