Geolander G96b vs Michelin Defender LTX M/S2?

[NYRunner]

Hi all!

Looking for first hand feedback from anyone who’s switched from the stock G96b to the Defenders on their Limited… for 99% paved road usage.

Any impact on MPGs or handling?

Any noticeable difference in winter weather- snow and ice etc?

Would you do it again?

I have 155,000 very happy miles on 3 sets of G96b’s though I’m considering making the switch.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and feedback!

 

[Humble Leader]

defenders are a premium tire. I think overall driving/comfort you will be impressed, you can't really beat defenders for everyday use. they are OK in winter weather as long as its not too cold. I have winter tires which will be better on ice and really cold weather, but I usually take my winters off slightly early and we end up getting another snowfall or two. if you have milder winters the defenders will be OK in the snow, it won't compare to a snow tire but it will get you by. Ive offroaded with defenders and offroaded with snowtires lol and if you're not doing anything really intense / just for fun defenders will be fine

 

[curmudge1]

Really liked my Michelin Defenders on my previous 2012 TE (2 sets) and my current 2019 TRD Off Road (bought used this spring, replaced All Terrains this summer).
Ride is excellent, good fuel economy, and they last a long time.

 

[AGS92]

When it was time to replace our Yokohamas on our 2018 Limited we switched to Michelin Defenders and have been very, very happy with the new tires. Traction in all conditions is definitely better with the Defenders and we didn't suffer any loss in MPG.

 

[gomiami]

Michelin, IMHO, makes tires with the most comfortable ride of any tire brand. Even my Civic Si...let's just say the primary design of that car is not comfort...benefited from Michelins. Unfortunately, Michelin dropped support when they discontinued the Pilot Exalto series for it.

The Defender LTX M/S 2 is a great all-around, on-road light truck tire.

 

[Talyn]

I ran cooper discoverer atr/atp's for years.

I don't think I've ever seen a 4runner with coopers on it.
Any reason?
My only thought I guess off the top of my head is the load rating on them is just overkill?

 

[NYRunner]

Update: I got the Michelins and couldn’t be happier!

As many have mentioned they feel very planted and track true, not squirrelly at all. I got them at a Mavis in NJ and drove up to Hartford today with a full load, quite possibly overloaded actually, so I was happy to have the extra load rating, and they rode and handled like a dream.

I ran Michelin MXM4s on my 2001 Maxima SE which also had 20” rims and they were unbelievable in the rain and I drove them into blizzards going to Vermont ski houses regularly for years and never once even started to lose traction or control, including one trip into a particularly nasty ice storm that I drove past many, many, SUV’s trucks and cars who’d slid off the road… so I’m confident they’ll be great in the snow as well and I’ll post an update here when I get to test them this winter.

Bottom line? The G96b’s have been flawless for 16 years but I think these will prove to be an upgrade!