Tests 74 · 1 test Owners 62 · 119 reviews
Best test result: #2 of 10 in 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test (dry braking)
Head-to-head
Updated
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — Compared
Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 1 + 9 road tests and 119 + 1,377 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Sport 4 SUV is ahead, 81–68
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Tests 80 · 9 tests Owners 79 · 1,377 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 12 in 2023 Best SUV Tyres Tested (wet braking)
“Loving my new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires and Enkei Raijin wheels”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
71
Dry
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +1586Why this score
Source Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV Pilot Sport 4 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 9 tests 74 86 Reviews found online 68 86 Dry Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 98% 100% Dry Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 99% 100% Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV: 60% × 73.8 + 40% × 67.5 = 71
Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 86.1 + 40% × 85.8 = 86
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72
Wet
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +1991Why this score
Source Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV Pilot Sport 4 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 9 tests 75 93 Reviews found online 67 86 Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 96% 100% Wet Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 97% 100% Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 98% 100% Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV: 60% × 75.2 + 40% × 66.6 = 72
Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 93.3 + 40% × 86.4 = 91
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66
Comfort
Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV +264Why this score
Source Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV Pilot Sport 4 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 2 tests ≈ 68 (est.) 54 Reviews found online 65 71 Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV: 40% × 67.9 (est.) + 60% × 64.9 = 66
Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 40% × 54 + 60% × 70.5 = 64
No road tests of comfort for Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV. The test half is the tested tires’ average (69): owners’ comfort ratings barely follow the road tests.
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68
Noise
Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV +1058Why this score
Source Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV Pilot Sport 4 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 9 tests 70 53 Reviews found online ≈ 66 (est.) ≈ 66 (est.) Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 99% 97% Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV: 60% × 69.7 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 68
Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 52.6 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 58
No owner ratings of noise for Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV or Pilot Sport 4 SUV. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
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55
Treadwear
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +1772Why this score
Source Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV Pilot Sport 4 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests ≈ 60 (est.) 77 Reviews found online 47 65 Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV: 60% × 59.6 (est.) + 40% × 47.3 = 55
Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 77 + 40% × 65.3 = 72
No road tests of treadwear for Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).
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69
Handling (owners)
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +1483Why this score
Source Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV Pilot Sport 4 SUV Reviews found online 69 83 -
61
Efficiency
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +364Why this score
Source Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV Pilot Sport 4 SUV Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 9 tests 61 64 Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 80% 86%
Scores at a glance
| Category | Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 68 | 81 |
| Dry | 71 | 86 |
| Wet | 72 | 91 |
| Comfort | 66 | 64 |
| Noise | 68 | 58 |
| Treadwear | 55 | 72 |
| Handling (owners) | 69 | 83 |
| Efficiency | 61 | 64 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip starts at “Important”. Treadwear starts at “Neutral” here: road tests measured it for at most one of the two tires, so it rests on owner reviews. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Not important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Recomputed
Headline score
68
/ 100
Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV
81
/ 100
Pilot Sport 4 SUV
The professional test results behind the scores
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
In the overall rankings of 2 tests that ran both, Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV finished ahead 0 times and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV 2 times.
| Discipline | Category | Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV | Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 98% | 100% | −1.8 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% | 100% | −0.6 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 96% | 100% | −4.3 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 97% | 100% | −3.5 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% | 100% | −2.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Noise | Noise | 99% | 97% | +1.5 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 80% | 86% | −6.5 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 65% | 57% | +8.1 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Grass Traction | Off-road | 91% | 100% | −8.8 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Gravel Handling | Off-road | 100% | 100% | −0.5 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Gravel Traction | Off-road | 99% | 100% | −0.8 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Mud Traction | Off-road | 96% | 94% | +2.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Sand Traction | Off-road | 91% | 99% | −8.4 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 SUV 4x4 Summer Tyre Test · 255/55 R18 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #2/9 | #1/9 | – | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Allrad SUV Summer Tire Test R18 · 255/55R18 |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV
Pros
- Exceptional grip and confidence-inspiring handling in both wet and dry conditions
- Significantly lower road noise and quieter ride compared to predecessor or competing brands
- Good tread wear longevity and durability, offering strong value for money
Cons
- Potential for tire deformation and subsequent vibrations after periods of non-use or normal driving
- Stiff or taut ride quality reported by some users
- Limited effectiveness on ice and snow compared to dedicated all-season tyres
Tire B Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Pros
- Outstanding grip and safety in both wet and dry conditions
- Precise steering response and enhanced cornering stability for heavy SUVs
- Noticeable improvement in ride comfort and overall handling
Cons
- Higher-than-average purchase price
- Increased road noise reported by some users as the tread wears down
- Faster tread wear and shorter mileage lifespan under aggressive driving or heavy vehicle loads
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV
We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.
Tire B
Positive
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Community members generally praise the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV for its strong grip, handling performance, and SUV-specific design. Users frequently consider it an upgrade over OEM options like the Latitude Sport 3, though some discuss its premium price, summer temperature limitations, and expected tread longevity.
bobistheoilguy.com
·2022-02-01
“From 3 model you mention, only Alenza is designed for heavy vehicle/SUV, so longevity is better than other 2 for your Envoy even though the traction may not be the best. If you can find Pilot Sport 4 SUV, then it may be the best to replace Latitude Sport 3. I like Latitude Sport 3, the best in wet weather and great in dry, but it is true it is only 25000 miles lifetime.”
r/PorscheMacan
·1 upvote ·2026-04-04
“I'm leaning towards the Pilot Sport 4 SUV over the LS3. I'd really like to see how much better these tires grip. Although it sounds like I'll be sacrificing a little comfort, but with air suspension I'm not too worried.”
r/Howsmytire
·1 upvote ·2026-07-15
“Used Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV I am looking to buy these used Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires. They have 7+ mm thread left, DOT 0923. I am wondering why the two tires on the right are so rough / full of small holes, while the ones on the left are so smooth. Probably the right ones were on the front, but still what could this condition be indicating? I still haven't been to the shop to see them and feel how is the rubber, wanted to hear an advice first.”
Top themes
#grip and handling#SUV-specific performance#tread life longevity#Latitude Sport 3 comparison#summer tire limitations#premium pricing
Based on 25 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | SUV and 4x4 | SUV and 4x4 |
| Sizes available | 25 | 65 |
| Rim diameters | 17″ – 21″ | 17″ – 23″ |
| UTQG | — | 220 - 320 A - AA A |
| Sizes in common | 22 | 22 |
Which one should you actually buy?
68
/ 100
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV
81
/ 100
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — better wet, treadwear and dry. Pick the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV if noise matters most to you.
Pick tire B
Your priority is wet-weather safety
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 91 vs 72 on wet.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 72 vs 55 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 86 vs 71 on dry.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 83 vs 69 on handling.
Tire A · Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
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Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV or Pilot Sport 4 SUV?
Which is better in the wet, Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV or Pilot Sport 4 SUV?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 91 vs 72 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV or Pilot Sport 4 SUV?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 86 vs 71 on our dry score.
Which is quieter, Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV or Pilot Sport 4 SUV?
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV, 68 vs 58 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV or Pilot Sport 4 SUV?
Neither, by our numbers: 66 vs 64 on the comfort score, within 3 points.
Which lasts longer, Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV or Pilot Sport 4 SUV?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 72 vs 55 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Sport Maxx RT 2 SUV or Pilot Sport 4 SUV?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 64 vs 61 on our efficiency score.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology