Tests 80 · 9 tests Owners 79 · 1,373 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”
Head-to-head
Updated
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Kumho Ecsta PS71 — 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 + 14 road tests and 1,373 + 8,175 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Sport 4 SUV is ahead, 80–68
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Tests 68 · 14 tests Owners 69 · 8,175 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 18 in 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test (straight aquaplaning)
“Those are Kumho Ecsta PS71s, thread width is supposed to be 245mm, the actual one is hardly 235. How so?”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
86
Dry
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +1175Why this score
Source Pilot Sport 4 SUV Ecsta PS71 Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 12 tests 86 78 Reviews found online 86 72 Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 86 + 40% × 86.4 = 86
Ecsta PS71: 60% × 77.6 + 40% × 72.2 = 75
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91
Wet
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +685Why this score
Source Pilot Sport 4 SUV Ecsta PS71 Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 13 tests 94 92 Reviews found online 87 75 Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 94 + 40% × 86.6 = 91
Ecsta PS71: 60% × 92.5 + 40% × 74.8 = 85
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64
Comfort
Ecsta PS71 +670Why this score
Source Pilot Sport 4 SUV Ecsta PS71 Professional tests (TWG score) · 2 / 2 tests 54 75 Reviews found online 71 66 Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 40% × 54.2 + 60% × 71.1 = 64
Ecsta PS71: 40% × 75.3 + 60% × 65.8 = 70
-
58
Noise
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +2236Why this score
Source Pilot Sport 4 SUV Ecsta PS71 Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 8 tests 53 15 Reviews found online ≈ 67 (est.) ≈ 67 (est.) Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 52.5 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 58
Ecsta PS71: 60% × 15.5 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 36
No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 4 SUV or Ecsta PS71. 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.
-
72
Treadwear
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +2151Why this score
Source Pilot Sport 4 SUV Ecsta PS71 Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 6 tests 77 45 Reviews found online 65 61 Pilot Sport 4 SUV: 60% × 77.1 + 40% × 65.1 = 72
Ecsta PS71: 60% × 45.1 + 40% × 60.6 = 51
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83
Handling (owners)
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +1073Why this score
Source Pilot Sport 4 SUV Ecsta PS71 Reviews found online 83 73 -
64
Efficiency
Pilot Sport 4 SUV +1648Why this score
Source Pilot Sport 4 SUV Ecsta PS71 Professional tests (TWG score) · 9 / 7 tests 64 48
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Kumho Ecsta PS71 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 80 | 68 |
| Dry | 86 | 75 |
| Wet | 91 | 85 |
| Comfort | 64 | 70 |
| Noise | 58 | 36 |
| Treadwear | 72 | 51 |
| Handling (owners) | 83 | 73 |
| Efficiency | 64 | 48 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
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Recomputed
Headline score
80
/ 100
Pilot Sport 4 SUV
68
/ 100
Ecsta PS71
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.
| Discipline | Category | Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Ecsta PS71 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 95% #6/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 95% #9/52 · 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | – | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 98% #12/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 100% #1/6 · 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tyre Test | 92% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | – | Different tests |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 99% #3/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 86% #6/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 100% #1/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 100% #1/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 95% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 100% #2/52 · 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | – | Different tests |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 98% #3/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 99% #5/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 97% #5/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 100% #2/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 40% #4/6 · 2025 Vi Bilagare Summer EV Tyre Test | 94% #10/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 93% #6/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 97% #17/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Abrasion | Treadwear | 88% #3/8 · 2024 EV Tyre Test | 51% #14/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wear | Treadwear | 97% #2/8 · 2024 EV Tyre Test | 50% #14/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 86% #6/9 · 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | 83% #15/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 49% #11/12 · 2023 Best SUV Tyres Tested | 83% #6/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #7/8 2024 EV Tyre Test | #7/20 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Value | Cost | 62% #7/8 · 2024 EV Tyre Test | 37% #11/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #5/9 2026 Summer SUV Tyre Test | #4/52 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | – | 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
Tire B Ecsta PS71
Pros
- Outstanding wet weather grip and aquaplaning resistance
- High value for money compared to tier-one premium brands
- Predictable handling and solid cornering stability in both dry and wet conditions
Cons
- Noticeable road noise or droning at motorway speeds on certain vehicles
- Occasional reports of balancing difficulties or out-of-round/egg-shaped tires
- Softer sidewalls can lead to slightly vague steering response around center or tread block movement
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Positive
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Community sentiment toward the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is generally very positive, with owners highlighting its strong grip, handling precision, and suitability for heavy performance SUVs. Users frequently compare it favorably to older Latitude Sport 3 and standard passenger tires, though they emphasize its summer-only limitation below 40°F and note trade-offs in price and tread life.
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/Audi
·1 upvote ·2026-07-09
“Nope nope nope. I live in the SE and my RWD sports car get squirrelly with normal driving when it drops below 40 on my PS4Ss. You’d be in a ditch first bit of snow.”
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.”
Top themes
#Summer temperature limitations#Grip and handling performance#Tread life and wear#Comparison with Latitude Sport 3#Ride comfort and firmness#SUV-specific load design
Based on 37 community posts
Tire B
Positive
Kumho Ecsta PS71
Community sentiment towards the Kumho Ecsta PS71 is generally positive, with drivers viewing it as an affordable, high-value mid-range/UHP tire that performs reliably compared to premium brands. Users praise its wet grip rating, competitive pricing, and overall road manners once warmed up, though some note it provides adequate rather than top-tier grip and raise questions regarding cold performance and tread life.
bimmerforums.co.uk
·1 upvote ·2024-05-05
“On Blackcircles all the 245/40 R19 ditch finders cost around £100 and have a poor wet grip & all the decent mid range cost around £170 and have A rated wet grip. Would you risk it for £240? I know I wouldn't. The cheapest A wet rated is a Kuhmo Ecsta PS71 at £136 if you really want to keep the cost down. If you want a relatively soft comfortable tyre then a Hankook S1 Evo 3 is an excellent choice.”
r/TyreReviews
·1 upvote ·2026-06-17
“Kumho PS71 Question Replaced an older (2021 or 2022 production) set of ps71 with a new set (production 39-42 week of 2024) and noticed something on the new sidewalls I hadn't seen on the old ones. The new ones have ps71 with either a 1 or a 2 under it right above the bead in very small text. I'm curious what they mean if anything at all.”
r/TeslaUK
·2 upvotes ·2026-08-28
“go with Kumho Ecsta PS71 EV around £140 – £165. Good value for money”
Top themes
#Value for money#Wet grip performance#UHP budget alternative#Tread wear durability#Warm-up temperature behavior#Tire pressure specifications
Based on 24 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV | B · Kumho Ecsta PS71 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | SUV and 4x4 | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 65 | 133 |
| Rim diameters | 17″ – 23″ | 16″ – 22″ |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Sizes in common | 43 | 43 |
Which one should you actually buy?
80
/ 100
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
68
/ 100
Kumho Ecsta PS71
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — better noise, treadwear and efficiency. Pick the Kumho Ecsta PS71 if comfort matters most to you.
Pick tire A
You want a quieter cabin
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 58 vs 36 on noise.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 72 vs 51 on treadwear.
Pick tire A
You want lower fuel or energy use
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 64 vs 48 on efficiency.
Pick tire A
You want the most grip on dry roads
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV scores 86 vs 75 on dry.
Tire A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Tire B · Kumho Ecsta PS71
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Pilot Sport 4 SUV or Ecsta PS71?
Which is better in the wet, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or Ecsta PS71?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 91 vs 85 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or Ecsta PS71?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 86 vs 75 on our dry score.
Which is quieter, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or Ecsta PS71?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 58 vs 36 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or Ecsta PS71?
Kumho Ecsta PS71, 70 vs 64 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or Ecsta PS71?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 72 vs 51 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Pilot Sport 4 SUV or Ecsta PS71?
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, 64 vs 48 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