The Michelin Defender 2 vs Yokohama AVID Touring S is a battle between two high-mileage all-season tires built for drivers who value long tread life, everyday comfort, and dependable year-round performance. With Michelin known for class-leading durability and Yokohama offering a proven touring-focused alternative, this comparison reveals which tire delivers the stronger balance of mileage, wet and dry grip, comfort, and overall value.
Table of Contents
Results : Michelin Defender 2 vs Yokohama AVID Touring S
The test results are based on Treadwell data from Discount Tire. The graph below compares the Michelin Defender 2 vs Yokohama AVID Touring S 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
The Michelin Defender 2 is stronger in the wet. It stops in 156 feet compared with 170 feet for the Yokohama AVID Touring S, giving Michelin a 14-foot advantage, while the Yokohama is 8% behind in wet braking. In wet handling, the Defender 2 scores 3.5/5 compared with 3/5, a 0.5-point advantage, with the Yokohama rated 3% behind. Overall, the Defender 2 offers the better wet-weather performance, especially under braking.
AVID Touring S :
- -8% Wet Braking
- -3% Wet Handling
Winter
For winter performance, the Michelin Defender 2 and Yokohama AVID Touring S are evenly matched, both scoring 2.5/5. That means there is no absolute difference and a 0% performance difference between them. Overall, neither tire holds an advantage here, with both offering the same limited winter capability.
AVID Touring S :
- 0% Snow
Mileage
The Michelin Defender 2 has a major advantage in tread life, with a median mileage of 57,500 miles compared with 33,000 miles for the Yokohama AVID Touring S. That is a substantial 24,500-mile advantage, with the Yokohama delivering 43% less mileage. For drivers prioritizing longevity, the Defender 2 is clearly the stronger choice.
AVID Touring S :
- -43% Mileage
Dry
The Michelin Defender 2 has a small advantage in dry braking, stopping in 129 feet compared with 131 feet for the Yokohama AVID Touring S. That is a 2-foot difference, with the Yokohama rated 2% behind. In dry handling, both tires score 3.5/5, so there is no absolute difference and a 0% performance difference. Overall, dry performance is very close, with the Defender 2 only holding a slight edge under braking.
AVID Touring S :
- -2% Dry Braking
- 0% Dry Handling
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
The Michelin Defender 2 is better for overall comfort, scoring 4/5 for quiet ride compared with 3.5/5 for the Yokohama AVID Touring S, a 0.5-point advantage, with the Yokohama rated 3% behind. Ride comfort follows the same pattern at 4/5 versus 3.5/5, again a 0.5-point difference, with the Yokohama 2.5% behind. Overall, the Defender 2 provides a slightly quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
AVID Touring S :
- -3% Quiet Ride
- -2.5% Comfort
Fuel Consumption
The Michelin Defender 2 and Yokohama AVID Touring S are evenly matched for fuel efficiency, with both scoring 2.5/5. There is no absolute difference and a 0% performance difference between them. Overall, neither tire has an advantage in fuel efficiency.
AVID Touring S :
- 0% Fuel Efficiency
Price
In 215/55R17, the Michelin Defender 2 costs $210, while the Yokohama AVID Touring S is $159. That is a $51 saving per tire, with the AVID Touring S being 32% cheaper based on your comparison. Overall, the Yokohama offers a clear upfront price advantage for budget-conscious buyers.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- Defender 2: $210
- AVID Touring S : $159
Difference: -32% more cheaper for AVID Touring S
Conclusion:
From my perspective as a tyre expert, the Michelin Defender 2 is the better all-round tire, with stronger wet braking, much longer mileage, and better comfort. The Yokohama AVID Touring S is the value choice, costing $51 less per tire while matching Michelin in dry handling, winter rating, and fuel efficiency.
Dr Edwin Pang