Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 90%
Wet Conditions – 80%
Snow – 60%
Comfort – 90%
Noise Reduction – 90%
Durability – 90%
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At any given time, most tire manufacturers have multiple available models in their lineup. In some cases, especially with the premium ones, we’ll see older tires that are still available. These are often the popular options that they estimate are still relevant in today’s market.
When talking about older models that are still available, one manufacturer leads the charge, still offering models that have been on the market for a long time. Michelin has a plethora of options for all kinds of vehicles and today I’ll talk about a tire for SUVs and light trucks.
The LTX M/S2 needs no introduction, as it’s one of the most popular models in the company’s lineup for these kinds of vehicles. As a tire that’s still available, is it a model you should consider or check out some of its successors?
Pros
- Long treadwear warranty
- Short braking distances on dry and wet roads
- Performance comparable with newer rivals
- Comfort and noise levels still hold up well against the competition
Cons
- Priced similar to many more modern tires
- It will struggle in harsher winter conditions
The Features of the Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire
Since we’re talking about an older model, you shouldn’t expect to see the latest an greatest technology from Michelin. With that said, the LTX M/S2 has all the right features which should help it offer the necessary performance.
For the rubber, Michelin used its industry leading all-season compound aimed at delivering advantages in multiple areas. The most important ones are the tire’s ability to offer performance in lower temperatures, as well as traction on damp surfaces.
The tread pattern is designed to match the all-season properties, with one of the features revolving around winter performance. When compared to its predecessor, the tire features more biting edges designed for improved traction on snow.
There are several other features in terms of the tread pattern and one of the most important one is the aquaplaning resistance. It’s designed with 4 circumferential grooves whose goal is to evacuate water and ensure stability when driving over standing water.
To ensure it covers as many touring-like properties as possible, the tire is constructed with Michelin’s MaxTouch technology. It aims to keep the contact patch as even as possible, keeping the forces distributed evenly. This promotes even wear, ensuring that the tire lasts as long as possible.
Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire in Dry Conditions
The LTX M/S2 shows its age, so it’s not the best in its class anymore. With that said, it’s still an excellent performer comparable with more modern tires.
Driving on dry roads is something this tire does excellently, meaning you won’t have a lot to worry about. The grip and traction levels are very good considering the category, making this a very good option for daily driving. It won’t handle a lot of aggressiveness, but it will suffice for most people. The tire’s braking distances are also quite short, making this a very safe option, even by today’s standards.
The handling is surprisingly decent for a touring tire. There’s a good amount of responsiveness and is communicative enough. Despite the fact that newer models do a better job, this one isn’t terrible in this regard.
Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire on Wet or Slippery Roads
Wet performance is something the LTX M/S2 offers in abundance without any major faults. Yes, it’s not the absolute best in its class, but keep in mind that it’s not the newest option on Michelin’s lineup.
Driving on damp roads is something the tire will handle with ease. The traction levels are pretty good, preventing slipping unless you floor it. It also offers plenty of grip in the corners, meaning that you probably won’t notice the back end step out. Like before, there is a point where it will let go, but you’ll need to go into a corner at higher speeds to see it happening. With short braking distances and predictable handling, it’s a tire that’s leaning towards safety.
The tire’s impressive performance continues in harsh rain. It remains stable when driving over standing water thanks to its ability to evacuate large quantities of water.
Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire in Snow
When it comes to winter performance, the LTX M/S2 is a good tire, but it starts to show its age.
In a world where all-weather tires are becoming popular, M+S rated ones are falling behind, which is the same with this one. Don’t get me wrong, the tire’s zig-zag pattern does a solid job in lighter conditions. It’s equally decent on packed and unpacked snow, so as long as you’re not driving in an area with harsh winters, you should be fine. It’s also important to note that some caution is always advised because it’s not a proper winter tire.
Ice performance is more or less off the table because it will struggle in those conditions. It’s no as unsafe as a summer tire, but it’s not on the same level as a winter model, especially a studdable one.
Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire Off-Roading
Considering the type of vehicles the LTX M/S2 covers, you’d think there’s some off-road performance from it, but you’d be wrong. The tire may offer some acceptable performance on dirt roads, but don’t expect too much. It’s missing the essential features for good off-roading performance, so it won’t do well on anything other than a dirt road.
Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire for Sporty Driving
Like most touring tires, the LTX M/S2 isn’t designed with sportiness in mind, so it won’t win the hearts of enthusiasts. The performance is good for daily driving, but not enough to push it hard and have a good time. Also, the handling, is dynamic enough for a touring tire, but far from a sporty one.
Does the Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire Ride Comfortably?
We know Michelin as a manufacturer that makes excellently refined tires, and the LTX M/S2 is no different.
The comfort levels are among the best in its class, even after all these years. It smooths out road imperfections well and absorbs bumps like a champ. You won’t notice too much secondary movement, but at the same time it won’t be overly firm. Surprisingly, even the reinforced sidewalls on the LT-metric models don’t contribute to an uncomfortable ride.
As far as the noise levels are concerned, it’s a relatively quiet tire. The hum isn’t too noticeable when you’re driving around town and, on the highway, it remains subdued enough to be considered good. Sure, newer models are doing a better job, but that doesn’t make Michelin’s model a bad one.
Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire Warranty
The best part is that despite its age, the warranty is still comparable with newer models. Michelin offers the LTX M/S2 with a treadwear warranty of up to 70,000 miles, which is the same as it’s newer model in this category, the Defender LTX M/S2.
Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire Pricing: Is It Worth the Price?
The biggest problem with the LTX M/S2 is the price. An 18-inch model is more expensive than the TerrainContact H/T, which is newer. It’s also priced very similar to the Defender LTX M/S2.
Should I Buy the Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire?
The LTX M/S2 is a tire that doesn’t have many faults, but as a package it may not be the best option at the moment.
Performance is something that this tire isn’t lacking, so there are no negative sides here. Dry and wet roads are not a problem and despite not being the absolute best, it’s pretty close. Winter performance is available as long as you’re not expecting it to be on the same level as winter tire.
Even though there are newer models, this one still remains as one with high refinement levels. In addition to that, the treadwear warranty is among the longest in its class. The only downside is that it’s not a model with the most attractive price even when compared with newer models.
Overall, the LTX M/S2 is an excellent tire, with performance that you can easily compare with much younger models. I can recommend it, but ideally, it’s a tire that you’d want to get at a discount. Otherwise, you won’t be getting the best price and performance ratio.
What Vehicles Will the Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire Fit?
Here’s a sample list of cars that the Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire will fit:
- Audi Q5
- Chevrolet Avalanche
- Ford F150
- GMC Yukon
- Jeep Wrangler
- Lexus GX
- Linkoln Navigator
- Nissan Titan
- Toyota Tacoma
Tire Sizes of the Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire
15″
- P 235/75R15 108T XL
16″
- LT 215/85R16 115/112R
- P 225/70R16 101T
- LT 225/75R16 115/112R
- P 235/70R16 104T
- P 235/75R16 109T XL
- LT 235/85R16 120/116R
- P 245/70R16 106T
- LT 245/75R16 120/116R
- P 245/75R16 109T
- P 255/65R16 106T
- P 255/70R16 109T
- P 265/70R16 111T
- LT 265/75R16 123/120R
- P 265/75R16 114T
- LT 285/75R16 126/123R
17″
- P 235/70R17 108T XL
- P 235/75R17 108T
- LT 235/80R17 120/117R
- 245/70R17 110T
- P 245/70R17 108T
- 245/75R17 112S
- LT 245/75R17 121/118R
- P 255/65R17 108T
- 255/70R17 110T
- P 265/65R17 110T
- P 265/70R17 113T
- LT 285/70R17 121/118R
18″
- P 255/70R18 112T
- P 265/60R18 109H
- P 265/65R18 112T
- P 265/70R18 114T
- P 275/65R18 114T
- LT 275/70R18 125/122R
20″
- 275/55R20 113H
- P 275/60R20 114T
- LT 275/65R20 126/123R
