Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 19 + 21 road tests and 3,376 + 12,714 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Sport 4 is ahead, 81–68
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Tests 77 · 19 tests Owners 57 · 3,376 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 45 in 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout (wet braking)
“Tire preferences? My MK8 has a little over 18,000 miles now and the stock tires look like they’ve already gone to sh*t? Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 aren’t as good as they advertise? What do you recommend for tires?”
Tests 85 · 21 tests Owners 76 · 12,714 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 45 in 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout (dry braking)
“Those are Pilot sport 4 (all season). If it had s after the 4 it would be the summer high performance version. I put the pilot sport 4 on wife's GTI autobahn 2016. Great handling tire, stiff side walls, not the smoothest ride but best overall.”
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
| Source | Ventus S1 evo3 | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 18 / 20 tests | 86 | 89 |
| Reviews found online | 60 | 84 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) · 9 shared tests · wins 3–6 | 97% | 99% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) · 7 shared tests · wins 0–7 | 99% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 | 78% | 88% |
Ventus S1 evo3: 60% × 85.6 + 40% × 59.8 = 75
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 89.3 + 40% × 83.9 = 87
| Source | Ventus S1 evo3 | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 18 / 20 tests | 90 | 92 |
| Reviews found online | 68 | 84 |
| Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 0–3 | 83% | 94% |
| Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 7 shared tests · wins 0–7 | 94% | 97% |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–1 | 74% | 75% |
| Wet Braking (% of best) · 9 shared tests · wins 4–5 | 95% | 95% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 98% | 96% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) · 7 shared tests · wins 4–3 | 98% | 98% |
Ventus S1 evo3: 60% × 89.6 + 40% × 68 = 81
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 92.5 + 40% × 84.4 = 89
| Source | Ventus S1 evo3 | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 6 tests | 64 | 82 |
| Reviews found online | 56 | 72 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 | 67% | 89% |
Ventus S1 evo3: 40% × 64.4 + 60% × 55.8 = 59
Pilot Sport 4: 40% × 81.6 + 60% × 71.7 = 76
| Source | Ventus S1 evo3 | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 14 / 13 tests | 77 | 73 |
| Reviews found online | ≈ 66 (est.) | ≈ 66 (est.) |
| Noise (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 3–3 | 98% | 98% |
Ventus S1 evo3: 60% × 76.9 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 73
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 73.2 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 70
No owner ratings of noise for Ventus S1 evo3 or Pilot Sport 4. 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.
| Source | Ventus S1 evo3 | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 3 tests | 61 | 78 |
| Reviews found online | 42 | 60 |
| Wear (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 0–3 | 75% | 88% |
Ventus S1 evo3: 60% × 60.8 + 40% × 41.5 = 53
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 78.1 + 40% × 59.5 = 71
| Source | Ventus S1 evo3 | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews found online | 59 | 81 |
| Source | Ventus S1 evo3 | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 15 / 14 tests | 68 | 76 |
| Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 7 shared tests · wins 3–4 | 89% | 92% |
| Category | Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 68 | 81 |
| Dry | 75 | 87 |
| Wet | 81 | 89 |
| Comfort | 59 | 76 |
| Noise | 73 | 70 |
| Treadwear | 53 | 71 |
| Handling (owners) | 59 | 81 |
| Efficiency | 68 | 76 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Ventus S1 evo3
Pilot Sport 4
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 11 tests that ran both, Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 finished ahead 3 times and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 8 times.
| Discipline | Category | Ventus S1 evo3 | Pilot Sport 4 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 97% | 99% | −2.3 | 3–6 in 9 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% | 100% | −0.8 | 0–7 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 78% | 88% | −10.9 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Zeitung Summer UHP Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 83% | 94% | −11.3 | 0–3 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 94% | 97% | −3.9 | 0–7 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 95% | 95% | +0.4 | 4–5 in 9 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 98% | 96% | +2.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 98% | 98% | −0.1 | 4–3 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 74% | 75% | −1.2 | 0–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Zeitung Summer UHP Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 67% | 89% | −22.2 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Zeitung Summer UHP Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Noise | Noise | 98% | 98% | −0.3 | 3–3 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Wear | Treadwear | 75% | 88% | −13.3 | 0–3 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 89% | 92% | −2.4 | 3–4 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 73% | 55% | +17.2 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #13/20 | #16/20 | – | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Value | Cost | 70% | 64% | +6.2 | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #3/10 | #7/10 | – | 3–8 in 11 shared tests Newest: 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R19 |
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Community sentiment toward the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 is mixed, with users frequently praising its strong dry and wet grip, comfort, and competitive pricing. However, notable drawbacks include relatively fast tread wear, reports of increasing road noise over time, and mixed experiences with OEM specs versus premium competitors like Michelin.
“Tire preferences? My MK8 has a little over 18,000 miles now and the stock tires look like they’ve already gone to sh*t? Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 aren’t as good as they advertise? What do you recommend for tires?”
“Small tire size change having different ratings? (Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3) Hi all, I'm looking for a good all round tire for my MX5 (I'm in the non snowy regions of the UK so summer tires) and a pretty popular recommendation are the Ventus S1 Evo 3s. At the MX5's stock size of 205/45/R17 they are rated at A for fuel and wet performance, and 68db of noise, which is great! However I'd like to size up to 215/45/R17, and for whatever reason the ratings drop to B for fuel and wet performance, and most importantly to me, 71db of noise. I was just wondering how such a small difference in size changes things quite drastically? I know these ratings aren't that important, but it seems strange to me they'd change at all Thanks! Read more”
“You will love the Ventus S1 EVO3's, I purchased a set back in May 2020 for $473 delivered. In your climate driving at Texas speeds (75-85) efficiency is gonna be about 270-295 Wh/m. I just ordered a set of the iON EVO AS to try out as I have a need for snow use but not bad enough for snow tires.”
Based on 33 community posts
The community widely regards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 line as a premium upgrade offering exceptional dry and wet grip, precise handling, and superior ride comfort compared to OEM or run-flat tires. While celebrated for performance, users frequently discuss its high price tag, faster treadwear, and noticeable drop in EV efficiency. Some drivers also note increased road noise and reduced traction when temperatures drop near freezing.
“Reminder: Tires are the key to this car Just replaced my Michelin Pilot Sport 4 AS tires with a new set ahead of the rainy season. Lasted 36K miles. It was the best mod to the car and a fresh set reminded just how good a brand new set is. The car is glued to the road, riding wonderfully smooth and quiet. Spend the money, get the best tires for you. The tune can wait. And it will need it.”
“Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires are noisy (a followup) I have been asked on this sub if the PS4 tires on my wife’s Bolt are noisy, and I wasn’t sure how to answer. Well, we made two 60-mile round trips this past weekend, mostly on highways with 55 and 70 mph speed limits, and I have to say that the tires are kind of noisy. Certainly not as quiet as EV-oriented tires are. The grip is fantastic, so we really like them. If you are sensitive to noise, though, these Max Performance class tires are probably not for you.”
“Quote: Originally Posted by weston.__ I will be going down the non-rft route, Pilot Sport 4. You're not the only one to say the ride quality with non-rft is a massive improvement and this is the reason why I will change once the time comes. I went from Bridgestone S001 RFT to 'go-flats' and have found the suppleness an obvious difference. Since I put the pressure to the mid point between the low and high load plated pressures I have yet to have any of the heartstopping thumps come through the suspension that the Bridgestone seemed prone to.”
Based on 246 community posts
| Attribute | A · Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 | B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 110 | 62 |
| Rim diameters | 17″ – 22″ | 16″ – 20″ |
| UTQG | 200 - 420 A - AA A | 300 - 320 A - AA A |
| Sizes in common | 48 | 48 |
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 — better handling, treadwear and comfort. Pick the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 if noise matters most to you.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 81 vs 59 on handling.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 71 vs 53 on treadwear.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 76 vs 59 on comfort.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 87 vs 75 on dry.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 won 4 of 7 shared wet handling tests.
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Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 89 vs 81 on our wet score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 87 vs 75 on our dry score.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3, 73 vs 70 on our noise score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 76 vs 59 on our comfort score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 71 vs 53 on our treadwear score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 76 vs 68 on our efficiency score.
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
