Behind the Wheel: Michelin LTX A/T2 Review

One of Michelin’s core characteristics is its ability to infuse tires with multiple performances and limited compromise. They’re perhaps most known for this design skill in the ultra-high performance tire category, where many Michelin tires achieve remarkable street + track performance duality.

“Bringing multiple performances together with innovative technologies to deliver the total performance all drivers need-that’s MICHELIN^® Total Performance™.” – MichelinMan.com

A similar performance diversity is the call sign of the All-Terrain tire category. The name of the game in this space is to deliver real overland capability and durability, but with minimal day-to-day on-road compromise.

It seems like an engineering task tailor-made for the French manufacturer, but unlike other tire categories where Michelin tires are numerous, there’s only one current Michelin All-Terrain tire – the Michelin LTX A/T2.

The latest trend in the All-Terrain tires looks a bit like a race to the most extreme. All-Terrain tires are, by definition, intended to stop short of the more extreme Mud-Terrain Tire attributes, but some of the modern All-Terrain entrants definitely push the boundaries and blur the line.

By contrast, the LTX A/T2 falls at the conservative end of the All-Terrain tire spectrum. It’s aimed at those who want to open the window to All-Terrain tire performance and durability, but not to the extent that there are on-road drawbacks.

So what’s the Michelin LTX A/T2 like from behind the wheel? Here’s a sneak peek.

On the road

The LTX A/T2 features Michelin Comfort Control Technology™, a computer-optimized design for reduced road noise and better comfort.

It’s a tread design feature that’s apparent straightaway on-road. The LTX A/T2 produces just a faint, unobtrusive hum at low speeds and during mid-speed cornering (no thanks to the weight shift of our half-ton pickup). Insulated within a modern truck cabin, tread noise is essentially a non-factor once up to highway speeds though, which is where more aggressively treaded tires begin to “announce” their design features and off-road performance intentions.

The favorable on-road comfort characteristics should be enjoyed over the long-term – the LTX A/T2 is warrantied up to 60,000 miles (and gets the full Michelin Brand Promise treatment as well for stress-free purchasing and confident use).

Strong treadlife continues when used on gravel roads. In fact, it’s one of the LTX A/T2’s development focuses and strengths. Internal Michelin testing showed the LTX A/T2 to deliver up to 35% better tread mileage in gravel conditions as compared to leading All-Terrain tire competitors.

“The optimized contact patch shape, provided by MaxTouch Construction™, helps deliver extremely long tire life under the toughest conditions.”  – MichelinMan.com

Along with strong longevity, users will find the LTX A/T2 surefooted and in its element at speed over gravel and hard-packed dirt backroads too.

Speaking of backroad conditions…

Where the pavement ends

All-Terrain tires are distinguished from All-Season Truck/SUV tires due to enhanced off-road capability and durability. And despite the comparatively low-key tread characteristics, we found the LTX A/T2 to be plenty capable off-road in reasonably challenging conditions.

Tread depth is helpful when the going gets tough. Our LTX A/T2 test set clocks in at a relatively modest 13/32-inch of depth; some LTX A/T2 sizes deliver up to 17/32-inch.

(Find full tire specifications like tread depth info under the Tire Size tab of any TireBuyer product page.)

The LTX A/T2 performs well in loose sand and sediment. The biting edges that roll down the sidewall were activated as we worked through some of the more challenging sections of our off-road loop.

“A Light Truck and SUV All-Terrain tire with a compound designed to resist chipping and tearing, providing excellent durability when the pavement ends.” – MichelinMan.com

Does the LTX A/T2 have the off-road prowess of some of the more focused All-Terrain tire options? We sensed the tread becoming overwhelmed in sandy hill climb conditions where deeper, beefier tread characteristics would have likely propelled us further.

The LTX A/T2 probably isn’t the most suitable tire for pushing the off-road limitations of your 4x4; its strength is on- and off-road performance duality, plus All Season tire-like warranty details.

If your overland trips don’t involve “exploratory” mud bogging or particularly harsh conditions, chances are you’ll find the LTX A/T2 very much up to the task. And if hard-packed dirt or gravel two tracks are your norms, then the LTX A/T2 will be in its element.

What about towing/hauling capability?

As an OE tire for the 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Off-Road, the P275/65R18 P-Metric LTX A/T2 accommodates a GVWR of 7,200 lbs. and towing capacity of nearly 10,000 lbs. Load index rating is a sturdy 114.

For those seeking improved sidewall support and even higher load index ratings, LT specification LTX A/T2 are available in sizes 16-inch up to 20-inch. (Size LT275/65R18 ups the load index rating to 123/120, for example.)

(For help in making the decision between these tire types, see P-Metric vs. LT Tires.)

The LTX A/T2 is supported by strong overall user opinion on TireBuyer.com – 4.5 out of 5 stars with almost 100 reviews registered.

Many of our customer reviews speak to the remarkable tread life and longevity of the LTX A/T2, as well as its wide-ranging performance.

Some user feedback suggests the LTX A/T2 isn’t particularly proficient in challenging winter conditions. We’d echo that report by noting that unlike various other modern All-Terrain tires, the LTX A/T2 doesn’t achieve the Severe Snow Service credential (identified by the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol). If actual winter conditions are your seasonal norm, a snow-rated All-Terrain tire, or better yet, winter tires might be preferable options. (For more info: Snow-Rated All-Terrain tires vs. Winter Tires.)

Thinking about a set of LTX A/T2 for your truck or SUV, or want to discuss your All-Terrain options? Give us a call at 866-961-8668.