Hi scotty, I have a 2014 Honda CRV EX. I'm looking for all season tire that can handle our chilly ND winters. Could you give me your opinion on Michelin Defender 2's vs Bridgestone turanza? I'm trying to identify the best tires for my car.
The Michelin brand is usually the crème de la crème of tires, IMHO.
The defender 2 is an outstanding all-around all-season tire. I just put them on my daughter’s car.
Regardng the Turanza, that’s Bridgestone’s name for a product line that includes 8 or 10 different specific models. Some are definitely better than others (Though overall Bridgestones are usually pretty good).
However, if I was putting tires on a car — in North Dakota — in December! — I probably wouldn’t do either. I’d look at the Michelin Crossclimate tires (I think the Crossclimate 2 is what you want). They are as close to a snow tire as you will get that you can still drive year round. Definitely expensive but probably worth it.
Welcome to the forum!
PS: for less expensive options, Vredestein and Nokian One tires handle snow pretty well for all-season tires.
These are the Michelins I recommended to my friend for his wife's Honda CRV:
They are designed more for SUVs, have full depth 3D sipes, start with 10.5/32nds of tread, and have a better load carry capacity. Great for MN/ ND winters.