79
/ 100
Objective (60%)
84/100
13 professional tests
User signal (40%)
77/100
84 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Head-to-head
Updated September 2026
Kumho Ecsta PS71 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — 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.
VS
84
/ 100
Objective (60%)
73/100
9 professional tests
User signal (40%)
94/100
1,959 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictWinner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — better treadwear, handling and dry. Pick the Kumho Ecsta PS71 if comfort and noise matter most to you.
Read full
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made via links on this page.
Category breakdown
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
Score (0–100)
Pilot Sport 4 SUV leads by 12
Why this score
| Source | Ecsta PS71 | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 79 | 90 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 94 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 92 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 94% | 97% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 95% | 100% |
Wet
Score (0–100)
Pilot Sport 4 SUV leads by 11
Why this score
| Source | Ecsta PS71 | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 85 | 95 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 88 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 88% | 100% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 99% | 98% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 92% | 97% |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
Ecsta PS71 leads by 36
Why this score
| Source | Ecsta PS71 | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 74 | 1 |
| Tire Rack owners | – | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 73 | 72 |
Noise
Score (0–100)
Ecsta PS71 leads by 10
Why this score
| Source | Ecsta PS71 | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 92 | 76 |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
Pilot Sport 4 SUV leads by 19
Why this score
| Source | Ecsta PS71 | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 80 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 71 | 71 |
Handling
Score (0–100)
Pilot Sport 4 SUV leads by 17
Why this score
| Source | Ecsta PS71 | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 79 | 85 |
| DriverReviews owners | 82 | 86 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Kumho Ecsta PS71 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 79 | 84 |
| Dry | 81 | 93 |
| Wet | 83 | 94 |
| Comfort | 74 | 38 |
| Noise | 92 | 82 |
| Treadwear | 71 | 90 |
| Handling | 79 | 96 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Personalize
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.
Neutral
NoneLessNeutralMoreMost
Important
NoneLessNeutralMoreMost
Neutral
NoneLessNeutralMoreMost
Neutral
NoneLessNeutralMoreMost
Important
NoneLessNeutralMoreMost
Neutral
NoneLessNeutralMoreMost
Recomputed
Headline score
79
/ 100
Tire A
84
/ 100
Tire B
Test data
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 100% #1/10 · 2022 Tyre Reviews UUHP Summer Tyre Test | 91% #5/10 · 2025 Autobild SUV Off-Road Summer Tyre Test | +9.5 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 94% #6/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 97% #5/9 · 2024 EV Tyre Test | -2.3 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 95% #7/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #2/10 · 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | -4.5 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 100% #1/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 86% #4/10 · 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | +13.8 | Different tests |
| Abrasion | Other | 88% #14/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 58% #3/8 · 2024 EV Tyre Test | +29.9 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 100% #20/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 99% #8/10 · 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | +0.8 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 69% #6/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | 100% #10/10 · 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | -30.9 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 98% #19/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 61% #7/8 · 2024 EV Tyre Test | +37.3 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 78% #5/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 97% #2/8 · 2024 EV Tyre Test | -19.2 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 17% #6/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 20% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | -3.3 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 100% #2/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 100% #1/10 · 2023 The Best Electric Vehicle Tyres VS UHP Tyres | -0.1 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 78% #10/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 75% #6/8 · 2020 ViBilagare SUV Tyre Test | +2.8 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 70% #7/16 · 2018 Test World Summer Tyre Test | 100% #1/6 · 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tyre Test | -30 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #20/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 0% #7/8 · 2024 EV Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 88% #6/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #1/10 · 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | -12.1 | Different tests |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 99% #5/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | 98% #3/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | +1.2 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 92% #7/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 97% #1/6 · 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tyre Test | -4.5 | Different tests |
From owners
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Kumho Ecsta PS71 is widely regarded as a high-value, mid-range performance tire that offers impressive wet and dry grip, often rivaling more expensive premium brands. While most users praise its handling and affordability, a subset of owners reports significant issues with road noise, inconsistent manufacturing quality, and occasional balancing difficulties.
Pros
- Excellent wet and dry traction
- High value-for-money proposition
- Predictable handling and cornering feedback
- Strong aquaplaning resistance
Cons
- Reports of road noise and droning at highway speeds
- Inconsistent manufacturing quality (balancing issues and 'egg-shaped' tires)
- Soft sidewall construction leading to a 'floaty' or unstable feel for some drivers
- Variable tread life depending on vehicle type and driving style
Observations
- Users with high-torque RWD vehicles (e.g., BMW, Jaguar) generally report high satisfaction with grip levels, though some note faster rear-tire wear.
- Owners of smaller, lighter vehicles (e.g., MX-5) occasionally report a 'floaty' sensation due to tread block movement, which can be unsettling during spirited driving.
- Some users on larger rim sizes (19-20 inch) report increased road noise and sensitivity to road imperfections.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is widely regarded as a premium, high-performance tire that significantly improves ride quality and handling dynamics, particularly when replacing harsh OEM run-flat tires. While users consistently praise its exceptional wet-weather grip and confident dry-road handling, the consensus is tempered by reports of rapid tread wear and elevated road noise in certain applications.
Pros
- Exceptional wet-weather traction and hydroplaning resistance.
- Significant improvement in ride comfort and steering feel compared to OEM run-flats.
- Predictable and progressive handling at the limit.
- Strong dry-road grip and braking performance.
Cons
- Faster-than-average tread wear, particularly on heavy or high-torque vehicles.
- Increased road noise reported by some users, especially as the tire wears.
- Higher price point compared to competitors.
- Noticeable reduction in fuel economy or EV range due to rolling resistance.
Observations
- EV owners (notably Tesla Model Y/3) report a measurable decrease in range (approx. 10-20%) compared to OEM efficiency-focused tires.
- Users transitioning from factory-fitted run-flat tires on luxury SUVs (BMW X3, Mercedes GLC) report the most significant satisfaction regarding ride compliance and noise reduction.
- Heavy, high-torque SUVs and performance vehicles experience accelerated tread wear, with some users reporting significant degradation under 20,000 miles.
Community buzz
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Mixed
Kumho Ecsta PS71
Community discussions regarding the Kumho Ecsta PS71 generally present it as a solid, budget-friendly ultra-high-performance (UHP) summer tire offering good value, though opinions on its limits vary. Some users praise its handling transformations and decent wet/dry grip for spirited driving, while others note it feels merely adequate or mediocre until warmed up, preferring premium alternatives when budget permits.
r/tires
·5 upvotes ·2022-10-17
“Those are Kumho Ecsta PS71s, thread width is supposed to be 245mm, the actual one is hardly 235. How so?”
r/TyreReviews
·3 upvotes ·2026-03-08
“Between those I'd go with the Premiumcontact 7 or the ZE320 if you want to save some money. The continental seems to be serious competition for premium UHP tyres, afaik it gets similar results to the PS5 in tests. I wouldn't touch any of the sporty tyres mentioned, except for the PS71 which I still wouldn't take over the Continental.”
r/TyreReviews
·2 upvotes ·2024-10-25
“I've had the PS71 several years ago - it was ok, nothing spectacular. They might have changed the compound now, so it may be better. Its a good tire, I don't remember any real weaknesses, it just never felt like "yeah, this sticks like glue to the road". Edit: I just remembered - it was mediocre in the city - when the tire was not warmed up, but I reckon this is shared between most sport tires with high speed rating. Once warmed up was good.”
r/TeslaUK
·2 upvotes ·2026-08-28
“go with Kumho Ecsta PS71 EV around £140 – £165. Good value for money”
Top themes
#Wet and dry grip#Value for money#Tire wear and longevity#UHP performance characteristics#Comparison with premium brands#Sidewall width and markings#Tire pressure management
Based on 19 community posts
Tire B
Positive
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is widely regarded as a high-performance tire option for luxury and sport utility vehicles, often compared against alternatives like Pirelli Scorpions and Michelin's own Latitude series. Users appreciate its strong grip and dynamic capabilities, though questions regarding tread wear, run-flat options, and comparisons with all-season variants are common.
r/CX5
·103 upvotes ·2021-05-15
“Loving my new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires and Enkei Raijin wheels”
r/PorscheMacan
·1 upvote ·2026-04-04
“I'm leaning towards the Pilot Sport 4 SUV over the LS3. I'd really like to see how much better these tires grip. Although it sounds like I'll be sacrificing a little comfort, but with air suspension I'm not too worried.”
r/Audi
·1 upvote ·2026-07-09
“Nope nope nope. I live in the SE and my RWD sports car get squirrelly with normal driving when it drops below 40 on my PS4Ss. You’d be in a ditch first bit of snow.”
r/Howsmytire
·1 upvote ·2026-07-15
“Used Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV I am looking to buy these used Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires. They have 7+ mm thread left, DOT 0923. I am wondering why the two tires on the right are so rough / full of small holes, while the ones on the left are so smooth. Probably the right ones were on the front, but still what could this condition be indicating? I still haven't been to the shop to see them and feel how is the rubber, wanted to hear an advice first.”
Top themes
#handling and grip#tread life and wear#comparison with other tires#luxury SUV fitment#seasonal performance
Based on 9 community posts
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Kumho Ecsta PS71 | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Ultra High Performance tires | Summer Max Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | SUV and 4x4 |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | — |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
79
/ 100
Kumho
84
/ 100
Michelin
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — better treadwear, handling and dry. Pick the Kumho Ecsta PS71 if comfort and noise matter most to you.
Pick tire A
You want the most comfortable ride
Kumho Ecsta PS71 scores 74 vs 38 on comfort.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 90 vs 71 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 96 vs 79 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 93 vs 81 on dry.
Tire A · Kumho Ecsta PS71
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
More comparisons
Also compared with
Kumho Ecsta PS71 also compared with
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV also compared with
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.