Michelin Defender v Goodyear Wrangler Adventure

[WillCO]

I'm considering these two tires for my '16 Tahoe, based on recommendations from friends and press.

I realize these are different categories of tire and aren't directly comparable. What I'm looking for are opinions on the compromise.

The Defenders are, by accounts, a highly capable highway all-season tire. Quieter than an AT tire, offering less capability off-road and in snow, but maybe more snow capability than you'd expect in a highway tire.

The Wranglers are, by accounts, a very good AT tire that has a snowflake rating. Noisier than a highway tire, but some say not as noisy as average for AT tires.

Has anyone else cross-shopped these or any opinions?

 

[swathdiver]

If I were not running BF Goodrich KO2s and wanted a highway tire, it would be the Michelin Defenders hands down. I don't remember exactly why I chose the KO2s over the Wrangler anymore, but I did, and am happy as a clam.

 

[Danny3737]

I’ve had both the Denfender and Wrangler and the Defenders for me were better in the snow. I have never taken my rig off road, but I can see where the Wranglers would be better for that. As for tread wear, the Defenders were much better and quieter.

 

[WillCO]

I’ve had both the Denfender and Wrangler and the Defenders for me were better in the snow. I have never taken my rig off road, but I can see where the Wranglers would be better for that. As for tread wear, the Defenders were much better and quieter.

That's very helpful. For me it's all about snow and not at all off-road. I'd prefer the quiet, the ride, and the MPG of the Defenders unless people tell me the Wranglers are substantially better in the snow.

 

[chicagofan00]

I’ve seen worse MPG after switching to the Defenders from the stock tires...used to get 15.8-16.2MPG and now I’m consistently around the 14.9-15.3MPG range. Nothing else changed with regards to type of fuel, driving style, truck mods, etc.

 

[WillCO]

I’ve seen worse MPG after switching to the Defenders from the stock tires...used to get 15.8-16.2MPG and now I’m consistently around the 14.9-15.3MPG range. Nothing else changed with regards to type of fuel, driving style, truck mods, etc.

I think the stock Continentals provide excellent mileage. They are actually on all of the same "recommended" lists as the Defenders, and I had previously decided on them for my Explorer after lots of research. Pretty good tire, gets a bad rap around here because people automatically think OEM is low-bid or something.