That's being a little vague ... which 'Michilen' and 'others' were you comparing to? Also, you've got to take consumer rating on TireRack w. a grain of salt. Most of them are not qualified to make such assessments. The only ratings to be trusted are the ones conducted by TireRack themself (or by other major plubishers where the tests are conducted in a well controlled manner.)

Having said that, the KDW-2 is a fine set of tires ... although it is still what I consider tier-2 high performance tires. It's not in the same league as say the Good Year Eagle F1 GS-D3, Bridgestone Potenza S03 and Michelin Pilot Sport I/II. The old gForce T/A KD is also up there, but it's wet capability was none exisiting. So, along came the KDW series that improve on the wets, but they aren't to be mistaken for the original KDs in the dry performance.

Here's TireRack's own review of the KDW2s. You'll have noticed they are pitted against tier-2 competitors for the reason pointed out above. The KDW performed very well in its *respective class* and they did like it lots.

 

I put them on 255/25/18 on my stock wheels and loved them to death, only tire ive ever owned that gave me a noticable increase in performance all around...