How do Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin Defender 2 compare?
Firstly, it is important to know that both models do not exactly belong to the same tire category. The Michelin Defender 2 is an all-season tire, while the CrossClimate 2 belongs to the all-weather tire category; these are all-season tires that are winter certified, which means safe performance year round.
Before choosing one tire over another, it is important for you to ask yourself what you need exactly, given that each category has its own set of pros and cons.
Being winter certified, the CrossClimate 2 has the three peak mountain snowflake symbol. It is also available in a wide variety of dimensions, for a total of 89 sizes ranging from 16- to 22- inches, with H and V speed ratings.
The Defender is compatible with the most common tire dimensions, although there are less choices available. It is available in a total of 41 dimensions ranging from 16- to 20- inches and with an H speed rating.
Both are designed for touring cars, crossovers and SUVs, and are compatible with electric vehicles. In fact, the structure is very solid, allowing them to withstand the heavier weight and the performance due to the higher torque which is common to electric vehicles.
At first glance, the tread design will help you tell each model apart very easily. While the Defender 2 boasts a symmetrical design, the CrossClimate has an aggressive directional tread. This does have an impact over the tires’ specific features, as we will see in greater detail below.
Under the tread, Michelin has also adopted two different approaches when it comes to the tires’ construction. On the one hand, the Defender relies on a lighter structure:
- A one layer polyester construction
- Two steel belts
- A layer of polyamide
When it comes to the CrossClimate 2, it offers:
- A two layer polyester construction
- Two steel belts
- A nylon layer
This means that the first tire is lighter and more maneuverable, while the second is sturdier and heavier, making it easier to face harsher road conditions.
Michelin CrossClimate 2: Specs
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire is made for a wide variety of vehicles, offering advanced features such as:
- Sharp V-shaped angles
- A Thermal Adaptive compound
- 3D SipeLock sipes
- Competitive durability
The winter certified all-season tire stands out for the remarkable performance it offers in all conditions.
Thanks to the directional tread design and sharp angles, it quickly ejects water from under the tire surface. By doing so, it can offer braking distances that are up to 17 m shorter than its rivals on wet road surfaces. On dry roads, it will come to a stop up to 4.8 m faster than the competition.
The thermal adaptive compound has a significant role to play in the solid performance levels it offers both in winter and in summer, without compromising on durability. It offers optimal flexibility in cold weather, but wears slowly in the summer.
Moreover, winter performance is optimised thanks to the 3D SipeLock sipes. This Michelin technology adds gripping edges for a maximum of traction on snow and ice. They grip onto the road surface to provide you with high levels of grip on slippery road surfaces.
Thanks to the design and special compound, this tire offers remarkable durability for its category, which translates into up to 1 year longer than some of its competitors.
Michelin Defender 2: Specs
The Michelin Defender 2 tire is an all-season model that stands out thanks to cutting edge technologies. Here are just some of the features it includes:
- A wider contact surface
- The EverTread 2.0 tread compound
- A rigid and light construction
- 3D SipeLock sipes
Just like the CrossClimate 2, the Defender 2 stands out favorably compared to its competitors. It also surpasses its main rivals when it comes to durability, offering a lifespan that is over 40,000 km more than three of them. The EverTread 2.0 technology has its part to play in this, offering superior resistance to abrasions when compared to the previous generation.
The lateral grooves and the four wide circumferential grooves also contribute to the tire’s resistance to aquaplaning. By evacuating water efficiently, the tread design also provides you with a stable driving experience on wet roads. Moreover, it relies on a sipe technology called 3D SipeLock, which gives the tire optimal grip levels on slippery surfaces.
For remarkable traction and maneuverability, Michelin also maximises the tire’s contact surface with the road, thanks to the MaxTouch 2.0 technology. Moreover, this contact surface also ensures the tire’s durability, by creating more even wear, on top of providing you with a comfortable ride.
All in all it is an ideal all-season tire with loads of qualities, like durability, traction and comfort.
Choosing between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Michelin Defender 2
In this Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin Defender 2 duel, which is the best tire for you?
Firstly, you should ask yourself if you would like to purchase a winter certified all-season tire. With the CrossClimate 2, you will be able to use only one set of tires year round, without having to fuss about swapping your winter tires for summer tires (or 4 season tires).
However, it might sometimes be more advantageous to choose an excellent all-season tire like the Defender 2 and opt for good winter tires to tackle rougher road conditions. Everything will depend on your daily drives and the demands on your vehicle, along with the area where you live.
Obviously, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the tire that will provide you with the best performance on snow covered roads. In fact, with the wide grooves and zigzag shaped sipes, it manages to evacuate snow from under the tire’s surface. Moreover, the flexible compound offers performance without compromise when the weather gets cold.
The Defender cannot provide you with these levels of performance during winter, given that it is not designed for it. However, it is possible to compare both tire’s performance levels on wet and dry roads.
On the one hand, the CrossClimate has an aggressive V- shaped groove design that is tested and true, and performs well on wet roads. In fact, the wide grooves evacuate water quickly, especially while cornering or in tight turns.
However, the Defender 2 definitely comes out on top in these conditionsz. In fact, the four circumferential grooves allow for efficient water evacuation, while the full-depth sipes will provide you with maximum traction.
Moreover, the tire is equipped with a central rib that also has gripping sipes. This design improves the tire’s stability, especially in straight lines. Resistance to aquaplaning in straight lines is truly remarkable compared to its competitors. During heavy rainfalls, this is the perfect choice.
When it comes to driving on dry roads, both stand out from the competition in terms of traction and maneuverability. The Defender design offers excellent stability, once more. Moreover, its light build ensures a reactive and precise driving experience. The wider contact surface also contributes to optimal road handling.
As for the CrossClimate 2, it mostly stands out for the traction and short braking distances it offers. When it comes to grip, it clearly comes out on top.
Finally, the contact surface, the groove design and the light build of the Defender 2 also creates another advantage: a quiet and comfortable driving experience. Although the CrossClimate 2 is a great choice for its category, the Defender will provide you with a much more comfortable driving experience.
Comparing their lifespan
As we have mentioned, both models surpass several of their rivals when it comes to durability. But which, between the two, is the most durable?
The sturdier construction and aggressive performance offered by the CrossClimate 2 does come with a price: the tire will wear faster. The Defender, which is lighter and offers a wider contact surface, will wear down a bit more slowly. Moreover, it comes with a warranty on tread life of 130,000 km! It will also allow you to reduce your fuel consumption thanks to a low rolling resistance.
The CrossClimate remains a very durable choice, with a 100,000 km warranty on tread life. Let’s also add that both are offered with the Michelin Promise warranty, which includes a 60- day satisfaction guarantee, road side assistance and much more.
All in all the, the CrossClimate 2 is the most durable choice for those looking for optimal performance year round. The Defender will be the perfect model if you want to combine longevity, performance and comfort.
No matter which tire you choose, shop for your next set of tires at blackcircles Canada, where you will find the best prices online!
