Both the Michelin Crossclimate 2 and the new Michelin Defender 2 are excellent all-season tires for coupes and SUVs. And while both tires are generally very good, there are still a few key areas where one is better than the other.
Michelin Crossclimate 2 is a kind of summer tire that performs well even on snow, the tire has a rating of 3PMSF, and at the same time it surprises with its grip on dry roads.
The Michelin Defender, on the other hand, is much better in terms of overall comfort, fuel economy, tread wear and wet grip.
Let's take a closer look at these tires, starting with their construction.
In this article: hide
1 Side by side comparison
1.1 Michelin Defender 2
1.2 Michelin Cross Climate 2
2 Facts about tire sizes
3 Sustainability
4Comfort in motion
5 Tread noise
6 Dry traction
7Natte grip
8 Aqua planing
9 Traction on snow
11 Off-road traction
12 Brief summary
12.1 More Related:
Side by side comparison
Michelin Defender 2
Michelin Crossclimate 2
The Michelin Defender 2 has a very simple design with a continuous central rib (highlighted in red) and surrounding blocks with a similar sipe pattern.
These sipes are interlaced and full depth, giving very good grip in the wet, and the consistent central rib also gives the tire better grip on dry surfaces.
And although the surrounding blocks (highlighted in blue) clearly share the wavy side grooves, there are still connections between them to improve braking and driving stability (especially on dry surfaces).
Together, all these blocks form 4 circumferential channels that are almost the same width and provide sufficient resistance to aquaplaning.
The Michelin Crossclimate 2, on the other hand, has a directional tread pattern with a very impressive appearance, covering all the main areas of on-road performance.
The long, beveled arms are connected to each other and provide plenty of dry grip, while the interlaced slats in the middle allow for efficient water cleaning.
These lugs also provide incredible grip in the winter thanks to the grooves and grooves that trap snow (so the tread provides better snow-to-snow contact), earning this tire a 3 top flake rating in the mountains (along with M+ S).
Moving on to the shoulders, the Michelin Defender 2 focuses strongly on dry grip, as each block has joints that act as reinforced struts and provide lateral stability and better contact (contact with the road, resulting in grip).
Here the slats are minimal and create a slightly different design where they first meet and then change to a rectilinear shape which then joins the J-shaped grooves (toward the sidewalls).
Compared to the shoulder blocks in the Crossclimate 2, the design is more compact.
Crossclimate 2 with wider grooves between the shoulder blocks, although it has less contact with the road, the tire certainly offers enough grip due to the built-in lateral slits.
All shoulder blocks are separated from the central part of the tread by longitudinal notches, holding the tire in place in both directions (laterally and circumferentially).
Also note that all of his shoulder blocks vary in size for variable jumps.
Facts about tire sizes
The Michelin Defender 2 is currently available in 33 sizes, while the Crossclimate 2 offers a total of 89 sizes offering greater speed and load capacity.Defender 2 Cross climate 2 Food 16 do 20" 16 to 22 inches Speed rating H (on all) H i v load range 1356 do 2149 lbs 1356 do 2601 lbs weight class 25 do 32 lbs 25 do 36,5 lbs Profile depth 10.5/32" (all) 10/32″ (on all) Cross section width 8 do 10" 8 to 11 inches 3 in the afternoon BORN So
Sustainability
Michelin takes a slightly different approach to sustainability with the Defender 2.
While tires usually have a double-ply polyester carcass, the Defender 2 only has a single-ply polyester carcass, which, while reducing the tire's strength, also increases grip.
Then one layer of polyester is applied to 2 steel belts which are then reinforced with one top layer of polyamide.
The Michelin Crossclimate 2, on the other hand, has a double layer of polyester, with similar double steel strips covered by a single layer of polyamide.
Thus, the Defender 2 has single-layer sidewalls, while the Crossclimate 2 is double-layered for slightly better overall durability.
Comfortable on the go
Where this goes hand in hand with durability, the Michelin Defender 2 becomes a very comfortable tire.
Thanks to the reduced total number of polymer layers in the inner structure, it offers a very spongy tread that absorbs road bumps very well.
In comparison, while the Michelin Crossclimate 2 offers a fairly soft tire for winter grip, the firmer internal structure of the tire cannot provide as much comfort on slippery and uneven asphalt.
Additionally, the tire also has a shallower tread depth in comparison, and while it's a small difference, the Defender 2 has a bit more rubber surface area to absorb bumps.
Tread noise
Tread noise is highly dependent on the shoulder blocks as most of the air passes through them and then hits the walls of the tread and creates noise. So it makes sense why the Michelin Defender 2 is so quiet on the road.
Thanks to the joints between the shoulder blocks, this tire reduces the movement of the air flow, which allows it to significantly dampen the noise level.
The Michelin Crossclimate 2, on the other hand, even though it offers variable pitch technology, the wider grooves still create a lot of noise.
However, compared to other all-season tires, it is not too noisy, as the directional design still allows air to flow smoothly through the grooves.
for information:Thanks to its variable pitch, the tape creates changes in blocks that produce sounds at different frequencies, trying to cancel each other out to dampen the sound.
Dry traction
Dry traction is divided into two parts, grip and handling, where grip is measured by calculating braking distance (stopping the car at a certain speed, usually 50 mph), while handling is calculated by passing times.
As for these two tires, although both are excellent on the road, the Michelin Crossclimate 2 will give you better grip on the road and the Michelin Defender 2 better driving times.
The Crossclimate 2 is essentially a very well designed tire and although it has wider grooves, it has a rounded contact patch that provides tighter contact from the center where the lugs are tightly together.
This rounded contact patch also improves stability at high speeds and is one of the main reasons why this tire is rated up to V in the speed rating (compared to the Defender 2 only for an H).
And while the tire lacks a bit of handling, the grooves in the shoulder blocks act as sharp edges and still provide satisfactory values of lateral grip.
The Michelin Defender 2, on the other hand, offers excellent handling, excellent stability and steering response.
The tire is very light, so there is very little lag between steering movement and feedback.
The shoulder of the blocks (which are activated in turns) provide better contact between the tire and the road surface compared to the blocks where all the blocks are closely packed and interconnected with ridges in between, which naturally increases the driving characteristics of the tire.
Traction in the wet
Wet traction offers a slightly different scenario, of course it also depends on grip, but sipes and rubber compound are the main factors here.
So it's no surprise that Michelin Crossclimate 2 are missing here with less slats, although they are very effective.
Most of the sipes on this tire are visible in the center because that is where the tire has the most contact with the ground (with a rounded contact surface). But these slats are not enough to drain the water in time.
Basically, the sipes suck in and expel the water molecules underneath as the tire rolls, and since the tire doesn't provide enough sipes (for grip), wet grip is compromised.
On the other hand, the Michelin Defender 2 not only has more sipes, but also 3D Sipe Lock technology, which means that these sipes lock together during cornering and braking and do not stiffen.
And these lamellae are already very flexible, they have a softer compound and construction, which gives the tire better performance on wet roads.
aquaplaning
Aquaplaning is the removal of water from the tread and while both tires are very efficient, the Defender 2 offers better resistance to aquaplaning on straights and the Croosclimate 2 offers better resistance to aquaplaning in corners.
In the case of the Michelin Crossclimate 2, the directional tread pattern with elongated studs is designed to expel water from the grooves in an aerodynamic flow, while the open shoulder blocks provide ample space for water to enter and exit with ease.
On the other hand, the Defender 2 offers 4 wide longitudinal channels that give this tire better cruising speeds (on flat roads).
And while the tire has the advantage of having extra tread depth, allowing for greater water evacuation, the closed shoulder blocks don't perform as well in the cornering aquaplaning test for comparison.
Towing in the snow
With a top 3 Snowflake rating in the mountains it's clear that the Crossclimate 2 will be better, but not only that, it's one of the best all-season tires you can buy for winter performance.
This band does it all.
The tire has more mass, so it exerts more pressure on the snow and tries to pull the snow particles into the grooves.
And the grooves and larger cavities of the tread allow snow to be absorbed very easily, giving this tire excellent contact with the snow (preferred).
The tire also offers a softer rubber that does not harden at lower temperatures.
On the other hand, while the Defender 2 also offers a soft enough tire, it doesn't have sharp edges and can't provide as much snow-to-snow contact due to the continuous ridges down the middle.
Fuel efficiency and tread wear
Fuel consumption and tread wear depend on many factors, the most important being weight, tread compound and design.
So, with a higher weight (comparatively), the Michelin Crossclimate 2 does not offer optimized fuel consumption.
The weight of the tire causes more pressure of the tread on the road, increasing the overall rolling resistance and thereby increasing fuel consumption.
On the other hand, the Michelin Defender 2 is better here because it generally bites into the road surface less, and although it reduces grip in winter, it creates less rolling resistance and therefore consumes less fuel.
And of course, thanks to the construction of only one layer of polyester, the tire is also very light, so it needs less energy to move.
It's a tougher tire, and the increased tread depth also contributes to durability, and takes little time.
That's why it offers an 80,000-mile warranty compared to the Crossclimate 2's 60,000 miles.
Terrain traction
These tires cannot cope with off-road driving, but compared to them the Michelin Crossclimate 2 is better.
The tire offers more durability of the two, which is preferred off-road.
Additionally, its wider grooves allow it to cut through more dirt in comparison.
The closed-tread Michelin Defender 2 would be difficult to drive off-road.
A brief summary
Both tires are great, but they have some unique characteristics that you should be aware of.
The Crossclimate 2 with 3pmsfr is a premium winter tire that also performs well in dry and wet conditions.
On the other hand, while the Defender 2 makes compromises in winter performance, the tire offers a better overall experience on the road with increased comfort, mileage and fuel consumption.
More related:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2 protiv Defender LTX MS
- Michelin Defender LTX MS protiv Premier LTX
- Goodyear Assurance Weatherready protiv Michelin Crossclimate 2
- Michelin Defender 2 vs Defender T+H vs LTX MS
- Michelin Defender (T+H) protiv Michelin X Tour
FAQs
Michelin Defender 2 vs CrossClimate 2 (Update 2023)? ›
Is the Michelin Defender discontinued? No. The Michelin Defender is still available to this day as of August 2022. However, the Michelin LTX M/S 2 that the Michelin Defender replaced is now slowly being phased out by Michelin.
Is Michelin Defender being discontinued? ›Is the Michelin Defender discontinued? No. The Michelin Defender is still available to this day as of August 2022. However, the Michelin LTX M/S 2 that the Michelin Defender replaced is now slowly being phased out by Michelin.
What tire compares to the Michelin Crossclimate 2? ›The Michelin Defender vs Crossclimate 2 are close in terms of dry performance. Both offer excellent traction, responsiveness, and braking. The Crossclimate 2 is a grand touring tire, so it is expected to have greater performance than standard touring models.
What year did Michelin Crossclimate 2 come out? ›The CrossClimate2 launched in 2020 and brought a combination of performance and safety attributes that have never been seen in a passenger or crossover tire in North America. The tire was initially available in 25 sizes, then 30 additional sizes were launched in early 2021.
Is Crossclimate discontinued? ›Note that the Crossclimate has been discontinued and replaced by the Crossclimate 2, which is available in up to 40% more sizes than its predecessor. The Michelin tire has H and V speed ratings, while the Continental tire is rated for T, H and V.
What is Michelin doing in 2024? ›With UPTIS, fleet owners and professional drivers can have better business productivity, and fewer raw materials will be used. As of date, the UPTIS available is still a prototype as Michelin and General Motors continue to develop it until it is ready for release. The new airless tires are expected to roll out in 2024.
Why did Defender stop production? ›Production of the final Land Rover Defender was cheered by workers at the JLR factory with its lights flashing and horns blaring. JLR decided to axe the legendary 4x4 due to difficulties in maintaining safety and emissions standards.
How long should Michelin CrossClimate 2 last? ›So, they've been working on the holy grail of tires: One that can perform well in extreme conditions, both winter and summer, and still provide quiet, comfortable daily driving and will last for 60K+ miles.
How many miles do CrossClimate 2 tires last? ›Made to Last
The MICHELIN® CrossClimate®2 tire outlasted four leading competitive tires by up to 15,000 miles on a treadwear test, delivering up to one extra year of tread life.
A Quiet and Comfortable Ride
The MICHELINⓇ DefenderⓇ2 tire is designed for smooth, even wear, so the last mile is as comfortably quiet as the first mile.
What is the snowflake rating on Michelin CrossClimate 2? ›
The Michelin CrossClimate2 is an all-weather tire for year round use. It has a 3 peak mountain and snowflake (3PMSF) symbol to meet a snow traction requirement of a winter / snow tire.
Where are Michelin CrossClimate2 manufactured? ›Michelin CrossClimate 2 belongs to the Premium segment and is made by a manufacturer from France. However, this particular model is made in Italy. It is made in total of 135 sizes, 175/65 R15 being the smallest and 275/45 R20 the largest.
What is the speed rating for Michelin CrossClimate 2? ›| Tire Size: | 225/50R17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mileage Warranty: | 60,000 | |
| Load Rating: | 98 | 1653 |
| Speed Rating: | H | 130 |
| Sidewall: | BSW |
However, which is superior, Michelin Crossclimate 2 vs Crossclimate Plus? In fact, the Michelin Crossclimate 2 is the replacement for the Plus model. It delivers less noise, enhanced snow traction, more mileage, and a higher level of performance in wet and dry conditions.
What is the recommended tire pressure for Michelin Crossclimate 2? ›| UTQG | MAX. LOAD | Max. Inflation Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| 640 B A Treadwear: 640 Traction: B Temperature: A | 1,356 lbs | 51 psi |
| 640 B A Treadwear: 640 Traction: B Temperature: A | 1,389 lbs | 51 psi |
| 640 B A Treadwear: 640 Traction: B Temperature: A | 1,521 lbs | 51 psi |
| 640 B A Treadwear: 640 Traction: B Temperature: A | 1,609 lbs | 50 psi |
In order to earn a star, the food in the restaurant will be reviewed multiple times. To lose one, it will be again reviewed a few times, but generally, it will take less time to make a decision. Key Takeaway: Any restaurant can lose a Michelin Star. Lack of consistency is the main reason why a Star is taken away.
What is the lifespan of Michelin? ›Michelin tires last between 45,000-85,000 miles or 72,400-136,800 km. In detail, how long do Michelin tires last? Its lifespan is about 5-10 years. A number that's been specified by the Michelin tire age recommendation.
Has Michelin left Russia? ›13—the French tire maker said that "at December 31, 2022, Russian subsidiaries are still controlled by the Group." Michelin suspended all of its industrial operations in Russia and exports to the country in March last year.
What's new in Defender 2023? ›For 2023, the new 130 body style offers a full third row with 13.4 inches added behind the rear axle. That's in addition to the standard four-door 110 and the short two-door 90, and the new version makes the Defender the only SUV on the market offered in these configurations.
What replaced the Defender? ›The original Truck Utility Heavy (TUH) Defender XD was dropped in favour of the RB44 but after this was withdrawn, the Pinzgauer was used in its place.
Why is Defender so expensive? ›
This is due to a combination of factors, including increasing demand, limited supply, and the reputation of Defenders as durable, capable, and iconic vehicles. Additionally, the design of the Defenders is timeless and has become an icon.
What are the longest lasting Michelin tires? ›Michelin CrossClimate 2 has the highest mileage among the other all season contenders with a staggering 85,000 miles which is 10,000 miles ahead of any other competitor in this segment. This is despite having a much lower reported UTQG tread wear value of 640 & also a lower mileage warranty of 60,000 miles only.
Is Michelin CrossClimate 2 good on ice? ›The well-respected tire retailer rates the CrossClimate2 a very high 8.5 on ice.
Is CrossClimate 2 run flat? ›The CrossClimate 2 Zero Pressure model is a tyre designed for all weathers and has been awarded 3 peaks winter legal approval. This model has variants that are manufacturerd to contain run flat technology. This Michelin model includes variants that are classified as reinforced (XL).
What is the tread depth on Michelin CrossClimate 2? ›| Part Number | MICH-69757 |
|---|---|
| Size | 225/50R17 98V XL |
| Tread Depth | 10 32NDS |
| UTQG | 640BA |
| Load Index | 98 (1653 lbs) |
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 matches my expectations for the best low rolling resistance tires. It comes with good off-road handling, impressive driving experience, and superb fuel economy. Regarding handling, CrossClimate 2 inherits all the advantages of all-season and all-weather tires.
Is Michelin CrossClimate 2 directional? ›Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a Premium Touring All Season Tire with directional tread pattern, designed for Passenger cars and SUV.
Is the Michelin Defender 2 good in the snow? ›Defender2 tires are built to combine long, durable tread life with capable all-season performance in dry, wet and wintry conditions, even in light snow.
Is Bridgestone better than Michelin? ›Bridgestone and Michelin tires are the best of the best, and both are at the top regarding performance. The only noticeable difference between Michelin and Bridgestone cars is their performance on dry roads. Michelin tires are much more responsive and can give drivers sleeker handling when traversing dryer areas.
How many miles should Michelin Defender tires last? ›Michelin rates the Defender for tire wear at 90,000 miles. They say the tire delivers this type of mileage because of the way their trademarked MaxTouch Construction combines with the interlocking action of their Breakthrough IntelliSipe technology to provide “exceptional tread block rigidity” and extra-long life.
What does the snowflake mean on my tire? ›
Indicated by a pictograph showing a peaked mountain with a snowflake in the middle, the severe service symbol indicates a winter tire can handle snowy and slippery roads, as well as low temperatures, and meets the minimum requirements for providing snow traction.
What tires carry snowflake symbol? ›While dedicated winter tires are the best option for deep snow and ice, tires with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF), sometimes called snowflake tires, are rated for severe winter driving.
Is Michelin made in China? ›The main Michelin factory and head office are located in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The company has tires made in 26 countries, including tires made in USA.
What is the best Michelin tire for road? ›Our top pick for the best Michelin is the masterful Pilot Sport 4S, lauded for pairing relentless grip with everyday practicality. If you're willing to sacrifice some Gs for more real-world usefulness, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a stellar compromise.
Who owns Michelin tires? ›Michelin Tires is owned by a combination of public shareholders, Michelin family members, and company employees. Public shareholders own 94% of the French tire company. This is known as a public float and allows the company access to additional revenue introduced by those investing in company stock.
Can you rotate Michelin crossclimate2 tires? ›Directional tires have both benefits and drawbacks. The CrossClimate 2 looks like a very impressive tire and comes with a generous 60k mile treadwear warranty. It will require dismounting and remounting in order to cross rotate the tire, but the benefits in grip and four-season traction may be worth it for some folks.
What is the difference between CrossClimate and crossclimate2? ›However, the main differences between these two products were tire sizes, compatibility, and prices. The CrossClimate 2 had a much wider tire selection when compared to the CrossClimate SUV, as it can also fit passenger vehicles.
Do Michelin CrossClimate tires have the snowflake? ›The Michelin Agilis Crossclimate is a true 4-season tire that features the mountain snowflake symbol for commercial vehicles. The tread has been optimized to have a smaller footprint which enhances durability while the large block pattern minimises road noise for improved comfort.
Which tire wears out fastest? ›Front tyres tend to wear faster, up to 2.5 times faster on some cars. The left front tyre has it the hardest. It is the most heavily loaded and responsible for transmitting most of the steering during right hand turns.
What tire brand is the best for all seasons? ›| Product | |
|---|---|
| Best all-season tires overall | Michelin CrossClimate2 |
| Best all-season tires overall runner-up | Continental PureContact LS |
| Best all-season tires if money is no object | Michelin Primacy Tour A/S |
| Best all-season tires for the money | Yokohama Avid Ascend GT |
Should I get all season or all-weather tires? ›
All-Weather tires perform well in both summer and winter seasons. But all-weather tires are better than all-season tires in the winter. All-weather tires carry the 3 peak mountain snowflake symbol and all-season tires typically do not. NOTE: All-weather tires still do not perform as well in winter as winter tires.
Is Crossclimate 2 a winter tire? ›The Michelin CrossClimate2 is a winter-rated all-season tire with no downsides.
Is Michelin Crossclimate 2 all weather? ›Michelin's Cross Climate 2 is a reliable all-weather tire that lives up to its name.
What temperature range is Michelin Crossclimate? ›The tests were carried out with external temperatures ranging from -30 ° C to + 40 ° C.
Why is there a shortage of Michelin tires? ›The tire shortage goes back to a rubber shortage. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rubber producers have not been able to plant as many new trees as they normally would. To make things worse, existing trees are suffering the effects of leaf disease and flooding, which is causing the supply to drop dramatically.
When did they stop making the Defender? ›2016 – The first Land Rover Defender is retired. After a run of more than 30 years, this model would only take a four year hiatus.
When was the Defender discontinued? ›Following a continuous production run for 67 years, the Defender was discontinued in 2016 due to rising irrelevance and the costly EU emission standards.
Is Land Rover Defender factory shut down? ›Jaguar Land Rover has stopped production of the strong-selling Land Rover Defender off-roader at its plant in Nitra, Slovakia, due to microchip shortages.
Are Michelin tires made in China? ›Are Any Michelin Tires Made in China? Yes. The Michelin Group has a large presence in China that began in 1989. The company's Chinese manufacturing facilities are in Shenyang and Shanghai provinces.
What are the disadvantages of Michelin tires? ›Michelin's main disadvantage is its high cost. If money is no object, Michelin beats nearly all tire brands in providing a safe, quiet and comfortable ride in all weather conditions.
Is Michelin the best tire in the world? ›
Michelin is near or at the top of most tested tire categories. Typically, Michelin models offer a good mix of grip, handling, and long tread life. And even though Michelins are often among the most expensive models, they tend to be a good value when factoring in performance and tread life.
Why Defender is so expensive? ›This is due to a combination of factors, including increasing demand, limited supply, and the reputation of Defenders as durable, capable, and iconic vehicles. Additionally, the design of the Defenders is timeless and has become an icon.
Why is the new Defender so popular? ›So, why is the Defender so popular? For one main reason, it is extremely functional. And the emotional appeal has made the Defender withhold its iconic British presence around the world for the past 70 years.
How many versions of Defender are there? ›Land Rover Defender is available in 30 different versions.
Where are defenders built? ›Nitra Plant, Slovakia: Makes the Land Rover Discovery and Land Rover Defender. Itatiatia Plant, Brazil: Makes the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque.
What is the common problem of Land Rover Defender? ›Most of these are windshields that crack for no reason, ultimately obscuring visibility. The other relates to faulty exterior lighting, which can be a major safety risk. Other serious issues are related to steering failure and malfunctioning brakes.
Why is Land Rover Defender not sold in US? ›Land Rover pulled the plug in 1997, but not by choice. The Defender's lack of airbags and door impact beams meant it wouldn't meet American safety standards. For nearly two more decades, Land Rover kept building Defender SUVs for the rest of the world.
Will the new Land Rover Defender depreciate? ›1. Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Defender 90 and Land Rover Defender 110 are fully depreciated in year one. 2. Luxury car depreciation can continue year two at $16,400, year three at $9,800 and $5,860 per year for each succeeding year until the vehicle is fully depreciated or sold.