Pirelli P Zero PZ5 review
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 is widely regarded as a top-tier ultra-high-performance tire that successfully balances aggressive dry-weather grip with improved ride comfort. Users frequently highlight its superior predictability and steering feedback compared to established competitors like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Continental SportContact 7, marking it as a significant evolution in the P Zero line.
Two scoring systems, side by side
Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.
By owner reviews
84.6%By road tests
82.8%What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 24 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 is widely regarded as a top-tier ultra-high-performance tire that successfully balances aggressive dry-weather grip with improved ride comfort. Users frequently highlight its superior predictability and steering feedback compared to established competitors like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Continental SportContact 7, marking it as a significant evolution in the P Zero line.
Pros
- Exceptional dry grip and cornering stability
- Noticeably improved ride comfort and bump absorption
- High level of steering feedback and predictability
- Quiet operation at lower speeds
- Robust sidewall construction with effective rim protection
Cons
- Rapid tread wear, typical of high-performance summer compounds
- Occasional reports of a 'howling' noise at specific highway speeds (80-90 km/h)
- Less 'go-kart' style sharpness compared to some previous-generation sporty tires
- Not suitable for use in freezing temperatures or snow
Worth knowing
- Users with performance EVs, such as the Tesla Model Y, note that tread wear is consistent with expectations for high-torque electric vehicles.
- The tire profile on 235/35R19 sizes is noted to sit more 'square' on 8.5-inch wheels compared to the slightly stretched appearance of other performance tires.
- Drivers transitioning from touring-focused tires to the PZ5 report a significant increase in sporty handling without sacrificing daily drivability.
6 published test appearances
Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.
2026 Autobild Sports Cars Summer tire Test · 255/35 R19
3rd of 8
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 8 | |
| Wet Handling | 2nd of 8 | |
| Wet Circle | 3rd of 8 | |
| Dry Braking | 6th of 8 | |
| Dry Handling | 7th of 8 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 7th of 8 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 8 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 8th of 8 | |
| Noise | 5th of 8 |
Top Tire Review 2026 UUHP tire Test · 255/35 R19
3rd of 3
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd of 3 | |
| Wet Handling | 3rd of 3 | |
| Wet Circle | 2nd of 3 | |
| Dry Braking | 3rd of 3 | |
| Dry Handling | 1st of 3 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st of 3 | |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd of 3 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 1st of 3 | |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 2nd of 3 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 3rd of 3 | |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 3rd of 3 | |
| Noise | 1st of 3 |
2026 ACE Summer tire Test · 225/40 R18
5th of 10
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|
Best Performance tires For 2025 · 225/40 R18
1st of 7
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 2nd of 7 | |
| Dry Handling | 1st of 7 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 6th of 7 | |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd of 7 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 2nd of 7 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 3rd of 7 | |
| Noise | 3rd of 7 |
2025 EVO Summer tire Test · 235/35 R19
6th of 9
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Handling | 3rd of 9 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 4th of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 5th of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 8th of 9 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 6th of 9 | |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 4th of 9 | |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 5th of 9 | |
| Subj. Road Score | 8th of 9 |
2025 Auto Express Summer tire Test · 225/40 R18
1st of 9
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 2nd of 9 | |
| Wet Handling | 1st of 9 | |
| Wet Circle | 1st of 9 | |
| Dry Braking | 4th of 9 | |
| Dry Handling | 2nd of 9 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 7th of 9 | |
| Straight Aqua | 6th of 9 | |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 5th of 9 | |
| Subj. Noise | 3rd of 9 |
Pirelli P Zero PZ5 specs & sizes
Prices vary by size, so each one links out separately.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Tread depth | 10/32″ |
| UTQG | 300 A A |
| Sidewall | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | 50 psi |
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.