Michelin Defender LTX Platinum - 500 miles (so far) on '23 TRD Sport

Prior to getting these tires, I could not find too much info (they're relatively new), but I decided to give them a shot based on the info I could find.

Granted, I'm only 500 miles into them so I cannot speak as to longevity, but so far these tires are fantastic. The increased weight is noticeable, and the fuel economy impact has been negligible so far. My first tank was a little lower than my 17.55 mpg average, but not drastically so.

General driving has been smooth and quiet (on dry roads), but driving in heavy rain is where they really stand out. By heavy rain, I mean the kind where you can barely see beyond the hood, and these tires could not have performed any better. For those who have seen them, they have a very unconventional tread pattern. That tread pattern can seriously handle wet/rainy conditions better than any tire I have previously used. They were loud, making a noise that I had never heard before from tires, but not once did they lose traction.

While I cannot attest to how they handle off road, or in ice and/or snow, they have exceeded expectations on dry pavement and wet roads. I will update this in about a month and a half, after my 3k mile (round trip) drive and hunting trip, which will involve some minor offroad, and possible ice and/or snow. As of the first 500 miles, I've never been more happy about a tire purchase.

 

I'm looking at getting these tires next after having KO2's, thanks for posting. What tires did you have previously? Do you tow, how do they perform if so? I'm looking forward to your off-road update.

 

Can’t wait to read the additional review once you get back. I have been considering these tires for a few months.

 

The prior tires were the Yokohama that came stock with the TRD Sport. I haven't towed much with these new ones, just a couple ATVs for maybe 15 miles, but may be hauling a camper here in a couple of weeks. The camper may have been flooded from Hurricane Helene, so I need to check to see if it's road worthy or if it'll be trashed. If I end up bringing it back (it's about a 110 miles drive) I'll follow up.

So far though I've put another 700-800 miles on them, and my original feelings still stand. I'll be providing a longer write up in late November after my trip.

 

Thank you. I may end up getting these sooner rather than later, I’m getting some chunking now on the KO2’s.

 

Provide us with your 'thoughts' after your November trip please.

 

Well the "regular" Defenders are great tires both on and off road. How is the pricing and more tech details here -

https://www.michelinman.com/auto/tires/michelin-defender-ltx-platinum

 

I went ahead and got the tires this week; holidays coming with significant highway miles and I can't have my family on chunking and splitting tires(6+ years old). No significant miles on the Michelins yet, the only thing noticeable so far is how QUIET they are compared to my KO2's which I didn't think were obnoxious at all. No rain yet or towing but as I put miles on them I'll throw my thoughts in here along with OP.

Tire pressure is a new question, first time I've had E-rated tires. I ran my D-rated KO2's usually a couple psi over the door sticker 49, and near max sidewall when towing the travel trailer. The tire place inflated these E-rated tires to 49 but they look underinflated, using the tiresize.com calculator it says 53psi so I'll probably bump up to there for now then eventually do a chalk test too just out of curiosity.

 

Regular Defenders were also offered in more sizes than 20" The new Platinums are only for "luxury" pickups!

 

I did the chalk test myself and found 43 to be my best bet. I filled cold to 40, and the tires get to 43-44 psi once warmed up.

Originally I had them closer to 50 when warmed up, but the difference in the ride was noticeable and not really to my liking. Probably a little better mpg, but negligible. Cold filled at 40 is a great ride.

 

I'm at 52F/50R at the moment, not towing. My problem with lower pressures is sidewall rubbing under significant cornering pressure, I had that happen on my KO2s. I will say these Michelins have fantastic road traction compared to the KO2s. I've hit corners that previously would have had me hearing scrubbing and the Michelins just quietly and efficiently sailed through even with the slightly narrower tire.

 

Just got back from clocking about 3,000 miles on these tires, and they continue to be probably my favorite road tire I've ever used. MPG was great, averaging about 20mpg through varying elevations (FL to MI and back), which is the same I got with the factory tires. I had noticed that they do hit the MPG with stop and go traffic, most likely due to the extra weight and power needed to get them turning, but once they're moving there is little to no noticeable impact to MPG.

I did not get to test them in snow or ice, but plenty of driving down mucky pivot lanes and one bit through plowed field. While they don't grab as well as AT tires, these handled much better than your standard HT tire. Overall these are great, and absolutely worth it for anyone looking for a LT tire.

 

Any update on these? Happen to get into any snow yet?

 

I did not have any chance to try them in snow when I was in MI in November. I live in FL so no real opportunities here.

 

Gotcha....I'm torn between these the new Duratracs. I just can't find any info at all on the snow quality. I live in SWMO and we don't get a lot of snow, but when we do the roads never get cleaned. I've had the old style Duratracs in the past and they did great, but just got so loud on my tacoma.

 

I could see these tires not being great in the snow with the tread pattern, but couldn't say either way. They really like to get packed with mud, and I could see the tread getting packed with snow to the point it impacts grip more than your normal tread patterns.