MICHELIN Tires: Are They Worth It? (+16 Brands Compared)
Founded in France in 1889, Michelin remains a top tire manufacturer with an impressive reputation.
How good are Michelin tires? Are they worth buying?
Why Buy Michelin?
Although expensive in comparison to other brands, Michelin has an excellent reputation for:
- Durability and consistent wear – if you get the total tread mileage, you save money on frequent budget tire changes.
- High performance – You get better handling and performance in all driving conditions.
- Peace of mind – when you invest in tires that you know are a quality brand; you can drive knowing that you and your family are safe on the roads.
Most garages will recommend Michelin for performance and quality if you are willing to pay extra for your tires.
In some cases, Michelin may be more affordable than other brands.
Why Are Michelin Tires So Expensive?
Michelin is a leading manufacturer of quality tires, but why are they so expensive?
Quality Costs
If you want a tire with consistent quality, lower defects, and the latest innovations, you need to pay more for all the costs associated with achieving product excellence.
Michelin does not choose to put a high price on its tires because they are quality tires; Michelin must set a high price on its tires to recover the costs of achieving quality.
Last Longer
Michelin has an enviable reputation for tires that go the distance (consistently).
These tires are initially more expensive than their competitors but may (taken over the tire’s lifetime and including tire changes) be competitively priced.
It is often the case that you save money by spending more on a tire that lasts longer and is more fuel efficient when you take the total cost of motoring and downtime into account.
Impressive Warranty
Michelin tires are rarely defective, so you pay a premium for tires with a warranty you never need to use.
The warranty protects you in the rare event of a fault with the Michelin tire.
Making the warranty unnecessary through safety checks, research and testing contribute to the higher price of Michelin tires.
Partnership with Motorsport
Michelin tires are heavily involved with motorsports to drive innovation and safety, and that cost adds to the retail price of the tires.
Supporting tire production for motorsport is an expensive team of scientists, technologists, and engineers.
Sustainable Futures
Reducing the environmental impact of tires requires an investment of time and resources.
The additional cost of moving towards more environmentally-friendly tires and circular economies adds to the cost of Michelin tires.
Michelin Tire Warranty vs. Actual Mileage
The Michelin tire warranty is limited (like most tire warranties) and, depending on the specific tire, will give a low 20,000 mileage or a more impressive 90,000 miles or a maximum of six years.
Within a year, you get a full replacement tire and free fitting; after a year, the credit is pro-rated.
You need to be the tire owner and meet standard conditions.
What Drivers Say About Michelin Tires
On consumeraffairs.com, Michelin tires score an average of three out of five stars which seems low for a premium brand.
The number of reviews (over 700) seems evenly split between those who love the tire (five stars) and those who are disappointed (one star).
Interestingly, Kaci, Lansdale, PA, increased their rating from three to five stars within a day of posting the original review – Michelin customer services sorted out the warranty dispute.
Vicky, Mississauga, was disappointed at only receiving a $45 refund for a flat tire on her 2022 RAVA Hybrid.
Craig, Stafford, VA, has 37,000 miles on his tires, and they still look great, and he is planning a long road trip with confidence.
The primary reason for the many one-star reviews appears to be difficulties in claiming rebates and the amount awarded under warranty claims.
Michelin Recommended Tires
For typical vehicles, Michelin recommends:
| Car Type | Examples | Michelin Recommends |
| A compact Sedan is a typical small family car with a petrol engine of more than 1.2L or a Diesel 1.5L. | Hyundai Electra; Honda Civic; Audi A3; Toyota Corolla; Mazda 3. | Cross Climate 2, X-ICE Snow, Pilot MXM4, Primacy MXM4, Pilot Sport A/S 3+, Primacy HP. |
| Midsize Sedan – a large family car with internal dimensions of 110-119 cuft, including passenger area and trunk. | Chevrolet Malibu; Volkswagen Passat; Subaru Legacy; Nissan Altima; Toyota Camry. | X-ICE Snow, Defender 2, Cross Climate 2, Primacy Tour A/S, Energy Saver All Season, Pilot Alpin 5. |
| Compact SUV or CUV | Honda CRV; Nissan Rogue; Toyota RAV4. | Cross Climate 2, Primacy Tour A/S, Defender LTX M/S, Defender T + H, X-ICE Snow, Latitude Tour HP, Pilot Sport 4 SUV, Latitude Sport 3, Premier A/S, Premier LTX. |
| A midsize SUV is typically smaller than a full SUV with two or three rows of seats. | Jeep Grand Cherokee; Chevrolet Equinox; Ford Explorer; Toyota Highlander. | Cross Climate 2, Primacy Tour A/S, Defender LTX M/S, X-ICE Snow, Latitude Tour HP, Pilot Sport 4 SUV, Latitude Sport 3, Premier A/S, Premier LTX. |
| Full SUV – basic sports utility vehicle with seating for seven passengers. | Jeep Wagoneer; Ford Expedition; Chevrolet Suburban; Toyota Sequoia. | Defender LTX M/S, LTX A/T2, Primacy All Season. |
| Light Trucks – gross vehicle weight of 8,500lbs | Ford F150; Toyota Tundra; Dodge RAM 1500; Nissan Titan. | Defender LTX M/S, LTX A/T2, Primacy LTX, Primacy XC, Agilis Cross Climate, Latitude X-Ice Xi2. |
Tire details for examples that fit most vehicles:
| Cross Climate 2 | Defender 2 | Latitude Tour HP | Primacy Tour | Defender LTX | |
| Diving conditions | All Seasons. Mud and snow. | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Seasons Mud and Snow |
| Selling points | Durable with excellent stopping. | Longer lasting tread life. | Premier crossover vehicles. | Quiet tread and improved snow traction. | Low noise and excellent tread life |
| Price per tire | $170 – $350 | $160 – $260 | $100 – $200 | $200 – $300 | $143 – $466 |
| Rim sizes | 15″ – 20″ | 16″ – 20″ | 17″ – 21″ | 17″ – 22″ | 15″ – 22″ |
| Warranty – treadwear | 60,000 miles | 80,000 miles | 30,000 to 55,000 miles depending on specific tire. | 30,000 to 55,000 miles depending on specific tire. | 70,000 miles to 50,000 miles depending on speed rating. |
| Fuel Efficiency (A-E) | B-C | Moderate – no EU label | A-C | No EU label. No statictics verifying fuel economy. | No EU label but construction offers to save up to 65 gallons compared with competition over the life of the tire. |
| Wet Grip Braking (A-E) | B | No EU rating but tests indicate a high wet grip and moderate for other conditions. | C | No EU Label. Tire reviews give it a 3-4 out of five stars for wet handling. | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. |
| Rolling noise | 69 dB | No EU rating, but tests describe it as a noisy tire. | 69-71 dB | No EU label. The asymmetric rib pattern aims to reduce road noise. | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. |
| Severe Snow | 3PMSF, suitable for extreme snow. | Not snowflake rated. | Not snowflake rated | Not snowflake rated. | Not snowflake rated |
| Ice traction | No | No | No | No | No |
Comparison with Other Brands
Comparing a tire recommended or a CUV like the Toyota RAV4 and a light truck like the Ford F150:
#1 Michelin vs. Firestone
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate 2 with the Firestone All Season tire for a compact SUV: The Firestone is more affordable but is noisier and less fuel efficient than the Michelin.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Firestone All Season | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $160 – $220 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 14” – 20” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 65,000 miles. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | B |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | 71 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No. |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Firestone Destination LE3 for pickup trucks: Neither tire has an EU label for an objective comparison.
Considering the tire manufacturers’ ratings, both tires perform the same, and you get a significant saving by buying the Firestone tires.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Firestone Destination LE3 | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $150 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | No EU label. Firestone scores this as the best for fuel efficiency. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | No EU label. Firestone scores this in the best zone. |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | No EU label. Firestone scores this as quiet and smooth. |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | No. |
#2 Michelin vs. Goodyear
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate 2 with the Goodyear Assurance All Season for crossover SUVs: The Goodyear tire is more affordable, but the Michelin tire has a better reputation for durability and performance and provides winter handling.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Goodyear Assurance All Season | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | Under $100 to $200 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 14” – 20” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | No EU label, but has a low rolling resistance for good fuel efficiency. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | UTQG rated A. |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | No EU label, but considered relatively quiet. |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No. |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT for full-size pickups: Prices and performance are similar, but the Goodyear Wrangler can drive on snow and the Michelin Defender can’t.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $170 – $350 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | Exempt class; will vary with loading. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | Exempt class. Sawtooth design with sipes to increase traction. |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | Exempt class. Computer-optimized tread pattern reduces noise. |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF winter rating. |
#3 Michelin vs. Bridgestone
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate 2 with the Bridgestone WeatherPeak tire for a compact SUV: The Bridgestone costs $10-$50 less and has better wet handling. The Michelin tire provides a quieter tire and the same fuel efficiency level.
Both are excellent tires, so your decision will boil down to brand preference.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Bridgestone WeatherPeak | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $160 – $270 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 15″ – 20″ |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | C |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | A |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | 70 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | 3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow. |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Bridgestone Dueler A/T for pickup trucks: Price and performance is comparable, except for the Michelin’s lower prices for smaller rims, but the Bridgestone tire has a 3PSM rating.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Bridgestone Dueler A/T | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $300- $350 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 16″ – 20″ |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | C |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | 72-73 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF snowflake rated. |
#4 Michelin vs. Cooper
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate 2 with the Cooper Endeavor Plus tire for a compact SUV: The Cooper may cost $50 less, but the Michelin tire provides a quieter ride and a 3PMSF rating.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Cooper Endeavor Plus | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $100 – $260 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | No EU label |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | No EU label |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | No EU label |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Cooper Discoverer AT3 for pickup trucks: Price and performance are comparable, but the Michelin gives you better performance in most conditions, except on the snow.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Cooper Discoverer AT3 | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $197 – $400 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | C |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | 73-75 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF snowflake rated |
#5 Michelin vs. Continental
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate 2 with the Continental All Season Contact tire for a compact SUV: The Continental costs $50- $100 less and has almost identical performance, although the Michelin provides a quieter tire by 2 dB.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Continental All Season Contact | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | Starts under $100 to about $200 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 13″ – 20″ |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | No treadwear warranty. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | B-C |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | B |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | 71-72 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | 3PMSF Snowflake rated for extreme snow. |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Continental Viking Contact 7 for pickup trucks: The Continental tire lets you drive on snowy roads for less, while the Michelin tire may be more fuel efficient and brake better in the wet.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Continental Viking Contact 7 | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $110 – $160 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15″ – 22″ |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | Two years from date of purchase – not treadwear. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | C-D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | D-E |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | 71-72 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF snowflake rated. |
#6 Michelin vs. Yokohama
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate 2 with the Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 tire for a compact SUV: The Yokohama costs considerably less yet has almost identical performance to the Michelin.
Still, the Michelin has a 3PMSF rating and is the better choice for winter driving.
The Yokohama is a summer tire; if the snow falls, you will need to swap it for a winter tire. The Michelin tire is for all four seasons.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | Starts under $100 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | Limited warranty |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | C-D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | A |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | A-B (quiet) |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Geolandar A/T G015 for pickup trucks: The Yokohama all-terrain tire costs $50-$100 less than the Michelin, but the latter is ideal for most seasons, except when it snows.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $100 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | E |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | C |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | 71 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF snowflake rated |
#7 Michelin vs. Hankook
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the Ventus S1 EVO3 for SUVs: You save money with the Hankook and get better fuel efficiency. But if you need to drive on snowy roads, the Michelin Cross Climate 2 is the better option.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Hankook Ventus S1 EVO3 | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $150 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 17” – 22” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 50,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | A |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | B |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | 69-70 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Dynapro AT2 for pickup trucks: While the Michelin doesn’t have a 3PMSF rating, the manufacturer indicates that the tire has reasonable grip on snow, so it is an excellent all-season tire.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Hankook Dynapro AT2 | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $250 – $300 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | C-D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | D |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | 73 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF rated. |
#8 Michelin vs. Pirelli
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the Pirelli Scorpion Verde for SUVs: You save money on the Pirelli tire and get the same performance and run-on-flat technology. But paying more for the Michelin’s 3PMSF rating and higher durability may be worth the investment.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Pirelli Scorpion Verde | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | Under $100 to $240 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | Manufacturer limited warranty. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | C |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | B |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | 71 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Scorpion ATR for pickup trucks, you pay about the same for a similar level of performance.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Pirelli Scorpion ATR | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $150 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 14” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 50,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | D-E |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | C-E |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | 71-74 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | No |
#9 Michelin vs. Dunlop
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the Sport Maxx RT2 for SUVs: If you don’t need the 3PMSF rating, the Dunlop beats the Michelin on price, rolling noise, and braking performance.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | Under $100 to $300 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 17” – 20” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 24 months or 24,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | B-D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | A-B |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | Lower than 69 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No. |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Grandtrek AT20 for pickup trucks, you pay about the same for a similar level of performance. However, the Dunlop tire has limited sizes.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | Around $170 to $300 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 16″ – 18″ |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 24 months or 24,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | C-D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | B-D |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | A-B (lower than 69 dB) |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | No |
#10 Michelin vs. Kumho
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the Crugen HP71 for SUVs: You save substantially with Kumho and get a performance close to the Michelin’s capability, so it’s a bargain.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Kumho Crugen HP71 | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | Starts at $142 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | No details |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | Kumho scores 9/10 wet, 8.5/10 dry. |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | Kumho scores 9.5/10 |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | Kumho scores 8/10 |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Road Venture AT52 for pickup trucks: The Kumho tire is a value buy as it performs nearly as well as the Michelin and is snowflake-rated.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Kumho Road Venture AT52 | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | Starts at $173 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 50,000 – 55,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | No details |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | Kumho scores 7/10 for wet and dry. |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | Kumho scores 6/10 |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | Kumho scores 8/10. Has 3PMSF rating. |
#11 Michelin vs. General Tire
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the G-Max AS for SUVs: You pay less for the General Tire, but the Michelin tire is a better performer across the seasons.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | General Tire G-Max AS | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $116 – $281 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 50,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | No EU label. Reviews indicate improvements in fuel efficiency. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent handling in the wet. |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | No EU label. Reviews indicate this it is relatively quiet. |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No. |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Grabber HTS for pickup trucks: As prices are similar, the Michelin Defender is the better investment than General Tire Grabber HTS.
| Michelin Defender LTX | General Tire Grabber HTS | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $150 – $380 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 65,000 limited warranty |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | D |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | D |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | 71-72 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | No. |
#12 Michelin vs. Falken
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the Ziex ZE950 for SUVs: You pay less for the Falken tire and get better performance in the dry, but it isn’t 3PMSF rated like the Michelin.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Falken Ziex ZE950 | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $150 – $240 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 15” – 20” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 65,000 to 45,000 miles, depending on the speed rating. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate C. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate A. UTQG rating AA. |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | No EU label, but other Zeix range tires rate 67 dB. |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No. |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the WildPeak A/T for pickup trucks: You pay less for the Falken WildPeak and get better all-season performance than the Michelin Defender.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Falken WildPeak A/T | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $150 – $240 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | C-E |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | B-D |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | 71 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF snow rating |
#13 Michelin vs. Nitto
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the NT420V for SUVs: You pay less for the Nitto tire (between $20 and $100), but the Michelin tire is the better performer in dry and snowy conditions.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Nitto NT420V | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $150 – $250 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 20” – 24” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | Limited wear out warranty. |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | No EU label. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | No EU label. Tread reduces aquaplaning risks and provides wet-weather traction. |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | No EU label. Variable blocks reduce road noise. |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 for pickup trucks: You pay about the same and get a similar performance as both are usable during winter.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Nitto Terra Grappler G2 | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $140 – $475 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 17” – 24” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | No EU label. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | No EU label. |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | No EU label. |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF winter rated |
#14 Michelin vs. Nexen
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the Roadian GTX for SUVs: The Nexen may be slightly cheaper than the Michelin, but it brakes well in the wet and is quiet, making it a good summer tire.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Nexen Roadian GTX | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | Starts at $150 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 17” – 22” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | Nexen rating 9/10 |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | UTQG AA (best rating). Nexen rating 8/10 |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | Nexen rating 10/10 |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | Nexen rating 6/10 |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Roadian MTX for pickup trucks: Prices are similar once you inch towards the larger sizes, so the Michelin Defender is arguably a better buy than the Nexen Roadian.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Nexen Roadian MTX | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | Starts at $257 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | No treadwear warranty |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | Nexen rating 6/10 |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | Nexen rating 8/10 |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | Nexen rating 7/10 |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | No. |
#15 Michelin vs. Toyo
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the Celsius CUV for crossovers: You pay marginally less for the Toyo tire, but the Michelin performs slightly better in all conditions.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Toyo Celsius CUV | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $140 – $290 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | C-E |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | C |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | 69-72 dB |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | 3PMSF |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Open Country AT III for pickup trucks: Both are suitable for all-year motoring, but the Michelin Defender’s lower price makes it a more attractive purchase than the Toyo Open Country AT III.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Toyo Open Country AT III | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | $200 – $700 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 15” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | No EU label, but the AT Plus rates D. |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | No EU label, but the AT Plus rates D. |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | No EU label, but the AT Plus rates 70-74 dB. |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | 3PMSF snowflake rating |
#16 Michelin vs. Kelly
Comparing the Michelin Cross Climate with the Kelly Edge All Season for SUVs: You pay $100-$200 less per tire for the budget Kelly tire. There are few performance details, but you get an above-average performance from the Michelin tire.
| Michelin Cross Climate 2 | Kelly Edge All Season | |
| Price | $170 – $350 | $83 – $116 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 20” | 14” – 18” |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles | 55,000 miles |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | B-C | No details |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | B | UTQG rated A |
| Rolling Noise | 69 dB | No details |
| Suitability for Snow | 3PMSF rated. | No |
Comparing the Michelin Defender LTX with the Kelly Edge HT for pickup trucks: You pay less for the Kelly tire but get an average performance.
| Michelin Defender LTX | Kelly Edge HT | |
| Price | $143 – $466 | Starts at $207 |
| Rim Size | 15” – 22” | 16” – 22” |
| Warranty | 50,000 – 70,000 miles | No treadwear warranty |
| Fuel Efficiency (EU grade A-E) | No EU label, but the construction is more fuel-efficient than average. | No details |
| Wet Grip Braking (EU grade A-E) | No EU label. Reviews indicate excellent wet grip braking. | UTQG rated A |
| Rolling Noise | No EU label. Tires have polyurethane foam to reduce noise levels. | No details |
| Suitability for Snow | Not snowflake rated. | No |
Alternatives to Michelin Tires
Michelin is a premium brand; you can expect most other brands to cost anything from $10 to $200 less than the Michelin tires.
Michelin tires are fuel efficient, and you can get a matching performance from Pirelli, Yokohama, and Dunlop.
Michelin has excellent wet braking, and similar performers come from Bridgestone, Continental, and Hankook.
Can You Get Your Michelin Tires Cheaper?
You’ve decided Michelin tires are the best for you; how do you get them at the best price?
Keep an eye on potential sales and rebates when you know you are coming up for a tire change. Tires deteriorate in storage, but it may pay you to change your tires before they are totally worn if the price is right.
Plus, as the tread wears, the performance deteriorates.
Like trainers, when tire manufacturers bring out a new version, the older version is still excellent, but you can get it cheaper.
Keep an eye on the website, and look for the tire it replaces when you see a new release. These older tires become heavily discounted but are still excellent performers.
Consider signing up for a tire subscription with a local garage – for a relatively low monthly fee, you get regular tire changes with the tire of your choice.
Alternatively, get your tires and fitting at a franchise that specializes only in tires; these often offer the best prices on the market because they buy in bulk.
Conclusion
Michelin tires have an excellent reputation for performance and customer service.
Many people prefer Michelin tires for their consistency giving them peace of mind on and off the road.
References: