Head-to-head Updated

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Continental ContiSportContact 5 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 9 + 1 road tests and 1,383 + 39 owner reviews. How we score

Pilot Sport 4 SUV is ahead, 81–63

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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
± 5

Tests 80 · 9 tests Owners 79 · 1,383 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”

Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV
± 6

Tests 76 · 1 test Owners 48 · 39 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 8 in 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test (dry braking)

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

  1. 86

    Dry

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV +17
    69
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4 SUVContiSportContact 5 SUV
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 1 tests8679
    Reviews found online8655

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 86.1 + 40% × 85.9 = 86

    ContiSportContact 5 SUV: 60% × 78.5 + 40% × 54.9 = 69

  2. 91

    Wet

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV +21
    70
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4 SUVContiSportContact 5 SUV
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 1 tests9376
    Reviews found online8760

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 93.4 + 40% × 86.5 = 91

    ContiSportContact 5 SUV: 60% × 75.6 + 40% × 60.4 = 70

  3. 64

    Comfort

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV +11
    53
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4 SUVContiSportContact 5 SUV
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / – tests54≈ 64 (est.)
    Reviews found online7145

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 40% × 54 + 60% × 70.6 = 64

    ContiSportContact 5 SUV: 40% × 63.9 (est.) + 60% × 45.1 = 53

    No road tests of comfort for ContiSportContact 5 SUV. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.21).

  4. 58

    Noise

    ContiSportContact 5 SUV +11
    69
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4 SUVContiSportContact 5 SUV
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 1 tests5371
    Reviews found online≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 52.5 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 58

    ContiSportContact 5 SUV: 60% × 70.8 + 40% × 66.3 (est.) = 69

    No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 4 SUV or ContiSportContact 5 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.

  5. 72

    Treadwear

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV +29
    43
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4 SUVContiSportContact 5 SUV
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / – tests77≈ 53 (est.)
    Reviews found online6528

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 77 + 40% × 65.3 = 72

    ContiSportContact 5 SUV: 60% × 52.6 (est.) + 40% × 27.6 = 43

    No road tests of treadwear for ContiSportContact 5 SUV. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).

  6. 83

    Handling (owners)

    Pilot Sport 4 SUV +25
    58
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4 SUVContiSportContact 5 SUV
    Reviews found online8358
  7. 64

    Efficiency

    ContiSportContact 5 SUV +9
    73
    Why this score
    SourcePilot Sport 4 SUVContiSportContact 5 SUV
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 1 tests6473
Scores at a glance
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryMichelin Pilot Sport 4 SUVContinental ContiSportContact 5 SUV
Relative Score 81 63
Dry 86 69
Wet 91 70
Comfort 64 53
Noise 58 69
Treadwear 72 43
Handling (owners) 83 58
Efficiency 64 73

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
± 5

Pilot Sport 4 SUV

± 6

ContiSportContact 5 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.

DisciplineCategoryPilot Sport 4 SUVContiSportContact 5 SUVΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 95% #6/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 100% #1/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Dry Handling Dry 98% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 100% #1/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 100% #1/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 96% #6/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Braking Wet 95% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 99% #2/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Wet Handling Wet 97% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 100% #1/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Noise Noise 93% #6/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 98% #4/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 86% #6/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 98% #2/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 49% #11/12 · 2023 Best SUV Tyres Tested 51% #7/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Grass Traction Off-road 71% #4/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 89% #6/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Gravel Handling Off-road 99% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 100% #2/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Gravel Traction Off-road 95% #2/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test 96% #3/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Mud Traction Off-road 90% #8/11 · 2024 Summer SUV Tyre Test 82% #7/8 · 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests
Overall Ranking Overall #5/9 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test #1/8 2018 All Road 265/60 R18 4x4 Tyre Test – Different tests

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A 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
All owner themes in the Pilot Sport 4 SUV review

Tire B ContiSportContact 5 SUV

Pros

  • Impressive wet and dry grip with responsive handling
  • Exceptional braking performance in various conditions
  • Quiet operation and smooth, comfortable ride quality

Cons

  • Rapid and premature tread wear, with many users needing replacements under 15,000 miles
  • High price point relative to the mileage longevity received
  • Some complaints regarding road noise as the tires age
All owner themes in the ContiSportContact 5 SUV review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

Positive

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.

rennlist.com

“Have a 2014 CTTS with 21" wheels. Just had Michelin PilotSport4 SUV All-season put on. Before that had Michelin PilotSport4S. Have about 1K miles on the new tires, and no experience with it in winter weather yet, but prefer the ride quality over the PS4S. The PS4SUV are a softer ride, yet still have plenty of grip when I hit the "Sport" button. IMO, the PS4S is overkill for the Cayenne. Obviously, subjective and YMMV. Does your wife engage in "spirited" driving? As background, I have PS4S tires on my 2016 Spyder and love them.”

bobistheoilguy.com ·2022-04-22

“Figured I would update this thread. Ended up buying a set of four brand new 18" Saab 9-7X wheels that were shipped over, and went with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires in 255/55R18 109Y XL flavor. This is the first set of French made Michelins I've purchased, and they all were manufactured in December 2021. Also got some chrome McGard spline drive lug nuts. The ride is definitely firmer than it was compared to the 255/60R17 106V tires on there previously, but that's a good thing in my book. Only put 18 miles on them so far, so I can't say all that much. However, I definitely like them so far.”

subaruoutback.org ·1 upvote ·2021-10-17

“The CrossClimate2 is supposed to be better in every way compared to the prior generations, including less rolling resistance (better fuel economy). Most Tire Rack reviews are from people who have only driven on tires for a short time so when there are tread life ratings from consumers I don't know how accurate it is. My Michelin Pilot Sport4SUV summer tires have 1500 miles on them and started at 9/32nds and are still 9/32nds (all 4 corners) with some very aggressive driving (testing rear sway bars) and only have 200 treadwear rating.”

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

Tire B

Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV

We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV B · Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typeSUV and 4x4SUV and 4x4
Sizes available65—
Rim diameters17″ – 23″—
UTQG220 - 320 A - AA A—

Which one should you actually buy?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV

Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — better treadwear, handling and wet. Pick the Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV if noise and efficiency matter most to you.

Pick tire A You want the longest tread life

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 72 vs 43 on treadwear.

Pick tire A You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 83 vs 58 on handling.

Pick tire A Your priority is wet-weather safety

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 91 vs 70 on wet.

Pick tire A You want the most grip on dry roads

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 86 vs 69 on dry.

Tire A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Tire B · Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV

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Pilot Sport 4 SUV or ContiSportContact 5 SUV?

Which is better in the wet, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or ContiSportContact 5 SUV?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 91 vs 70 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or ContiSportContact 5 SUV?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 86 vs 69 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or ContiSportContact 5 SUV?

Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV, 69 vs 58 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or ContiSportContact 5 SUV?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 64 vs 53 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or ContiSportContact 5 SUV?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 72 vs 43 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or ContiSportContact 5 SUV?

Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV, 73 vs 64 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