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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S vs Toyo Proxes TR1 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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6 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes TR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 87 | 71 |
| Tire Rack owners | 95 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 92 | 84 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 92% | 87% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 98% | 100% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes TR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 73 |
| Tire Rack owners | 88 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 75 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 100% | 82% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 99% | 94% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 99% | 94% |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes TR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 82 | 81 |
| Tire Rack owners | 87 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 67 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes TR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 78 | 96 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes TR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 71 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes TR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 81 |
| DriverReviews owners | 92 | 84 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | Toyo Proxes TR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 89 | 78 |
| Dry | 91 | 76 |
| Wet | 87 | 74 |
| Comfort | 86 | 76 |
| Noise | 84 | 96 |
| Treadwear | 90 | 71 |
| Handling | 95 | 81 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 92% #2/10 · 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 87% #5/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | +5.4 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #6/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #6/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | -2 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 94% #2/7 · Best Performance Tyres For 2025 | 94% #3/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | +0.6 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 100% #6/6 · 2018 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test | 100% #4/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | +0.3 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 50% #2/10 · 2022 Tyre Reviews UUHP Summer Tyre Test | 20% #5/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | +30 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 92% #7/8 · 2025 Sports Cars Tyre Test | 97% #5/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | -4.3 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 90% #2/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 92% #3/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | -1.5 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 100% #1/10 · 2020 Auto Bild UHP 19 inch Tyre Test | 82% #5/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | +17.7 | Different tests |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 99% #2/7 · 2025 Autobild Sports Cars UUHP Tyre Test | 94% #5/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | +4.6 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 99% #4/10 · 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 94% #5/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test | +4.8 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is widely regarded as a benchmark ultra-high-performance summer tire, consistently praised for its exceptional wet and dry grip, confidence-inspiring handling, and superior ride comfort compared to OEM run-flat alternatives. While most users laud its versatility and safety, some enthusiasts note that its relatively soft sidewalls can result in slightly less steering precision or feedback compared to more track-focused or stiffer-walled competitors.
Pros
- Exceptional wet and dry traction
- High levels of ride comfort and reduced road noise
- Predictable handling and stability at high speeds
- Excellent rim protection design
- Strong longevity for a high-performance tire
Cons
- Soft sidewalls can feel vague or sluggish during aggressive steering inputs
- High price point compared to competitors
- Performance can degrade significantly as the tread wears down
- Reports of sidewall cracking or perishing in some climates
- Not suitable for cold weather or snow
Observations
- Users transitioning from OEM run-flat tires on luxury and performance vehicles (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Tesla) report a transformative improvement in ride quality and noise reduction.
- Drivers of high-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive vehicles frequently highlight the tire's ability to put power down effectively, though some note faster wear on rear axles.
- Some users with heavy vehicles or specific performance setups noted that the tire's soft sidewall can lead to a 'bouncy' or less precise feel during rapid direction changes.
The Toyo Proxes TR1 is widely regarded as a high-value, budget-friendly performance tire that excels in dry grip and provides a sporty, responsive driving experience. While many users praise its ability to transform vehicle handling, the consensus is tempered by frequent reports of significant road noise, soft sidewalls, and rapid tread wear, particularly under spirited driving conditions.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Strong dry pavement grip and cornering stability
- Predictable and progressive handling at the limit
- Aesthetically pleasing tread pattern
- Improved steering feedback compared to standard touring tires
Cons
- High levels of road noise, often described as a 'humming' or 'wheel bearing' sound
- Soft sidewalls leading to a wobbly feel or lack of precision under heavy load
- Rapid tread wear and potential for uneven cupping
- Inconsistent wet weather performance, with some users reporting aquaplaning issues
- Performance degradation as the tire reaches the end of its tread life
Observations
- Mid-engined vehicle owners reported dissatisfaction with the soft sidewalls, noting a lack of stability during cornering compared to front-engined setups.
- Users with lightweight hatchbacks and compact cars frequently cited the tire as a significant upgrade in handling and confidence for daily spirited driving.
- Drivers of heavier or higher-horsepower vehicles noted faster tread wear and increased susceptibility to understeer when pushing the tires to their limits.
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is widely praised by the community as a premier max performance summer tire, offering exceptional dry and wet grip, precise steering feel, and refined road manners for daily driving and spirited street use. While some users note higher pricing and relatively quick wear on heavier vehicles or hot tracks, it remains a benchmark choice that many enthusiasts gladly return to despite alternatives like Continental or Kumho.
“Tire condition after 1st track day. PS4s on a GR86 First 2 pics are drivers front, rest pass front. This was at CMP, temps mid 70s, mostly cloudy. Lowered TP to 31psi. Highest I saw on track was 36 psi. The driver side l thought looked good, but passengers side inner looks like they melted. Is this track rubber I picked up or due to mostly turning right on this clockwise circuit?? Also was pleasantly surprised to only have used 1/16 of tread depth after 110 minutes on track. Given what I have read, thought the ps4s would be all used up. Maybe on a hot track surface they would have been eaten up. Read more”
“Am I the owner of the newer PS4s?😁 Hello everyone, new in the sub and just want to share my love for the Pilot Sport 4s. This is the third set and I love it. To me they are the perfect compromise beetween performance anche tyre wear. Last set last me 43k km, I do lot of highway and some spirited drive when possibile. I also had a set of Sport Contact 7, awesome grip, to me better than the PS4s, almost too much for my stock Golf. They also wear out faster. I saw yesterday the review of Potenza Sport Evo and they promise very week, maybe next time I’ll try!”
“I’ll say this. Going from the Pilot Super Sport to the Pilot Sport 4 S of the same size, I’m disappointed in the soft sidewall of the 4 S. This is an 8.5” wide wheel with 235/40/18 tires. The left-right fast slalom action got a bit mushy like the weight transfer was slowed down when I switched to the 4 S. I think a shorter sidewall 4 S would perform better in this way, or the same tire on a 9” wide wheel too. That said, the dry and wet grip is exceptional. To save money, I’d recommend the Continental ExtremeContact Sport.”
“Depending on the size they are absolutely overkill for street use on stock motor. I just installed a set of 245 ps4s on 17x9 rpf1s and its almost impossible to trigger the abs and traction co trol. The car is on absolute rails. That being said, if you have the money, there is not really any negatives from that. I intend to use mine on track days. Felt the cup 2s were overkill for 2 to 3 track days a year.”
Based on 104 community posts
Toyo Proxes TR1
Community opinions on the Toyo Proxes TR1 are mixed, with users highlighting its affordable price, progressive limit handling, and good dry grip for spirited driving or sliding. However, critics frequently point out issues with soft sidewalls that reduce steering precision, increased road noise over time, and mixed performance in wet or cold weather.
“Avoid TR1.. the sound will become unbearable.. I suggest Yokohama ES32..”
“Tr1s are great for sliding and are very progressive at the limit but they have very sloppy sidewalls and do not have a lot of grip, it's very easy to lock up and can easily make you do a 4 wheel slide. Even the ancient PS3s have way more grip.”
“Tr1 is a solid choice for relatively cheap grip They do suffer in the cold and wet but if it's a summer car that shouldn't be an issue”
“Bekomme ich mit unterschiedliche Reifen Modelle Probleme mit dem Verteiler Getriebe? Hallo, ich habe mal eine Frage bezüglich Reifen und dem Verteilergetriebe. Ich habe vor ein paar Jahren einen gebrauchten Felgensatz gekauft auf dem Reifen aus dem Jahr 2016 waren Profiltiefe der Reifen war bei allen neuwertig. Anfang diesen Jahres habe ich mir dann hinten links einen Platten gefahren. Ich habe dann die Reifen hinten achsweise getauscht mit dem selben Reifen was verbaut war (neue toyo proxes tr1 Reifen. Unglücklicherweise habe ich jetzt wieder einen platten Reifen, allerdings vorne. Nun wollte ich wieder 2 neue Reifen für vorne bestellen (ebenfalls toyo proxes tr1). Leider läuft dieses Modell wohl aus und sind nicht mehr verfügbar. Meine Frage jetzt, kann ich andere Reifen Modelle nutzen (toyo comfort in den selben Maßen wie den Proxes tr1) oder sind diese problematisch? Vielen Dank im Voraus 🙂 Read more”
Based on 16 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | B · Toyo Proxes TR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Ultra High Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Which one should you actually buy?
Michelin
Toyo
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better treadwear, dry and handling. Pick the Toyo Proxes TR1 if noise matters most to you.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 90 vs 71 on treadwear.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 91 vs 76 on dry.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 95 vs 81 on handling.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 87 vs 74 on wet.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.