Whether it’s the slick Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV or the rugged General Grabber UHP, what makes these tires stand out, and how do they measure up against each other?
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV excels in wet and dry conditions, offering superior comfort and performance, especially for spirited or long drives. In contrast, the General Grabber UHP provides robust all-around performance with a focus on value, making it a strong contender for cost-conscious drivers.
In this article, we’ll break down the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and General Grabber UHP’s features, compare them directly, and also see how they stack up against other leading competitors in the tire market.
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
When you’re looking for top-tier tires for your SUV that can handle almost anything the road throws at them, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV emerges as a compelling choice. Designed with precision for both wet and dry conditions, this tire boasts impressive scores that speak to its reliability and performance.
Key Performance Measurements
- Wet Performance: With an overall score of 8.9, the tire features excellent hydroplaning resistance (8.8) and wet traction (8.9), meaning it’s engineered to keep a firm grip even during heavy rain.
- Dry Performance: Scoring a 9.3 overall, it excels in corner stability and steering response (both 9.3), coupled with an outstanding dry traction score (9.4). This ensures a responsive and stable drive in dry conditions.
- Comfort: Rated at 8.9, including a ride quality score of 9.1 and a noise level at 8.8, this tire is designed to offer a smooth and quiet ride.
- Treadwear: Although a bit lower at 7.7, it still promises durability and a reasonable lifespan.
Pros
- Superior wet and dry performance ensures safety and control in diverse conditions.
- High comfort ratings contribute to a pleasant driving experience, reducing road noise and enhancing ride smoothness.
Cons
- Treadwear is slightly lower compared to some competitors, which may impact long-term cost efficiency.
Ideal Usage Conditions
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is best suited for drivers who face varied weather conditions and prioritize performance and safety. It’s an excellent choice for both daily commuting and adventurous road trips, providing peace of mind with its robust handling capabilities.
General Grabber UHP
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
8.7 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
7.9 of 10
Dry Weather
8.8 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 320
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.7 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.8 of 10
Cornering: 8.7 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.1 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.7 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.2 of 10
Road Noise: 7.6 of 10
The General Grabber UHP stands out as a robust option for SUV drivers seeking dependable performance without breaking the bank. This tire is tailored for those who demand reliability in both wet and dry conditions, offering a balanced approach to road handling.
Key Performance Measurements
- Wet Performance: The tire scores a solid 8.7 overall in wet conditions, with hydroplaning resistance and wet traction both marking strong points at 8.7 and 8.8, respectively. This indicates that the tire performs reliably in rain, providing a secure grip.
- Dry Performance: In dry conditions, the General Grabber UHP posts an 8.8 overall, featuring good corner stability (8.7) and excellent dry traction (9.1). Its steering response is also commendable at 8.7, making it a stable and responsive choice for dry roads.
- Comfort: It has a comfort score of 7.9, with ride quality at 8.2 and noise at 7.6. These figures suggest a reasonably comfortable ride, though it may be slightly noisier compared to some premium competitors.
- Treadwear: The score of 7.9 suggests that while the tire offers decent durability, it may not last as long as some higher-end options, impacting overall value over time.
Pros
- Strong performance in both wet and dry conditions ensures versatility across different driving environments.
- Competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for drivers looking to balance cost and performance.
Cons
- Slightly lower comfort due to noise levels might be a concern for those who prioritize a quiet ride.
- Moderate treadwear rating implies potential for earlier replacement compared to more durable tires.
Ideal Usage Conditions
The General Grabber UHP is ideal for drivers who need a reliable performance tire that can handle a variety of road conditions and aren’t looking to invest in the higher-priced premium segment. It’s particularly suitable for city driving and moderate road trips where diverse weather conditions are expected.
Comparative Analysis
When deciding between the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the General Grabber UHP, understanding their performance in key areas will help you choose the tire that best meets your needs. Let’s delve into a direct comparison based on wet and dry performance, comfort, and treadwear.
| Feature | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV | General Grabber UHP |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Performance | ||
| Hydroplaning Resistance | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Wet Traction | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Dry Performance | ||
| Corner Stability | 9.3 | 8.7 |
| Dry Traction | 9.4 | 9.1 |
| Steering Response | 9.3 | 8.7 |
| Comfort | ||
| Ride Quality | 9.1 | 8.2 |
| Noise | 8.8 | 7.6 |
| Treadwear | 7.7 | 7.9 |
Wet Performance Comparison
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores an 8.9 in wet conditions, showing excellent traction and hydroplaning resistance with scores of 8.9 and 8.8, respectively. This suggests superior performance during rainy conditions, providing a safer and more controlled driving experience.
- General Grabber UHP follows closely with an overall wet score of 8.7, including hydroplaning resistance and wet traction at 8.7 and 8.8. While very competent, it slightly lags behind the Michelin in terms of hydroplaning control.
Dry Performance Comparison
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV shines in dry conditions with a robust 9.3 overall score. It boasts top-notch corner stability, dry traction (9.4), and steering response (9.3), making it highly reliable for spirited driving or everyday commuting in dry weather.
- General Grabber UHP also performs well with an overall score of 8.8 in dry conditions. It achieves good scores in corner stability (8.7) and an impressive dry traction score (9.1), though it doesn’t quite match the Michelin’s responsiveness and stability.
Comfort
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV has a comfort rating of 8.9, highlighted by a ride quality score of 9.1 and noise level at 8.8. This tire is designed to deliver a smoother and quieter ride, reducing fatigue on long trips and enhancing overall driving pleasure.
- General Grabber UHP has a slightly lower comfort score of 7.9. With ride quality at 8.2 and noise at 7.6, it provides a decent level of comfort but may not be as refined as the Michelin, particularly in terms of noise insulation.
Treadwear and Longevity
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV has a treadwear rating of 7.7, indicating reasonable durability but perhaps not as long-lasting as some might hope for given its premium positioning.
- General Grabber UHP also scores a 7.9 in treadwear, suggesting a similar lifespan to the Michelin. This rating reflects an adequate balance between performance and durability, especially considering its lower price point.
Choosing the Right Tire
- For performance-focused drivers who prioritize handling and stability in both wet and dry conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is the better choice. It offers superior grip and a more comfortable ride, making it ideal for those who don’t mind investing in top-tier performance.
- For budget-conscious drivers who still want reliable performance across a range of conditions, the General Grabber UHP provides a compelling alternative. It offers decent performance and comfort at a more affordable price point, making it suitable for everyday use without the premium cost.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and General Grabber UHP are excellent choices, there are several other tires in the market that merit consideration. Let’s explore how these competitors compare in terms of performance and suitability for various driving conditions.
Bridgestone Alenza 001
Performance Ratings:
- Wet: 8.3 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.3, Wet Traction: 8.3)
- Dry: 8.9 (Corner Stability: 8.9, Dry Traction: 9.0, Steering Response: 8.9)
- Comfort: 8.5 (Ride Quality: 8.5, Noise: 8.4)
- Treadwear: 7.5
Pros: Excellent dry performance with high corner stability and responsive steering.
Cons: Slightly lower wet performance and treadwear scores, potentially limiting its appeal in wetter climates or for those seeking longevity.
Ideal Usage: Best for drivers in dry climates who value handling and responsiveness.
Continental CrossContact UHP
Performance Ratings:
- Wet: 8.2 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.1, Wet Traction: 8.3)
- Dry: 8.7 (Corner Stability: 8.5, Dry Traction: 8.9, Steering Response: 8.6)
- Comfort: 8.2 (Ride Quality: 8.2, Noise: 8.2)
- Treadwear: 6.6
Pros: Good all-around performance in both wet and dry conditions.
Cons: The lowest treadwear rating among the compared tires, indicating a shorter life span.
Ideal Usage: Suitable for mixed weather conditions but may require more frequent replacement due to lower treadwear.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV
Performance Ratings:
- Wet: 7.3 (Hydroplaning Resistance: 7.1, Wet Traction: 7.6)
- Dry: 8.1 (Corner Stability: 8.1, Dry Traction: 8.3, Steering Response: 8.0)
- Comfort: 7.3 (Ride Quality: 7.5, Noise: 7.1)
- Treadwear: 5.0
Pros: Reasonable dry performance.
Cons: Lower scores across wet performance, comfort, and especially treadwear.
Ideal Usage: More appropriate for dry conditions and less frequent drivers due to its lower overall durability and performance.
Each of these tires brings something different to the table:
- The Bridgestone Alenza 001 excels in dry conditions and would suit those in arid regions.
- The Continental CrossContact UHP offers a balanced performance profile that works well for a variety of driving conditions, though its lifespan may be shorter.
- The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV is more niche, suitable for those who prioritize dry performance and may not need a tire for intensive, all-weather use.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
- Michelin Product Page
- General Product Page
- Street/sport truck summer performance tire consumer ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right tire for your SUV involves comparing the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV’s superior handling and comfort against the General Grabber UHP’s excellent value and robust performance.
The Michelin is ideal if you prioritize top-tier performance and comfort, while the General Grabber is more suited for those looking for reliability without a hefty price tag.
We’ve also considered how these tires compare to other options in the market, providing a comprehensive view to help you make an informed decision based on your specific driving needs.
Good luck and happy motoring.
