- A side note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking DiscountTire - Treadwell out. This is a tool that DiscountTire dealers use in the store. You can get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites.
TRIED & TESTED!
Yokohama YK-HTX and Michelin Defender LTX M/S are highway all-season tires. Due to their use range, they are separated. While Defender LTX can be used on vans, pickups, SUVs, and as well as commercial intended vehicles with light-truck sizes; Yokohama YK-HTX covers the same range but commercial intend. Let’s dig into them and see what are the pros and cons!
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a better tire for wet and snowy surfaces. It has a broader application range that covers heavy-duty applications, commercial usage, and, above 3/4 ton pickups. Furthermore, it can handle mild off-road very well. It’s also a less vocal and more fuel-efficient tire. However, Yokohama YK-HTX offers a slightly smoother ride. Its low price makes it a decent pick.
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Tread Appearances
If you know how to read a tread, it can give you a clue about your tire performance with high accuracy. Well, I will start this comparison with the pattern comparison.
Let’s start with the width. Yokohama YK-HTX is a slightly broader tire. If the difference was a bit higher, it might affect my traction comparisons. Yet, this minor gap can’t make a big impact.
Regarding height, Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a bit higher tire. That info might be precious for those who like to drive tuned and lifted vehicles.
Our last technical information is tread depth. Michelin Defender LTX M/S has a deeper tread that has a positive effect on loose ground traction.
Now, it’s time to talk about rubber. These tires have a very similar tread design. 4 circumferential grooves and flat shoulders are part of both designs. In that case, sipe placement and lug/rib type pattern design will be a game-changer.
Regarding the center section, both tires have a very promising design. This part is crucial because it’s highly related to noise reduction and steering response. A solid center rib guarantees a quick steering response for both of them. However, they are separated due to outer center ribs. While Michelin prefers full-depth notched and one-piece lugs, Yokohama decides on half-depth sipes and sectional lugs. Therefore, Yokohama’s traction consistency is limited. Moreover, this type of design mostly causes vocal rides.
- A side note here: If you’d like to see the best all-terrain tires by vehicle or usage, this article is GOOOOLD –> https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
Dry Performance
I will evaluate dry performance under the three different dimensions. Dry traction, steering response, and cornering stability.
Dry traction isn’t an issue for tires that have an off-road capability. In that case, both tires pass the test. They are both have reliable dry traction.
Regarding steering response, I’ve talked about it in the tread appearance section. Both tires have a solid center rib that works like a mast and accelerate response time. Both are trustworthy.
Cornering stability is where these two are separated. In fact, both are confidential options. Yet, due to stronger sidewalls, Michelin Defender LTX M/S steps ahead and gets the lead.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S and Yokohama YK-HTX have equally great dry performance. However, Michelin Defender LTX is slightly better tire, due to better cornering stability.
Wet Performance
Wet performance can be evaluated under two different dimensions. Wet grip and hydroplaning resistance.
Compound stiffness and sipe intensity are the most important elements of wet grip. Well, in that case, both tire has a soft compound that improves their wet grip. However, Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a better tire due to its well-placed and full-depth sipes. Yokohama YK-HTX has a decent wet grip. Yet, I don’t think that its grip level will be consistent.
Hydroplaning resistance is directly related to water evacuation capability. In that case, circumferential grooves and open shoulders work best. Regarding circumferential grooves, they are equal. However, Michelin Defender LTX MS gets the lead with an open shoulder design.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Comfort and Road Noise
Due to their fluffy compounds, both tires have a smooth ride. So, they offer a smooth ride. However, Michelin Defender LTX has stiffer and stronger sidewalls. Well, its sidewall flexibility is limited compared to Yokohama YK-HTX.
Regarding road noise, Michelin Defender LTX is my favorite. I’m sure that Yokohama YK-HTX isn’t a vocal tire. However, its outer center rib lugs are sectional. That means they will make a noise unless they hit to ground in perfect order.
Michelin Defender LTX is a significantly less vocal tire. However, Yokohama YK-HTX is slightly smoother while driving through the bumps. Yet, Michelin Defender LTX won’t let you down regarding comfort.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Tread Life
Tread life depends on your vehicle and driving style. In that case, I will consider that you’re using them on the right vehicle with a standard(Neither aggressive nor soft) style.
Even wearing ability is a key to longer tread life. In that case, Michelin Defender LTX’s pattern promises more. Its connected and close lugs can work together and offers even wearing. However, Yokohama YK-HTX has a well-optimized contact patch. It has decent tread life.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S offers better tread life than Yokohama YK-HTX. Moreover, it can be used on heavier vehicles. Its compound is more stiff and durable.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,
If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Warranty
Michelin Defender LTX M/S and Yokohama YK-HTX have 70,000 miles tread life warranty. Even so, worth reminding, Michelin Defender LTX’s warranty decrease to 60,000 miles if you’re using a tire with an S speed rating.
Fuel-Efficiency
This section is where Yokohama YK-HTX is totally failed. Its soft rubber and sectional lugs increase its rolling resistance significantly. Well, Yokohama tries to optimize it with orange oil technology. Yet, it isn’t good enough to beat Michelin Defender LTX due to higher weight.
Defender LTX is significantly better tire regarding fuel-efficiency. I can confidently say that it offers 1-2 mpg better fuel-milegage.
Winter Performance
Winter performance is hard to reach for all-season tires. Due to achieving 3PMSF, they have to sacrifice from tread life. Well, manufacturers don’t take this trade.
Let’s start with light snow. Light snow is similar to wet. Therefore, all-season tires can handle it with ease. Due to their well-siped and perfectly optimized rubbers, Defender LTX and Yokohama YK-HTX are decent tires on light snow. Yet, open shoulders get into the game again and push Michelin Defender LTX one step ahead.
Regarding deep snow, there is no competition. Yokohama YK-HTX even doesn’t have M+S marking. That’s a huge negativeness. Michelin Defender LTX is a significantly better tire for thick snow.
Lastly, ice traction, even though I don’t recommend these tires for icy conditions; if you have to pick one, I recommend you to go with Michelin Defender LTX again.
Michelin Defender LTX is a significantly better winter tire.
Note: Michelin Defender LTX and Yokohama YK-HTX don’t have 3PMSF. Worth reminding, they aren’t severe winter rated.
If you need a superior winter tire, I recommend you to check this article out!
Off-Road Performance
I generally divide this part into 3 sections(Gravel and rock, mud, sand). Since Yokohama YK-HTX doesn’t have M+S, I will keep it short and evaluate them under this title.
Before starting to read this section, check this article out to what to expect from mud, rugged or all-terrain tires –> https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-tread-patterns/
Gravel, sand, and mud are loose grounds. Herewith, they are directly related to M+S marking. Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a significantly better tire on sand, mud, and gravel.
You can also check this article out to see the best mud-terrain tires!
Regarding dirt, both are trustworthy options. Due to their high sipe intensity, they can handle dirt with ease.
Lastly, rock. I don’t recommend using these tires for rock crawling. Their sidewalls aren’t good enough to resist sharp rock corners.
If you need a better off-road tire with decent on-road manners, I recommend you to check this article out!
Specs
| Yokohama YK-HTX | Michelin Defender LTX M/S | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Highway All-Season | Highway All-Season |
| Vehicle | SUV/Light Truck | SUV/Light Truck |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20” | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22” |
| Weight | 27 – 46 lbs | 24 – 58 lbs |
| Made In | United States | United States |
| Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | No | No |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 70,000 Miles | 70,000 Miles (50,000 for R-speed rate) |
| Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
Yokohama YK-HTX: Discontiniued
Michelin Defender LTX M/S: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Yokohama YK-HTX: Discontiniued
Michelin Defender LTX M/S: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Yokohama YK-HTX: Discontinued
Michelin Defender LTX M/S: https://simpletire.com/brands/michelin-tires/defender-ltx-m-s
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
Yokohama YK-HTX and Michelin Defender LTX are solid tires if you’re using them in the right operation. The below table will help you to decide easily.
| Yokohama YK-HTX | Michelin Defender LTX M/S |
|---|---|
| Mild applications | Even for a heavy-duty applications |
| Only for below 1/2 ton and below pickups and SUVs | It can be used in every application. It’s durable enough to handle above 3/4 ton trucks. |
| Only for highway usage | If you’re looking for a deaf tire |
| Not commercial intend | If you care about your MPG |
| If you don’t wanna break your budget | If you need a decent wet and light-snow traction |
| If you face off-road regularly |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
If you have any further questions, please leave them below. I will answer ASAP. Have a safe ride!
Guide Me Bruh!
This section contains my research and top picks. Depending on your need, you may choose a category and easily find the best fit for yourself. Remember, nobody knows your driving conditions and requirements better than yourself. You’re in the charge out here.
Start Here:
it still pales in comparison to Mich but the Yokohama YK-CTX is an excellent option. Thanks for your excellent post.
Hello there,
Thanks for the kind comment.