Help with Tire Decision!

[peisenmann]

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!

Defender 2 user here. Long life and handing made the difference for me. Had a set that went 75k on another car.

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[Hypsypops]

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.

I was quoted 780 for a set of defenders installed so it isn't too much more expensive than the other tires so probably will go with those!

 

[alex lobos]

I was quoted 780 for a set of defenders installed so it isn't too much more expensive than the other tires so probably will go with those!

That’s not bad for a maverick. Last set I thought was 6 years ago at Cosco for $680 or something around that

 

[Hypsypops]

That’s not bad for a maverick. Last set I thought was 6 years ago at Cosco for $680 or something around that

Yeah that makes it around the same price in today's dollar!

 

[Hypsypops]

Defender 2 user here. Long life and handing made the difference for me. Had a set that went 75k on another car.

How did it do in the wet? I think at the end of the day, most tires that you can buy will be better than the OE Contis as those had very little grip.

 

[ListedGuru]

Looking for some replacement tires for our 23 Escape Hybrid AWD. I'm in SE Michigan and we do get our fair bit of snow here. The Escape came with Michelin Primacy A/S tires and those have served us well in the snow. Curious about the Michelin Defender 2 and how it does in snow (probably at least as well as the OEM primacy A/S? Also and mileage hit from the Defender 2's compared to your previous tires?

 

[Hypsypops]

From what I have read, the Defender 2s are definitely aimed at 3 seasons and does not do well in snow. If you could have two sets of wheels, then Defender 2s with a set of steelies with dedicated winter tires is best. Otherwise, I would say that CC2s are much better than Defender 2s.

 

[ejouie]

I have CC2 on the '14 Enclave Family Chariot. It has seen snow a few times despite driving in the Atlanta Metro. It definitely had more stopping power than other all-season tires in the snow. It also handles sand and rain well. I really don't notice any tire noise, but it is a Buick with the extra sound deadening. The main party trick of the CC2 is superior stopping power no matter the weather. It lives up to that reputation.

Now on the Maverick, I am considering the defenders as it does not block tire noise at all. I also don't need 2 vehicles setup for the snow.

 

[mwbaumannmo]

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 have used the Mich Defender 2 on my Dodge Nitro and absolutely love these tires (St. Louis). The ride is incredible. Also planning to put on my 25 Hybrid FWD with P235s, but only have 500 miles on the vehicle, so will probably will wait for a few thousand miles before dumping the factory tires.

 

[Azmkat]

How did it do in the wet? I think at the end of the day, most tires that you can buy will be better than the OE Contis as those had very little grip.

Just ordered the Conti TrueContact 54's yesterday from Ford (Buy 3 get 1 free deal expires today). Did a ton of research and in almost every review and road test they edge out the Defender 2 just a little. Defender 2 was always on the top of my list.

 

[Hypsypops]

Just ordered the Conti TrueContact 54's yesterday from Ford (Buy 3 get 1 free deal expires today). Did a ton of research and in almost every review and road test they edge out the Defender 2 just a little. Defender 2 was always on the top of my list.

My local dealer doesn't have those unfortunately. They only had the TX and LXs. Otherwise I would have taken that deal!

 

[Azmkat]

My local dealer doesn't have those unfortunately. They only had the TX and LXs. Otherwise I would have taken that deal!

Mine didn't either, they can order them though. I did get the next size up- 235 17 65

 

[TheSEARCH]

What ever you get don't buy All Weather tires since you wont see snow. Get All Season They will last longer.

I myself wouldn't even look at a tire that has less than a 70K mile warranty for an All Season. Most All Weather don't get more than 60 if that . But of course are better in snow.

Asking about tires you will get a million different answers.,

I will need new tires next spring I use snow tires in winter I think I will go with HANKOOK KINERGY PT 90 K mile warranty If I get 60 I would be happy

 

[TKranbuhl]

Put on Michelin Defender 2's about 2 months ago. 2024 XLT. Improved ride, which I expected, but was shocked when mileage went from 31.5 to 35.5 on the first road trip. Extended the warranty thru Granger Ford so this truck will last as long as me, hopefully. 80,000 mile tire warranty? Maybe.
I figure the tires should pay for themselves at 35.5 mpg.

 

[Hypsypops]

Put on Michelin Defender 2's about 2 months ago. 2024 XLT. Improved ride, which I expected, but was shocked when mileage went from 31.5 to 35.5 on the first road trip. Extended the warranty thru Granger Ford so this truck will last as long as me, hopefully. 80,000 mile tire warranty? Maybe.
I figure the tires should pay for themselves at 35.5 mpg.

What did you have for the factory tires?

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