Michelin Defender

The Michelin Defender is a Premium Touring Summer tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

Tire review data from 4 tire reviews averaging 83% over 80,060 miles driven.

Dry Grip 88%
Wet Grip 75%
Road Feedback 85%
Handling 88%
Wear 80%
Comfort 85%
Buy again 78%

The Defender is ranked 26th of 150 Summer Premium Touring tires.

This tire has been replaced by the Michelin Defender 2.

Sorry, we don't currently have any magazine tire tests for the Michelin Defender

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Questions and Answers for the Michelin Defender

2022-10-26 - Need info on ice performance for these tires!

The Defender range is a highway all season tire so while it will have some ice ability, it will be much less than an all weather and especially a winter tire.


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Size Price Range  
195/65 R15 $144.99 - $173.99 (2 Prices) Compare Prices >>
205/55 R16 $170.99 - $170.99 (1 Prices) Compare Prices >>
225/65 R17 $201.97 - $201.97 (1 Prices) Compare Prices >>
Available in 18 tire sizes - View all.

Top 3 Michelin Defender Reviews

Given 70% while driving a Ford Focus (/60 R15) on mostly country roads for 45,000 spirited miles
This is my second set of defender T+H in 195/60R15. They have been on the car 3.5 years And have about 45,000 miles on them. They are quiet on most road surfaces, and provide good comfort and feedback. The handling on them is pretty good too, until pushed hard. The wear rate is average compared to other tires. My biggest setback with these tires is aqua planing. I live in the the high desert mountains, where it doesn’t rain much, but when it does, it pours. These tires are scary in the rain and I have had several loss of traction and under steer moments in heavy downpours. They are even worse in slush. If you drive careful in snow they work ok. Because of the terrible wet weather performance, I am looking for a new tire in my size come next spring. Too bad the cross climate 2 doesn’t come this small!
Helpful 54 - tire reviewed on August 12, 2021
Given 80% while driving a Volkswagen e Golf (205/55 R16) on mostly motorways for 30,000 spirited miles
squealing on dry pavement at takeoff. grips good on dry and wet pavement
Helpful 35 - tire reviewed on October 23, 2021
Given 87% while driving a Toyota Corolla (195/65 R15) on a combination of roads for 60 spirited miles
Great long wearing tire.....not loud....very good road feel...easy to drive fast.... Good packed on snow, but not up for worse New England snows after second year, course I doubt any 4 season is. Finally had to replace because of cracking ( over 7 years).
Helpful 47 - tire reviewed on April 28, 2019
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Latest Michelin Defender Reviews

Given 93% while driving a Dodge Journey (225/65 R17) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
Very good tires, comfortable ride.
Helpful 77 - tire reviewed on May 3, 2013