Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Vredestein Ultrac
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 40
- TR Score
- 8.7/10
- Owners say
- 78% · 24
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 5 times and the Ultrac 4 times. The Primacy 4+ lasted 137.3% longer in the wear tests; the Ultrac held 12% more grip in curved aquaplaning.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Vredestein Ultrac if you frequently drive in heavy rain, value sharp wet grip and aquaplaning safety, or want a lower purchase price. Choose Michelin Primacy 4 Plus if you prioritize quiet comfort, fuel efficiency and maximum mileage for the best total cost of ownership; it's the safer long-term bet for high-mileage touring.
Where the Primacy 4+ is stronger
- Dry 9/18
- Comfort 6/10 Was 0.6 dB quieter (8 tests)
- Value 11/11 Lasted 137.3% longer in the wear tests (2 tests)
Where the Ultrac is stronger
- Wet specialist: strong wet handling, braking and best-in-class aquaplaning resistance in many tests
- Comfortable and quiet in multiple 2024-2025 evaluations
- Engaging, balanced dynamics with good steering feel
The measured tallies (wins out of measurements in the shared tests) come straight from the tables below. The written verdict and bullet points are analysis of those tests and of owner reviews; where they and the figures disagree, the figures are right.
Primacy 4+ vs Ultrac at a glance
| Category | Primacy 4+ | Gap | Ultrac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won9 shared tests | 5 | 4 | |
| Dry18 measurements | 9 | 7 | |
| Wet37 measurements | 8 | The Ultrac held 12% more grip in curved aquaplaning (6 tests) | 29 |
| Comfort10 measurements | 6 | The Primacy 4+ was 0.6 dB quieter (8 tests) | 3 |
| Value11 measurements | 11 | The Primacy 4+ lasted 137.3% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 0 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.8/10 | The Primacy 4+ by 0.1 | 8.7/10 |
| Owner rating40 and 24 reviews | 79% | Too close to call | 78% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 68% | The Ultrac by 15 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +24% | The Primacy 4+ was dearer in 5 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 66 | 40 sizes made in both | 65 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 9 tests, 2023 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Primacy 4+ | Field | Ultrac |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Touring Tires for 2025 Tested | P5 of 7 | P3 of 7 | |
| 2024 Motorhome Summer Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P7 of 10 | |
| 2024 AMS Summer SUV Tire Test | P8 of 8 | P3 of 8 | |
| 2024 AZ Summer Tire Test | P7 of 9 | P4 of 9 | |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test | P1 of 20 | P20 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P2 of 16 | P16 of 16 | |
| 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview | P5 of 55 | P3 of 55 | |
| 2023 Motor Summer Tire Test | P2 of 8 | P6 of 8 | |
| Tire Reviews Best Summer Touring Tires | P5 of 13 | P9 of 13 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 9 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Primacy 4+
Ultrac
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 3 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Primacy 4+
Ultrac
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Primacy 4+
Ultrac
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40 reviews and the Ultrac 78% from 24. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Primacy 4+ | Gap | Ultrac | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 119 | 0.2% | 119 | 5-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.03 | 0.2% | 67.87 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 59.3 | 0.2% | 59.3 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 122 | 0.3% | 123 | 4-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 122 | 2.2% | 119 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 90.51 | 2.1% | 88.57 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 44.7 | 1.4% | 45.3 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.8% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 16.2 | 3.4% | 16.8 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.15 | 2.6% | 11.82 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.1 | 2.5% | 52.1 | 2-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 17.9 | 12% | 20 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.18 | 0.6 dB | 70.78 | 5-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 30,836 | 137.3% | 13,235 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.77 | 6.4% | 7.19 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | 1.7% | 5.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48.1 | 53.2% | 102.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Primacy 4+ scores 8.8 and the Ultrac 8.7 out of 10.
| Primacy 4+ | Category | Ultrac | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | Dry | 75 | ||
| 74 | Wet | 89 | ||
| 81 | Comfort | 52 | ||
| 84 | Value | 18 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Primacy 4+ | Category | Ultrac | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 8.1 | Wet Grip | 8.1 | ||
| 7.3 | Road Feedback | 7.5 | ||
| 7.2 | Handling | 7.6 | ||
| 8 | Wear | 6.4 | ||
| 8.1 | Comfort | 8 | ||
Owners rate the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40 reviews and the Ultrac 78% from 24. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin Primacy 4+
- 79%from 40 reviews
- 68%would buy again
- 365,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally describe the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus as a comfortable, confidence-inspiring touring tire with strong grip, particularly in the dry and usually in the wet. Around two in five mention low road noise and good refinement, though noise is split and a noticeable minority find it loud or droning on rough surfaces. Where criticisms cluster, it's most often about a less sporty, slower steering response (around one in five owners), with a smaller group also disappointed by cold/damp performance and the tire's price.
- Comfortable, compliant ride quality
- Strong dry grip
- Reassuring wet grip
- Generally quiet and refined for a touring tire
- Dull or slow steering response (not very sporty)
- Can be noisy/drone on certain road surfaces
- Cold or damp-weather grip can feel weak
Summarised by AI from 34 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 40 Primacy 4+ reviewsAverage dry grip , super wet grip....very low wear.Good comfort, but quite noisy on rough asphalt...basicly my only complain.I have never drived more noisy tires in my life.
Vredestein Ultrac
- 78%from 24 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 311,516 milesdriven by reviewers
Most drivers rate the Vredestein Ultrac highly, praising its confident wet grip (including aquaplaning resistance), solid dry performance, and comfortable, quiet ride. Handling is described as predictable and safe, with several noting good value versus premium rivals. A minority report faster-than-expected tread wear, and a few mention noise or steering feel, but these are less common. Overall sentiment skews positive given the high number of strong reviews.
- wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- comfortable ride
- dry grip
- predictable handling/steering
- faster tread wear for some users
Summarised by AI from 20 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 24 Ultrac reviewsThese tires came as stock on my Audi A1. After 40,000 miles and 2 years I have replaced 3 corners with what was my preferred tire, but the rear drivers side still has 4mm of tread left, whereas the rear passenger (this tire) has 3mm left after 1 year and 18k. I would definitely buy these again
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 66 sizes of the Primacy 4+ and 65 of the Ultrac, 40 of them made in both.
| Category | Primacy 4+ | Ultrac |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 66 sizes, 16 to 21 inch | 65 sizes, 15 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 40 sizes 195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/45 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16205/65 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16225/55 R16and 28 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A85%B15% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C63%B37% | C46%A26%B26%D2% |
| EU label noise | 68-72 dB B100% | 69-71 dB B89%A11% |
| On the market since | 2022 | 2020 |
| Replaced | Michelin Primacy 4 (2017) | - |
| Replaced by | Michelin Primacy 5 | Vredestein Ultrac Cento |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Primacy 4+ was the dearer tire in 5 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 24% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits Michelin's Primacy 4 Plus-positioned as a premium touring tire-against the Vredestein Ultrac, a value-leaning high-performance option. Across nine shared tests from 2023-2025 spanning compact, midsize, and SUV fitments, the Ultrac regularly pushes ahead in wet handling and aquaplaning, while the Primacy 4+ counters with class-leading efficiency, comfort and standout tread life.
Expect a contrast of characters: the Vredestein typically feels more alert in the wet with competitive braking and lap times, whereas the Michelin majors on low rolling resistance, lower noise, and exceptional wear. Rankings fluctuate by size and test focus-Ultrac places higher in some 2024-2025 dynamic tests, but Michelin takes major wins on longevity and overall value over the life of the tire.
Conclusion
If you prioritize wet-road confidence and sharper dynamics, the Vredestein Ultrac is the more engaging and sure-footed choice in most sizes, repeatedly winning wet handling and aquaplaning (e.g., +7.4% wet braking and +13-34% aquaplaning advantage in the 2024 SUV test). It also scores well for comfort and low noise in recent testing and is usually cheaper upfront.
For everyday touring, the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus delivers the stronger long-term proposition: consistently lower rolling resistance (wins 7/7 categories), quieter operation in many tests, secure dry manners, and market-leading tread life (ADAC wear +122%; AutoBild +153%), yielding better lifetime value despite a higher purchase price. Choose Ultrac for confident wet performance and keen pricing; choose Primacy 4+ for efficiency, refinement and miles that genuinely pay back.
Primacy 4+ vs Ultrac: your questions
Is the Michelin Primacy 4+ or the Vredestein Ultrac the better tire?
In the 9 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Primacy 4+ finished ahead 5 times and the Ultrac 4 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Primacy 4+ scores 8.8 and the Ultrac 8.7 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Primacy 4+ or the Ultrac?
The Ultrac led 29 of the 37 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 12% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Primacy 4+ led 9 of the 18 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Primacy 4+ lasted 137.3% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) and had 6.4% lower rolling resistance (7 tests). Owners rate wear 8/10 for the Primacy 4+ and 6.4/10 for the Ultrac.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Primacy 4+ was 0.6 dB quieter (8 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.1/10 for the Primacy 4+ and 8/10 for the Ultrac.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Primacy 4+ 79% from 40 reviews and the Ultrac 78% from 24. 68% of Primacy 4+ owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Ultrac.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the Primacy 4+ was the dearer tire in 5 of them, by 24% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Primacy 4+ is made in 66 sizes (16 to 21 inch) and the Ultrac in 65 (15 to 21 inch). 40 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Primacy 4+ is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Ultrac A and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The Primacy 4+ is the newer design: it reached the market in 2022, the Ultrac in 2020. The Primacy 4+ replaced the Michelin Primacy 4.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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