Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Vredestein Ultrac Pro: The Michelin Pilot Sport 5, launched in early 2022, continues Michelin’s legacy in the ultra-high-performance (UHP) summer tire segment, refining the formula that made its predecessor a favorite. Meanwhile, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro, introduced in 2024, is here to shake things up, bringing fresh technology and aggressive performance claims. Can the newcomer dethrone the well-established Pilot Sport 5, or will Michelin’s experience prove too much to handle? Let’s dive into this UHP showdown!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Vredestein Ultrac Pro
The results featured here are from the 2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test, with 16 model of the finest tires were tested. Wear bring a extremely priced and expensive test were provided to our delight. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Vredestein Ultrac Pro across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops in 29.2 meters, while the Vredestein Ultrac Pro takes 31 meters—a 1.8-meter (6%) longer stopping distance. When it comes to straight-line aquaplaning, the Pilot Sport 5 holds on until 79.9 km/h, slightly outperforming the Ultrac Pro, which starts losing grip at 79.1 km/h, giving Michelin a small 0.8 km/h (1%) edge in aquaplaning resistance.
Ultrac Pro:
- -6% in wet braking
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops in 35.5 meters, while the Vredestein Ultrac Pro takes 36.6 meters. That’s a 1.1-meter (3%) longer stopping distance for the Vredestein, giving the Michelin a slight edge in dry performance.
Ultrac Pro:
- -3% in dry braking
Wear
In wear, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 lasts 56,400 km, significantly outlasting the Vredestein Ultrac Pro, which wears out at 40,100 km—a 16,300 km (29%) advantage for Michelin. When it comes to abrasion, the Pilot Sport 5 loses 56.1 mg/km/t, while the Ultrac Pro sheds 75.5 mg/km/t, meaning the Vredestein wears 26% faster, reinforcing Michelin’s superior longevity.
Ultrac Pro:
- -29% in mileage
- -26% in abrasion
Noise
In noise levels, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 registers 73.1 dB, while the Vredestein Ultrac Pro is quieter at 71.8 dB. This gives the Ultrac Pro a 1.3 dB (2%) advantage, making it the more refined option in terms of road noise.
Ultrac Pro:
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.3 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In fuel consumption, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 records 5.6 l/100km, while the Vredestein Ultrac Pro uses 5.7 l/100km. This gives the Michelin a slight 0.1 l/100km (2%) advantage in fuel efficiency, making it the more economical choice over long distances.
Ultrac Pro:
- -2% in fuel consumption
Price
In 225/40 R18, the Vredestein Ultrac Pro costs €84, while the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is priced at €124. That makes the Ultrac Pro €40 (48%) cheaper, offering a significantly lower price point.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 124
- Ultrac Pro: € 84
Difference: -48% more cheaper for Ultrac Pro
Summary
From a tire expert’s view, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 dominates with superior wet and dry braking, better aquaplaning resistance, significantly longer tread life, and slightly better fuel efficiency. Its well-rounded performance and durability make it the top choice for drivers seeking grip, safety, and longevity. The Vredestein Ultrac Pro, however, fights back with a lower price and a quieter ride, making it a strong budget-friendly option. But with faster wear and weaker braking, it falls short of challenging Michelin’s all-around superiority. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 takes the win.
Dr Edwin Pang