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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S vs Pirelli Scorpion Verde — 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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7 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 | Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 87 | 84 |
| Tire Rack owners | 95 | 94 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 92 | 78 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 89 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 100% | 93% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 98% | 98% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 83 |
| Tire Rack owners | 88 | 84 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 69 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 86 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 97% | 100% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 86% | 94% |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| SimpleTire owners | – | 89 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 82 | 1 |
| Tire Rack owners | 87 | 87 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 71 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 91 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 78 | 57 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 80 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | 73 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 60 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 93 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 68 |
| DriverReviews owners | 92 | 84 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | Pirelli Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 89 | 72 |
| Dry | 91 | 86 |
| Wet | 87 | 83 |
| Snow | – | 86 |
| Comfort | 86 | 34 |
| Noise | 84 | 70 |
| Treadwear | 90 | 76 |
| Handling | 95 | 68 |
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
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
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 | 100% #1/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 93% #9/10 · 2022 AutoBild SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | +6.5 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #1/7 · 2020 EVO UHP Summer Tyre Test | 98% #4/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test | +0.3 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 92% #2/8 · 2025 Sports Cars Tyre Test | 98% #2/8 · 2020 ViBilagare SUV Tyre Test | -5.7 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 100% #7/8 · 2025 Sports Cars Tyre Test | 94% #2/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test | +5.7 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 41% #8/9 · 2018 Sport Auto 19 inch UHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 88% #5/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test | -46.9 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 100% #1/6 · 2018 EVO UUHP Tyre Test | 13% #8/10 · 2022 AutoBild SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test | +87.5 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 96% #3/10 · 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 89% #5/8 · 2020 ViBilagare SUV Tyre Test | +7.3 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 84% #6/8 · 2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer Tyre Test | 50% #7/8 · 2020 ViBilagare SUV Tyre Test | +33.9 | Different tests |
| Subj. Noise | Subj | 98% #2/7 · 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test | 50% #6/8 · 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 | 100% #1/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test | -2.8 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 86% #6/7 · Best Performance Tyres For 2025 | 94% #5/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test | -8.4 | 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 Pirelli Scorpion Verde is a polarizing tire that receives high praise for its initial comfort, low road noise, and smooth handling characteristics. However, user experiences are significantly divided regarding tread longevity and wet-weather performance, with a notable subset of owners reporting premature wear and inconsistent traction in adverse conditions.
Pros
- Excellent ride comfort and low road noise levels when new.
- Strong dry-road handling and steering precision.
- Good fuel efficiency due to low rolling resistance.
- Generally positive performance in light snow and varied all-season conditions for many users.
Cons
- Frequent reports of premature tread wear, often falling well short of mileage warranties.
- Inconsistent wet-weather performance, with some users citing aquaplaning and poor grip.
- Increased road noise and vibration as the tire wears down.
- Reports of structural issues, including sidewall cracking and tires becoming 'out of round'.
Observations
- Owners of heavier SUVs and AWD vehicles (e.g., VW Tiguan, Land Rover, Jeep Grand Cherokee) report highly variable tread life, with some achieving high mileage while others report rapid wear.
- Users with 20-inch and larger wheel sizes frequently report issues with vibration and 'out of round' tires, suggesting potential sensitivity to larger rim profiles.
- Drivers of luxury SUVs (Volvo XC60/XC90) often report higher satisfaction levels, suggesting the tire may be better suited to specific vehicle suspension tunings.
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
Pirelli Scorpion Verde
Community opinions on the Pirelli Scorpion Verde are mixed, with many users praising their dry and wet road performance, while heavily criticizing their poor snow capabilities and short tread life. Several drivers report replacing them prematurely due to rapid wear, hydroplaning concerns, or harsh ride quality, often switching to alternatives like the Michelin CrossClimate2.
“Are Pirelli Scorpion Verde really that ‘not awesome’? Took our fair weather Georgia ‘23 B6 up to Michigan this past week. Great stuff, except for some slipping and sliding. I’ve read in this forum that some folks are not fans of the stock Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires. But it wasn’t enough for me to consider alternatives prior to our trip, like replacing the 32k mile tires or buying dedicated winter tires. We won’t do such trips often, once a year max. Now I’ve go my eye on the future as the Pirellis wear out. When temps were below <20F (-6C) there was some slipping and sliding when I wasn’t expecting it. My sister’s rented Atlas did not seem to suffer the same behavior. (I assume stock all season.) Any help calibrating my expectations would be welcomed. PS: we did have chains in the trunk if conditions got really bad.”
“Time to start considering my next set of tires Bought my used 2010 Lexus RX450h a few years ago, and the tread is starting to get shallow, after putting about 30k on the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season tires that came with the vehicle (vehicle is at 116k total). I've been very happy with the performance I've received on the Pirelli tires; especially in heavy rains. The one thing I haven't really done is take them to the snow. But, with that said, I've been looking at other brands. The Bridgestone Blizzak and UltraWeather tires carry 80k mile warrantees, and are less expensive. Plus, the latter has the 3PMSF rating along with the M+S, so it's actually rated for snowy conditions. There's also the Michelin CrossClimate 2 to consider. Am I giving up performance in rainy conditions by going with the higher snow rated tire? The Pirelli tires are about $30ish more per tire. In the scheme of things is $100-120 per set in the scheme of things? What other brands/models are people using that gives them really good performance in rain, with some trips to the snow/ice country? FWIW: My tire size is the bigger 235/55R19 that came as an option on the vehicle Read more”
“We had the stock Pirelli Scorpion Verdes on our XC40 and I can corroborate that they were pretty terrible in the snow. No complaints about them in the dry or wet though, so they would probably be fine for warmer climates. The dealer put Michelin CC2s on our XC60 before we picked it up and I concur with everyone saying they are excellent in the snow. They’re good enough that when our XC90 makes it stateside we’re going to have the dealer take off the brand new Pirelli’s and put on CC2s so I don’t have to worry about swapping snow tires on every year.”
“My Freelander used Scorpion Verde all-seaons from new. They weren't bad tyres, but I wouldn't buy them myself if that makes sense. They did last me a good while, but when they hit about 4mm of tread I did notice they were needing replacement soon. I ended up going with Vredestein QuaTrac Pro's. Slightly worse on fuel economy, according to the label, but they appear to hold up better. 19 inch alloys really limit what you can do. Personally I would drop down to 18 inch wheels. You get a good choice of rubber plus the bigger tyres make for a more comfortable ride.”
Based on 23 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | B · Pirelli Scorpion Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Ultra High Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | SUV and 4x4 |
| Sizes available | — | 53 |
| Rim diameters | — | 16″ – 22″ |
| Tread depth | — | 8/32″ |
| UTQG | — | 400 A A |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 51 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
Michelin
Pirelli
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better comfort, handling and noise. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 86 vs 34 on comfort.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 95 vs 68 on handling.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 84 vs 70 on noise.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 90 vs 76 on treadwear.
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.