Michelin Defender T+H vs LTX M/S vs CrossClimate 2: Detailed Comparison

When it comes to tires, most novices will feel quite challenged to pick the adequate type among a pool of choices. If you are one of those who are seeking information on this query, drop our blog today. 

This is a thoughtful comparison of three key pairs of tires which are well-known in the current tire market. Let’s dig into it with us now to reach a detailed answer. 

Overview Of These Key Tires

Michelin launched its first appearance in 1889 in France. Over time, Michelin Tires has created its brand name as the top supplier for multinational tires. Thanks to its superior technology and breadth of experience, this manufacturer has successfully pushed its brand name to become the second biggest type producer in the world.  

Among excellent models, the Michelin Defender T+H, Crossclimate 2, and LTX M/S tires stand out and become three of the most outstanding players for the tire line.

The Defender T+H model from the Michelin brand is an impressive candidate for those seeking all-weather tires. It offers comfortable and quiet handling and reliable traction. Moreover, the braking distances belong to one of the shortest performances in its segment. Yet, this isn’t an ideal choice in snowy or icy conditions.  

The Defender LTX M/S has gained popularity in the year-round highway tire category. The tire does not just offer a performance-wise, but it’s also a high-end level of comfort as it outweighs the other’s performance.

For drivers in the quest of all-season tires, the CrossClimate 2 will hit the spot. The model performs very admirably on snowy, dry, and wet surfaces. 

Still, in order to reach the right pick for your needs, it’s better to skim on the below comparison of these three tires. 

The Comparison Details

Michelin Crossclimate 2 Vs Defender LTX

When it comes to Michelin Crossclimate 2 vs Defender T+H, these tires satisfy most user expectations with a gap in price. 

Michelin Defender LTX is an affordable tire with various application ranges. It isn’t suitable for winter needs. Yet, thanks to its durability, the tire is perfect for towing, hauling, and even heavy-duty tasks. You may confidently apply them on 1-ton or ¾ -ton trucks. 

On the other hand, the Michelin Crossclimate 2 can work as a high-performance tire. The model has a great winter and wet showcase. A less vocal and more comfortable tire is what can describe this tire.

Tread Appearance

The grand Crossclimate 2 version offers a unique tread design. Most grand tires own asymmetrical patterns. Yet, the Michelin brand made a special upgrade on this tire line and used a symmetrical design. 

Furthermore, the pattern has a V-form, which is common for high-performance tires. If you own crossovers, ½ ton trucks, or SUVs, the model can offer you superior performance and be better aggressive on highways. 

Meanwhile, the Defender LTX model has a popular pattern for light trucks and SUVs. To enhance water evacuation and then promote wet performance, Michelin has armed this product with four circumferential grooves. In addition, you can find the sipes covering all the patterns that add grips on a single surface. 

Comfort 

Both tires are made from softer compounds. The producer uses the material to push more grip capacity at high speed. From that, it can add more comfort to their products.

In this comparison, Crossclimate 2 is a bit more comfortable than the other, thanks to its softer compound. Still, the other is ideal for anyone who values better durability. 

Road Noise 

The Michelin Crossclimate 2 offers an interlocking part that acts as lugs instead of ribs. This texture partly raises a bit of road noise. Meanwhile, the LTX version comes with a regular year-round tire pattern that lessens noise well, thanks to its continual rib pattern.

Tread Life Comparison 

Both options are trustworthy bets because of the brand’s unique compound choice. Yet, the Crossclimate 2 delivers the aggressive pattern, which brings a special tread life for large SUVs, ½ tons, or Jeeps. 

Meanwhile, its counterpart might be utilized in all categories. It delivers reliable tread life for heavy trucks, for instance, Ford F350 or RAM2500. 

Wet Performance 

This couple of tires meet the typical standard on wet very well. 

However, making any comparison between the Crossclimate 2 model and the other tire in terms of this aspect is quite unfair to its brother. This model with a great-perform design offers a big superiority on wet roads. Moreover, the V-shaped design evacuates water straightforwardly.

In the meanwhile, the Defender belongs to one of the best opponents among all-weather tires. It has a huge grip ability and brings about an ultra-siped capacity. Furthermore, the big-width shoulder sipes may promise superior traction even in wide puddles. 

In general, both choices are great. Still, the Crossclimate 2 predominates over the other in this part. 

Michelin Defender LTX M/S Vs Crossclimate 2

These models serve drivers with all-season traction, especially on snow and wet surfaces. They are suitable for crossover vehicles and SUVs. In addition, both are furnished to meet high-task cycles, frequent towing, and heavy loads and for hassle-free and constant trip. 

Yet, to find out which one is the winner meeting your demands, please continue scrolling to catch the winner. 

Dry Traction 

Michelin equipped its Defender LTX version with the Max touch tech and double steel belts with one polyester. These features bring top-notch dry traction by enhancing the tire’s touch with the surface while moving through dry roads. Also, the tech is the recipe for a longer tread-life and minimizes wear, accounting for 99.6% dry traction. 

The other tire is made from the latest rubber compound, which contains a high level of silica that is utilized in the winter tires. This texture offers durable performance and short rolling resistance in dry surroundings. So, the Michelin Crossclimate 2 reaches 88% dry traction. 

Wet Traction 

The manufacturer integrated an interlocking section and tread lock rigidity on the Michelin Defender LTX, aiming to boost the wet traction. The virtue combination can also maximize the great traction in both light snow and rainy weather.  

Meanwhile, the Crossclimate 2 comes to the market with 3D self-blocking sipes and V-formed blocked features. These factors allow it to display a decent wet performance in winter and summer, which is interior to the other tire. 

Snow Traction

The Defender LTX version is equipped with the intellisipe tech that adds more snow grip. The structure has an array of biting edges displayed on the tire, ensuring against the friction. Also, its sipes gain by offering extra biting edges for much more control on snow-covered or wet road surfaces. 

The CrossClimate 2 has prominent sipes which are hidden pretty deep in tread blocks, pushing the grip by scraping past snow and bending together. This mechanism firms the tire’s exterior up and advances its braking performance. 

Also, the tire gets 3PMSF which stands for 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake. The certificate is strong evidence showing that the model has passed tests to perform very well in severe winter conditions. 

So in terms of the aspect, the CrossClimate 2 is a winner.

Noise Level

As shared above, the Defender LTX version has infused silica inside its rubber compound, which augments the grip and lessens the noise level. Its tuned tread design equates quietness and stability in the drive. 

In comparison, due to the greatly directional tread texture, the CrossClimates 2 isn’t super quiet when driving on the roads, with an even higher noise level than other all-terrain products. 

Fuel Consumption and Rolling Resistance

Thanks to the Green X tech and IntelliSipe design, the Defender LTX M/S delivers rolling resistance at a low rate and lessens fuel costs very well. 

At the same time, the CrossClimate 2 consists of a ply polyester cover backed by double steel belts. This texture lends the tire model a required toughness which permits it to boost directional stability and lower its rolling resistance while still supporting fuel efficiency.

Michelin Defender T+H Vs LTX M/S

Similar Aspects

Generally, the Defender LTX M/S and the Defender T+H tires are quite similar in every aspect. They stand out with prominent dry and wet traction and excellent handling. Furthermore, the couple of tires serve users with similar guarantees. Yet, the Defender T+H is a bit more affordable than the other. 

Different Aspects

In particular, the LTX has reached a bit of an upper hand over its competitor in most aspects, from wet, snow, ice traction, comfort, and noise level. Still, regarding dry traction, corner stability, and wear, the T+H is superior to the other. 

Depending on your specific demands, you can decide which option is appropriate for you. If you frequently travel in wet areas of off-road terrain, you should consider the LTX M/S. In case your vehicle is usually driven through dry roads, the Defender T+H should be your priority.

In A Nutshell 

Some of your curiosity earlier about these three tires has been a close game. We have passed through the key differences of these models. If we have your company until these last words, we bet you have reached which tire is the best for your demand. From now on, you can clearly see the pros and cons of Michelin Defender T+H, Crossclimate 2 and Defender LTX m/s. Picking the right one is not a challenge for you anymore.