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Michelin Primacy 3

Replaced by the Primacy 4 Replaces the Primacy HP

The Michelin Primacy 3 is a premium summer touring tire aimed at drivers who prioritize comfort, safety and day-to-day ease over sporty sharpness. Combined user feedback and professional testing point to strong dry stability, reassuring braking and a refined motorway demeanour, with many drivers praising its quietness and long life. Its main compromises are a softer steering feel and wet-weather limits that become more apparent in standing water or as the tread wears, alongside a typically premium price tag.

The quick answer

Owners say 76% from 197 owner reviews 57% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 6th average finish across 24 independent tests · 4 wins Latest: P9 of 11 · 2018 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Value, Dry Wet Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated November 2026.

  • 197owner reviews
  • 3,120,674miles driven
  • 24professional tests

Tire Reviews Score

Michelin Primacy 3

8.3/10

Better than 72% of summer tires

  • Medium Confidence
  • 2 tests
  • 197 owner reviews
Scores of the 406 summer tires we have tested

How this score is built

Source Better than Weight
Independent tests2 tests · 2 publications · 2017 73% 90%
Owner reviews197 owner reviews · rated 76% 66% 10%
Combined 72% 8.3

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other summer tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 62% 47% 2
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 78% 43% 2
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 79% 10% 1

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards. Faded bars rest on one or two tests.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 77% 2
HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 47% 2

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 89% of the test figure. The other 11% is the average for its group, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2018 2018 Ace 235/45 R18 Summer Tire Test ACE · 235/45 R18 P9 / 11 Placing only
  2. 2018 2018 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16 ADAC · 205/55 R16 P1 / 16 Placing only
  3. 2017 2017 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P9 / 20
  4. 2017 2017 Auto Bild Summer SUV Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 235/50 R18 P4 / 10
  5. 2017 2017 AZ Summer Tire Test Auto Express · 215/55 R17 P1 / 10 Placing only
  6. 2017 2017 Auto Bild Summer Tire Shootout Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P10 / 51 Placing only
Show all 24 tests
  1. 2016 2016 AMS SUV / 4x4 Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport · 215/60 R17 P2 / 9 Placing only
  2. 2016 2016 AutoBild Summer Tire Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P7 / 15 Placing only
  3. 2016 2016 Market Overview - Braking Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P10 / 50 Placing only
  4. 2016 2016 GTU Performance Summer Tire Test 225/45 R17 P8 / 14 Placing only
  5. 2015 2015 Auto Review Summer Tire Test 225/45 R17 P3 / 9 Placing only
  6. 2015 2015 Auto Bild 215/55 R16 Technical Tire Test Auto Bild · 215/55 R16 P3 / 10 Placing only
  7. 2015 2015 Test World Summer Tire Test Test World · 205/55 R16 P9 / 15 Placing only
  8. 2015 2015 European Tire Test 205/55 R16 ADAC · 205/55 R16 P1 / 19 Placing only
  9. 2014 2014 Auto Express Summer Tire Test Auto Express · 205/55 R16 P7 / 10 Placing only
  10. 2014 2014 Auto Review Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16 Auto Review · 205/55 R16 P5 / 16 Placing only
  11. 2014 2014 Auto Zeitung Summer Tire Test Auto Zeitung · 225/50 R17 P5 / 12 Placing only
  12. 2014 2014 Test World Summer Tire Test Test World · 205/55 R16 P5 / 16 Placing only
  13. 2014 2014 Auto Bild Top 15 Summer Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P1 / 15 Placing only
  14. 2014 2014 Auto Bild 50 Summer Tire Shootout Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P3 / 50 Placing only
  15. 2013 2013 Test World Summer Tire Test Test World · 205/55 R16 P9 / 13 Placing only
  16. 2013 2013 Auto Zeitung Summer Tire Test Auto Zeitung · 215/55 R16 P8 / 12 Placing only
  17. 2012 2012 Auto Bild Max Performance Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/45 R17 P8 / 15 Placing only
  18. 2012 2012 Autobild 50 Tire Braking Test Auto Bild · 225/45 R17 P14 / 50 Placing only

Tested 24 times by independent publications, the Michelin Primacy 3 has taken 4 test wins with an average finish of 6th.

24 Tests
4 Test Wins
6th Average
1st Best
14th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20122018

Finishing position in each test

Every independent test of the Michelin Primacy 3, newest first
YearTestResultAward
20182018 Ace 235/45 R18 Summer Tire TestACE · 235/45 R18P9 / 11
20182018 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16ADAC · 205/55 R16P1 / 16
20172017 Auto Bild Summer Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P9 / 20
20172017 Auto Bild Summer SUV Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 235/50 R18P4 / 10
20172017 AZ Summer Tire TestAuto Express · 215/55 R17P1 / 10
20172017 Auto Bild Summer Tire ShootoutAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P10 / 51
20162016 AMS SUV / 4x4 Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 215/60 R17P2 / 9
20162016 AutoBild Summer Tire TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P7 / 15
20162016 Market Overview - Braking TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P10 / 50
20162016 GTU Performance Summer Tire TestGTU · 225/45 R17P8 / 14
20152015 Auto Review Summer Tire TestAuto Review · 225/45 R17P3 / 9
20152015 Auto Bild 215/55 R16 Technical Tire TestAuto Bild · 215/55 R16P3 / 10
20152015 Test World Summer Tire TestTest World · 205/55 R16P9 / 15
20152015 European Tire Test 205/55 R16ADAC · 205/55 R16P1 / 19
20142014 Auto Express Summer Tire TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16P7 / 10
20142014 Auto Review Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16Auto Review · 205/55 R16P5 / 16
20142014 Auto Zeitung Summer Tire TestAuto Zeitung · 225/50 R17P5 / 12
20142014 Test World Summer Tire TestTest World · 205/55 R16P5 / 16
20142014 Auto Bild Top 15 Summer Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P1 / 15
20142014 Auto Bild 50 Summer Tire ShootoutAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P3 / 50
20132013 Test World Summer Tire TestTest World · 205/55 R16P9 / 13
20132013 Auto Zeitung Summer Tire TestAuto Zeitung · 215/55 R16P8 / 12
20122012 Auto Bild Max Performance Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/45 R17P8 / 15
20122012 Autobild 50 Tire Braking TestAuto Bild · 225/45 R17P14 / 50

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range45 sizes available

185-275Width35-65Profile15-20Rim83-102 H-YLoad/Speed Index2012First On Market

EU LabelAcross 45 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

68-71dB A/B/C

US ratingsUTQG grade and the maker's mileage warranty

240UTQG treadwearATractionATemperature9/32"Tread depth (new)30,000-35,000milesMileage warranty

Depends on the size and speed rating

Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Michelin Primacy 3 in the wet?
Across the 2 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Michelin Primacy 3 stops 3.7% longer than premium rivals, 2.8% shorter than mid-range rivals and 8% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 62/100, and owners rate it 7.9/10 in the wet from 197 reviews.
How good is the Michelin Primacy 3 in the dry?
Across the 2 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Michelin Primacy 3 stops 0.6% shorter than premium rivals, 4.9% shorter than mid-range rivals and 6.3% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 78/100, and owners rate it 8.5/10 in the dry from 197 reviews.
How many miles does the Michelin Primacy 3 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Michelin Primacy 3 is expected to last around 21,865 miles (35,188 km).
What treadwear rating and mileage warranty does the Michelin Primacy 3 have?
In the US, the Michelin Primacy 3 carries a UTQG treadwear grade of 240, with traction A and temperature A. UTQG treadwear is relative: a tire graded 400 lasted four times as long as the reference tire, graded 100, on the government test course. Michelin backs it with a limited treadwear warranty of 30,000 to 35,000 miles, depending on size and speed rating. New, it has 9/32" (7.1 mm) of tread.
What do owners say about the Michelin Primacy 3?
Across 197 owner ratings the Michelin Primacy 3 averages 76%. Owners rate Dry Grip highest at 8.5 out of 10 and Wear lowest at 6.9. 103 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 66% of owners score it 70% or better.
More questions about the Michelin Primacy 3 (10)
What is the Michelin Primacy 3's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Michelin Primacy 3 most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, A for wet grip and 69 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Michelin Primacy 3?
Owners rate the Michelin Primacy 3 8 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 164 reviews.
How well do the Michelin Primacy 3 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Michelin Primacy 3 6.9 out of 10 for wear across 164 reviews. 103 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 14,000 miles.
Would owners buy the Michelin Primacy 3 again?
57% of owners say they would buy the Michelin Primacy 3 again, based on the 194 owner reviews that answered the question. 30% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the Michelin Primacy 3's tread life?
Of the 159 owner reviews analyzed for the Michelin Primacy 3, 96 mention tread life: 49 praise it (long-lasting) and 47 criticise it (wears quickly). One owner wrote: "I've have been driving on these tires for almost 50k kilometers". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Michelin Primacy 3's wet grip?
Of the 159 owner reviews analyzed for the Michelin Primacy 3, 81 mention wet grip: 66 praise it (confident wet grip) and 15 criticise it (weak wet grip). One owner wrote: "Very safe on wet, both on highways and Italian twisty mountain/countryside roads". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Michelin Primacy 3's dry grip?
Of the 159 owner reviews analyzed for the Michelin Primacy 3, 74 mention dry grip: 64 praise it (strong dry grip) and 10 criticise it (limited dry grip). One owner wrote: "In the dry they grip very well". Read those reviews
What does the Michelin Primacy 3 replace?
The Michelin Primacy 3 is the successor to the Michelin Primacy HP in Michelin's range.
Has the Michelin Primacy 3 been replaced?
The Michelin Primacy 3 has been replaced by the Michelin Primacy 4.
What sizes does the Michelin Primacy 3 come in?
The Michelin Primacy 3 is available in 86 sizes, ranging from 185-275/40-65 R15-20.
Owner Questions (4)
Ask a question

Questions and Answers for the Michelin Primacy 3

What are some good alternatives to the tire. I need to get the front 2 replaced but was hoping for cheaper than £300.
February 17, 2023
I would suggest reading / watching this summer touring tire test to see what some of the good alternatives are.
Show all questions (4)
I have a budget tire and a Michelin primacy on the same axle. Should I change the budget tire?
October 24, 2022
I would advise you always match across axles so in this case yes I would change it.
What is the difference between 100V and 104V XL please?
August 20, 2020
The 104 is a higher load rated Primacy 3 intended for vehicles which require the higher load rating
trying to find the treadwear rating printed on the sidewall of Michelin primacy 3 and continental sportcontact 3 and 5. Show more trying to find the treadwear rating printed on the sidewall of Michelin primacy 3 and continental sportcontact 3 and 5. This is my deciding factor on these tires 235/50 R17 96 Y or W for my Jaguar s type 2004 3.0. Why on earth do no uk websites display this info, would really help if this was included in this website PLZ. Show less
November 25, 2017
Unfortunately manufacturer's treadwear ratings aren't a super reliable way of judging wear. Instead we suggest looking at user reviews and tests, and if you do that you will see that the Michelin Primacy 3 should last longer than the Continental tires you mention.

Michelin Primacy 3 Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What owners say summarised from 164 reviews

Owners generally praise the Michelin Primacy 3 for its grip in both wet and dry conditions. Many also find it comfortable and quiet, although around one in eleven criticise its road noise. Tread life divides opinion, with around three in ten owners pleased with it and a similar number disappointed; reported mileages vary widely. Steering feel also splits opinion, with around one in ten owners finding it vague or unresponsive. Overall, the tire earns an average owner score of 74.6%, with positive reviews outnumbering neutral and negative ones.

What owners mention most counted across 159 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 197 ratings

  • Owner score 76%
  • Dry Grip 85%
  • Comfort 80%
  • Wet Grip 79%
  • Handling 77%
  • Road Feedback 76%
  • Wear 69%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 67%

“I got this Michelin Primacy 3st for my Camry 2005 here in the Philippines. Few hours after the installation, one of tire's shoulder waa damaged(not sure how) though it did not lose air. I questioned its durability as...”

  • Toyota Camry
  • 500 miles
Read full review → 1,167 found this helpful
Most critical 32%

“I purchased 4 of these tires to replace Michelin Primacy LC which had been a fantastic tire for wear, handling and comfort and have averaged over 40000km before replacement. After seeing the advertising for the new...”

  • Honda Accord
  • 1,200 miles
Read full review → 385 found this helpful
Longest term 92%

“This was a factory fitted tire on a new car. After 3.5 years and 53000 miles the tires are nearly at the end of their life. I have had no issues whatsoever with these tires. Excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions...”

  • Ford Focus MK3
  • 53,000 miles
Read full review → 643 found this helpful

All 164 Michelin Primacy 3 reviews

Score spread across 161 written reviews
37%
Member
End of Life
  • 225/50 R18
  • 30,000 miles

Not for wet and not for snake roads

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 4
  • Wet Grip 1
  • Road Feedback 1
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 0
67%
Member
End of Life
  • 225/45 R17
  • 13,000 miles

Good quality but to short life

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 3
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 5
Helpful 1
61%
Member
End of Life

I've found the Michelin primacy 3 to be surprisingly good. They came newly fitted to a used Lexus UX 300e EV that I've been driving as my main car for 2 years in Scotland.
Having heard about how quickly EVs rip through tires I wasn't expecting them to last as long as they have, although the Lexus isn't the most powerful out there, it's got enough torque to spin it's tires in normal and sport mode, I've been 'enjoying' the car but these still have a little life in them.
In the dry they grip very well, obviously the Lexus isn't a sporty car but these tires hang on very well before finally letting go in a highly controlled and predictable manner. There is very little feedback, although it's hard to know if this is the car or the tires specifically.
Wet grip is also good. Not great, but predictable. Again, easy to spin a wheel in the wet, but generally the tires cope well enough, and they're never less than very confidence inspiring. I also have to note that they're particularly impressive at clearing water at motorway speeds, no evidence of hydroplaning, they'll go through puddles and standing water at reasonable speeds like they're on rails, no tugging at the wheel whatsoever.
Comfort wise they're very good, these are 50 section on the larger 18 inch alloys but I have no complaints, these soak up exposed covers, most road surfaces and don't transmit it to the cabin.
With regards to noise they're disappointing. These are the only tires I've had on the car and being an otherwise very quiet car it may be that the tire roar sounds louder than it really is, but even at low speeds the roar is disappointingly loud.
What's impressed me the most is how consistent they've been from new to 20k/2yrs old, they drive pretty much exactly as they did when new, which is surprising but very welcome.
If they weren't so noisy I'd have them again, and I'd certainly price shop them on my ice cars when the time comes. Not the most dynamic tire out there but very solid all rounder. Impressive.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 6
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 3
Helpful 25

Which tires do you drive?

Researching the Michelin Primacy 3? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.

Own the Michelin Primacy 3?
96%
Member
End of Life

I've have been driving on these tires for almost 50k kilometers as they were fitted in my car when I bought it new.
Being a Toyota hybrid, I really appreciate the low rolling resistance and low noise, which I am noticing has increased lately due to the tires end of life approaching.
The product has always given me a great safety feeling no matter the temperature (from -5C to 45C) and the weather (except snow, obviously).
Very safe on wet, both on highways and Italian twisty mountain/countryside roads.
As replacing will take place soon, I am absolutely oriented towards Michelin, in particular the evolution of Primacy 3 which is Primacy 5, in the hope to have the same feedback and duration.
Amazing tire.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 32
91%
Sebastian S Contributor
End of Life
Very good on dry, comfort, noise and wear. Not so good on wet and aquaplanning.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 9
Helpful 120
53%
Member
Mid-Life
He was skidding too much.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 5
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 6
  • Wear 4
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 4
Helpful 207
67%
Member
I got this Michelin Primacy 3st for my Camry 2005 here in the Philippines. Few hours after the installation, one of tire's shoulder waa damaged(not sure how) though it did not lose air. I questioned its durability as the rubber felt soft. I often get punctured on my Michelin tires. Other than that, the tires performed decent on dry and wet roads. It is not the quietest out there(Giticomfort F22 is a lot quieter) but it is good enough. It provides great road feedback. It sends almost every bump on my steering wheel(Hydraulic power steering, not EPS) which I find is both good and bad. Handling is also very good even though this is not built for sporty driving. Overall, I would recommend this is Primacy 4/4S isn't available in your area.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 3
Helpful 1,167
57%
Member
  • Skoda
  • 215/55 R16
  • Mostly Town
  • Average
bought these tires a year back and now after just 8000 kms of drive tires have cracks all over. When contacted Michelin customer care a very simple response they gave that we cant support since they have stopped import of these tires.

Such a pathetic response and leaving customer in between without supporting and looking into their bad quality product. What they replied is that i should better buy new tires of other make and since they will and wont support with replacement or reimbursement.

Asked them to submit report and in written then its more that 80 hours and yet to receive feedback. I have been chasing continuously but of no help.

If anyone can guide please help. I have spent 54K on these tires just a year back.

Cant share pics here as there is no option to.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 2
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 1,042
83%
Member
  • BMW 745LI
  • 245/50 R18
  • 50,000 miles
  • Mostly Motorways
  • Average
These tryes were the factory fitted types thus went with these for replacement, they have been fantastic, 5 and half years, and 80k kms roughly 50k miles, and they are down to 4.0mm left, so approaching change.

smooth, and the biggest one for me was quiet, and decent handling. The car is a 7 series, so not aiming for the sporty handling, needed it to be smooth and quiet over anything else.

Going to give the Primacy4 a go for the next change, but been extreamly happy with the Primacy 3's/
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 4
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 1,206
60%
Member
I believe Michelin Primacy 3 could be labeled as a good tire, however for the type of vehicle that I drive they are simply not good enough. I am driving a VW Polo GTI and the tires simply do not cope with the amount of torque the vehicle has. It's super easy to lose grip even in the dry if you try to put the power down. The tires simply slip, sometimes even in 2nd or even 3rd gears.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 5
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 5
Helpful 1,279
76%
Member
  • Citroën C3
  • 205/55 R16
  • 30,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Spirited
Excellent tires, these were the ones that came with the car. Never had any issue, always dependable on any circumstances. Superb grip on dry and wet, even when close to the twi the grip in wet was quite good. Aquaplaning resistance not the best. Also didn't last as long as expected, but overall great tires. High price though.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 7
Helpful 1,089
61%
Member
  • Skoda
  • 205/50 R18
  • 16 miles
  • Mostly Country Roads
  • Average
This is an OK tire, does not do anything particularly well, average mileage. The one things that let these tires down is the wet performance, with poor wet braking and total lack of grip with any standing water and will aquaplane in a puddle. This was so bad I replaced after 16,000 miles with over 3mm of tread left. Have changed to CrossClimate 2 SUV’s which are much better.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 5
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 2
Helpful 1,097
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