Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Hankook Ventus Evo: The all-new 2025 Hankook Ventus Evo has arrived, shaking up the UHP summer tire segment! Facing off against the well-established Michelin Pilot Sport 5, this battle pits cutting-edge innovation against proven excellence. Can the Ventus Evo challenge the status quo, or will the Pilot Sport 5 maintain its dominance? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Hankook Ventus Evo
The results presented here are from the 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test, where 20 of the best tire models were selected from an initial pool of 50. Given the high cost and extensive nature of wear testing, we were delighted to have it included. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Hankook Ventus Evo across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
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 BMW 1 series as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Hankook Ventus Evo stops 0.5 meters shorter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, a 1% improvement. In wet handling, the Ventus Evo is slightly faster at 73.5 km/h, but the difference is almost 0%. Similarly, in straight-line aquaplaning, the Ventus Evo clears water at 80.7 km/h, with an advantage that is also almost 0%. While the differences are minimal, the Ventus Evo edges ahead in wet braking.
Ventus Evo:
- +1% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling
- ~0% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops 0.5 meters shorter than the Hankook Ventus Evo, a 1% advantage. In dry handling, the Ventus Evo is 0.4 km/h faster at 120.9 km/h, but the difference is almost 0%. While the Pilot Sport 5 excels in braking, the Ventus Evo holds a slight edge in handling speed.
Ventus Evo:
- -1% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling
Wear
The tough balancing act between wet performance and mileage is evident here. While the Hankook Ventus Evo edges slightly ahead in wet conditions, it comes at the cost of durability. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 lasts 10,730 km longer, a 26% advantage, thanks to its well-optimized compound. This gives Michelin the upper edge in longevity without sacrificing too much in wet grip.
Ventus Evo:
- -21% in mileage
Comfort & Noise
In subjective comfort, both the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Hankook Ventus Evo score 5 points, making them equally comfortable. However, in noise levels, the Ventus Evo is 1.2 dB quieter, a 2% advantage over the Pilot Sport 5. This suggests the Ventus Evo provides a slightly quieter ride while maintaining the same level of comfort.
Ventus Evo:
- 0% in subjective comfort
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Hankook Ventus Evo has a slight edge, measuring 0.26 N/kN lower than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, a 3% advantage. This means the Ventus Evo is slightly more fuel-efficient, reducing energy loss and improving efficiency over long distances.
Ultrac Pro:
- +3% in rolling resistance
Price
In 225/40 R18, the Hankook Ventus Evo costs €105, making it 18% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 at €124. However, with the Pilot Sport 5 lasting 26% longer in wear testing, the savings on the Ventus Evo may not fully justify the shorter lifespan. Michelin’s extra mileage could offer better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 124
- Ventus Evo : € 105
Difference: -18% more cheaper for Ventus Evo
Summary
As a tire expert, I see this as a classic battle of priorities. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 continues to demonstrate excellent target conflict management, balancing strong wet grip, longevity, and dry performance better than most. On the other hand, the all-new Hankook Ventus Evo pushes boundaries in wet grip, rolling resistance, and noise, making it a compelling, budget-friendly alternative. While Michelin offers superior durability, Hankook delivers strong performance at a lower price. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritize long-term value or upfront savings with wet-weather confidence.
Dr Edwin Pang