The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV promises high-performance, but is it worth the investment? Let’s explore the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for your driving needs.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a top-tier performance summer tire that matches or exceeds the leading competition in most areas, especially wet and dry traction, steering response, and comfort.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive review of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, covering its performance features, how it stacks up against leading competitors, and an honest assessment of its potential drawbacks.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
7.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 220
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 20,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a high-performance summer tire designed for full-size trucks and SUVs. Michelin’s expertise in engineering advanced tires shines through in this model, delivering exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions.
Performance Features
- Wet Traction: With a wet traction rating of 8.9, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV excels in rainy conditions. Its advanced tread design and compound provide superior hydroplaning resistance (8.8) and wet traction (8.9), ensuring a safe and confident drive even on slick roads.
- Dry Handling: In dry conditions, this tire truly shines with a dry performance rating of 9.3. Its excellent corner stability (9.3), dry traction (9.4), and steering response (9.3) allow for precise handling and control, making it a joy to drive on winding roads or during spirited acceleration.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: Michelin has balanced performance with comfort, earning an 8.9 rating in this category. The tire provides a smooth and comfortable ride (9.1) while keeping noise levels low (8.8), contributing to an enjoyable driving experience.
- Treadwear: While the Pilot Sport 4 SUV prioritizes performance, it still delivers a respectable treadwear rating of 7.7, ensuring longevity and value for your investment.
Comparison to Leading Competitors
- Wet Performance: The Pilot Sport 4 SUV matches or exceeds the wet performance of top competitors in its class, particularly in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Performance: In dry conditions, this tire outperforms many rivals, offering superior corner stability, traction, and steering response.
- Comfort and Noise: Michelin has struck an excellent balance between performance and comfort, ranking among the top tires for ride quality and low noise levels.
- Treadwear: While not the highest in its class, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV’s treadwear rating is competitive, ensuring a decent lifespan for a performance-oriented tire.
Pros
- Delivers exceptional dry traction (9.4) and razor-sharp steering response (9.3) for precise handling
- Top-tier wet performance with outstanding hydroplaning resistance (8.8) and wet traction (8.9)
- Provides a comfortable ride (9.1) and low noise levels (8.8) compared to some harsher performance tires
- Treadwear rating of 7.7 indicates durable construction for a performance summer tire
- Corners with tremendous stability (9.3), inspiring confidence in aggressive driving
- Excels in both straight-line acceleration grip and high-speed capability
Cons
- Treadwear may be shorter than some top competitors, potentially requiring earlier replacement
- While quiet overall, some drivers report increased noise levels on certain road surfaces
- Ride can feel slightly firmer compared to tires focused more on comfort than performance
- Wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, while excellent, may be narrowly edged out by a couple rivals
Bottom Line
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is an outstanding choice for drivers seeking a high-performance summer tire for their full-size truck or SUV. With its impressive wet and dry performance, comfortable ride, and durable construction, this tire delivers a well-rounded driving experience without compromising on safety or handling. While not suitable for winter conditions, it excels in its intended purpose as a summer performance tire.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Problems
While the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV excels in many areas, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks that may influence your decision-making process. Understanding these issues can help manage expectations and ensure the tire aligns with your specific driving needs.
Treadwear and Longevity
The Pilot Sport 4 SUV’s treadwear rating of 7.7 is respectable but not exceptional for its category. Some drivers may experience faster tread wear than expected, especially if the tires are not rotated and maintained properly. Additionally, aggressive driving styles or frequent exposure to harsh conditions can accelerate tread wear.
Comfort and Noise on Certain Surfaces
While the Pilot Sport 4 SUV offers a comfortable and quiet ride overall, some drivers have reported an increase in noise and a firmer ride quality on certain surfaces, such as rougher roads or concrete highways. This is a trade-off for the tire’s high-performance capabilities.
Winter Performance Limitations
As a dedicated summer performance tire, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is not designed for winter or snow conditions. Its performance in these conditions is untested and likely subpar compared to dedicated winter or all-season tires. Drivers in areas with frequent snow or icy conditions may need to consider alternative tire options for optimal safety and traction.
Comparison to Leading Alternatives
In its intended use as a high-performance summer tire, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV consistently ranks among the top performers in its class. However, for drivers primarily seeking a balance between performance and comfort, there may be alternative tires that offer a smoother ride and lower noise levels without sacrificing significant handling capabilities.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Alternatives
While the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is an outstanding choice for those seeking a high-performance summer tire, some drivers may have different priorities or requirements. In such cases, exploring alternatives can be valuable. Here are three top competitors that offer distinct strengths and cater to various driving needs:
General Grabber UHP
The General Grabber UHP is a solid contender in the performance SUV tire category. It delivers impressive dry traction (9.1) and steering response (8.7), closely matching the Pilot Sport 4 SUV’s capabilities. However, it falls slightly behind in wet performance, with a wet traction rating of 8.8 and hydroplaning resistance of 8.7.
Where the Grabber UHP truly shines is in its comfortable ride quality (8.2) and better noise insulation (7.6) compared to the Michelin. This makes it an excellent option for drivers seeking a balance between performance and comfort on the daily commute.
Bridgestone Alenza 001
The Bridgestone Alenza 001 is another formidable competitor in the high-performance SUV tire segment. While it may not match the Pilot Sport 4 SUV’s wet performance (8.3 wet traction and hydroplaning resistance), it excels in dry conditions with impressive corner stability (8.9), dry traction (9.0), and steering response (8.9).
Additionally, the Alenza 001 offers a smooth and quiet ride, with a ride quality rating of 8.5 and a noise level of 8.4, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritize comfort without sacrificing too much performance.
Continental CrossContact UHP
For drivers seeking a well-rounded tire that delivers solid performance across the board, the Continental CrossContact UHP is worth considering. It offers respectable wet performance (8.3 wet traction, 8.1 hydroplaning resistance) and dry handling capabilities (8.9 dry traction, 8.6 steering response).
While it may not excel in any particular area compared to the Pilot Sport 4 SUV, the CrossContact UHP provides a balanced blend of performance, comfort (8.2 ride quality and noise), and treadwear (6.6), making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
These alternatives cater to different priorities, whether it’s a focus on comfort and noise reduction, exceptional dry performance, or a well-rounded package. By considering your specific driving needs and preferences, you can determine if one of these options might better align with your requirements compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a standout performer in the high-performance SUV tire category, delivering exceptional wet and dry traction, precise handling, and a comfortable ride. Its impressive ratings in hydroplaning resistance, cornering stability, and steering response make it a joy to drive on both wet and dry roads.
While its treadwear rating is decent, some drivers may experience faster tread wear than expected, especially with aggressive driving styles or frequent exposure to harsh conditions. Additionally, its noise levels and ride quality can be slightly firmer on certain surfaces, a trade-off for its high-performance capabilities.
Overall, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a category leader, outperforming many rivals in its intended use as a summer performance tire. For drivers prioritizing exceptional wet and dry performance, precise handling, and a comfortable ride, this tire is an excellent choice. However, those seeking a more balanced blend of performance and comfort or requiring winter capabilities may want to explore alternative options.
Good luck and happy motoring.
