Drivers face two standout options in the Michelin lineup: the Latitude Tour and the Defender 2. Each tire brings its own identity, and the contrast becomes clear once you place them side by side.
The Latitude Tour focuses on a calm, confident ride for crossovers and SUVs, while the Defender 2 pushes the limits of tread life, year-round traction, and road comfort for a wide range of vehicles.
The Latitude Tour offers a smooth driving experience with stable road manners, precise steering response, and a comfortable highway feel. The Defender 2 delivers remarkable durability, strong grip, and a refined ride that suits daily commuters and long-distance travelers.
Drivers who want a balance of fuel efficiency, long treadwear, and consistent all-season control often gravitate toward the Defender 2.
This matchup reveals how each tire serves different priorities, helping drivers choose the one that aligns with their daily needs and driving style.
Michelin Latitude Tour vs Michelin Defender 2
A complete and clear comparison for SUV, crossover, and sedan drivers. Both tires sit in the all-season touring category. Both serve daily drivers who want comfort, safety, and long tread life.
Still, they feel very different on the road. One focuses on smooth highway comfort. The other focuses on long tread life and stronger grip in rough weather. The breakdown below explains these differences step by step.
Michelin Latitude Tour Tire
Product Details
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Brand: MICHELIN
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Size: 245/60R18
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Section Width: 245 mm
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Load Capacity: 1804 lbs
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Tread Depth: 10/32″
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Tread Type: Symmetrical
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Max Pressure: 51 PSI
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Rim Width: 7 inches
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Tire Diameter: 30 inches
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Item Size: 30 x 30 x 10 inches
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Load Index: 105
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Speed Rating: T
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Category: Touring all-season tire for SUVs and crossovers
Features
Smooth On-Road Comfort
The Latitude Tour design focuses on a soft, calm ride. Road bumps feel lighter. The steering stays relaxed on long trips.
Good Fuel Efficiency
The tread compound reduces rolling resistance. This helps save fuel over long drives.
Long Tread Life
The tire uses a sturdy compound that slows down wear. Good for families and city drivers who travel many miles per year.
Wet Traction Support
Wide grooves pull water away from the tread. Special rubber compounds help grip on rainy roads.
Stable Highway Handling
The symmetrical tread helps weight spread evenly. This improves stability during lane changes and highway curves.
What Is the Good?
Comfortable Ride Quality
The tire feels soft on rough city streets. The cabin stays quiet at normal speeds.
Better Fuel Savings
The low rolling resistance helps reduce fuel burn. Long trips feel more affordable.
Good for Daily Use
The tire handles city turns, highway speed, and mild weather with ease.
Good Wet Control
Rain traction stays stable. Stops feel predictable.
What Is the Bad?
Not Built for Heavy Loads
Trucks carrying tools or towing small trailers need stronger support.
Weak in Deep Snow
Light snow is fine, but deep or icy roads reduce grip.
Not as Durable as Newer Michelin Designs
The Latitude Tour is an older model, so its tread life is shorter than the Defender 2.
Overall Opinion
The Michelin Latitude Tour fits crossovers and SUVs that focus on comfort and quiet performance. It works well for families, city commuters, and drivers who want a soft ride and fair wet traction. It is not ideal for harsh winter roads or heavy towing.
Michelin Defender 2 Tire
Product Details
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Brand: MICHELIN
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Size: 225/50R17 98H XL
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Section Width: 225 mm
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Load Capacity: 1653 lbs
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Tread Depth: 10.5/32″
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Tread Type: Symmetrical
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Max Pressure: 50 PSI
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Rim Width: 8 inches
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Tire Diameter: 25.9 inches
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Item Size: 25.9 x 8.85 x 25.9 inches
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Load Index: 98
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Speed Rating: H
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Warranty: 80,000-mile treadwear + 6-year standard warranty
Features
Longer Tread Life
Michelin built the Defender 2 with new compounds that slow down wear. The tire lasts up to 25,000 miles longer than many competitors.
Short Wet and Dry Braking
The Locking 3-D sipes create many biting edges. This helps the tire stop fast and steady on wet or dry pavement.
High Stability at Highway Speeds
The tire’s structure stays strong under load. Steering feels firm during fast lanes and curves.
Broad Vehicle Fit
The Defender 2 fits sedans, minivans, crossovers, and some compact SUVs.
All-Season Confidence
Temperature-flexible rubber gives grip across seasons. Rain, sun, and mild winter roads stay manageable.
What Is the Good?
Very Long Life
The 80,000-mile warranty gives strong value. The tread wears slowly and evenly.
Strong Wet Braking
Stops stay short during storms. Grip feels secure.
Good Dry Stability
Lane changes and fast curves feel controlled. Good for long highway trips.
Strong Everyday Performance
The tire works well in both city and highway driving.
What Is the Bad?
Slightly Firm Ride
The tire feels stiffer on rough roads compared to softer touring tires.
Not for Harsh Snow
Light winter roads feel fine, but deep snow and ice reduce traction.
Higher Cost
The technology makes the price higher than older Michelin models.
Overall Opinion
Michelin Defender 2 fits drivers who want the longest tread life and strong wet braking. It suits sedans, minivans, and crossovers that travel daily across mixed city and highway conditions. The tire focuses on safety and durability more than soft comfort.
Details Comparison for Michelin Latitude Tour vs Defender 2
Michelin Latitude Tour leans toward comfort and fuel savings. The tire feels smooth on long drives and cuts road noise well. It suits SUVs and crossovers that need a calm ride. The tread life is good, but not as long as newer Michelin designs.
Michelin Defender 2 leans toward high durability and strong braking power. The new rubber compound helps the tire last far longer than many touring models.
Wet stopping power feels sharp and confident. Ride comfort is decent but slightly firm compared to the Latitude Tour.
Latitude Tour works best for drivers who want soft comfort. Defender 2 works best for drivers who want long life and better all-season grip. Both are reliable, but each serves a different driving style.
FAQs
Which tire lasts longer?
Defender 2 lasts much longer because of its updated compound and higher treadwear rating.
Which tire feels smoother?
Latitude Tour offers a softer and more comfortable ride.
Which tire stops better in the rain?
Defender 2 provides shorter wet braking distances.
Do both tires handle mild winter roads?
Yes, both work in light winter. Deep snow reduces performance in both.
Which tire gives better fuel savings?
Latitude Tour has lower rolling resistance, so it helps improve fuel economy.
Conclusion
Michelin Latitude Tour delivers comfort, quiet performance, and fuel savings for crossovers and SUVs.
Michelin Defender 2 brings long tread life, strong stopping power, and a more modern all-season design for sedans, minivans, and daily-use crossovers.
Both serve everyday drivers well. The best choice depends on the priority: comfort and softness or durability and strong wet grip.