Overview
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a flagship ultra-high performance (UHP) summer tire designed for driving enthusiasts and everyday drivers who want serious grip, responsive handling, and precise steering. Aimed at sporty sedans, coupes, and hot hatches, the Pilot Sport 4 is a go-to choice for those seeking superior dry and wet performance during the warmer months. It’s especially popular among drivers of performance-oriented vehicles like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Honda Civic Si, and Volkswagen GTI, but its broad size range ensures compatibility with a wide variety of cars.
This review focuses on the popular 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18 sizes, which are commonly found as original or aftermarket fitments on many sport sedans and coupes. The Pilot Sport 4 is engineered for spirited road driving rather than track use, offering a blend of everyday comfort and dynamic capability that makes it stand out in the UHP summer segment.
Key Specs
| Type | Ultra-High Performance Summer |
| Available Sizes Range | 16″ – 20″ (widths from 205mm to 285mm) |
| Speed Rating Examples | W, Y (up to 168 mph) |
| Load Index Examples | 91 (1356 lbs), 97 (1609 lbs) |
| Tread Pattern | Asymmetric, with large outer shoulder blocks and wide longitudinal grooves |
| Technology Highlights | Dynamic Response hybrid belt (Aramid/nylon), silica-enhanced tread compound, variable contact patch 3.0 |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 delivers sharp, communicative steering and a confident on-center feel. The tire’s rigid outer shoulder and innovative tread compound contribute to excellent cornering grip, making it easy to place the car precisely through turns. Feedback through the wheel is crisp, and rapid transitions are handled with minimal sidewall flex. Braking distances are short, and the tire inspires confidence even during spirited driving or emergency maneuvers. Compared to many rivals, the Pilot Sport 4 stands out for its balance between outright grip and progressive breakaway characteristics, making it approachable for both experienced and less aggressive drivers.
While not intended for full track duty, the tire resists heat build-up well during enthusiastic road driving. The Dynamic Response technology helps the tire maintain tread stability at higher speeds, contributing to overall composure and safety.
Performance: Wet
Michelin’s focus on wet performance is evident in the Pilot Sport 4’s design. The tread features wide circumferential grooves and high-silica content, allowing the tire to evacuate water efficiently and maintain grip under heavy rain. In real-world driving, hydroplaning resistance is impressive—drivers report stable handling and predictable braking even in deep standing water. Wet cornering grip is among the best in the UHP summer category, with plenty of lateral traction before any hint of sliding.
Compared to some older UHP designs, the Pilot Sport 4 feels notably more secure in damp and wet conditions, making it a safe choice for areas prone to summer thunderstorms. The transition from dry to wet grip is smooth, with no sudden loss of traction during spirited driving.
Performance: Snow & Ice
N/A – The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a pure summer tire and not suited for snow, ice, or freezing temperatures. Use in such conditions is not recommended and can compromise safety and performance.
Comfort & Noise
For a UHP summer tire, the Pilot Sport 4 is surprisingly refined. Michelin has tuned the tread pattern and internal construction to minimize road noise, resulting in a quiet ride at highway speeds compared to many direct competitors. While some tire roar is present on coarse pavement (typical for this segment), the overall noise levels are well controlled.
Ride comfort is also notable for a performance tire. The sidewalls strike a good balance between stiffness for handling and enough compliance to absorb minor bumps and road imperfections. On rougher surfaces, the Pilot Sport 4 remains composed, making it suitable for daily use without sacrificing too much comfort for outright performance.
Durability & Economy
Durability is another area where the Pilot Sport 4 scores well for a UHP summer tire. Michelin lists a UTQG rating of 320 AA A (for common sizes like 225/45ZR17), which is competitive for the segment. This means drivers can expect reasonable tread life—typically 20,000 to 30,000 miles with normal use—especially when compared to more aggressive track-focused tires.
Rolling resistance is moderate for a UHP tire. While not designed as an eco tire, the Pilot Sport 4 achieves a decent balance between grip and fuel economy, with no major penalty in everyday driving. Michelin’s silica-rich compound not only boosts wet grip but also helps maintain tread longevity and efficiency. For drivers who value both performance and durability, the Pilot Sport 4 is a strong contender.
Sizes & Alternatives
The Pilot Sport 4 is available in a wide range of sizes, covering 16-inch to 20-inch wheels, with popular fitments including:
- 225/45ZR17 (sport sedans, coupes, hot hatches)
- 245/40ZR18 (premium sedans, performance compacts)
- 235/40ZR18, 255/35ZR19, and more
Notable competitors in the UHP summer category include:
- Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
- Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position
- Pirelli P Zero PZ4
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
- Yokohama ADVAN Sport V105
Each of these rivals has its own strengths, but the Pilot Sport 4 is frequently praised for its overall balance and everyday usability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding dry grip and precise handling
- Top-tier wet weather performance
- Refined ride and low road noise for a UHP tire
- Competitive tread life (UTQG 320 AA A)
- Wide range of sizes for many sporty vehicles
Cons
- Not suitable for winter or freezing conditions
- Premium price point versus some rivals
- No run-flat versions in the US market
- Not designed for extended track use
Verdict
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a benchmark UHP summer tire that delivers an excellent blend of cornering grip, wet safety, steering feel, and real-world comfort. It’s equally at home on spirited backroads and daily commutes, making it an ideal choice for drivers who demand performance without sacrificing refinement. While its premium pricing may be a consideration, the combination of durability, dynamic prowess, and everyday practicality justifies the investment for many enthusiasts and discerning drivers.
If you drive a sporty sedan, coupe, or hot hatch and want a tire that handles summer heat, sudden downpours, and spirited driving with equal confidence, the Pilot Sport 4 should be high on your shortlist. Just remember, like all summer tires, it must be swapped out for winter rubber when temperatures drop below 45°F. For those seeking UHP performance with a touch of everyday civility, the Pilot Sport 4 remains a standout pick in 2025.
I’m considering upgrading my Honda Civic Si to these in 225/45ZR17—are there any potential downsides in terms of road noise or ride quality that I should be aware of for mixed city and highway use?
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 offers excellent grip and responsive handling, but you may notice slightly more road noise and a firmer ride compared to standard all-season tires, especially on rougher roads. These traits are typical of ultra-high performance tires, but most users find the comfort very reasonable for daily city and highway driving.
Does the Pilot Sport 4’s silica-enhanced tread compound noticeably improve wet traction compared to older Michelin performance tires like the Pilot Sport 3?
Yes, the Pilot Sport 4’s silica-enhanced tread compound does noticeably improve wet traction over older models like the Pilot Sport 3. The new compound and updated tread pattern work together to provide better grip and shorter braking distances on wet roads, making the Pilot Sport 4 a safer choice in rainy conditions.
If I’m considering the 245/40ZR18 size for my Audi A4, is there anything important I should know about load index or fitment before buying?
For your Audi A4, make sure the 245/40ZR18 size matches your wheel width and suspension clearance. Check your owner’s manual or the door jamb sticker for the recommended load index—it’s important not to go below what Audi specifies to maintain safe handling and carrying capacity. Also, confirm the tire’s speed rating matches or exceeds your vehicle’s requirements.
With the speed ratings going up to Y (168 mph), do I need to worry about the load index if my car is a bit heavier than the typical hot hatch?
Yes, the load index is important, especially if your car is heavier than average. The speed rating tells you the maximum safe speed, but the load index indicates the maximum weight each tire can safely support. Make sure to choose a Pilot Sport 4 with a load index equal to or higher than your vehicle’s requirements to ensure safety and performance.