Comparison: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S vs. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (2026)

Premium

Michelin

Pilot Sport 4 S

VS

Pilot Sport 5

8.8

R13 – R22

1 mutual test(s) with detailed data

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Pilot Sport 4 S is the track-ready flagship; Pilot Sport 5 is the smarter daily sports tyre.

Within Michelin's summer performance range, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S and the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 occupy distinct but adjacent positions. The Pilot Sport 4 S wears the Super Sport badge — it is Michelin's highest-grade road-legal performance tyre, engineered with occasional track use in mind. The Pilot Sport 5, successor to the Pilot Sport 4, carries the Performance designation — a tyre built around spirited daily driving and exceptional longevity rather than outright lap-time capability. Both are excellent; the question is which version of sport driving matters most to you.

Pilot Sport 4 S

Good for

Sports car owners on 18"–23" wheels Drivers who use track days occasionally Those wanting maximum wet and dry grip High-performance saloon and coupe drivers

Not ideal for

Drivers prioritising tyre longevity and mileage Those needing 16" or 17" fitments EV drivers focused on rolling resistance Budget-conscious buyers watching running costs

Pilot Sport 5

Good for

Hot hatch and compact sports car drivers EV owners wanting sport performance Daily drivers prioritising long tyre life Those balancing sport grip with running costs

Not ideal for

Drivers needing 22" or 23" fitments Track day regulars wanting limit-level grip Those who prioritise outright aquaplaning resistance

Test Profile

Pilot Sport 4 S

Pilot Sport 5

Number of tests

15

20

Best position

#1

Average position

2.3

3.2

Latest test

2026

Available sizes

250

74

Performance comparison

Wet Performance

Confidence

98%

Michelin

Pilot Sport 4 S

99%

Michelin

Pilot Sport 5

Wet Braking

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

95%

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

100%

Aquaplaning Longitudinal

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

100%

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

97%

Aquaplaning Cross

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

100%

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

99%

Dry Performance

Confidence

95%

Michelin

Pilot Sport 4 S

86%

Michelin

Pilot Sport 5

Dry Braking

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

95%

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

86%

Economy

Confidence

61%

Michelin

Pilot Sport 4 S

67%

Michelin

Pilot Sport 5

Rolling Resistance

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

61%

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

67%

Performance spider chart

Verdict

Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S if you drive a large-engined sports car or high-performance saloon on 18" wheels or larger, push your tyres hard on fast roads or occasional track days, and want the absolute best in dry and wet grip with a tyre that matches the car's capability. Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 if you want genuine sport character for daily driving, prioritise tyre longevity and fuel efficiency, drive a hot hatch or compact sports car, or run an EV that demands a tyre built for the specific demands of electric vehicle torque and weight. It is the more rounded, practical and ultimately cost-effective performance choice for most drivers — the 4 S is for those who genuinely need more.