Overview
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a premium ultra-high performance (UHP) all-season tire designed for drivers who crave dynamic handling and year-round versatility. Targeted at enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, this tire suits sporty sedans, coupes, and performance-oriented crossovers, delivering confident grip in both dry and wet conditions while offering usable traction during light snow. Whether you own a BMW 3 Series, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord Sport, or similar vehicles, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 aims to blend spirited driving with daily practicality. If you live in regions where temperatures dip but snow is infrequent or light, and you want to avoid seasonal tire swaps, this is a compelling option.
Key Specs
Type | Ultra-High Performance All-Season |
Available sizes range | 16″–22″ rim diameters; widths from 205–315 mm |
Speed rating examples | Y, W, V |
Load index examples | 91 (1356 lbs), 96 (1565 lbs), 100 (1764 lbs) |
Tread pattern | Asymmetric, high-silica rubber, wide circumferential grooves, biting edges for snow |
Technology highlights | Helio+ compound, Dynamic Response Technology, 360-degree variable sipe technology |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 stands out among all-season tires, providing levels of grip and steering precision that rival dedicated summer options. The asymmetric tread pattern and advanced tread compound ensure positive turn-in, confident cornering, and stable high-speed tracking. Enthusiast drivers will appreciate the tire’s direct feedback and progressive breakaway characteristics, making spirited driving enjoyable. Emergency maneuvers and sudden lane changes feel composed, and braking distances are competitive for the segment. While ultimate grip is a notch below UHP summer tires, the difference is subtle, and the tire remains predictable at the limit—an important trait for both safety and fun.
Performance: Wet
Wet weather capability is a strong suit for the Pilot Sport All Season 4. Wide circumferential grooves, plenty of lateral channels, and a high-silica compound work together to evacuate water effectively, minimizing aquaplaning risk. The tire retains much of its dry-road composure in the rain, delivering secure straight-line braking and stable cornering. Feedback through the steering wheel remains clear, allowing drivers to confidently push the envelope. In comparative tests, this tire consistently ranks near the top of its class for wet grip and hydroplaning resistance, making it a safe choice for regions prone to sudden downpours or variable weather. Traction during acceleration is impressive for an all-season, with wheelspin well controlled unless provoked by high-power vehicles.
Performance: Snow & Ice
For an ultra-high performance all-season, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 delivers surprisingly competent light snow traction. Michelin’s 360-degree sipes and Helio+ compound enable the tire to maintain grip during gentle acceleration, braking, and moderate turns when snow is fresh and not overly packed. On slushy or icy roads, traction is limited compared to true winter tires, but the tire provides enough grip for careful city driving or emergency commutes. Deep snow, steep inclines, or prolonged ice are not its forte—here, a dedicated winter tire remains indispensable. Still, for drivers who encounter only occasional flurries or need to get home safely before a storm, this tire offers legitimate all-season versatility.
Comfort & Noise
Despite its performance credentials, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 manages a refined ride over a variety of road surfaces. Impact harshness is well controlled, and the tire absorbs small bumps and expansion joints without transmitting excess vibration to the cabin. Road noise is moderate; at highway speeds, there is a subtle hum typical for UHP tires, but it never rises to an intrusive level. Compared against its main rivals, Michelin’s offering is among the quieter options in the segment, making it suitable for both spirited driving and long-distance cruising. Tire roar on coarse pavement is present but not distracting, and interior comfort remains above average for the category.
Durability & Economy
The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is engineered for longevity within the ultra-high performance all-season segment. Its UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) rating typically ranges from 540 AA A (depending on size), indicating strong wear characteristics relative to class. Real-world reports suggest tread life between 35,000–45,000 miles with proper maintenance, though aggressive driving or frequent track days can shorten this. Rolling resistance is moderate: not as low as eco-focused touring tires, but competitive for a UHP all-season. Fuel efficiency is acceptable, with only a minor penalty compared to less sporty all-seasons. The tire is backed by a 45,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, providing added peace of mind for everyday use. As always, regular rotation and alignment are key to maximizing lifespan.
Sizes & Alternatives
The Pilot Sport All Season 4 covers a wide range of fitments, including popular enthusiast and premium vehicle sizes:
- 245/40ZR18 (common for BMW 3/4 Series, Audi A4/A5, Mustang, Lexus IS)
- 225/45ZR17 (fits Accord Sport, VW GTI, Subaru WRX, Mazda6, Tesla Model 3 RWD)
- Other sizes: 205/50R17, 255/35ZR19, 275/40ZR20, and more
Key competitors in the US market include:
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
- General G-MAX AS-05
Each rival has its own strengths, but the Michelin often stands out for its balanced performance and wet-weather prowess.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class dry and wet grip for an all-season
- Responsive steering and composed handling
- Capable light snow performance for the segment
- Refined ride and relatively low noise
- Wide range of fitments for sports and premium vehicles
- Strong treadwear warranty (45,000 miles)
Cons
- Price premium over many competitors
- Limited deep snow and ice traction (not a winter tire replacement)
- Rolling resistance higher than touring-focused options
- Some road noise on rough surfaces
- May wear faster under aggressive use or track days
Verdict
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 remains a benchmark for drivers seeking a true all-season UHP tire with balanced, real-world performance. Its dry and wet handling inspire confidence, while its ability to tackle light snow sets it apart from many rivals. Comfort and refinement are strong for the segment, and its tread life is above average for such a sporty tire, backed by a solid warranty. The main trade-offs are a higher price point and limited performance in deep winter conditions—those in harsh climates should still consider a dedicated winter tire.
If you want a tire that delivers year-round grip, sharp handling, and daily comfort—whether for a spirited commute, weekend drive, or just peace of mind when the weather turns—this is a top choice for US drivers in 2025. For those who value a slightly softer ride, lower cost, or longer tread life above all else, one of the touring or less aggressive all-season options may be a better fit. But for the enthusiast or anyone who wants to maximize their vehicle’s capabilities in all but the harshest winter, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 is hard to beat.
How does the road noise and ride comfort of the Pilot Sport All Season 4 compare to more traditional touring all-season tires, especially for daily commutes with kids in the car?
The Pilot Sport All Season 4 provides a sporty, responsive ride but may have slightly more road noise and a firmer feel compared to traditional touring all-season tires. If quietness and softness are your top priorities for commuting with kids, touring tires generally offer a smoother and quieter experience, but the Michelin still balances performance and comfort quite well for a performance-oriented tire.
I’m curious how the performance of this tire compares when mounted on a heavier crossover versus a sporty sedan, especially in light snow conditions.
On a heavier crossover, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 may offer more stable traction in light snow due to increased vehicle weight, helping the tire bite in better. However, handling won’t feel as nimble as on a sporty sedan, where the lighter weight and lower center of gravity allow for more responsive cornering. Both vehicles benefit from the tire’s strong all-season compound, but expect slightly better snow performance on the crossover.
For someone who mostly commutes but occasionally goes to a track day, would you recommend these over dedicated summer tires?
If your driving is mostly commuting with only occasional track days, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a sensible choice. They handle daily driving well and offer good performance for occasional track use, though not at the level of dedicated summer tires. If track performance is a top priority, summer tires would be better, but for a balanced all-rounder, these are a solid option.
Are there any noticeable compromises in ride comfort or road noise with the Pilot Sport All Season 4 for daily commuting?
The Pilot Sport All Season 4 offers impressive comfort and keeps road noise low for an ultra-high-performance tire. While it’s slightly firmer than a standard touring tire due to its sporty focus, most drivers find the ride perfectly suitable for daily commuting without significant compromises in comfort or noise levels.
If I have a performance sedan with staggered wheels, are there any particular challenges or considerations when selecting these tires in the available sizes?
With a staggered setup, you’ll need to ensure both front and rear tire sizes are available in the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 range. Make sure the load and speed ratings match your vehicle’s requirements, and double-check compatibility with your wheel widths. Rotating tires to balance wear can be challenging with staggered sizes, so keep that in mind for long-term maintenance.