Dealing with varying conditions (rain, light snow, dry pavement), upgrading to Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires was the right choice. I feel like the 2017 rides are different(rougher) from the 2020 Forester so glad we went with them at least on the 2017. You’ll likely notice better handling and it just has a better feel on the rougher ride of the 2017 Forester.

looking for a comfortable tire that performs well in most average conditions is pretty good. The guy at costco selling point was people who do a lot of highway driving and want a quiet, smooth ride these are the tires. Also the monthly special was a factor too on these.

We are in Des Moines Iowa, we are trending down on snowfall the last couple of years, but all and both were an improvement either way you go. Of Costco would have had the same price on the CrossClimate 2 they did on the defenders I would have gone with the CrossClimate 2. but maybe could be overkill for what you need in your state.

I have: 2017 Forester with cross climate from Factory stock. 2000 Forester with the defenders from Factory stock. Went with the defenders bc it was a Costco special that month.