Just back from 16-day 4500 mile trip

[Mavl-ous]

I just got back from a trip to the Intermountain West. The Maverick performed like a champ. Managed 35-38 mpg on Interstates at 63 mph (about 30-32 at 70). However, I was on US highways and state highways quite a bit, and got 40-41 much of the time. The ride back to Philly was a headwindy affair. Lots of rain too. I was duly impressed with how the truck held the road (I'm sure the Defender2s had something to do with it).

As others have noted, great roadtrip vehicle!

Sponsored

 

[grandpopa'sMPGs]

sounds like you have a hybrid.

 

[ListedGuru]

I just got back from a trip to the Intermountain West. The Maverick performed like a champ. Managed 35-38 mpg on Interstates at 63 mph (about 30-32 at 70). However, I was on US highways and state highways quite a bit, and got 40-41 much of the time. The ride back to Philly was a headwindy affair. Lots of rain too. I was duly impressed with how the truck held the road (I'm sure the Defender2s had something to do with it).

As others have noted, great roadtrip vehicle!

So the Defender 2's did well in the rain? I'm looking into tires for our 23 Escape Hybrid AWD and I've seen some reviews (even professional one's) that mention the Defender 2's don't inspire confidence in the rain let alone snow. The Escape came with Michelin Primacy's which has performed well for us but are wearing down as we're right at 50K miles. We are in MI (Metro Detroit area) so we do get our fair share of winter weather (snow, etc) but the Primacy's seemed fine in rain and snow for us over the last 3 years. I can't imagine the Defender 2's would be worse than the Primacy's for our use case but I figured I would as you about them in the rain after seeing your post.

We could go with a more aggressive tire but we hate to give up any mpg's on the Escape as the Primacy's seem to do well in the mpg department as well. The Defender's do seem to be a decent amount cheaper than the OEM Primacy's as well so that's a nice bonus plus they are rated for better longevity.

 

[Mavl-ous]

Methinks there are other good choices for regions with good amounts of snow. I know I've seen threads on here for that topic. As I do two or three long trips per year, I based my Defender2 purchase on the glowing reviews of ride quality (those reviews are spot on).

I hadn't seen the Defender2 reviews that mention poor performance in the rain. Some reviews I've seen do mention a sacrifice of 1-2 mpg with D2s. I certainly haven't noticed that.

 

[Cherokee]

sounds like you have a hybrid.

Yup,
Sez so under the OP’s name.

Great mileage for a truck !

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Hybrid?

 

[Mavl-ous]

Hybrid?

Yep.

Sponsored