Seeking Experience/Opinion on Half-Worn Michelin Defender LTXs M/S in Winter Conditions (vs. A Prius w/ New All-Seasons)

[RST Dana]

Thanks for the input, Y'all!


That's a valid point. However, if ground clearance was an issue, I wouldn't be continuing with either vehicle on that route. Yes, I understand unexpected situations like unexpected weather that moves through and/or hasn't been cleared yet, but this trip isn't a "must press on" situation and we'd wait it out until road conditions had improved sufficiently.

You did not indicate your Tahoe was lowered. Normally folks would think your front bumper cover is the same height as a Prius hood.

 

[Padraig]

Tahoe...When in snow the taller vehicle will give you much better visibility and that is very important .Used to drive a two wheel drive Suburban in the winter and I live in Western NY.

Padraig.

 

[Scrappycrow]

You did not indicate your Tahoe was lowered. Normally folks would think your front bumper cover is the same height as a Prius hood.

It isn't lowered. Perhaps I could have stated it more clearly, but my point is that if the snow on a route is tall enough that it'd be a problem for the Prius, I wouldn't take the Tahoe on that route either.

When I had my AMC Eagle or when my '57 Chevy with a posi had winter mud-pattern walnut-shell studded retreads? Sure, but neither the Prius nor the Tahoe as currently equipped.

 

[petethepug]

‘13 LTZ vs Prius for road trip in Winter?

Repair & parts availability … Tahoe

Safety, whether it’s your doing or not .. Tahoe

Milage, well Duh! Save 35% on fuel with the Gas Buddy app. Find e85 on the way. It’s as low as $1.99 gal.

Snow or Rain, plus possibility of getting through when chains or cables required… Tahoe due to ground clearance

Performance & comfort … Tahoe

Results are in. Take the Big Dog.

 

[Charlie207]

I used run the LTXs on my Armada in snowy NH/VT, and they did good. The Nissan had some black-magic traction control e-LSD stuff that probably helped maximize traction, but if you look at the tread there are plenty of sipes and room to clear snow/slush from between the blocks.