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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV View Gallery (2)
225-335/30-65 R17-23 84 sizes 2018

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a premium summer max-performance tyre that delivers standout on-road grip and control, especially in the wet. It consistently provides short braking distances, confident handling and reassuring high-speed stability for heavier, more powerful SUVs. Real-world drivers and independent tests align on its strong aquaplaning resistance and overall safety-focused performance, albeit at a premium price.

9.6
Tyre Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
92%
Wet Grip
88%
Road Feedback
83%
Handling
85%
Wear
71%
Comfort
72%
Buy again
76%
32 Reviews
81% Average
479,660 miles driven
8 Tests (avg: 2nd)
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

Summer Premium
BETA
9.6 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tyre Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tyre scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Wet
95.2
2x / 35 tests
Dry
86.7
1.8x / 16 tests
Off road
78.4
0.53x / 19 tests
Value
70.5
0.42x / 16 tests
Comfort
57.5
0.32x / 11 tests

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Braking
92.5
16 tests
Handling
86.4
20 tests
Traction
80.7
15 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 8
Publications: 4
Period: 2020 - 2025
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 32
Avg Rating: 80.9%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.41
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tyre tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild Allrad 2025 255/55 R18 5/10 13 metrics
2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tyre Test Vi Bilagare 2025 235/55 R19 1/7 9 metrics
2024 EV Tyre Test Auto Bild 2024 235/55 R19 1/9 13 metrics
2024 Summer SUV Tyre Test Auto Bild Allrad 2024 235/55 R19 2/11 14 metrics
2023 The Best Electric Vehicle Tyres VS UHP Tyres Auto Motor Und Sport 2023 255/45 R20 6/10 11 metrics
2023 Best SUV Tyres Tested Auto Bild Allrad 2023 225/65 R17 1/12 15 metrics
2020 ViBilagare SUV Tyre Test Vi Bilagare 2020 225/60 R18 1/8 8 metrics
2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2020 255/55 R18 1/10 14 metrics
8
Tests
2nd
Average
1st
Best
6th
Worst
Latest Tyre Test Results
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 tyres. As the most expensive option in the test, it offers proven performance but at a premium price.
1st/7
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 tyre 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 tyre testing, confirming its reliable performance regardless of whether it's fitted to diesel or electric vehicles.
2024 Summer SUV Tyre Test
235/55 R19 • 2024
2nd/11
Convincing premium tyre with a balanced high performance level, very good safety reserves against aquaplaning, short wet and dry braking distances.
Moderate sand traction.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
17 inch
235/65R17 108 W XL C A 72
235/65R17 108 V XL C A 72
18 inch
235/60R18 103 V D A 71
235/60R18 103 V C A 70
235/60R18 107 W XL C A 72
20 inch
255/45R20 105 Y XL C A 72
255/45R20 101 W C A 72
255/45R20 105 W XL B B 72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV >>

Questions and Answers for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

Ask a question
April 16, 2019

Hi - my ML63 2014 is due some new tyres soon. Despite it being seemingly obvious are these the 'right' tyres for it instead of the PS4S? Any idea if you might test these against the Goodyear Asymmetric 3 SUVs which I guess are the closest SUV specialist competitor? Thanks!

They certainly are the right tyre for your SUV. Sadly they've not been in any group tests yet, but you can see the TUV data in the launch report from the PS4 SUV.
January 23, 2020

Hi, I am looking for new tires in the nearest future for my Mercedes GLC 63 AMG. I am currently running on Continental Sport Contact 6 (265/45R20 and 295/40R20). I was always Michelin kind of guy, and I use Michelin Pilot Sport 4s on all my other vehicles and wanted to switch also to Michelin on my GLC. I am curious because there is no Pilot Sport 4s in this size, the only available tire is Pilot Sport 4 SUV. Do you think Pilot Sport 4 SUV is less sporty tire comparing to my current Continental Sport Contact 6 and by changing them to Pilot sport 4 SUV I will actually loose performance?

In those sizes the performance should be quite comparable. The Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a much stronger tyre than the normal PS4, so should feel just as sporty as the SC6.
October 15, 2021

I have 235/55 19 Michelin latitude sport 3 tyres on my Honda CRV and due to a tracking issue, I will have to replace one front tyre soon, the other 3 tyres are fine. As the Pilot sport 4 SUV has superseded the latitude 3, should I replace the tyre with a PS4 SUV, or will this cause an imbalance in handling etc, mixing front tyres? The alternative is to find a single latitude 3, or fit a pair of PS4 SUVs, which would effectively waste the perfectly good latitude 3 on the other side. Your advice would be appreciated.

I would not recommend just a single PS4SUV as there will be handling and grip differences when compared to the Latitude 3.

My choice would be to place new PS4SUV on the rear and keep the spare latitude as a spare.
October 29, 2021

I have 235/55 19 Michelin latitude sport 3 tyres on my Honda CRV and due to a tracking issue, I will have to replace one front tyre soon, the other 3 tyres are fine. As the Pilot sport 4 SUV has superseded the latitude 3, should I replace the tyre with a PS4 SUV, or will this cause an imbalance in handling etc, mixing front tyres? The alternative is to find a single latitude 3, or fit a pair of PS4 SUVs, which would effectively waste the perfectly good latitude 3 on the other side. Your advice would be appreciated.

I would advise against mixing tyres on the same axle. I would probably fit a pair of PS4 SUV and keep the good tyre as a spare.
March 19, 2023

I am about to change the tires on my 62-plate Volvo XC70 D5 AWD aut. Currently, I have 4 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Weather 235/50 R18 on the car. I am absolutely not a fan of these tyres. I have a few ideas, I would like to ask you to advise me based on your experience! 1: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 2: Bridgestone Turanza 6, 3: Michelin Primacy 4+? My previous car had the Continental Premium Contact 6 on ( really enjoyed them) and now I have seen the PC 7 has just been released. There are not many reviews of the PC7 or Turanza 6 just yet to help me. I am living in Scotland, wet performance is a key element and temperatures are milder ( would it be warm enough for PS4SUV or PC7? ) Most of the time I drive on twisty A roads and motorways. Often long motorway journeys. Which tyres would match the best with my car’s characteristics? ( would you recommend any other tyres which are not on my list?) I am not driving over the speed limit but enjoy a good drive and a responsive car. Also, enjoy the comfort of the car and the generally low interior noise levels. I really appreciate your answer and help! Thanks

This is not based on actual experience as I've not had the PS4 SUV in a test myself, but based on the data I would have no hesitation fitting it. The PC7 is also a great shout if you can get it in the correct size and load index!
March 20, 2023

I need to buy new summer tyres for 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo. Should I go for these "Pilot Sport 4 SUV" whiteout Porsche homologation or stay with Latitude Sport 3 but with Porsche homologation, they are at the same price. Pilot Sport 4 SUV looks like far more advance tyre...

Whether you want to stick with the N rated tyre is a personal choice, I have a Cayenne and if presented with the same option I would pick the PS4 SUV.
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Size Price Range  
225/55 R19 £173.99 - £173.99 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
225/60 R18 £166.99 - £166.99 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
235/55 R19 £179.99 - £179.99 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
255/45 R20 £245.99 - £267.99 (2 Prices) Compare Prices >>
Available in 21 tyre sizes - View all.

Review Summary

Based on 27 user reviews

Drivers of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV generally praise its strong dry and wet grip, short braking distances, high-speed stability, and confidence-inspiring handling, often highlighting good aquaplaning resistance and a compliant ride. Many report excellent real-world performance on heavy SUVs and in challenging wet conditions. A notable minority cite elevated road noise (especially at highway speeds or as the tyre wears), faster-than-expected tread wear in some cases, and a high purchase price. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with performance outweighing these concerns for most users.

Strengths
  • Dry grip
  • Wet grip
  • Short braking distances
  • High-speed stability
  • Handling confidence
  • Aquaplaning resistance
  • Ride comfort/compliance
Areas for Improvement
  • Road noise (especially at speed or as they wear)
  • Faster tread wear for some users
  • High price

Top 3 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Reviews

Given 64% while driving a Lexus NX 450h+ (235/50 R20) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Dry grip is quite good, and so is the wet grip - similar to the two Continental PremiumContact 7:s that I've had in the past (I wanted to try something new, and the PremiumContact 7 isn't available in the 235/50R20 size I needed).

They're objectively somewhat noisy (recorded 72 db at 125 km/h in a Lexus NX 450h+ at an o-k road surface - that's not good for such an insulated car), but the "subjective noise" is quite good (as in, they're not grating to listen to for hours). The tire sound has a high-but-not-that-high frequency (the continentals I'm used to have a bit more of a low-frequency "rumble" sound).

But they clearly got there by having a really soft sidewall (despite having the variant rated for the highest speeds). Turn-in is slow, and at the limit they feel extremely wobbly (even if they still manage to hold on well and lose grip somewhat progressively). In a panic scenario in the rain I could see someone overdriving the tires and then overreacting in the other direction and then crashing due to the late response and wobbly nature.

It's the quintessential Michelin tire - it grips well, doesn't sound too loud, is fairly progressive at the limit, so on paper it's all good, but... it feels really bad to drive on. I would pick Continentals every day of the week.
August 2, 2025
Given 42% while driving a Lexus Rx450h (235/55 R20) on a combination of roads for 700 spirited miles
i just bought them 2 weeks ago for my lexus rx 450 h. I m very disappointed with those tyres. Sure They perform well on the road but are so noisy in the Lexus ! Nearly as noisy as my Goodrich mud on my old defender. After 2 weeks i just decided to change them as they really ruined the Lexus driving. Really sad for such a price ! I noticed they were " made in China". I'm wondering if the quality is the same as i also get them on my Bmw 640 witout any issue ( but " made in Europe"). So on my opinion, They absolutely do not worth the money.
May 13, 2025
Given 91% while driving a Peugeot 3008 exclusive (225/60 R18) on a combination of roads for 70,000 spirited miles
Excellent tired in all classes. Extra quiet as well. They wear quicker than average, but that is the trade-off for the performance. I drive them spirited as well, in a hot clinate, so that doesn't help with wear.
March 18, 2025

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Latest Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Reviews

Given 77% while driving a Lexus RX500h (235/50 R21) on mostly town for 13,000 spirited miles
It’s a good sport tyres given by Lexus from the factory, as there aren’t much options in this tyre specs anyway. Grip wise, it should have enough grip to be confident in lots of corners, though there were times where I lost traction shortly when flooring the car real hard on sealed road. Any speeds more than 100km/h will bring noises into the cabin (given ugly back roads in Australia), but otherwise a comfortable ride most of the time. On windy roads, plenty of traction but the car was a boat, can’t do much spirited driving anyway. Looking to try Touring tyres next such as Advan dB or Geolandar X CV before coming back to PS4 again.
December 26, 2025
Given 91% while driving a Audi Q5 (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 0 average miles
A tire that inspires great confidence on dry roads, with good durability. Excellent for SUVs. I've had Continentals before, but I prefer Michelin. I've been using them for 20 years on my X3, X5, and Q5.
November 30, 2025
Check out how the BEST all seasons tyres perform against premium summer and winter tyres!
Given 86% while driving a Volkswagen TOUAREG V6 TDI (265/50 R19) on a combination of roads for 60,000 easy going miles
Touareg almost 2.5 ton of weight. 70% city , 30% highway driving. Lasted almost 80,000 km. Still getting 4 mm of life but the tires started to peeling off, picture for reference. The car is good condition on the suspension and tires services
September 19, 2025
Given 91% while driving a Mazda CX 5 (225/55 R19) on a combination of roads for 12,000 spirited miles
This is a great tyre, it makes my car (Mazda CX-5) a pleasure to drive, unlike the manufacturer fitted tyres it had. They excel on a twisty country road.
This tyres saved my life in an iminent crash situation, the tyres were new at that time, and the braking distance was unbelievable short from 67 km/h while keeping the car maneuverable.
August 20, 2025
Given 94% while driving a Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TSI RS (245/45 R20) on a combination of roads for 3,100 spirited miles
Replaced factory fit Continental Contisport Contact 5 on a Skoda Kodiaq. Brilliant all round tyre across most measures. Handling not quite as sharp as the Continentals with more sidewall compression on turn-in but the ride is better. Virtually no wear after 5,000km.
August 19, 2025
Given 89% while driving a Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Sport (265/50 R20) on mostly motorways for 10,000 spirited miles
Best UHP summer tire. No other SUV tire comes close in terms of high speed performance. Braking, cornering, stability and road feedback. Only weakness is wear, they seem to wear pretty fast.
December 29, 2024
Given 81% while driving a Toyota RAV4 (235/55 R19) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
Great tyre! I was very satisfied with wet and dry grip on Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid. Tyre was also very communicative on the edge and I felt very safe while driving it. There is one big disadvantage and that is wear. They lasted only about 16000 km /10000 miles (on 2,2 ton SUV). Also I didn´t do any off-roading with it, so I can´t comment on that.
November 19, 2024
Tyre reviews and ratingsTyre Reviews Replies
That's unusually quick wear for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, I hope you got some fun out of them for that mileage! If not, check alignment.
Given 60% while driving a Honda CRV (235/55 R19) on mostly town for 20,000 average miles
Got a Honda CRV with factory 19inch wheels and installed the PS 4 SUV but after 30K kms, they have become very very loud - bordering on the dreaded wheel bearing noise. Maybe its me, but every Michelin tire I've purchased before (Primacy & PS 4SUV) they have turned out to be very noisy. All the other scores are fine, it is a daily driver in city driving with occasional (1 or 2 per year) long trips (+8hr distances). Being a 105 load rating, choices are more limited down here in Aus, but I'm leaning to Bridgestone next time around.
August 20, 2024
Given 77% while driving a Mercedes Benz GLC 250 4 Matic (235/55 R19) on mostly town for 26,000 average miles
High front tyre wear on Mercedes GLC250. Mostly city/ urban used and not even 30K km .
June 29, 2024
Given 91% while driving a Audi Q5 (235/55 R19) on a combination of roads for 30,000 spirited miles
Having used the Latitude Sport before, this was an even better tyre. Very well balanced with no weaknesses. What surprised me after 2 years and over 40000km of use was how the performance and comfort remained the same throughout. Even the longevity was better than other tyres I’ve used before. Almost worn to within 1mm of the indicator.
June 19, 2024
Given 81% while driving a Mercedes Benz GLS 500 bi turbo (275/50 R20) on a combination of roads for 30,000 spirited miles
Already my third set of tires. The first generation of 2021 had lousy mileage (had under 5mm left after 8000 km) but has improved since and I typically do 30'000km until 4.4mm of tread is left (I never go under) starting with 6.8-6.9mm for a new one. Second comment is that Michelin seems to offer less tread on their tires as compared to competition - all things equal this makes for lower mileage. Overall I never liked Michelin tires and would take off if provided with a new car however after I have them on my Noble M600 (custom made for Z rating and size) I tried them on powerful SUVs and are positively impressed to the extend I switched over from ContiSportContact 5 SUV (also a great tire reviewed separately) for most of my cars. A balanced tire equally good for dry and wet. Surprisingly very good for offroad ALTHOUGH not an offroad tire by nature/design. A summer performance tire (contrary to many of the ones I used) maintains positive characteristics when nearing to freezing temperatures and even on wet roads just above freezing. THIS IS not a tire meant to be driven anywhere close to this levels but reassuring if you get surprised late autumn. Very good aquaplanning resistance and likes dynamic driving (although I add typically between 0.2-0.4bar (depending on style) of pressure for everyday driving. Looks also very good although due to tread may be slightly overbearing on some cars (just thinking whether to mount them on my Volvo XC90 V8 as they may have just to heavy looks. On the Mercedes SUV which is an ugly block anyhow they look gorgeous. If you opt for comfort, low noise levels this is not a tire for you but these parameters are secondary or even tertiary as is price for me. Safety, balanced performance and dry/wet/aquaplaning/stability being key for me - this is where the tire excels. Michelin (as any other producer) will not acknowledge this and I did not do a scientific side-by-side test but tires vary moderately (to even more than moderately) depending on country of origin. Also when reordering do not trust only the name/model but if you want same performance going forward check the SAP (or equivalent) systems number (I have been advised so by two premium tire manufacturers and in true life the difference can be significant - both in terms of e.g. dry/wet optimization as well as OEM vs aftermarket). The ones reviewed come from Hungary.
April 9, 2024
Given 84% while driving a Mercedes Benz 190 2.3 16 (255/45 R20) on a combination of roads for 20 easy going miles
I have used Vredestein Quatrac 5, Pirelli Scorpion Verde and Michelin Pilot Sport on my Mercedes GLC350D. The tyre sizes were 255 / 45 / R20 101W.

The Michelin PS4 tyres operate at +7°C to +40°C and are excellent in the summer wet and dry but not great (useless) in the winter snow & ice. The Michelin did perform better than the Vredestein Quatrac 5 or the Pirelli Scorpion Verde. I love this tyre.

With winter approaching, and tread wearing, I am now looking for a new set of tyres and am deliberating between the Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Cross Climate 2. The Cross Climate 2 operates between -10°C to +30°C and will offer improved winter (snow) performance. The operating temperature should be ideal for the UK climate but I would like to better understand how much summer performance (braking, handling & stopping) I will sacrifice. Will I notice any significant difference in a 3.0litre, V6 Diesel SUV? It does not go on the track and is driven in Comfort Mode.

Both Michelin tyres get good write ups, hence my problem. Try something new (CC) or stick with the product PS4 that I know performs well 95% of the time.

1. Has there been a direct comparison between the Pilot Sport 4 and the Cross Climate 2?
2. Perhaps a comparison test would help many readers?
3. Does anyone have any direct experience?

Thank you
November 8, 2023
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