Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 vs Kumho Crugen HT51: In the highway all-season segment, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 faces off against the Kumho Crugen HT51 in a battle between proven premium refinement and smart-value ambition—long mileage and quiet confidence versus practical performance and everyday usability. Two philosophies, one mission: dominate the daily drive. So who really owns this highway crown?
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Results: Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 vs Kumho Crugen HT51
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 Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 vs Kumho Crugen HT51 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 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, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 stops 2 feet shorter than the Kumho Crugen HT51, giving Michelin about a 1% advantage in stopping distance. In subjective wet handling, Michelin is rated 1.5 points higher, which translates to roughly a 8% edge in driver confidence and control. On the wet handling lap, Michelin also runs 0.87 seconds quicker, a 2% gain in outright pace.
Overall, the Defender LTX M/S2 delivers stronger wet security and sharper control, while the Crugen HT51 trails slightly in braking, feel, and lap-time performance.
Crugen HT51 :
- -1% in wet braking
- -8% in wet handling (subj)
- -2% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Kumho Crugen HT51 stops 2 feet shorter than the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, giving Kumho about a 1% advantage in stopping distance. In subjective dry handling, the Kumho is rated 0.19 points higher, which works out to roughly a 1% edge in perceived steering response and control.
Overall, the Crugen HT51 feels slightly sharper and more confident on dry roads, while the Defender LTX M/S2 stays very close, prioritizing a more composed and comfort-focused driving feel.
Crugen HT51 :
- +1% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (subj)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is rated 0.33 points higher than the Kumho Crugen HT51, which works out to about a 2% advantage in overall refinement.
Crugen HT51 :
- -2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 stops 12.5 feet shorter than the Kumho Crugen HT51, giving Michelin about a 15% advantage in stopping distance. In snow acceleration, where smaller is better, Michelin also pulls ahead by 2.74 feet, a 7% gain in traction off the line. Subjectively, Michelin is rated 0.5 points higher, roughly a 3% edge in driver confidence, and on the snow handling lap it runs 3.63 seconds quicker, a 12% advantage in outright pace.
Overall, the Defender LTX M/S2 clearly dominates in snow with stronger braking, better traction, and sharper control, while the Crugen HT51 trails behind in both security and handling performance.
Crugen HT51 :
- -15% in Snow Braking
- -7% in Snow Acceleration
- -3% in Snow Handling (subj)
- -12% in Snow Handling (lap time)
Ice
In ice braking, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 stops 8.2 feet shorter than the Kumho Crugen HT51, giving Michelin about a 15% advantage in stopping distance. In ice acceleration, where lower is better, Michelin also pulls ahead by 0.72 seconds, a 11% edge in traction and launch performance.
Overall, the Defender LTX M/S2 delivers noticeably stronger ice security and quicker bite off the line, while the Crugen HT51 remains usable but clearly a step behind when conditions turn slick.
Crugen HT51 :
- -15% in Ice braking
- -11% in Ice acceleration
Wear/UTQG rating
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 carries a UTQG treadwear of 820 versus 720 for the Kumho Crugen HT51, giving Michelin about a 14% higher wear rating on paper. That lines up with the mileage warranties—75,000 miles for Michelin versus 70,000 miles for Kumho, or roughly a 7% longer tread-life promise.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | Defender LTX M/S2 | All | 820 | B | A |
| Kumho | Crugen HT51 | All | 720 | A | B |
Price
For the 265/70R17 size, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is priced at $270, while the Kumho Crugen HT51 comes in at $199, making the Kumho $71 cheaper, or about a 36% price advantage.
Tire size: 265/70R17
- Defender LTX MS2 : $270
- Crugen HT51 : $199
Difference: -36% more cheaper for Crugen HT51
Summary
From my perspective, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 stands out for its stronger wet, snow, and ice security, quieter ride, and longer tread-life promise, making it the safer long-term, all-conditions choice. The Kumho Crugen HT51, on the other hand, delivers sharper dry-road feel and a significant price advantage, offering excellent everyday value for drivers who prioritize cost efficiency without giving up solid highway comfort.
Dr Edwin Pang