Help with Tire Decision!

[Hypsypops]

22 xlt hybrid - OE Contis are at 4/32 thread at 36k miles so it's time for new tires soon. For context, I live in southern California but travel around the state as well as neighboring states but rarely on snow. I wouldn't have thought so hard on this but now that I have a little one, I want to find the best tire that I can.

I am deciding between the Michelin Defender 2 or the Crossclimate 2 - I'm reading that the xc2 does better in the rain and just as well in the dry as the defenders but significantly better in snow. So the only pro for the defender is the price (cheaper by $100) and longer life. Would love to hear people's experience with these tires or if you have a different tire on your mav that you love! Thanks!

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[bighap]

I love my CC2 but the 3s are about to come out in the next couple months and improve even further, especially in tread life and wet braking. They are already out in Europe.

 

[REDRUM]

I'm not a Michelin fan.
Overpriced.
You can get just ad good or better for less $.
I've been running Coopers for a long time and have had BFG AT .
I'm actually considering Firestone ATs when I need tires.

 

[Hypsypops]

I love my CC2 but the 3s are about to come out in the next couple months and improve even further, especially in tread life and wet braking. They are already out in Europe.

Hmm okay might want to wait for those then! Did you see any mpg decrease with the CC2?

 

[Hypsypops]

I'm not a Michelin fan.
Overpriced.
You can get just ad good or better for less $.
I've been running Coopers for a long time and have had BFG AT .
I'm actually considering Firestone ATs when I need tires.

I don't think AT tires is where I'm headed. I realistically never take it off road.

 

[gjallen3]

I'm not a Michelin fan.
Overpriced.
You can get just ad good or better for less $.
I've been running Coopers for a long time and have had BFG AT .
I'm actually considering Firestone ATs when I need tires.

Cooper Endeavor Plus. Can't be beat for price and performance. When my Conti's are done that's what I'm putting on.

 

[Chops]

I wouldn't have thought so hard on this but now that I have a little one, I want to find the best tire that I can.

Congrats on the new passenger! My only child spent her first few years in a red Chevy S10 and still has happy memories of that truck 30 years later! Sorry no tire advice - but do enjoy your driving

 

[MakinDoForNow]

22 xlt hybrid - OE Contis are at 4/32 thread at 36k miles so it's time for new tires soon. For context, I live in southern California but travel around the state as well as neighboring states but rarely on snow. I wouldn't have thought so hard on this but now that I have a little one, I want to find the best tire that I can.

I am deciding between the Michelin Defender 2 or the Crossclimate 2 - I'm reading that the xc2 does better in the rain and just as well in the dry as the defenders but significantly better in snow. So the only pro for the defender is the price (cheaper by $100) and longer life. Would love to hear people's experience with these tires or if you have a different tire on your mav that you love! Thanks!

I went with Conti true contact tour 54 Eco plus 70 or 80k tires depending on size. Cheaper than defender 2, are good on dry, wet, light snow, etc. I prefer mine inflated to 37.5psi.

 

[alex lobos]

I 2nd on defenders. I have had 2 cars on defenders and they are great tires. The ride is softer too. If you have the money, go for it. If you feel you can’t spend the money, or it’s over your means. Go for option 2. It’s all on preference.

 

[jpj]

22 xlt hybrid - OE Contis are at 4/32 thread at 36k miles so it's time for new tires soon. For context, I live in southern California but travel around the state as well as neighboring states but rarely on snow. I wouldn't have thought so hard on this but now that I have a little one, I want to find the best tire that I can.

I am deciding between the Michelin Defender 2 or the Crossclimate 2 - I'm reading that the xc2 does better in the rain and just as well in the dry as the defenders but significantly better in snow. So the only pro for the defender is the price (cheaper by $100) and longer life. Would love to hear people's experience with these tires or if you have a different tire on your mav that you love! Thanks!

After coming to the same two choices, I went with the Defender 2; Longer tread life and thicker tread. From the Tire Rack ratings, the Defender 2 had similar ratings drawn from far more miles reported. The Defender 2 have proven to be very quiet.

 

[bighap]

Hmm okay might want to wait for those then! Did you see any mpg decrease with the CC2?

I didn't really have the OEM on tires long enough to compare. I made the change with 100 miles on the odometer.

 

[Steve2u]

22 xlt hybrid - OE Contis are at 4/32 thread at 36k miles so it's time for new tires soon. For context, I live in southern California but travel around the state as well as neighboring states but rarely on snow. I wouldn't have thought so hard on this but now that I have a little one, I want to find the best tire that I can.

I am deciding between the Michelin Defender 2 or the Crossclimate 2 - I'm reading that the xc2 does better in the rain and just as well in the dry as the defenders but significantly better in snow. So the only pro for the defender is the price (cheaper by $100) and longer life. Would love to hear people's experience with these tires or if you have a different tire on your mav that you love! Thanks!

You need looks at tread ware on tire see which one has more

 

[ScottyC]

Michelin Defender 2's are a great choice.

 

[Techcar]

Having a 2023 XL, and living in N C , I don't need the tires with super holding power on snow as I have a 2019 4+4 Ranger for that. But I do need a tire that will NOT hydroplane,hold an extra load and run quite. I use my Maverick as a parts and material hauling truck. I replaced the 17" wheels and tires with 18" wheels off of a Bronco Sport.No tires came with them so I went to Sams Club and ordered 4 Nexen N 5000 Platinum tires ,R 18 XL 104 H after reading some reviews that were pretty good. These tires have 10/32 tread and 5 ply tread instead of the 4ply,8/32 that were on it new with the Continental. So they do ride a little more firm and corner better. Fuel mileage did drop some,I went from an average of 55mpg,to now around 51-52 .8000+ in and I am very happy with them . Total Cost from Sams Club was $652.68 in Feb.2025 .

 

[zen_]

I'd just get a regular all-season tire if snow is something you'll seldom, if ever encounter. The all-weather tires (like the CC2) are really good now, but they are by nature a softer, faster wearing compound and knobier (noise). My experience with the goodyear weatherready was a significant rolling resistance penalty (fuel economy) too. Good all-season tires are competent in snow and ice if you drive carefully, and not in deep snow.

Can't go wrong with the Michelin Defender, but I think the Continental Route 54 and Pirelli Scorpion AS 3 are worth looking at too.

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