This one is quite interesting option.

Agilis(R) CrossClimate(R) | Michelin

Load Range E. Fairly good weight. Price is not bad for a Load Range E.

It is basically a steroid-infused Michelin Defender with all the on-road benefits (and then some; e.g. 3PMSF Snowflake symbol) of Defender but you also get sidewall toughness.

This is a good site to compare Defender vs. CrossClimate: https://www.michelinb2b.com/wps/b2bc...Tire_Flyer.pdf

Quite attractive...good on-road manners and fuel efficiency. Off-road traction...similar to Defender.

BUT, that is not all, you get this:Michelin Introduces All-Season, Heavy-Duty Tire for Light-Truck Applications

"CurbGard sidewall protectors resist curb scrubbing in urban environments. The tire has more than twice as much nylon reinforcement as the Michelin Defender LTXM/S for improved sidewall strength and durability."

Hmmm, this may be the perfect tire for me...great on-road but for that occasional off-road escape, it has the toughness to withstand punishment.

What do you guys think? Anyone have this?

Im a bit of a Michelin Fan. Although i have BFG on my rig now, all my other vehicles have Defenders Ltx's ....and ill probably go Defenders when the BFG's are finished.

This new Agilis CrossClimate may be worth looking at instead but they seem more suited to a heavy towing all season work truck.

I usually see the odd rocky trail, winding gravel road or shady boat launch while pulling my 2000lb boat/trailer so id probably go with Defenders for the Rated "10" Wear in light loads

The Fuel Efficiency ratings between the two needs explanation
9 for Agilis
7 for Defenders...??? seems odd

Just an update. I emailed Michelin about the Agilis vs. Defender:

My email:

I am thinking of using LT 275/65/18 for my Land Cruiser. I cannot decide between Michelin Defender vs. Agilis CrossClimate. I do plan on taking my car off-roading over mild terrain (more rocky, less mud). My Land Cruiser is around 6000 lbs.

I read that Agilis has double the nylon reinforcement as Defender and has a tougher sidewall. Are these things true? Is Agilis a tougher tire?

On-road, is Agilis as quiet as Defender? How is the rolling resistance between the two (same size)?

Thank you in advance.

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Michelin’s response:

We would like to thank you for contacting us! We would recommend that Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires for your luxury SUV. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires are going to be quieter, due to the tread grooves been closer. Also, the rolling resistance will be a little better. The Michelin Agilis Cross Climate is an excellent tire that serves well for all weather performance and built with a little more strength for more heavier larger vehicles, like 2500 or 3500 trucks.