Just had stock size 285/60 R18 120H XL Michelin Defenders installed on my '21 HE. I debated for a while whether or not to install 285/65 R18 AT tires instead. I was very close to ordering the BFG KO2's in that size. I looked at pics of all the Land Cruisers with the KO2's and must admit they look awesome in that size. But in reality I would have done it only for the looks, since the vast majority of my driving is on road. I didn't feel the compromise in fuel economy, acceleration/braking and potential wear/tear on components would be worth it.
So I kept coming back to the Defenders. Yeah, they're not the sexiest tires but most of the reviews were very positive and they seem to fit my use case well - primarily street driving, highways, rain/snow, and light off-roading. I don't think they look bad actually. Just my opinion but I think they look rugged and refined in a subtle way, sort of like the personality of the Land Cruiser.
I only drove about 50 miles after having them installed today. First impressions are positive. I'm running them at 35 PSI. They are quiet and the truck seems more planted than it did with the stock Dunlops. The ride doesn't feel squishy like it did with the Dunlops, and is more firm in a good way. I'm taking the truck on a road trip from NJ to Maine in a couple of weeks, and will report back afterwards.
Here are some pics of the new shoes...
So I kept coming back to the Defenders. Yeah, they're not the sexiest tires but most of the reviews were very positive and they seem to fit my use case well - primarily street driving, highways, rain/snow, and light off-roading. I don't think they look bad actually. Just my opinion but I think they look rugged and refined in a subtle way, sort of like the personality of the Land Cruiser.
I only drove about 50 miles after having them installed today. First impressions are positive. I'm running them at 35 PSI. They are quiet and the truck seems more planted than it did with the stock Dunlops. The ride doesn't feel squishy like it did with the Dunlops, and is more firm in a good way. I'm taking the truck on a road trip from NJ to Maine in a couple of weeks, and will report back afterwards.
Here are some pics of the new shoes...
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