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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Test Results

Tire Reviews tests: 1 Tested 2016 to 2022 11 publications

Tested 26 times by independent publications, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 has taken 14 test wins with an average finish of 2nd. Its strongest discipline is Straight Aqua, beating 85% of the field across 15 tests; its weakest is Wet Circle, at 45% across 5 tests.

  • 26Independent tests
  • 14Test wins
  • 21Podium finishes
  • 2ndAverage finish
  • 84%Field beaten on average
  • 11Publications
Michelin Pilot Sport 4

26 tests, 2016 to 2022

0%50%100%2016201720182019202020212022Average 84%2016 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2016): P1 of 9, Beat 100% of the field2017 AMS Summer UHP Tire Test (2017): P1 of 10, Beat 100% of the field2017 Sport Auto UHP and Track Day Test (2017): P1 of 10, Beat 89% of the field2017 Auto Bild UHP Tire Test (2017): P1 of 9, Beat 100% of the field2017 EVO Summer Tire Test (2017): P1 of 9, Beat 100% of the field2018 AZ Summer AND All Season Tire Test (2018): P1 of 9, Beat 75% of the field2018 Test World Summer Tire Test (2018): P1 of 16, Beat 100% of the field2018 AMS Summer UHP Tire Test (2018): P1 of 11, Beat 100% of the field2018 Auto Review 225/45 R17 Tire Test (2018): P1 of 11, Beat 100% of the field2018 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2018): P2 of 10, Beat 78% of the field2019 Summer 53 Tire Braking Shootout (2019): P2 of 53, Beat 98% of the field2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test (2019): P1 of 20, Beat 100% of the field2019 Auto Bild Sports Car Tire Test (2019): P4 of 11, Beat 60% of the field2019 EVO Summer Tire Test (2019): P2 of 7, Beat 83% of the field2020 Tire Market Overview Braking Test (2020): P1 of 50, Beat 100% of the field2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tire Test (2020): P1 of 16, Beat 93% of the field2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test (2020): P3 of 20, Beat 89% of the field2020 AMS 18 Inch Summer Tire Test (2020): P2 of 11, Beat 90% of the field2021 Auto Zeitung Summer UHP Tire Test (2021): P4 of 10, Beat 67% of the field2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test (2021): P1 of 14, Beat 85% of the field2021 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2021): P2 of 10, Beat 89% of the field2021 EVO Summer Tire Test (2021): P5 of 9, Beat 50% of the field2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tire Test (2022): P2 of 10, Beat 44% of the field2022 AMS Performance Summer Tire Test (2022): P7 of 10, Beat 33% of the field2022 AutoBild Sports Cars UHP Summer Tire Test (2022): P1 of 11, Beat 90% of the field2022 AutoBild 19 Inch Summer UHP Tire Test (2022): P4 of 10, Beat 67% 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 84%
The latest test

2022 AutoBild 19 Inch Summer UHP Tire Test P4 of 10

Strong: Straight Aqua, Curved Aquaplaning, Rolling Resistance Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

Record by discipline

Where the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 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 21 P2.8 of 14.8 81% 10
Dry Handling 18 P3.3 of 11.2 76% 3
Subj. Dry Handling 6 P2.3 of 10.7 85% 1
Wet
Wet Braking 21 P3.4 of 14.8 78% 4
Wet Handling 19 P3.4 of 11.4 77% 8
Subj. Wet Handling 6 P2.8 of 10.7 78% 3
Wet Circle Weak 5 P6 of 10 45% -
Straight Aqua Strong 15 P2.3 of 11.9 85% 8
Curved Aquaplaning 6 P4.2 of 10.7 66% 1
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 5 P2.4 of 11.8 84% 2
Noise 14 P5.8 of 12.3 59% -
Value
Wear 3 P3.7 of 18.7 85% -
Value 2 P15 of 20 26% -
Rolling Resistance 15 P5.3 of 11.5 61% -

Head-to-head record

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

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Falken Azenis FK510 21 shared: 21 ahead, 0 behind 21 21 0 - 100%
Continental Premium Contact 6 21 shared: 15 ahead, 5 behind Compare with Premium Contact 6 21 15 5 1 75%
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 14 shared: 12 ahead, 1 behind 14 12 1 1 92%
Toyo Proxes Sport 12 shared: 12 ahead, 0 behind 12 12 0 - 100%
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 12 shared: 9 ahead, 3 behind 12 9 3 - 75%
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 12 shared: 8 ahead, 4 behind 12 8 4 - 67%
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 11 shared: 5 ahead, 5 behind Compare with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 11 5 5 1 50%
Nokian PowerProof 10 shared: 9 ahead, 1 behind 10 9 1 - 90%
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti 10 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind 10 9 0 1 100%
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind 8 8 0 - 100%
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 8 shared: 7 ahead, 1 behind 8 7 1 - 88%
Bridgestone Turanza T005 8 shared: 7 ahead, 1 behind 8 7 1 - 88%
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind 7 7 0 - 100%
Maxxis Victra Sport 5 7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind 7 7 0 - 100%
Kumho Ecsta PS71 6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind 6 6 0 - 100%
Fulda SportControl 2 6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind 6 6 0 - 100%
Pirelli P Zero 5 shared: 5 ahead, 0 behind 5 5 0 - 100%
Bridgestone Potenza Sport 5 shared: 3 ahead, 2 behind 5 3 2 - 60%
Apollo Aspire XP 4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind 4 4 0 - 100%
Kleber Dynaxer UHP 4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind 4 4 0 - 100%

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 Pilot Sport 3 PS3 Predecessor 22 0 5th 60%
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 This tire 26 14 2nd 84%
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Successor 25 4 3rd 74%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 26 tests. Updated August 26, 2025.

Across 26 summer tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 delivers a consistently top-tier, well-rounded performance with standout wet and dry capability and class-leading aquaplaning resistance. It has frequent overall wins and podiums, with an average overall position of 2, reflecting balanced objective results and strong subjective handling confidence.

Primary weaknesses are price and occasional mid-pack wet handling/braking in a few recent UHP/UUHP comparisons, but these are offset by repeated test victories, top aquaplaning results, and strong rolling resistance showings. Overall, the PS4 remains a benchmark UHP tire for everyday and enthusiastic driving.

Performance Strengths

Performance Weaknesses

  • Price/Value Strong
    Details
    • Last in price in 2022 AutoBild Sportscars (97% above best)
    • Last in price and worst value in 2020 Auto Bild 245/45 R18 (+121.7%)
    • Bottom-tier price in 2021 Tire Reviews (+91.5%)
    • 10/10 price in 2022 AutoBild 245/40 R19 (+125.4%)
  • Wet Handling Variability (recent UHP/large sizes) Moderate
    Details
    • 9/10 wet handling in 2022 AMS (+4.2%)
    • 6/10 wet handling in 2022 AutoBild 245/40 R19 (+3.3%)
    • 6/10 wet handling subjective in 2021 EVO (+9.2%)
  • Noise/Comfort (sporadic) Minor
    Details
    • 14/20 noise in 2020 Auto Bild (+2.1%)
    • 7/10 noise in 2021 Auto Zeitung (+2.9%)
  • Curved Aquaplaning (occasional dips) Minor
    Details
    • 6/11 curved aquaplaning in 2022 AutoBild Sportscars (+11.4%)
    • 6/10 curved aquaplaning in 2022 Sport Auto (+8.7%)
  • Rolling resistance Strong in 5 of 20 tests
    Details
  • Road noise Moderate in 2 of 20 tests
    Details

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (20 tests) and 304 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 20 tests 160 praise, 12 criticise of 304 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet grip strength in 4 of 20 tests 147 praise, 14 criticise of 304 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry handling strength in 15 of 20 tests 70 praise, 13 criticise of 304 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet handling strength in 8 of 20 tests 25 praise, 4 criticise of 304 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry braking strength in 8 of 20 tests 30 praise, 2 criticise of 304 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet braking strength in 7 of 20 tests 18 praise, 2 criticise of 304 reviews · Read those reviews

Every test, newest first 26

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

2022 4 tests
P7 of 10 Beat 33% of the field

2022 AMS Performance Summer Tire Test

Auto Motor Und Sport 245/45 R19

Impressively precise and direct in the dry, showing its age in the wet.

StrongRolling Resistance WeakWet HandlingWet Circle WinnerGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

2021 4 tests
P5 of 9 Beat 50% of the field

2021 EVO Summer Tire Test

EVO 225/40 R18

The PS4 had direct steering and a good balance, but the detail sometimes lacked. A solid performer but not inspiring.

StrongDry HandlingRolling Resistance WinnerPirelli P Zero PZ4

P2 of 10 Beat 89% of the field

2021 Auto Express Summer Tire Test

Auto Express 225/45 R17

The PS4 continues to be impressive in the wet and dry.

WinnerHankook Ventus S1 evo 3

P1 of 14 Beat 85% of the field

2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test

Tire Reviews 225/40 R18 Tested by Tire Reviews Winner

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a tire with almost no weaknesses, it has excellent grip in all conditions, good aquaplaning resistance, and a low noise. The only negative is that it's not the most responsive of tires during the dry handling test.

StrongWet Handling

2020 4 tests
P2 of 11 Beat 90% of the field

2020 AMS 18 Inch Summer Tire Test

Auto Motor Und Sport 225/45 R18

Very good - Strong braking in the dry and wet.

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingSubj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingWet HandlingSubj. Wet HandlingStraight Aqua WinnerGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

P3 of 20 Beat 89% of the field

2020 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test

Auto Bild 245/45 R18

Exemplary.

StrongDry BrakingStraight Aqua WeakValue WinnerContinental Premium Contact 6

2019 4 tests
P2 of 7 Beat 83% of the field

2019 EVO Summer Tire Test

EVO 225/40 R18

While the Pilot Sport 4 didn't win any test, it was almost always in the top three, having a very rounded balance of performances, and great steering feel in the wet and dry.

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingSubj. Dry HandlingWet HandlingSubj. Wet HandlingSubj. Comfort WinnerPirelli P Zero PZ4

P1 of 20 Beat 100% of the field

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test

Auto Bild 225/45 R17

Highly recommended.

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingWet HandlingStraight AquaSubj. ComfortWear

2018 5 tests
P1 of 11 Beat 100% of the field

2018 AMS Summer UHP Tire Test

Auto Motor Und Sport 225/45 R17

Highly recommended.

StrongDry BrakingWet BrakingWet HandlingSubj. Wet Handling

P1 of 16 Beat 100% of the field

2018 Test World Summer Tire Test

Test World 225/45 R17

StrongDry BrakingSubj. Dry HandlingWet BrakingSubj. Wet HandlingStraight Aqua

P1 of 9 Beat 75% of the field

2018 AZ Summer AND All Season Tire Test

Auto Zeitung 225/45 R17

A leading performance in both the dry and wet ensured the Pilot Sport 4 wins the test convincingly, despite having a right rolling resistance.

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingWet HandlingStraight Aqua WeakRolling Resistance

2017 4 tests
P1 of 9 Beat 100% of the field

2017 EVO Summer Tire Test

EVO 225/40 R18

StrongDry BrakingDry HandlingWet BrakingWet Handling

P1 of 9 Beat 100% of the field

2017 Auto Bild UHP Tire Test

Auto Bild Sportscars 245/40 R18

Exemplary / Test Winner

StrongDry HandlingWet Handling

P1 of 10 Beat 100% of the field

2017 AMS Summer UHP Tire Test

Auto Motor Und Sport 245/45 R18

Highly recommended

StrongDry BrakingWet BrakingWet Handling

2016 1 test

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