Michelin Defender 2 vs General AltiMAX RT45: The Michelin Defender 2 is one of the biggest names in the high-mileage all-season segment—but the General AltiMAX RT45 is coming in with a much lower price and a reputation for strong everyday performance. Both tires are built for drivers who prioritize tread life, comfort, and year-round reliability. The real question is whether Michelin’s premium price delivers enough extra performance—or whether the General is the smarter value buy.
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Results: Michelin Defender 2 vs General AltiMAX RT45
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “The Unsung Heroes of the Daily Driver ?” Test. A total of 10 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Defender 2 vs General AltiMAX RT45 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Defender 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, the Michelin Defender 2 stops 2 feet shorter than the General AltiMAX RT45, giving Michelin a 1% advantage. However, the General scores 0.13 points higher in subjective wet handling, a 1% advantage, and completes the wet handling lap 0.38 seconds faster, also giving it a 1% advantage. Overall, the Michelin is slightly stronger under hard wet braking, while the General holds a small advantage in wet handling.
AltiMAX RT45 :
- -1% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (subj)
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
Snow
In snow braking and acceleration, the Michelin Defender 2 stops 2.8 feet shorter than the General AltiMAX RT45, giving Michelin a 2% advantage. However, the General scores 0.16 points higher in subjective snow handling, a 1% advantage, and completes the snow handling lap 0.94 seconds faster, giving it a 2% advantage.
Overall, the Michelin is slightly stronger in straight-line snow traction, while the General feels more confident and faster through snow-covered corners.
AltiMAX RT45 :
- -2% in Snow braking & acceleration
- +1% in Snow handling (subj)
- +2% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking, the Michelin Defender 2 stops 3.8 feet shorter than the General AltiMAX RT45, giving Michelin a clear 6% advantage. Michelin also accelerates 0.05 seconds faster on ice, a smaller 1% advantage. Overall, the Michelin is the stronger ice performer, especially when braking.
AltiMAX RT45 :
- -6% in Ice braking
- -1% in Ice acceleration
Mileage
According to Consumer Reports, the Michelin Defender 2 is expected to last 35,000 miles longer than the General AltiMAX RT45, with an estimated mileage of 100,000 miles versus 65,000 miles. This gives Michelin a substantial 35% advantage in tread life.
Overall, mileage is one of Michelin’s biggest strengths in this comparison, making the Defender 2 the stronger choice for drivers focused on maximum long-term durability.
AltiMAX RT45 :
- -35% in mileage
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Defender 2 stops 2 feet shorter than the General AltiMAX RT45, giving Michelin a 2% advantage.
AltiMAX RT45 :
- -2% in dry braking
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
For noise, comfort, and ride quality, the General AltiMAX RT45 scores 0.08 points higher than the Michelin Defender 2. However, the difference rounds to 0%, so both tires perform essentially the same.
AltiMAX RT45 :
- 0% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Price
For the 215/55R17 size, the General AltiMAX RT45 costs $45 less than the Michelin Defender 2, at $162 versus $207. This makes the General 28% cheaper. Overall, the AltiMAX RT45 offers a major price advantage, while the Defender 2 must justify its premium through its much stronger expected mileage.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- Defender 2 : $ 207
- AltiMAX RT45 : $ 162
Difference: -28% more cheaper for AltiMAX RT45
Summary
From a tire expert’s point of view, the Michelin Defender 2 is the better choice for maximum mileage, stronger ice braking, and slightly better wet and dry stopping performance. Its biggest advantage is longevity, with an estimated 100,000-mile tread life. The General AltiMAX RT45 is the better value option. It is 28% cheaper, slightly better in wet and snow handling, and matches the Michelin closely in comfort. My choice would be the Defender 2 for long-term ownership, but the AltiMAX RT45 is the smarter buy for drivers who want strong all-season performance at a much lower price.
Dr Edwin Pang