So kind of like a pronoun? Reminded me of an old Calvin and Hobbes comic.

 

It's all wheel drive with even more zip and pep.

 

Well, it's a matter of choice. Discount Tire rates Michelin Defender 2 first; however, if and when I change my tires on my 2023 ES300h, it will be with the following:
MICHELIN PRIMACY MXM4 AC
235 /45 R18 98W XL BSW TE

 

Defender is a good tire, as are Michelin's Primacy and CrossClimate2. They're in different classes, with different design goals.

The Defender tires are classified as "Standard Touring All-Season" or "Highway All-Season," which means they're rated to be perfectly adequate at any legal speed, but meant as a lower-performance tire. Think of them as around-town tires.

The Primacy and CrossClimate2 are designed for the higher-performance Grand Touring All-Season category, with Michelin stating the Primacy is designed for premium cars. Both are meant as compromises between the comfort expected in a luxury car and the greater performance a costly car can be expected to deliver.

When I talked to reps from both Michelin and Tire Rack, each said the Primacy and CrossClimate2 were very suitable tires for the ES's mission. That's not to say you'd go wrong with the lower-performance Defender, but if you're going that route, you might want to consider the excellent value of the well-rated and less costly General Altimax.

 

We've got Cross Climate2s on our RAV4, they're excellent. We're in a moderate snow area and they are perfect. I can't imagine them on the 300h, They're pretty "all season" aggressive-looking. Will definitely use Primacy when the time comes to say adios to the Energy Savers, Always had them and liked them.

 

Does the ES300h require an XL tire?

 

I got the Bridgestone Turzana as well; not sure what's the annoyance with bridgestones. They have a special foam inside the tires for sound efficiency. Ironically I got the same for my Audi as well and that too is super quiet.

 

A vote here for my Goodyear Maxlife Assurance shoes. Have these on both my ES and wife's RX. Hers have logged about 40K miles and look like they'll be good for another 30K or more. Smooth, quiet ride - can't beat them.

 

Agreed goodyear make some good tires. they were my first experience with tires as a young lad when my father's car had them. all we bought were goodyear.