Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 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.
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made via links on this page.
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 | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 87 | 90 |
| Tire Rack owners | 95 | 94 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 92 | 92 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 100% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 100% | 98% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 95 |
| Tire Rack owners | 88 | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 88 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 97% | 95% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 100% | 98% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 97% | 100% |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 82 | 1 |
| Tire Rack owners | 87 | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 72 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 78 | 76 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | 80 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 71 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 85 |
| DriverReviews owners | 92 | 86 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 89 | 84 |
| Dry | 91 | 93 |
| Wet | 87 | 94 |
| Comfort | 86 | 38 |
| Noise | 84 | 82 |
| Treadwear | 90 | 90 |
| Handling | 95 | 96 |
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 84% #11/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test | 100% #1/11 · 2024 Summer SUV Tyre Test | -16.1 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% #1/8 · 2019 Tyre Reviews UHP Summer Tyre Test | 100% #1/10 · 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 100% #2/1 · Should You Fit OE Tyres? Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs 4S * (BMW) | 98% #3/8 · 2020 ViBilagare SUV Tyre Test | +1.9 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 91% #3/8 · 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test | 86% #4/10 · 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | +5.3 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 97% #8/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test | 98% #6/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | -1.2 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 41% #8/9 · 2018 Sport Auto 19 inch UHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 44% #10/10 · 2023 The Best Electric Vehicle Tyres VS UHP Tyres | -3 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 100% #1/5 · 2025 AutoView Sports Tyre Test | 20% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | +80 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 96% #3/10 · 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 100% #1/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | -4 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 84% #6/8 · 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test | 40% #4/6 · 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tyre Test | +43.9 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 90% #3/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #1/6 · 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tyre Test | -10 | Different tests |
| Subj. Noise | Subj | 98% #2/7 · 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test | 50% #8/8 · 2020 ViBilagare SUV Tyre Test | +48 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 97% #2/7 · Michelin Range Test - CrossClimate 3, 3 Sport, Primacy 5, Pilot Sport 5 and Cup 2 | 95% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | +2.5 | Different tests |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 100% #1/7 · 2020 EVO UHP Summer Tyre Test | 98% #3/11 · 2024 Summer SUV Tyre Test | +2.2 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 97% #3/6 · 2018 EVO UUHP Tyre Test | 100% #1/10 · 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | -3.1 | 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 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.
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
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.
“Loving my new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires and Enkei Raijin wheels”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Based on 9 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Max Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | SUV and 4x4 |
Which one should you actually buy?
Michelin
Michelin
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better comfort. Pick the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV if wet matters most to you.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 86 vs 38 on comfort.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 94 vs 87 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.