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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Test Results

Tested 2020 to 2026 4 publications

Tested 9 times by independent publications, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV has taken 5 test wins with an average finish of 3rd. Its strongest discipline is Straight Aqua, beating 100% of the field across 9 tests; its weakest is Rolling Resistance, at 40% across 8 tests.

  • 9Independent tests
  • 5Test wins
  • 6Podium finishes
  • 3rdAverage finish
  • 82%Field beaten on average
  • 4Publications
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

9 tests, 2020 to 2026

0%50%100%20202023202420252026Average 82%2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tire Test (2020): P1 of 10, Beat 100% of the field2020 ViBilagare SUV Tire Test (2020): P1 of 8, Beat 100% of the field2023 Best SUV Tires Tested (2023): P1 of 12, Beat 100% of the field2023 The Best Electric Vehicle Tires VS UHP Tires (2023): P6 of 10, Beat 44% of the field2024 Summer SUV Tire Test (2024): P2 of 11, Beat 90% of the field2024 EV Tire Test (2024): P1 of 9, Beat 100% of the field2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tire Test (2025): P1 of 7, Beat 100% of the field2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tire Test (2025): P5 of 10, Beat 56% of the field2026 Summer SUV Tire Test (2026): P5 of 9, Beat 50% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 82%
The latest test

2026 Summer SUV Tire Test P5 of 9

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV finishes fifth and is described as a wet-weather specialist with the largest aquaplaning reserves in the test, posting the highest straight-line float speed by a clear margin. Gravel traction is strong, second only to the Hankook, and the testers note a comfortable ride quality. Unlike all other candidates which carry a 104 Y rating, the Michelin is rated 100 V - meaning a lower load capacity and a maximum speed rating of 149 mph. Dry and wet handling results are mid-pack.

Strong: Straight Aqua, Gravel Traction Winner: Hankook Ventus Evo

Record by discipline

Where the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking 9 P3.3 of 9.6 71% 2
Dry Handling 8 P3.5 of 9.9 71% 1
Subj. Dry Handling 1 P1 of 7 100% 1
Wet
Wet Braking 9 P2.1 of 9.6 86% 5
Wet Handling 9 P2.3 of 9.6 85% 4
Wet Circle 7 P2.6 of 9.7 81% 1
Straight Aqua Strong 9 P1 of 9.6 100% 9
Curved Aquaplaning 6 P2.5 of 10.2 82% 2
Off road
Gravel Handling 4 P4.5 of 10 60% 1
Gravel Traction 5 P2 of 10.4 89% 2
Dirt Handling 1 P7 of 12 45% -
Sand Traction 5 P6.2 of 10.4 47% -
Grass Traction 5 P2.6 of 10.4 83% 2
Mud Traction 3 P4.7 of 11 63% -
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 2 P4.5 of 7.5 45% -
Subj. Noise 2 P5 of 7.5 39% -
Noise 7 P6 of 10.1 45% -
Tire Weight 1 P5 of 10 56% -
Value
Wear 1 P2 of 8 86% -
Value 1 P7 of 8 14% -
Rolling Resistance Weak 8 P6.3 of 9.9 40% -
Energy Consumption 2 P6 of 9 40% -
Range 1 P4 of 7 50% -
Abrasion 1 P3 of 8 71% -

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 5 shared: 2 ahead, 3 behind Compare with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 5 2 3 - 40%
Maxxis Victra Sport VS5 SUV 3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind 3 3 0 - 100%
Falken Azenis FK520 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind 3 2 1 - 67%
Bridgestone Potenza Sport 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind 3 2 1 - 67%
Pirelli Scorpion 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind Compare with Scorpion 3 2 1 - 67%

Against its own line

The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.

Tire Tests Wins Avg finish Field beaten
Michelin Latitude Sport 3 Predecessor 1 0 4th 50%
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV This tire 9 5 3rd 82%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 9 tests. Updated April 9, 2026.

Across 9 summer SUV/EV-SUV tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV shows an emphatically performance-led profile: consistently elite wet safety and stability (especially aquaplaning resistance) plus very strong handling balance, translating into frequent overall wins (five 1st places) and a strong average overall position (2.6). When competition and evaluation include efficiency/value metrics, its standing drops despite still-solid dynamic performance, highlighting that this tire prioritizes grip and control over running-cost optimisation.

Its clearest recurring drawbacks are cost/efficiency-related (high price, higher rolling resistance/energy consumption) and, in mixed on/off-road “SUV” testing, weaker traction in loose surfaces like sand/mud and only mid-pack comfort/noise. Overall it is a top-tier choice for drivers prioritizing wet performance and road handling, with compromises in value and EV efficiency.

Performance Strengths

  • Wet Weather Performance (Braking/Handling/Grip) Strong
    Details
    • 1st place wet braking (46.8 m) in 2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tire Test (255/55 R18)
    • 1st place wet braking in 2024 Summer SUV Tire Test (235/55 R19) and 2023 Best SUV Tires Tested (225/65 R17)
    • 1st place wet handling in 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tire Test (71.4 s) and 2023 Best SUV Tires Tested (86.8 km/h)
    • 1st place wet circle and wet handling suite in 2023 Best SUV Tires Tested (wet circle 1/12; wet handling 1/12)
  • Aquaplaning Resistance (Straight & Curved) Strong
    Details
    • Straight-line aquaplaning 1st in 2026 Summer SUV Tire Test (90.9 km/h), 2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road (87.8 km/h), 2024 EV Tire Test (95.5 km/h), 2024 Summer SUV Tire Test (93.3 km/h), 2023 EV vs UHP (83.8 km/h), 2023 Best SUV Tires (95.9 km/h), 2020 ViBilagare SUV (90.4 km/h), 2020 Auto Bild AllRad (89.7 km/h)
    • Curved aquaplaning 1st in 2024 Summer SUV Tire Test (2.74 m/s²) and 2023 Best SUV Tires Tested (2.95 m/s²); 2nd in 2023 EV vs UHP (8.93 m/s², +2.3% from best)
  • Dry Handling & Road Dynamics Strong
    Details
    • 1st place dry handling in 2023 Best SUV Tires Tested (103.3 km/h)
    • 2nd place dry handling in 2024 EV Tire Test (70.9 km/h, +0.6% from best) and 2020 Auto Bild AllRad (112.1 km/h, +0.1% from best)
    • Subjective dry handling 1st (perfect score) in 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tire Test (tied 1/7)
  • Overall Competitive Record / Awards Strong
    Details
    • Overall winner 1/9 with 'Exemplary' rating in 2024 EV Tire Test
    • Overall 1st in 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tire Test (1/7), 2023 Best SUV Tires Tested (1/12), 2020 ViBilagare SUV Tire Test (1/8), and 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tire Test (1/10)
  • Aquaplaning resistance Strong in 6 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Steering feel Strong in 4 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Ride comfort Strong in 3 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Off-road traction Strong in 3 of 9 tests
    Details

Performance Weaknesses

  • Efficiency / Rolling Resistance / EV Energy Use Strong
    Details
    • Rolling resistance 8/9 (+44% from best) in 2024 EV Tire Test (7.99 kg/t); energy consumption 4/8 (+4.9% from best)
    • Rolling resistance 8/10 (+40.4% from best) and energy consumption 8/10 (+15.9% from best) in 2023 EV Tires vs UHP (8 kg/t; 15.3 kWh/100km)
    • Rolling resistance mid-to-lower pack in multiple SUV tests: 6/9 (+16.6%) in 2026 Summer SUV; 7/11 (+14.6%) in 2024 Summer SUV; 8/12 (+13.7%) in 2023 Best SUV Tires
  • Value / Purchase Price Strong
    Details
    • Value ranking 7/8 (+61% from best) in 2024 EV Tire Test (23.42 price/1000)
    • Price 10/10 (+126% from best) in 2023 EV Tires vs UHP (400)
    • Price 11/12 (+103.3% from best) in 2023 Best SUV Tires Tested (610) and 10/10 (+75.4% from best) in 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tire Test (605)
  • Off-road Loose-Surface Traction (Sand/Mud) & Mixed-Surface Consistency Moderate
    Details
    • Sand traction 10/12 (+12.9% from best) in 2023 Best SUV Tires Tested; sand traction 9/11 (+21.1%) and mud traction 8/11 (+9.6%) in 2024 Summer SUV Tire Test
    • Gravel handling 9/10 (+2.9% from best) in 2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tire Test (despite gravel traction 1/10)
    • Sand traction only mid-pack in 2026 Summer SUV Tire Test (5/9, +7.3%)
  • Noise & Comfort (Subjective/Measured) Moderate
    Details
    • Noise 9/10 (+4.7% from best) in 2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tire Test; noise 8/10 (+3.1%) in 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tire Test
    • Subjective comfort 5/7 (+60% from best) in 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tire Test; subjective noise 6/8 (+50% from best) in 2020 ViBilagare SUV Tire Test
    • Noise frequently mid-pack: 7/11 in 2024 Summer SUV; 7/10 in 2023 EV vs UHP; 6/9 in 2026 Summer SUV
  • Rolling resistance Strong in 3 of 9 tests
    Details
  • Road noise Moderate in 2 of 9 tests
    Details

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV (9 tests) and 32 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.

Where owners and testers agree

  • Dry grip strength in 3 of 9 tests 15 praise, 1 criticise of 32 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Aquaplaning resistance strength in 6 of 9 tests 6 praise, 0 criticise of 32 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Ride comfort strength in 3 of 9 tests 8 praise, 0 criticise of 32 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Rolling resistance weakness in 3 of 9 tests 0 praise, 4 criticise of 32 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry handling strength in 3 of 9 tests 5 praise, 1 criticise of 32 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet grip strength in 2 of 9 tests 9 praise, 0 criticise of 32 reviews · Read those reviews

Raised by owners, not by any test of this tire

  • Value for money no test mentions it 1 praise, 3 criticise of 32 reviews · Read those reviews

Flagged by testers, not mentioned by owners

  • Wet braking strength in 3 of 9 tests no owner mentions it

Every test, newest first 9

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2026 1 test
P5 of 9 Beat 50% of the field

2026 Summer SUV Tire Test

Auto Bild Allrad 255/45 R19 Gut (Good)

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV finishes fifth and is described as a wet-weather specialist with the largest aquaplaning reserves in the test, posting the highest straight-line float speed by a clear margin. Gravel traction is strong, second only to the Hankook, and the testers note a comfortable ride quality. Unlike all other candidates which carry a 104 Y rating, the Michelin is rated 100 V - meaning a lower load capacity and a maximum speed rating of 149 mph. Dry and wet handling results are mid-pack.

StrongStraight AquaGravel Traction WinnerHankook Ventus Evo

2025 2 tests
P5 of 10 Beat 56% of the field

2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tire Test

Auto Bild Allrad 255/55 R18

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a solid performer earning fifth place with the best wet braking performance and excellent aquaplaning resistance. It shows strong off-road capabilities, particularly on gravel with the highest traction. Fuel-efficient with good rolling resistance, but surprisingly noisy with one of the highest pass-by noise levels among street tires. As the most expensive option in the test, it offers proven performance but at a premium price.

StrongWet BrakingStraight AquaGravel TractionGrass Traction WeakGravel HandlingNoise WinnerGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

P1 of 7 Beat 100% of the field

2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tire Test

Vi Bilagare 235/55 R19

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV emerged as the overall test winner, displaying consistently high performance across wet and dry conditions. It excelled particularly in wet handling and aquaplaning resistance, where it achieved the best results in the test. The tire offers precise steering feedback and excellent control during emergency maneuvers, making it easy for drivers to place the car exactly where intended. Though it comes with a relatively high price point, its superior grip and safety features justify the cost. The main drawbacks include somewhat limited comfort over rough surfaces and average rolling resistance. Michelin's victory in this test mirrors its previous win in SUV tire testing, confirming its reliable performance regardless of whether it's fitted to diesel or electric vehicles.

StrongSubj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingWet HandlingWet CircleStraight Aqua

2024 2 tests
P1 of 9 Beat 100% of the field

2024 EV Tire Test

Auto Bild 235/55 R19

StrongDry HandlingWet HandlingStraight AquaNoiseWear WeakValueRolling Resistance

P2 of 11 Beat 90% of the field

2024 Summer SUV Tire Test

Auto Bild Allrad 235/55 R19

StrongWet BrakingStraight AquaCurved AquaplaningGrass Traction WinnerGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

2023 2 tests
P6 of 10 Beat 44% of the field

2023 The Best Electric Vehicle Tires VS UHP Tires

Auto Motor Und Sport 255/45 R20

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Acoustic Tested - Very quiet internal noise - more suited to combustion cars than EVs.

StrongStraight AquaCurved Aquaplaning WinnerContinental SportContact 7

P1 of 12 Beat 100% of the field

2023 Best SUV Tires Tested

Auto Bild Allrad 225/65 R17

Exemplary.

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingWet BrakingWet HandlingWet CircleStraight AquaCurved AquaplaningGravel Traction

2020 2 tests
P1 of 10 Beat 100% of the field

2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tire Test

Auto Bild 255/55 R18

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingWet BrakingWet HandlingStraight AquaGravel HandlingGravel TractionGrass Traction

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