Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Pirelli Scorpion
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 81% · 38
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 5
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV finished ahead 2 times and the Scorpion once. The Pilot Sport 4 SUV stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet; the Scorpion had 6.4% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV for performance-focused driving and maximum wet-weather safety, including heavy SUVs and EVs where grip and stability are paramount. Choose Pirelli Scorpion for quiet, comfortable long-distance touring with better efficiency and still solid all-round capability.
Where the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is stronger
- Class-leading wet performance (3/3 wins in wet braking, handling and circle)
- Best aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) across tests
- Precise steering and control; top subjective handling once and overall test wins (2/3)
Where the Scorpion is stronger
- Outstanding comfort and lowest noise in testing
- Lowest rolling resistance among the pair; efficiency and range friendly
- Competitive dry braking (won once; near-par elsewhere)
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Scorpion at a glance
| Category | Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Gap | Scorpion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 2 | 1 | |
| Dry6 measurements | 4 | The Pilot Sport 4 SUV stopped 0.8% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 2 |
| Wet14 measurements | 14 | The Pilot Sport 4 SUV stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 0 |
| Off road9 measurements | 6 | 3 | |
| Comfort4 measurements | 0 | The Scorpion was 2.3 dB quieter (2 tests) | 4 |
| Value3 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Pilot Sport 4 SUV by 0.3 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner rating38 and 5 reviews | 81% | The Scorpion by 2 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | +9.9% | The Pilot Sport 4 SUV was dearer in 2 of 2 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 65 | 32 sizes made in both | 58 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre 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 3 tests, 2024 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Field | Scorpion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tyre Test | P5 of 10 | P2 of 10 | |
| 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tyre Test | P1 of 7 | P3 of 7 | |
| 2024 Summer SUV Tyre Test | P2 of 11 | P5 of 11 |
Performance profile
12 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Scorpion
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Scorpion
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Scorpion
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Pilot Sport 4 SUV 81% from 38 reviews and the Scorpion 83% from 5. 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 tyres 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 | Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Gap | Scorpion | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37.6 | 0.8% | 37.2 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 106.9 | 0.4% | 106.5 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 25% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 46.27 | 3.1% | 47.8 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 71.4 | 2.1% | 72.9 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 84.05 | 1.2% | 83.05 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 17.5 | 1.3% | 17.74 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 90.93 | 4.4% | 87.07 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 2.61 | 8.6% | 2.41 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 73.35 | 1.4% | 74.15 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 9,985 | 5.1% | 9,415 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 9,445 | 0.3% | 9,415 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 2,438 | 10% | 2,216 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 1.58 | 4.2% | 1.65 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 2,238 | 7.9% | 2,414 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 150% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 33.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 67.7 | 2.3 dB | 65.4 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 7.75 | 6.4% | 7.23 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 396 | 1% | 392 | 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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 9.3 and the Scorpion 9 out of 10.
| Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Category | Scorpion | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Dry | 91 | ||
| 98 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 35 | Comfort | 96 | ||
| 36 | Value | 46 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Category | Scorpion | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2 | Dry Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.8 | Wet Grip | 8 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 8 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 8 | ||
| 7.1 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 7.1 | Comfort | 9 | ||
Owners rate the Pilot Sport 4 SUV 81% from 38 reviews and the Scorpion 83% from 5. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
- 81%from 38 reviews
- 71%would buy again
- 649,860 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 31 reviews, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is most often praised as a high-confidence summer performance tyre with standout wet and dry grip, strong braking, and reassuring aquaplaning resistance. Many drivers also report stable, predictable handling and a generally comfortable ride, with several noting good mileage for a UHP SUV tyre. The most repeated downsides are increased road noise as the tyre wears, wear rate/mileage variability (some seeing rapid wear), and a subset reporting softer sidewalls that dull turn-in feel; a few also note higher rolling resistance/fuel or EV energy consumption and premium pricing.
- Excellent wet and dry grip
- Very strong, stable braking performance
- High aquaplaning resistance in heavy rain/standing water
- Confident, predictable handling and stability
- Road noise (often increases noticeably with wear or at higher speeds)
- Treadwear/mileage can be faster than expected or inconsistent for some users
- Soft sidewalls/less sharp turn-in or wobbly feel at the limit for some setups
Summarised by AI from 31 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 38 Pilot Sport 4 SUV reviewsReplacing Pirelli Scorpions, the Michelins are a definite step up. In the dry the steering is far more precise, grip levels high and behavior at the limit clean and benign. Stopping distances are commendably short with excellent stability. If anything they are even more impressive in the wet with exceptionally strong lateral grip and progressive behavior at the limit. They are very resistant to
aquaplaning on flooded motorways. Road noise and rolling comfort are good but not exceptional. As I use extreme winter tyres
for half the year I have no idea how they would fare in snow or ice although they show commendably good behavior in low
temperatures unlike some summer tyres. So far they are wearing well. For on road use in above freezing conditions I strongly
recommend these tyres as being worth the high price and would happily buy again.
Pirelli Scorpion
- 83%from 5 reviews
- 64,375 milesdriven by reviewers
All 5 Scorpion reviewsFirstly, these are great tires with excellent grip, making them a solid upgrade from my old PremiumContact 6s. Secondly, they make a noticeable howling noise at low speeds up to 60 km/h. I expected less noise from premium tires, but they probably just need a bit more breaking in.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 65 sizes of the Pilot Sport 4 SUV and 58 of the Scorpion, 32 of them made in both.
| Category | Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Scorpion |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 65 sizes, 17 to 23 inch | 58 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 32 sizes 235/65 R17225/60 R18235/50 R18235/60 R18255/55 R18255/60 R18235/45 R19235/50 R19235/55 R19255/45 R19255/50 R19255/55 R19and 20 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A92%B8% | A49%B41%C9% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C79%D10%A6%B5% | A55%B41%C5% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 68-72 dB A55%B45% |
| On the market since | 2018 | 2019 |
| Replaced | Michelin Latitude Sport 3 (2012) | - |
| Awards | Winner: Best Tyres for Small & Mid-Size SUVs (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: SUV Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2025) Winner: Best Tyres for Large SUVs (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: SUV Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2023) Winner: SUV Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2021) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Sport 4 SUV was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 9.9% on average. Each test priced the tyres 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 matchup contrasts two premium summer SUV tyres with different design priorities. Michelin's Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a max-performance option aimed at grip, precision and wet-weather security, while Pirelli's Scorpion focuses on comfort, low noise and efficiency as a premium-touring choice. Across three recent independent tests in 18-19 inch SUV fitments, both tyres performed strongly but in distinct ways.
The data shows Michelin repeatedly leading in wet performance and dynamic control, including aquaplaning resistance, while Pirelli counters with class-leading refinement, lower rolling resistance and competitive dry stopping. Off-road light-duty capability is shared, with niche strengths trading places depending on surface.
Conclusion
Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is the dynamic and safety leader, winning 2 of 3 tests and sweeping the wet disciplines across all shared tests. It delivers the shortest wet stops, the best wet handling and the strongest aquaplaning margins, plus crisp steering-ideal for confident driving and variable summer weather. The trade-offs are higher price, elevated exterior noise in some tests and middling ride comfort.
The Pirelli Scorpion places higher once (2nd overall at AutoBild) on the strength of outstanding noise/comfort, low rolling resistance and solid braking-particularly strong in dry braking once and consistently quiet. It's the better choice for refinement, efficiency and relaxed touring, while still competent in the wet. In short: pick Michelin for grip-first safety and precision; pick Pirelli for comfort, quiet and fuel savings.
Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Scorpion: your questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV or the Pirelli Scorpion the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV finished ahead 2 times and the Scorpion once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 9.3 and the Scorpion 9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV or the Scorpion?
The Pilot Sport 4 SUV led 14 of the 14 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Sport 4 SUV led 4 of the 6 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.8% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Scorpion had 6.4% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.1/10 for the Pilot Sport 4 SUV and 9/10 for the Scorpion.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Scorpion was 2.3 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.1/10 for the Pilot Sport 4 SUV and 9/10 for the Scorpion.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Pilot Sport 4 SUV 81% from 38 reviews and the Scorpion 83% from 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 9.9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Pilot Sport 4 SUV is made in 65 sizes (17 to 23 inch) and the Scorpion in 58 (16 to 22 inch). 32 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Scorpion A and A.
Which is the newer tyre?
The Scorpion is the newer design: it reached the market in 2019, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV in 2018. The Pilot Sport 4 SUV replaced the Michelin Latitude Sport 3.
Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre 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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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