Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Michelin Defender 2 — it’s a clash between two all-season titans with very different missions! On one side, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, a true 3PMSF-certified all-weather warrior built to conquer year-round conditions, including light snow. On the other, the Michelin Defender 2, a durability legend engineered for unbeatable mileage and long-haul daily comfort. Two giants. Two philosophies. Which tire truly delivers the better drive? Let’s find out!
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Results: Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Michelin Defender 2
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “Premium Touring Tires to Elevating the Journey – 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 Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Michelin Defender 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Bridgestone WeatherPeak 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/weather 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 18 feet shorter than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, giving it a 12% advantage. In wet handling subjective scores, the Defender 2 also edges ahead with a rating of 6.00 compared to the WeatherPeak’s 5.81, a small 1% improvement. On the wet handling lap, both tires are extremely close, with the WeatherPeak completing the lap 0.04 seconds faster than the Defender 2, a negligible 0% difference.
Defender 2 :
- +12% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (subj)
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Defender 2 stops 17 feet shorter than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, giving it a 13% advantage.
Defender 2 :
- +13% in dry braking
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Michelin Defender 2 scores 7.50 out of 10, which is 0.25 points higher than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak’s 7.25 out of 10, a 1% improvement.
Defender 2 :
- +1% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking from 25 to 0 mph, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak stops 23.6 feet shorter than the Michelin Defender 2, a 28% advantage. For snow acceleration from 0 to 12 mph, the WeatherPeak also covers the distance 8.2 feet quicker than the Defender 2, a 23% advantage. In subjective snow handling, the WeatherPeak scores 6.00 out of 10, beating the Defender 2’s 4.67 out of 10 by 1.33 points, a 7% improvement. On the snow handling lap, the WeatherPeak completes the course 7.6 seconds faster than the Defender 2, a 12% advantage.
Defender 2 :
- -28% in Snow braking
- -23% in Snow Acceleration
- -7% in Snow handling (subj)
- -12% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking from 12 to 0 mph, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak stops 1.3 feet shorter than the Michelin Defender 2, a 2% advantage. For ice acceleration over 60 feet, the WeatherPeak is 0.26 seconds quicker than the Defender 2, also giving it a 4% advantage.
Defender 2 :
- -2% in Ice braking
- -4% in Ice acceleration
Wear/UTQG rating
The Michelin Defender 2 has a UTQG treadwear rating of 840, which is 140 points higher than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak’s 700, representing a 20% advantage in rated durability. In terms of mileage warranty, the Defender 2 is also rated for 80,000 miles, offering 10,000 miles more than the WeatherPeak’s 70,000-mile warranty, a 14% advantage.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone | WeatherPeak | All | 700 | A | A |
| Michelin | Defender 2 | All | 840 | B | B |
Price
For tire size 215/55R17, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak costs $205 while the Michelin Defender 2 costs $207, making the Defender 2 1% more expensive.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- WeatherPeak: $ 205
- Defender 2: $ 207
Difference: +1% more expensive for Defender 2.
Summary
As a tire expert, I see clear strengths in both. The Bridgestone WeatherPeak offers outstanding winter performance, with better snow and ice braking, acceleration, and handling, making it a true all weather tire for drivers facing harsh conditions. Meanwhile, the Michelin Defender 2 impresses with superior wet and dry braking, better overall comfort, and a longer tread life, making it the go-to choice for those prioritizing safety, refinement, and maximum mileage on everyday roads.
Dr Edwin Pang