Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs. Michelin Defender 2 — All-Weather vs. All-Season Showdown! Previously, we previewed the potential clash between Michelin’s all-weather legend and its long-life touring champion. But this time, it’s the real deal — a full set of test results is in! The CrossClimate 2, designed for year-round grip with true winter capability, now faces off against the Defender 2, Michelin’s mileage-focused all-season tire built to go the distance. It’s a battle of traction versus tread life — and the data reveals just how far each can go. Let’s dive into this ultimate Michelin-on-Michelin duel!
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin Defender 2
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “The Unsung Heroes of the Daily Driver-2024” test. A total of 8 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin Defender 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. The tire size of interest is 215/55R17 which is a common tire size for Chevrolet Cruze Eco & Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 2025 Toyota Camry.
Wet
In wet braking from 60 to 0 mph, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 3 feet shorter than the Defender 2, a 2% improvement. When it comes to wet handling lap time, the CrossClimate 2 completes the course 0.95 seconds faster than the Defender 2, which translates to a 3% advantage. Subjectively, the CrossClimate 2 also feels better behind the wheel with a higher rating of 6.69 versus 6.00 out of 10 — a 3% better score.
In conclusion, the CrossClimate 2 clearly outperforms the Defender 2 in every wet condition, delivering shorter stops, faster handling, and more driver confidence in the rain.
Defender 2 :
- -2% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling (subj)
- -3% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking from 60 to 0 mph, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops 2 feet shorter than the Defender 2, which is a 2% improvement. The difference may seem small, but in emergency situations, every foot counts.
Defender 2 :
- -2% in dry braking
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 scores just slightly higher at 7.58 compared to the Defender 2’s 7.50 — a negligible 0% difference. While both tires deliver a refined and smooth driving experience, the CrossClimate 2 has a slight edge in overall comfort.
Defender 2 :
- ~0% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking from 25 to 0 mph, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops in 55.8 feet, while the Defender 2 takes 84.5 feet — a massive 28.7 feet difference, or 34% shorter stopping distance. For snow acceleration from 0 to 12 mph, the CrossClimate 2 needs just 26.5 feet, compared to the Defender 2’s 36.4 feet — nearly 10 feet better, a 27% improvement. On the snow handling course, the CrossClimate 2 laps in 53.79 seconds, making it 7.57 seconds faster than the Defender 2, a 12% advantage. Subjectively, drivers rated the CrossClimate 2 much higher at 6.42 versus 4.67 out of 10 — a 12% better score.
In conclusion, the CrossClimate 2 dominates in snowy conditions with significantly better braking, acceleration, handling, and driver confidence — proving its all-weather design truly delivers when winter strikes.
Defender 2 :
- -34% in Snow braking
- -27% in Snow acceleration
- -9% in Snow handling (subj)
- -12% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking from 12 to 0 mph, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops in 46.2 feet, while the Defender 2 needs 55.0 feet — an 8.8 feet difference, or 16% shorter stopping distance. For ice acceleration over 60 feet, the CrossClimate 2 completes the run in 5.88 seconds compared to 6.17 seconds for the Defender 2, a 0.29 second improvement, or 5% quicker.
Defender 2 :
- -16% in Ice braking
- -5% in Ice acceleration
Mileage
In real-world mileage based on Consumer Reports testing, the Michelin Defender 2 achieved 100,000 miles while the CrossClimate 2 reached 95,000 miles. This means the Defender 2 lasted 5,000 miles longer, a 5% advantage in tested mileage.
Defender 2 :
- +5% in mileage
Price
For tire size 215/55R17, the Michelin Defender 2 is slightly more affordable at $207 compared to the CrossClimate 2 at $209 — a 1% lower price.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- CrossClimate 2 : $ 209
- Defender 2 : $207
Difference: -1% more cheaper for Defender 2
Summary
In conclusion, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the clear winner. It delivers significantly better performance in wet, snow, and ice conditions, with shorter braking distances, quicker handling, and stronger traction across the board. While the Defender 2 offers slightly longer mileage and a marginal price advantage, the CrossClimate 2’s all-weather safety and superior grip make it the smarter overall choice.
Dr Edwin Pang