Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Michelin Defender LTX M/S2: Michelin latest all-new Defender LTX M/S2, aiming to redefine durability and wet grip in the highway all-season category. But standing in its path is the Continental TerrainContact H/T, a proven favorite known for its quiet ride and balanced performance. It’s the battle of long-mile legends—Michelin’s fresh powerhouse vs. Continental’s established performer. Let the highway showdown begin!
Table of Contents
Results: Continental TerrainContact HT vs Michelin Defender LTX MS2
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “2024 Highway All-Season” 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 Continental TerrainContact HT vs Michelin Defender LTX MS2 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental TerrainContact HT 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 265/70R17 which is a common tire size for Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport.
Wet
In wet braking from 60 to 0 mph, the Continental TerrainContact H/T stops in 156 feet, which is 12 feet shorter than the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2’s 168 feet. That’s a 7% improvement in braking distance. On the wet handling track, the Continental also finishes a lap in 36.24 seconds—1.27 seconds faster than the Michelin, translating to a 3% quicker lap. Even in subjective wet handling, the TerrainContact H/T scores 1% higher at 7.13 out of 10 compared to the Defender’s 7.00.
Overall, the Continental TerrainContact H/T clearly outperforms the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 in wet conditions, offering stronger grip, quicker lap times, and a shorter stopping distance.
Defender LTX MS2 :
- -7% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (subj)
- -3% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking from 60 to 0 mph, the Continental TerrainContact H/T stops in 130 feet, which is 10 feet shorter than the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2’s 140 feet. That’s a 7% advantage in braking distance for the Continental.
Defender LTX MS2 :
- -7% in dry braking
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 scores slightly higher at 7.33 compared to the Continental TerrainContact H/T’s 7.25. The difference is just 0.08, or about 0%, making it practically negligible in real-world driving.
Defender LTX MS2 :
- ~0% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking from 25 to 0 mph, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 stops in 70.2 feet, 2.6 feet shorter than the Continental TerrainContact H/T’s 72.8 feet—giving Michelin a 4% edge. In snow acceleration from 0 to 12 mph, the Defender again leads, taking just 38.9 feet versus Continental’s 42.3 feet, a 3.4-foot difference or 9% better traction. Subjectively, Michelin scores higher at 5.33 out of 10, while Continental trails at 4.83. On the snow handling lap, the Defender completes the course in 27.1 seconds—0.9 seconds faster than the TerrainContact’s 28.0, translating to a 3% advantage.
In snow performance, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 clearly leads, delivering stronger grip, better acceleration, and faster control in winter conditions.
Defender LTX MS2 :
- +4% in Snow Braking
- +9% in Snow Acceleration
- +2% in Snow handling (subj)
- +3% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking from 12 to 0 mph, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 stops in 47.2 feet, just 0.2 feet shorter than the Continental TerrainContact H/T’s 47.4 feet—a minimal negligible 0% advantage. For ice acceleration over 60 feet, the Defender again comes out slightly ahead at 5.97 seconds compared to the TerrainContact’s 6.08 seconds, a 0.11-second or 2% improvement.
Defender LTX MS2 :
- ~0% in Ice braking
- +2% in Ice acceleration
Wear/UTQG rating
The Continental TerrainContact H/T comes with a UTQG treadwear rating of 800, while the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 scores slightly higher at 820—just a 2.5% difference, suggesting marginally better wear resistance on paper. However, both tires offer the same 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, indicating equal manufacturer confidence in long-term durability.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | TerrainContact HT | All | 800 | A | B |
| Michelin | Defender LTX MS2 | All | 820 | B | A |
Price
In 265/70R17, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is priced at $260, which is $33 more than the Continental TerrainContact H/T at $227—making it 15% more expensive. This positions the Continental as the more budget-friendly option in this highway all-season matchup.
Tire size: 265/70R17
- TerrainContact HT : $227
- Defender LTX MS2 : $260
Difference: +15% more expensive for Defender LTX MS2
Summary
As a tire expert, I’d say the Continental TerrainContact H/T stands out with its superior wet and dry braking, better wet handling, and a more affordable price—making it the clear choice for year-round safety and value. On the other hand, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 offers stronger snow and ice traction along with slightly better ride comfort, making it ideal for drivers who prioritize winter confidence and refined on-road feel. Both are excellent tires—it just depends on what matters most to your driving needs.
Dr Edwin Pang