Michelin Defender 2 vs Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3: A Former Bridgestone Engineer’s In-Depth Comparison for 2025

Wet/Dry Performance

From my experience, wet and dry performance is closely tied to a tire’s handling capabilities. The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 stands out here with its stiffer compound and reinforced internal structure, which is specifically designed for CUVs and SUVs. This construction offers a more stable and responsive feel, especially when cornering or making sudden maneuvers.

On the other hand, the Michelin Defender 2 is a solid performer for daily commuting, especially if you prefer a more relaxed driving style. However, during aggressive cornering, it can feel a bit wobbly, likely due to its emphasis on comfort and fuel efficiency over pure handling precision.

As for wet performance, both tires are slightly slippery, which might surprise some. Testing them on my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Hybrid, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 offered better overall grip, particularly during sharp turns and quick stops. However, when my friend tested the Michelin Defender 2 on their Toyota, it performed adequately under moderate driving conditions. This discrepancy highlights how driving style and vehicle type can significantly influence perceived performance.

To sum up, both tires are competent for wet and dry conditions, but the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 holds a slight edge if you prefer a sportier, more controlled driving experience. The Michelin Defender 2, however, remains a dependable choice if you’re after comfort and efficiency.

Comfort & Noise

I have to admit, this section caught me by surprise as well. Given the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3’s aggressive tread pattern and stiffer internal structure, I expected it to be noisier and less comfortable—common trade-offs when aiming for enhanced traction and stability.

But here’s the twist: The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is remarkably quiet, almost as silent as a church mouse. Naturally, I was skeptical, so I dug deeper. Designing sequence-tuned shoulder blocks for a grand touring tire is no easy feat, but it appears Pirelli has executed this engineering challenge flawlessly, significantly reducing road noise without sacrificing performance.

Meanwhile, the Michelin Defender 2 continues to live up to its reputation for comfort and quietness. Its soft pattern design plays a huge role in minimizing road noise and absorbing minor road imperfections. Plus, when it comes to compound technology, Michelin remains the undisputed leader, constantly refining its formulas to achieve that perfect balance of comfort, efficiency, and durability.

In summary, both tires deliver impressive comfort and quietness. So, if you’re trying to choose between them, noise or comfort won’t be the deciding factors. Instead, your decision should be based on other performance metrics like handling, traction, or longevity.

Snow/Ice Performance

In my opinion, there’s really no competition when it comes to light snow performance. The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 clearly has the edge here, thanks to its full-depth 3D siped pattern that excels at self-cleaning. This feature helps maintain traction by effectively channeling snow and slush away from the contact patch, providing better control than the Michelin Defender 2 under similar conditions.

However, it’s important to note that neither tire is designed for harsh winter conditions. Their compounds are simply not formulated for extreme cold, and neither tire carries the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) certification, which means they won’t deliver reliable performance when temperatures approach freezing or below.

From my own experience, I felt reasonably confident driving these tires during light snowfall. But my friend, who needs to tackle a steep hill to reach the city center, was more cautious about the Michelin Defender 2’s capabilities. In his own words: “Bro, I have no problem on clean highways, but even though the tire doesn’t slide that much, I just don’t feel safe, especially when climbing hills.”

Overall, while both tires struggle in true winter conditions, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 offers slightly better traction on light snow, making it the more reliable choice if you occasionally encounter mild winter weather.

Durability

I have to say, I appreciate how Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 tires wear down. They tend to wear evenly, which is impressive considering their aggressive, asymmetrical tread design. However, since they are asymmetrical, it’s essential to stay on top of your tire rotation schedule. If you slack off, you might start noticing some unwanted noise—trust me, I’ve been there.

On paper, the Michelin Defender 2 is designed to last longer. The UTQG ratings tell a similar story, with Michelin boasting an 840 BB rating compared to Pirelli’s 800 AA. While these ratings suggest that the Michelin Defender 2 has superior tread life, its traction and heat resistance fall slightly behind Pirelli’s.

If you need further proof, just compare the warranties: 70,000 miles for Pirelli and 80,000 miles for Michelin. Personally, I don’t put too much faith in mileage warranties, but they do provide a useful benchmark when comparing longevity.

If durability is your priority, the Michelin Defender 2 does come out slightly ahead. But if you drive a larger vehicle like an SUV or CUV, I’d still recommend the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3. It’s just better optimized for those conditions, providing reliable performance even as the miles add up.