The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 offer top-notch performance but cater to different needs. It can be tough to know which one suits your vehicle and driving style best.
The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate is ideal for commercial vehicles and light trucks needing all-season reliability and durability, while the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 offers superior comfort, longevity, and performance for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.
In this article, we’ll compare the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, breaking down their performance in various conditions, highlighting their pros and cons, and providing a comparative analysis to help you choose the right tire for your needs.
Michelin Agilis CrossClimate
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
All Terrain
8.0 of 10
Tread Wear
8.5 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 8.4 of 10
Mud Grip: 7.5 of 10
Sand Grip: 8.0 of 10
Rock Grip: 8.2 of 10
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate is a versatile tire built for commercial vehicles and light trucks. It’s designed to perform well in various conditions, offering reliability and durability. Whether you’re navigating urban roads or tackling rough terrains, the Agilis CrossClimate aims to deliver a dependable driving experience.
Key Features
The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate is tailored for drivers who need a tire that can handle a variety of driving conditions, from city streets to off-road paths. Its robust design ensures longevity, while its advanced features provide comfort and safety. This tire is particularly well-suited for commercial vehicles and light trucks that demand reliability in diverse environments.
- All-Season Traction: Engineered with a unique tread pattern and compound, this tire ensures reliable traction in wet, dry, and light snowy conditions. Its aggressive tread design enhances grip, making it suitable for year-round use.
- Durability: The tire features a robust construction with reinforced sidewalls, providing excellent resistance to impacts and wear. This durability is essential for commercial use, where reliability and longevity are crucial.
- Comfort: Despite its rugged build, the Agilis CrossClimate is designed to offer a comfortable ride with reduced noise levels, thanks to Michelin’s advanced noise reduction technology.
- Wet Performance: Equipped with wide lateral grooves and optimized sipes, this tire excels in wet conditions by effectively dispersing water to reduce hydroplaning risks.
Performance Breakdown
Wet Performance (9.1)
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.1
- Wet Traction: 9.1
The Agilis CrossClimate performs admirably in wet conditions, similar to wearing a high-quality raincoat. You stay secure and steady, even when the roads are slick.
Dry Performance (9.3)
- Corner Stability: 9.2
- Dry Traction: 9.5
- Steering Response: 9.2
On dry roads, this tire shines, providing excellent corner stability and steering response. It’s like driving a well-tuned car that handles turns smoothly and confidently.
Winter/Snow Performance (8.3)
- Light Snow Traction: 8.8
- Deep Snow Traction: 8.4
- Ice Traction: 7.8
The Agilis CrossClimate handles light snow well but struggles a bit more with deep snow and ice. Think of it as decent winter boots—they’re good for moderate snow but not the best for extreme conditions.
Comfort (8.9)
- Ride Quality: 8.9
- Noise: 8.8
Despite its rugged build, this tire offers a comfortable ride with minimal noise. It’s like driving in a car with noise-canceling technology—quiet and smooth.
Treadwear (8.6)
The Agilis CrossClimate is built to last, with a good treadwear rating ensuring durability over time.
Pros
- Excellent wet performance
- Good dry traction and corner stability
- Durable and reliable for commercial use
Cons
- Mediocre performance in deep snow and on ice
- Slightly lower comfort compared to other Michelin models
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.1 of 10
Wet Weather
9.3 of 10
Winter Weather
8.7 of 10
All Terrain
8.0 of 10
Tread Wear
9.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.7 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 820
UTQG Traction Rating: B
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 8.4 of 10
Mud Grip: 7.8 of 10
Sand Grip: 7.8 of 10
Rock Grip: 8.2 of 10
Hydroplaning: 9.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.4 of 10
Cornering: 9.7 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.7 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.6 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.4 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.6 of 10
Road Noise: 9.3 of 10
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is a top-tier tire designed for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Known for its outstanding durability and all-season performance, this tire is built to handle a variety of road conditions while delivering a comfortable and quiet ride. Whether you’re driving on highways or venturing off the beaten path, the Defender LTX M/S2 is engineered to provide superior traction and longevity.
Key Features
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is designed for drivers who demand a high-performance, all-season tire that delivers in both comfort and durability. Its advanced features provide excellent traction in various conditions, while its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance. This tire is particularly well-suited for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers that require a reliable and durable tire for daily driving and occasional off-road adventures.
- All-Season Traction: With Michelin’s advanced Evertread compound, the Defender LTX M/S2 offers exceptional grip on wet, dry, and snowy roads. Its unique tread design ensures reliable traction, making it a dependable choice for year-round driving.
- Durability: The tire’s robust construction and reinforced steel belts enhance its durability, providing long-lasting performance. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty use, where wear resistance is crucial.
- Comfort: Designed with Michelin’s Comfort Control technology, this tire minimizes road noise and vibrations, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride even on long journeys.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Defender LTX M/S2 features Michelin’s MaxTouch Construction, which optimizes the tire’s contact with the road to reduce rolling resistance. This contributes to improved fuel efficiency, helping you save on fuel costs over time.
- Enhanced Wet Performance: The tire’s four wide circumferential grooves and 3D active sipes help channel water away from the tire’s contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and enhancing wet traction.
Performance Breakdown
Wet Performance (9.4)
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.4
- Wet Traction: 9.4
The Defender LTX M/S2 excels in wet conditions, much like having an umbrella that keeps you completely dry. You can trust this tire to maintain grip and stability, even on rain-soaked roads.
Dry Performance (9.6)
- Corner Stability: 9.6
- Dry Traction: 9.7
- Steering Response: 9.5
On dry roads, this tire truly stands out, offering excellent corner stability and steering response. It’s like driving a sports car that hugs every turn with precision.
Winter/Snow Performance (8.7)
- Light Snow Traction: 8.9
- Deep Snow Traction: 8.8
- Ice Traction: 8.5
The Defender LTX M/S2 performs admirably in winter conditions, handling light and deep snow well, though it’s slightly less effective on ice. Think of it as a solid pair of winter boots—they keep you steady in most snowy conditions.
Comfort (9.4)
- Ride Quality: 9.5
- Noise: 9.3
This tire provides a supremely comfortable ride with minimal noise. It’s akin to driving in a car with premium insulation—quiet and smooth all the way.
Treadwear (9.5)
The Defender LTX M/S2 is built for longevity, boasting an impressive treadwear rating that ensures it will go the distance and provide excellent value over time.
Pros
- Outstanding wet and dry performance
- Superior comfort with minimal noise
- Excellent durability and long tread life
- Improved fuel efficiency
Cons
- Slightly less effective on ice
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
Comparative Analysis
Choosing the right tire for your vehicle can be a game-changer for your driving experience. Both the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 offer excellent features for diverse driving needs, but their strengths cater to slightly different preferences and priorities. Let’s break it down to help you decide which tire might be the best fit for your ride.
Performance in Wet Conditions
| Michelin Agilis CrossClimate | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroplaning Resistance | 9.1 | 9.4 |
| Wet Traction | 9.1 | 9.4 |
In wet conditions, both tires perform excellently, but the Defender LTX M/S2 slightly edges out the Agilis CrossClimate with higher scores in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. If you frequently drive in rainy conditions and prioritize top-notch wet performance, the Defender LTX M/S2 may be the better choice.
Dry Traction and Handling
| Michelin Agilis CrossClimate | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Stability | 9.2 | 9.6 |
| Dry Traction | 9.5 | 9.7 |
| Steering Response | 9.2 | 9.5 |
On dry roads, the Defender LTX M/S2 again takes the lead with higher scores in corner stability, dry traction, and steering response. For drivers who enjoy a spirited drive with precise handling, the Defender LTX M/S2 is the go-to choice.
Winter/Snow Performance
| Michelin Agilis CrossClimate | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Light Snow Traction | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| Deep Snow Traction | 8.4 | 8.8 |
| Ice Traction | 7.8 | 8.5 |
In winter conditions, the Defender LTX M/S2 performs better across the board, particularly on ice. If you live in an area with harsh winters and icy roads, the Defender LTX M/S2 offers better peace of mind and performance.
Comfort and Noise
| Michelin Agilis CrossClimate | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Quality | 8.9 | 9.5 |
| Noise | 8.8 | 9.3 |
Both tires offer a comfortable ride, but the Defender LTX M/S2 excels in noise reduction and overall ride quality. If you spend a lot of time driving and value a smooth, quiet ride, the Defender LTX M/S2 is the better option.
Treadwear and Durability
| Michelin Agilis CrossClimate | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Treadwear | 8.6 | 9.5 |
When it comes to treadwear, the Defender LTX M/S2 is a clear winner with a significantly higher score. This makes it the better choice for those who prioritize tire longevity and want to get the most miles out of their investment.
Overall Recommendation
- Choose Michelin Agilis CrossClimate if: You need a reliable all-season tire for commercial use or light trucks and prioritize wet and dry performance along with a comfortable ride.
- Opt for Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 if: You seek top-notch performance in all conditions, including wet and winter, and value superior comfort and durability for your light truck, SUV, or crossover.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 are strong contenders, the tire market is full of alternatives that might align better with specific needs or budgets. Let’s explore a few other players in their respective categories and see how they stack up.
Continental TerrainContact H/T
Performance Ratings:
- Offroad: 8.3 (Dirt: 8.5, Sand: 8.2, Mud: 8.0, Rock: 8.4)
- Wet: 9.2 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.1, Wet Traction: 9.2)
- Dry: 9.3 (Corner Stability: 9.3, Dry Traction: 9.4, Steering Response: 9.2)
- Winter/Snow: 8.2 (Light Snow Traction: 8.7, Deep Snow Traction: 8.2, Ice Traction: 7.9)
- Comfort: 9.1 (Ride Quality: 9.1, Noise: 9.1)
- Treadwear: 9.0
Pros:
- Strong wet and dry performance
- Good off-road capabilities
Cons:
- Average performance on ice
Ideal Usage: Ideal for those who need a well-rounded tire that performs well on various terrains and in wet conditions.
Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT
Performance Ratings:
- Offroad: 8.2 (Dirt: 8.4, Sand: 8.1, Mud: 8.1, Rock: 8.2)
- Wet: 9.3 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.3, Wet Traction: 9.3)
- Dry: 9.4 (Corner Stability: 9.3, Dry Traction: 9.6, Steering Response: 9.3)
- Winter/Snow: 8.7 (Light Snow Traction: 8.9, Deep Snow Traction: 9.1, Ice Traction: 8.2)
- Comfort: 9.1 (Ride Quality: 9.2, Noise: 9.0)
- Treadwear: 9.1
Pros:
- Excellent wet and dry performance
- Good treadwear
Cons:
- Slightly lower performance off-road
Ideal Usage: Best for drivers who need reliable performance in wet and dry conditions with a focus on comfort and durability.
Bridgestone Dueler LX
Performance Ratings:
- Offroad: 8.0 (Dirt: 8.2, Sand: 8.0, Mud: 7.8, Rock: 8.0)
- Wet: 9.3 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.3, Wet Traction: 9.3)
- Dry: 9.1 (Corner Stability: 9.0, Dry Traction: 9.2, Steering Response: 9.1)
- Winter/Snow: 7.5 (Light Snow Traction: 8.0, Deep Snow Traction: 7.5, Ice Traction: 7.0)
- Comfort: 9.4 (Ride Quality: 9.4, Noise: 9.4)
- Treadwear: 9.4
Pros:
- Superior comfort and ride quality
- Good wet performance
Cons:
- Lower performance in winter conditions
Ideal Usage: Perfect for those who prioritize comfort and a smooth ride, especially in drier climates.
Each of these alternatives offers a unique set of features that cater to different driving styles and priorities:
- For All-Terrain Capability: The Continental TerrainContact H/T provides excellent performance across various terrains and weather conditions, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.
- For Superior Wet and Dry Performance: The Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT excels in both wet and dry conditions, making it perfect for drivers who prioritize safety and performance in diverse weather.
- For Ultimate Comfort: The Bridgestone Dueler LX shines in providing a comfortable ride, making it perfect for long-distance drivers who value a smooth and quiet experience.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
- Continental Product Page
- Michelin Product Page
- Highway All-Season Truck Tire Consumer Ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
When choosing between the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, it’s crucial to consider your specific driving conditions and needs. The Agilis CrossClimate is perfect for commercial vehicles and light trucks, offering robust all-season performance and durability, making it ideal for varied road conditions and heavy-duty use. On the other hand, the Defender LTX M/S2 excels in comfort, tread life, and all-around performance, making it a better fit for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers that prioritize comfort and long-lasting performance.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each tire, you can make an informed decision that best suits your driving needs and preferences.
Good luck and happy motoring.
