Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 27 + 20 road tests and 6,632 + 1,277 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Sport 4 S is ahead, 83–59
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Tests 82 · 27 tests Owners 86 · 6,632 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 15 in 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test (dry braking)
“A note about the pilot sport 4 S: in cold weather (below 5 degrees) even if it isn't icy, the tyre compound hardens and has dramatically reduced grip. They are excellent summer tyres though, good in the wet too. These days I run Uniroyal rainsport 5 and they're very good.”
Tests 58 · 20 tests Owners 53 · 1,277 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 11 in 2018 AMS Summer UHP Tyre Test (straight aquaplaning)
“Had the older version on an SRT8. Grip & performance were great. But wear was not. 10K miles(2 rotations) is all I got.”
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 25 / 18 tests | 94 | 61 |
| Reviews found online | 92 | 64 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 6–0 | 99% | 91% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 6–0 | 99% | 97% |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 4–0 | 91% | 64% |
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 94.3 + 40% × 92.1 = 93
Proxes Sport: 60% × 60.7 + 40% × 64.1 = 62
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 26 / 18 tests | 86 | 77 |
| Reviews found online | 91 | 59 |
| Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 0–4 | 95% | 97% |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 4 shared tests · wins 2–0 | 82% | 71% |
| Wet Braking (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 6–0 | 97% | 86% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0 | 98% | 91% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 5–1 | 97% | 94% |
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 86.4 + 40% × 90.6 = 88
Proxes Sport: 60% × 76.6 + 40% × 59.4 = 70
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | ≈ 48 (est.) |
| Reviews found online | – | 10 |
Proxes Sport: 60% × 48 (est.) + 40% × 10 = 33
No road tests of snow for Proxes Sport. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.37).
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 5 tests | 70 | 50 |
| Reviews found online | 84 | 59 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–0 | 85% | 85% |
Pilot Sport 4 S: 40% × 70.4 + 60% × 84.2 = 79
Proxes Sport: 40% × 50.1 + 60% × 59.4 = 56
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 20 / 11 tests | 70 | 72 |
| Reviews found online | ≈ 67 (est.) | 69 |
| Noise (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 3–2 | 98% | 98% |
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.3 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 69
Proxes Sport: 60% × 72.1 + 40% × 68.6 = 71
No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 4 S. The owner half is the owners’ average (67): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 5 tests | 70 | 36 |
| Reviews found online | 74 | 54 |
| Tested Tread Life (Miles) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 62% | 46% |
Pilot Sport 4 S: 60% × 70.2 + 40% × 74 = 72
Proxes Sport: 60% × 35.5 + 40% × 54.2 = 43
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews found online | 90 | 56 |
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 23 / 12 tests | 72 | 41 |
| Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 5–1 | 95% | 92% |
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | Toyo Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 83 | 59 |
| Dry | 93 | 62 |
| Wet | 88 | 70 |
| Snow | – | 33 |
| Comfort | 79 | 56 |
| Noise | 69 | 71 |
| Treadwear | 72 | 43 |
| Handling (owners) | 90 | 56 |
| Efficiency | 72 | 41 |
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.
Only one of the two tires has a score here, so this weight changes nothing in the head-to-head.
Pilot Sport 4 S
Proxes Sport
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
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 9 tests that ran both, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S finished ahead 9 times and Toyo Proxes Sport 0 times.
| Discipline | Category | Pilot Sport 4 S | Proxes Sport | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 99% | 91% | +7.8 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% | 97% | +2.1 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 91% | 64% | +26.3 | 4–0 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 95% | 97% | −2.1 | 0–4 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 97% | 86% | +11.0 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 98% | 91% | +7.0 | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 97% | 94% | +2.4 | 5–1 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 82% | 71% | +11.1 | 2–0 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 85% | 85% | 0.0 | 0–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test · 245/35 R19 |
| Noise | Noise | 98% | 98% | +0.1 | 3–2 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Tested Tread Life (Miles) | Treadwear | 62% | 46% | +15.3 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires · 215/60R18 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 95% | 92% | +2.6 | 5–1 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 49% | 78% | −28.1 | 0–4 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test · 275/35 R19 |
| Tyre Weight | Other | 99% | 95% | +4.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test · 245/35 R19 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #1/22 | #15/22 | – | 9–0 in 9 shared tests Newest: 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires · 215/60R18 |
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
The community widely regards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S as a benchmark max-performance summer tire, praising its outstanding dry and wet grip, stability, and daily driving refinement. Common criticisms focus on its premium price, rapid tread wear on high-powered heavy vehicles or hot track sessions, and significantly reduced grip in cold weather. Many enthusiasts consider it an ideal street tire, though some note softer sidewalls compared to predecessors or recommend dedicated track tires for hard circuit driving.
“I just went 12k on PSS for mixed use weekend and HDPE. 275/35 19x10 front and 305/30 19x11rear stagger. I replaced the PS4s from stock purchased PP1. I immediately noticed the PSS seemed a little louder and the concrete joints were felt and heard. Now after putting on 285/35 and 325/30 MP4S I'm enjoying a better ride. I have a track event this weekend so I'll get to test the 4S in track duty.”
“I had a similar experience with Discount Tire and brand new Michelin PS4S's. I clipped a large lane marker (not a dot, a turtle) with both driver's side tires and pinch-flatted them both. I had driven them less than 10 miles so Discount Tire replaced them for only $50 without me even asking for a discount. I had purchased them for about $450 each and didn't buy a road hazard warranty, so I was very pleased with Discount Tire.”
“My 2023 20th AE Golf R came with Hankook tires , and I've been very pleased with them. I'm a fairly aggressive driver and frequent the twisty roads in the Santa Monica Mountains. I also have a mildly modded Mk VI Golf R shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires on factory 18" rims, and the Hankooks seem to perform almost as well in the dry, but outshine the PS4s in the wet. I will most likely need new tires next year, but I am undecided between the Hankooks and the Michelin PS4AS tires . As for Continental tires ... I use Continental tubular tires on my road bicycle, but have experienced many problems, including massive chunking with them on my 1974 BMW 2002Tii and my 1979 Scirocco Gti , so I am not going to use them on my cars again.”
Based on 208 community posts
Community sentiment toward the Toyo Proxes Sport family is generally positive, with drivers praising its ride comfort, good value for money, and competent daily street grip. Many owners appreciate unique size options like 345/25-20 for high-performance cars, though enthusiasts note that dedicated track tires offer superior turn-in sharpness and ultimate traction. A common topic of discussion is the scarcity of extensive real-world reviews, particularly regarding newer variants.
“I have real world experience with the Toyo Proxes Sport AS+. This may be the best all around tire on the planet IMO. I'm old and so I've tried multiple tires in real world conditions as a daily driver with performance in mind. I know every Michelin and Pirelli. I've become an expert on available tires in the USA.. What you will find with This tire: * They are immediately quiet *Resist hydroplaning in big water * Higher than expected dry performance in super hot weather for an AS * Maintain tread pattern to the death and remain quiet. These tires are next level.”
“I finally got Toyo Proxes Sport tires to replace my old Michelins. I up sized with 295/30-19's front and 345/25-20's rear on the stock wheels. I really like the fitment and don't have any rubbing even being lowered on the stock jacking bolts. I'm amazed how well they hook although I don't have a good reference as the 9-year-old Michelins were like rocks LOL. The ride is a bit better as well on non-run-flats.”
“Quote: Originally Posted by Brian Goodwin I own both the Falken and Toyo Proxes Sport, both in 235/40-17. The Toyo rides better, the Falken goes faster through the turns, and turn-in response is much quicker. I have not bothered to take the Toyo to the track because around our fun canyon roads it is clearly slower and with less grip than the Falken. The Falken feels like a race tire, complete with stiff sidewall support for crisp turn-in, used those for track and autocross over the last few months, including two wins in class at autocross. The Toyo feels like a street tire, much like the Continental ECS, complete with much lower weight because sidewalls are comparatively soft and squishy next to the Falken. If you want a soft daily driver 235/40 and you accept it is a few clicks slower than the Falken, the Toyo is great as a daily driver. But if you expect that Toyo to keep up with the Falken on track days, you will be disappointed. Great feedback, thanks Brian. Wish there were more options in this size! May just stick with the RT660s, especially now with the HKS GT2 on the car”
Based on 34 community posts
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | B · Toyo Proxes Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 110 | 83 |
| Rim diameters | 17″ – 22″ | 17″ – 21″ |
| Tread depth | — | 9 - 10/32″ |
| UTQG | — | 240 AA A |
| Treadwear warranty | — | 25,000 mi |
| Sidewall | — | Black Side Wall |
| Max pressure | — | 50 - 51 psi |
| Sizes in common | 53 | 53 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Toyo Proxes Sport
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better handling, dry and efficiency. Where the Toyo Proxes Sport is ahead, it is by less than 3 points.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 90 vs 56 on handling.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 93 vs 62 on dry.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 72 vs 41 on efficiency.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 72 vs 43 on treadwear.
Toyo Proxes Sport won 4 of 6 shared straight aquaplaning tests.
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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 88 vs 70 on our wet score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 93 vs 62 on our dry score.
Neither, by our numbers: 69 vs 71 on the noise score, within 3 points.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 79 vs 56 on our comfort score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 72 vs 43 on our treadwear score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, 72 vs 41 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
