Michelin Defender 2 vs Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 — the new AS 4 is out, and it is jumping straight into the mileage all-season fight. The Defender 2 is Michelin’s proven long-life benchmark, while the fresh Scorpion AS 4 aims to challenge it with a modern SUV-focused all-season package. So, can Pirelli shake up the mileage king?
Table of Contents
Results : Michelin Defender 2 vs Pirelli Scorpion AS 4
The test results are based on Treadwell data from Discount Tire. The graph below compares the Michelin Defender 2 vs Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 across key performance categories.
For subjective evaluations, each point is treated as equivalent to a 5% difference. For example, if Tire A scores a 4 and Tire B scores a 3, Tire A is considered 5% better than Tire B in that category.
Wet
In wet braking from 60–0 mph, the Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 stops 2 feet shorter than the Michelin Defender 2, giving it a small 1% advantage. In wet handling, the Pirelli scores 4.0 versus Michelin’s 3.5, a 0.5-point difference that translates to about a 2% stronger handling rating.
Scorpion AS 4 :
- +1% Wet Braking
- +2% Wet Handling
Winter
Winter performance is where the Scorpion AS 4 pulls ahead more clearly, scoring 3.5 versus 2.5 for the Defender 2, about a 5% advantage.
Scorpion AS 4 :
- +5% Snow
Mileage
The big Michelin advantage is mileage. The Defender 2 is projected at 61,500 miles versus 45,000 miles for the Scorpion AS 4, giving Michelin a huge 27% mileage advantage. So the Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 looks stronger in handling, winter grip, and efficiency, but the Michelin Defender 2 remains the clear long-mileage champion.
Scorpion AS 4 :
- -27% Mileage (Median)
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Defender 2 stops 1 foot shorter than the Pirelli, giving Michelin a tiny 1% edge. But in dry handling, the Pirelli again scores 4.0 versus Michelin’s 3.5, giving it around a 2% advantage in cornering feel and control.
Scorpion AS 4 :
- -1% Dry Braking
- +2% Dry Handling
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
For NVH, both tires are evenly matched. The Michelin Defender 2 and Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 both score 4.0 for quiet ride and 4.0 for ride comfort, so there is no measurable difference in noise or comfort. In simple terms, neither tire has a clear NVH advantage here.
Scorpion AS 4 :
- 0% Quiet Ride
- 0% Comfort
Fuel Consumption
For fuel efficiency, the Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 has the clear advantage, scoring 4.5 versus 3.0 for the Michelin Defender 2. That translates to around an 8% efficiency advantage for the Pirelli, making it the stronger choice if lower rolling resistance and fuel economy matter more.
Scorpion AS 4 :
- +8% Fuel Efficiency
Price
For size 235/60R18, the Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 is priced at $192, while the Michelin Defender 2 costs $195. That makes the Pirelli only $3 cheaper, or about 2% less, so pricing is basically even with a slight value edge to the Scorpion AS 4.
Tire size: 235/60R18
- Defender 2 : $195
- Scorpion AS 4 : $192
Difference: -2% more cheaper for Scorpion AS 4
Conclusion:
From a tire expert’s view, the Pirelli Scorpion AS 4 looks like the stronger all-round performer, with better wet handling, dry handling, winter grip, and fuel efficiency, while also being slightly cheaper. But the Michelin Defender 2 still has one massive advantage: mileage. With a projected 61,500 miles vs 45,000 miles, the Defender 2 remains the better choice if long tread life is the top priority.
Dr Edwin Pang