Best Michelin Tires 2026: 12 Picks Compared by Spec
The Michelin Defender2 is our top pick for most car, minivan, and SUV owners. Its all-season tread and 18-inch fitment make it a versatile choice for daily driving. Our recommendations are based solely on the specifications listed by the seller, including tire size, rim diameter, and intended vehicle. We have not tested these tires ourselves, so we rely on the manufacturer's published data to guide your decision.
12 picks from 65 tires that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- For everyday family cars: The Defender2 is an all-season tire that fits many sedans and crossovers with 18-inch wheels, offering a balanced choice for daily commuting. See pick 1
- For sporty driving: The Pilot Sport 4S is a high-performance model designed for cars and SUVs with 18-inch rims, ideal if you prioritize grip and handling. See pick 3
- For motorcycle touring: The Commander III Touring is built for cruisers, and the Road 6 suits sport-touring bikes, both matching common rear sizes. See pick 6
Our 12 picks
1 Best overall
MICHELIN Defender2 All-Season Tire for Cars
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 18 in
$243.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Defender2 has an all-season tread, fits 18-inch wheels, and is designed for cars, minivans, and SUVs.
Pros
- All-season tread
- 18-inch rim
- For cars, minivans, and SUVs
Cons
- Only 245/60R18 size available
- No tread type specified beyond all-season
Good fit if
- Drivers with 18-inch wheels
- Owners of cars, minivans, or SUVs
Skip if
- Drivers with other wheel sizes
- Motorcycle owners
Verdict: A 245/60R18 all-season tire for cars, minivans, and SUVs.
2 Best for crossovers
MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE2 A/W CUV 225/60R18 104H XL
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Rim size
- 18 in
- Tire size
- 225/60R18
- Sold as
- Single
$237.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The CrossClimate2 has a 225/60R18 size and is listed for cars and SUVs.
Pros
- 225/60R18 size
- 18-inch rim
- For cars and SUVs
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Only one size available
Good fit if
- Crossover and SUV drivers with 18-inch rims
- Drivers requiring the 225/60R18 size
Skip if
- Drivers with other wheel sizes
- Motorcycle owners
Verdict: A 225/60R18 tire for cars and SUVs.
3 Best for sporty driving
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245/40ZR18
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Rim size
- 18 in
- Sold as
- Single
$253.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Pilot Sport 4S has a 245/40ZR18 size and is listed for cars and SUVs.
Pros
- 245/40ZR18 size
- 18-inch rim
- Y speed index
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Only one size available
Good fit if
- Drivers with 18-inch rims
- Owners of sports cars or performance SUVs
Skip if
- Drivers with other wheel sizes
- Motorcycle owners
Verdict: A 245/40ZR18 tire with a Y speed index for cars and SUVs.
4 Best performance all-season
Michelin Pilot Sport AS 4 245/40ZR19 98Y XL
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Rim size
- 19 in
- Sold as
- Single
$299.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Pilot Sport AS 4 has a 245/40ZR19 size and is listed for cars and SUVs.
Pros
- 245/40ZR19 size
- 19-inch rim
- Y speed index
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Only one size available
Good fit if
- Drivers with 19-inch rims
- Owners of sports sedans or SUVs
Skip if
- Drivers with other wheel sizes
- Motorcycle owners
Verdict: A 245/40ZR19 tire with a Y speed index for cars and SUVs.
5 Best for comfort
Michelin Primacy MXV4 215/55R17 94V
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Rim size
- 17 in
- Tire size
- 215/55R17
- Sold as
- Single
$220.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Primacy MXV4 has a 215/55R17 size and is listed for cars and SUVs.
Pros
- 215/55R17 size
- 17-inch rim
- V speed index
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Only one size available
Good fit if
- Drivers with 17-inch rims
- Owners of sedans or crossovers
Skip if
- Drivers with other wheel sizes
- Motorcycle owners
Verdict: A 215/55R17 tire with a V speed index for cars and SUVs.
6 Best motorcycle touring
MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire
- Vehicle
- Motorcycle
$326.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Commander III Touring is a rear motorcycle tire with a 180/65B-16 size.
Pros
- Rear tire
- 180/65B-16 size
- H speed index
Cons
- Only rear tire listed
- No front tire counterpart in this selection
Good fit if
- Motorcycle riders needing a rear tire in 180/65B-16
- Cruiser owners
Skip if
- Riders needing a front tire
- Motorcycles with different rear sizes
Verdict: A 180/65B-16 rear motorcycle tire with an H speed index.
7 Best sport-touring motorcycle
Michelin Road 6 Rear Motorcycle Tire 190/55ZR-17
- Vehicle
- Motorcycle
$316.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Road 6 is a rear motorcycle tire with a 190/55ZR-17 size.
Pros
- Rear tire
- 190/55ZR-17 size
- Z speed index
Cons
- Only rear tire listed
- No front tire counterpart in this selection
Good fit if
- Motorcycle riders needing a rear tire in 190/55ZR-17
- Sport-touring riders
Skip if
- Riders needing a front tire
- Motorcycles with different rear sizes
Verdict: A 190/55ZR-17 rear motorcycle tire with a Z speed index.
8 Best for motorcycle track days
MICHELIN Pilot Power 2CT 190/55ZR17
- Vehicle
- Motorcycle
$191.90 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Pilot Power 2CT is a rear motorcycle tire with a 190/55ZR17 size.
Pros
- Rear tire
- 190/55ZR17 size
- Z speed index
Cons
- Only rear tire listed
- No front tire counterpart in this selection
Good fit if
- Motorcycle riders needing a rear tire in 190/55ZR17
- Track day participants
Skip if
- Riders needing a front tire
- Motorcycles with different rear sizes
Verdict: A 190/55ZR17 rear motorcycle tire with a Z speed index.
9 Best for adventure motorcycles
MICHELIN Anakee Adventure Dual-Sport Radial Tire-150/70R-17 70V
- Vehicle
- Motorcycle
$217.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details) Typical price: $256.99, 15% off
The Anakee Adventure is a rear motorcycle tire with a 150/70R-17 size and radial construction.
Pros
- Rear tire
- 150/70R-17 size
- Radial construction
Cons
- Only rear tire listed
- No front tire counterpart in this selection
Good fit if
- Motorcycle riders needing a rear tire in 150/70R-17
- Adventure bike owners
Skip if
- Riders needing a front tire
- Motorcycles with different rear sizes
Verdict: A 150/70R-17 rear motorcycle tire with radial construction.
10 Best for light trucks
MICHELIN XPS RIB Truck Radial Tire
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Rim size
- 16 in
$336.06 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The XPS Rib is a light truck tire with a 235/85R16 size and an E1 load range.
Pros
- Light truck tire
- 235/85R16 size
- E1 load range
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Only one size available
Good fit if
- Owners of light trucks with 16-inch rims
- Drivers requiring the 235/85R16 size
Skip if
- Drivers with other wheel sizes
- Motorcycle owners
Verdict: A 235/85R16 light truck tire with an E1 load range.
11 Best for SUVs and crossovers
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 275/60R20/XL 116H
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Rim size
- 20 in
- Tire size
- 275/60R20
- Sold as
- Single
$322.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Defender LTX M/S2 has a 275/60R20 size and is listed for cars and SUVs.
Pros
- 275/60R20 size
- 20-inch rim
- XL load index
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Only one size available
Good fit if
- Drivers with 20-inch rims
- Owners of full-size SUVs or trucks
Skip if
- Drivers with other wheel sizes
- Motorcycle owners
Verdict: A 275/60R20 tire with an XL load index for cars and SUVs.
12 Best for off-road motorcycles
Michelin Starcross 6 Medium-Soft 90/100-21 Tire
- Vehicle
- Motorcycle
$102.44 price as of 2026-10-05 06:00 UTC (Details)
The Starcross 6 is a front motorcycle tire with a 90/100-21 size and a medium-soft compound.
Pros
- Front tire
- 90/100-21 size
- Medium-soft compound
Cons
- Only front tire listed
- No rear tire counterpart in this selection
Good fit if
- Motorcycle riders needing a front tire in 90/100-21
- Off-road riders
Skip if
- Riders needing a rear tire
- Motorcycles with different front sizes
Verdict: A 90/100-21 front motorcycle tire with a medium-soft compound.
Specifications side by side
| # | Tire | Vehicle | Tread | Rim size | Tire size | Sold as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MICHELIN Defender2 All-Season Tire for Cars | Car and SUV | All Season | 18 in | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE2 A/W CUV 225/60R18 104H XL | Car and SUV | not stated | 18 in | 225/60R18 | Single |
| 3 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245/40ZR18 | Car and SUV | not stated | 18 in | not stated | Single |
| 4 | Michelin Pilot Sport AS 4 245/40ZR19 98Y XL | Car and SUV | not stated | 19 in | not stated | Single |
| 5 | Michelin Primacy MXV4 215/55R17 94V | Car and SUV | not stated | 17 in | 215/55R17 | Single |
| 6 | MICHELIN Commander III Touring Rear Tire | Motorcycle | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 7 | Michelin Road 6 Rear Motorcycle Tire 190/55ZR-17 | Motorcycle | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 8 | MICHELIN Pilot Power 2CT 190/55ZR17 | Motorcycle | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 9 | MICHELIN Anakee Adventure Dual-Sport Radial Tire-150/70R-17 70V | Motorcycle | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 10 | MICHELIN XPS RIB Truck Radial Tire | Light truck | not stated | 16 in | not stated | not stated |
| 11 | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 275/60R20/XL 116H | Car and SUV | not stated | 20 in | 275/60R20 | Single |
| 12 | Michelin Starcross 6 Medium-Soft 90/100-21 Tire | Motorcycle | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How the picks were chosen
We reviewed 65 Michelin tires in our pool and shortlisted 12 that span the main vehicle categories: cars, SUVs, light trucks, and motorcycles. Selection was based on the seller's stated specs, including tire size, rim diameter, tread type, and intended vehicle. We excluded tires with missing or conflicting data. Prices are live and read from the store listing, so we do not discuss them here. None of these tires have been tested by us; we rely on the manufacturer's published information and the specifications provided.
Picking the right one for you
Match the tire to your vehicle type
The pool includes tires for cars, SUVs, light trucks, and motorcycles. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the correct tire size and load index. For passenger vehicles, the FMVSS 110 requires that the vehicle maximum load on the tire does not exceed the load index marked on the sidewall. That's why it's critical to choose a tire with an adequate load index.
Understand tire size and construction
Tire sizes follow a pattern like 245/60R18. The first number is section width in millimeters, the second is the aspect ratio, and the 'R' indicates radial construction. Bias-ply tires, like some motorcycle touring models, have a different construction and are marked with a 'B'. The rim diameter (e.g., 18, 19, 20) must match your wheel size. Always verify that the tire size matches the rim width and vehicle manufacturer's recommendation.
Choose the right tread for your climate
All-season tires, like the Defender2 or CrossClimate2, are designed for year-round use in moderate climates. They offer a compromise between summer and winter performance. If you live in an area with heavy snow, a dedicated winter tire may be necessary. The DOT Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (49 CFR 575.104) provide traction and temperature grades that can help compare tires, but these grades are for passenger car tires only, not motorcycle or light truck tires.
Load index and speed index
Each tire has a load index and speed index. The load index must support the vehicle's weight. The speed index indicates the maximum speed the tire can sustain. Check the sidewall or documentation for these numbers.
Match motorcycle tires in pairs
Motorcycle tires are sold as separate front and rear units. This list includes some front and some rear tires. Always match the size and speed index to the motorcycle's specifications.
Questions
Which Michelin tire fits a sedan with 18-inch wheels?
The Defender2 has an all-season tread, fits 18-inch wheels, and is listed for cars, minivans, and SUVs. For a 17-inch wheel, the Primacy MXV4 is a car and SUV tire.
Are Michelin motorcycle tires sold individually?
Yes, motorcycle tires are sold as single units, either front or rear. This list includes front-only and rear-only options. You must buy both to outfit a bike.
What does the all-season tread on a tire mean?
An all-season tread is designed for use in a variety of conditions, including dry, wet, and light winter weather. Examples include the Defender2 and the CrossClimate2. For severe winter conditions, a dedicated winter tire is recommended.
How do I find the right tire size for my truck?
Check the sticker on your truck's door jamb or the owner's manual. It lists the appropriate tire size and load index. The XPS Rib fits 16-inch rims and has an E1 load range, but you must verify it matches your vehicle's requirements.
What is a tire's speed index?
The speed index is a letter that indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can operate safely. For example, Y corresponds to 186 mph, H to 130 mph.
Revision notes
- : First published.