In the wide array of available all-season tires models, some truly stand out for the remarkable performance they offer. This is the case for the Nokian One vs Michelin Defender 2 tires, both very recent models in their segment. No matter if you drive a touring car, an SUV or a crossover, find out more about how these tires are perfectly suited to your needs.
Here is a detailed comparison between the Nokian One and the Michelin Defender 2, to help you make the right choice.
How do Nokian One vs Michelin Defender 2 tires compare?
Although both tires are made by renowned tire manufacturers, the Nokian One and Michelin Defender 2 tire models are new to the market.
The name ‘Defender’ might sound familiar. In fact, the Defender 2 has arrived as a replacement for two models: the Defender T+H and the Defender LTX M/S. Specially designed to be even more durable, it was revealed only recently, in fall of 2022.
More durable and rigid than its predecessors, it also offers a longer lifespan. It is also compatible with heavier vehicles and those that offer a greater amount of torque, which is the case for electric cars, for example.
This tire is also compatible with touring cars, SUVs, crossovers and minivans. It is available in 41 dimensions ranging between 16- and 20- inches, and with an H speed rating.
As for the Nokian One, it is available in a wider range of dimensions –71- tire sizes ranging between 15- and 20- inches-, which corresponds to 91 % of the all-season tire segment. Depending on the chosen dimension, it comes in H, T or V speed ratings, which translates into tires that can handle speeds of up to 240 km/hr. Just like the defender, it is just as perfectly suited to touring cars, SUVs, crossovers and minivans.
The Nokian is also new to the market, having arrived early 2021. Although the Finnish manufacturer has been specializing in winter tires for a long time, this is an all-season tire model that is perfectly suited to your needs. Compared to the older all-season Nokian tire models, it stands out with greater performance on wet roads.
Just like the Michelin Defender 2, durability and a more eco-friendly composition are qualities that have been brought forth. These models are made to cater to the needs of consumers, who are increasingly concerned about their impact over the environment and their carbon footprint.
Although these are recent models, they rank among the best. Auto123 journalists mention both among their selection of best all-season tire models in Canada for 2022[1].
Both tires are also similar when it comes to their design. For example, they rely on a symmetrical tread with a solid central ribbing and four circumferential grooves. It comes as no surprise then that they also present similar qualities!
Let’s take a closer look at each tire’s specs so that you can better tell them apart.
Nokian One: Specs
With the Nokian One tire, you will take advantage of an enjoyable and safe driving experience at all times. The all-season tire offers the following features:
- Aramid Sidewall Technology
In order to reinforce the sidewalls, Nokian integrates aramid fibers, which provides the tires with greater solidity and resistance to damages, like when driving over rougher roads.
- Low rolling resistance
The tire has been developed with a mixture of silica and carbon black that helps reduce rolling resistance. This will also help you reduce your fuel consumption and your carbon emission, on top of increasing your tire’s lifespan. Not only does this help make the tire more eco-friendly, it is also manufactured in one of Nokian’s eco-friendly factories.
- Four circumferential grooves
In order to ensure good water evacuation, the Nokian One relies on four wide circumferential grooves and a lateral evacuation groove design. Moreover, the grooves within the tire’s main ribbing will provide you with even more grip on snow and mud.
- A central groove with wear indicators
The tire boasts a symmetrical design with a central rib that also provides you with good stability. Moreover, this central rib includes wear indicators that will help you identify when the time has come for you to change your tires.
- Zigzag sipes
For maximum traction, zigzag shaped sipes help bite into the road surface. Among other things, there are sipes that do not have opening towards the center, which will provide you with greater stability on wet road surfaces.
Finally, the tread was designed specifically in order to reduce noise from forming within the tire, providing you with a quieter model and a more enjoyable driving experience.
Michelin Defender 2: Specs
Specially made to last longer than its predecessors, the Michelin Defender 2 tire boasts cutting-edge technologies and features:
- MaxTouch Construction 2.0 technology
This technology provides the tire with a wider and more even contact surface with the road. By doing so, the risk of uneven wear is significantly reduced. Moreover, a wider contact surface also translates into greater traction and good maneuverability!
- 3-D SipeLock technology
Relying on 3D sipes, this technology allows the tire to provide you with maximum levels of traction when the road surface is slippery. The full-depth sipes ensure greater performance throughout the tire’s entire lifespan.
- PIANO technology
The Defender 2 tread blocks were designed to reduce vibrations, which could cause noise to form within the tire itself. This translates into a more enjoyable and quieter driving experience.
- EverTread 2.0 tread compound
Just as its name indicates, this compound was specially designed to help the tread last longer. It was improved in order to offer even greater resistance to abrasions.
- A more rigid tread
Given that the tire’s tread is more rigid, it is able to withstand the weight of heavier vehicles, like the weight of electric vehicles, for example. Moreover, this new sculpture contributes to the tire’s remarkable durability.
There are also rigid shoulder blocks, which helps ensure a stable drive at all times, along with a groove design that helps evacuate water quickly.
Choosing between the Nokian One and the Michelin Defender 2
Now that you know a bit more about both models, which tire between the Nokian One vs Michelin Defender 2 is best for you? First and foremost you have to take into account the dimensions for each model and your vehicle’s needs.
No matter what model you choose, you will be dealing with a high-quality tire model. In the all-season tire purchasing guide offered by Auto123, both of these models seem to offer common qualities like excellent road handling and a quiet driving experience.
When it comes to the Michelin tire, independent testing generally seems to indicate remarkable performance on dry roads, where it offers optimal traction and maneuverability. This is a tire that offers excellent steering response and an overall enjoyable driving experience.
Driving over wet roads, however, does not seem to be one of its strengths, although it does remain very safe[2]. On the other hand, the same is true for the Nokian tire, where traction on wet roads is deemed to be “acceptable” by independent experts from Protégez-vous[3]. They do mention very good resistance to aquaplaning along with great maneuverability during turns.
All in all, both of these tire models represent an excellent choice, and offer similar qualities. While the Nokian focuses more on a low rolling resistance, the Michelin offers a wider contact surface with the road, for greater durability.
Comparing Warranties
When hesitating between two models, the warranty can become a deciding factor. In this case, both warranties are generous and complete.
Firstly, both offer a limited warranty on tread life of up to 130,000 km, which obviously means that they offer optimal durability. Both manufacturers also offer a satisfaction guarantee: for Michelin, it is for 60 days, while for Nokian, it is only 30.
On top of the standard warranty, they also offer a protection from road hazards. With Michelin, you will enjoy 3- years of road side assistance, including several different services. With Nokian, the brand is so confident about the tire’s rigidity that it offers protection from damages caused by road hazards and potholes.
In short, quality and durability are guaranteed for both tire models! Take advantage of the best price on your next set of tires by shopping with blackcircles Canada.
[1] https://www.auto123.com/en/news/guide-best-summer-all-season-tires-cars-canada-2022/69069/
[2] https://drivingpress.com/michelin-defender2-review/
[3] https://www.protegez-vous.ca/automobile/pneus-ete-4-saisons/comparez-tous-les-pneus-4-saisons/nokian-one
