Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs Pilot Sport 5 

When any motor manufacturer releases a new model of a popular and successful product, people are inclined to take one of two actions. They will either stay loyal to their trusted favourite and wait for others to road test the new product first, before deciding whether or not to make the change, based on the feedback that they receive. Or they will want to be pioneers, getting hold of and testing the latest product ahead of their peers. These people will always rush to be the first to try out the latest innovation. 

When the new product is tyres, the majority of consumers fall into the first category. Tyres are a commodity item and if your existing tyres are still working well, with plenty of tread depth and are suitable for the season that you are in, there is really no need to change them merely to experience a new product. But you may still be interested in knowing what is out there so that when the time comes to change your tyres, you will be prepared and know whether to go for a like-for-like replacement, or to make the leap and purchase the new model. 

Michelin Pilot Sport 5   

Michelin Tyres is one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world, so there was great excitement when they released the Pilot Sport 5 in March 2022, as a replacement for the previous and much-heralded Pilot Sport 4. 

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a very well regarded summer sports tyre which has always delivered excellent precision and control on both wet and dry roads. Always ranking highly in comparison tables against similar models from other major manufacturers including Bridgestone and Pirelli, one might wonder why the Pilot Sport 5 was necessary and whether it is really an improvement. 

To decide which is better, we have performed a direct comparison of their key features. This comparison has been conducted across a number of mediums, including owner feedback, independent tests and data published into the public domain by Michelin. Of course, you may disagree with these findings, so whilst every effort has been made to provide a totally impartial comparison, it is important to remember that everyone has different tastes and preferences. 

Construction: 

Michelin Pilot Sport 4: This tyre features a hybrid aramid and nylon belt construction, which creates an optimised contact patch for increased road grip and longevity. The strong tread pattern on this tyre creates a responsive drive in all driving conditions. 

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: This tyre has been constructed with environmental credentials in mind. Michelin have mixed a range of functional elastomers with hydrophobic silica to reduce the environmental impact of this tyre, whilst the wide grooves and sturdy MaxTouch Construction tread pattern ensure that it remains durable and responsive, particularly when accelerating, braking and cornering. 

Durability: 

Michelin Pilot Sport 4: This tyre is designed for longevity. Its strong tread pattern and optimal contact patch ensure that you will achieve maximum mileage when on the roads in summer. It has long been recognised for its impressive durability when compared against other similar tyres. 

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: This tyre offers an improved tread life over the Pilot Sport 4 and, in independent tests, had the longest tread life of all tyres tested.   

Wet grip:  

Michelin Pilot Sport 4: Featuring Dynamic Response Technology, this tyre is designed to provide excellent wet grip and precision in the most challenging of driving conditions. The tread pattern is reactive to environmental changes and road conditions for increased driver safety and control. The wide grooves in the tread pattern disperse water very effectively for excellent braking. 

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: This upgrade offers a Dual Sport Tread Design, which combines an internal side with large longitudinal grooves which work together to flush away excess water for improved traction in wet conditions. This creates a more responsive drive and increases driver confidence and safety. 

Aesthetics: 

 Michelin Pilot Sport 4: Aesthetics are not a major consideration for this tyre. It is built for structure rather than style and relies on its impressive performance features rather than its looks to achieve sales. 

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: This tyre has been modernised with the addition of the Premium Touch Sidewall Design, which is a sleek and matte-black finish with a velvety texture. Not only does this improve the appearance of the tyre, but the inclusion of a Wear2check indicator is a pleasing feature which allows drivers to easily monitor tyre wear. 

Cost: 

Michelin Pilot Sport 4: This is the cheaper of the two tyres. Its price reflects its excellent quality and performance credentials and is on par with other similar tyres from other manufacturers. 

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: This is a more expensive tyre. Although its performance is largely akin to that of its predecessor, the improved styling and impressive environmental credentials put it in a league of its own and justify the increased price tag. 

Overall performance: 

Michelin Pilot Sport 4: This tyre offers excellent all-round capabilities. It is a well made, durable and safe tyre that will perform very well in all weather conditions and on different road tyres. It offers excellent and responsive steering and braking and although its appearance isn't as exciting as its successor, it represents excellent value for money. 

Michelin Pilot Sport 5: This new tyre offers drivers exceptional durability without compromising on the responsive drive of the Pilot Sport 4. It offers very precise steering and braking with acceleration, cornering and braking forces evenly distributed to increase tread life. The stylish good looks and strong environmental credentials set this tyre apart from the competition. 

In conclusion, years of experience tell us that both tyres are excellent all-rounders, and as you would expect from a manufacturer as renowned as Michelin, the replacement is a better overall tyre. It builds upon the outstanding reputation of the Pilot Sport 4 but incorporates modern features which will help it to stand the test of time. 

For a free tyre check or to discuss the range of Michelin Pilot Sport tyres that Protyre stocks, please contact your local Protyre garage today. We would be delighted to discuss your vehicle and driving style to help you to choose the tyre that will be best for your individual circumstances.   

Our tyre professionals will take the time to understand your requirements and budget and explain which tyres are best suited to your vehicle type, size and the mileage and driving conditions that you are likely to encounter, ensuring that you will not only be safe on the road, but enjoy the best performance possible from your tyres.