Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV — a clash in the performance SUV arena. The Pilot Sport 4 SUV, launched in 2019, is Michelin’s precision weapon for sporty high-riding machines, delivering sharp handling and confident grip. The EfficientGrip Performance SUV, Goodyear’s answer for dynamic yet comfortable driving, promises strong wet safety and fuel efficiency. Two premium giants, one segment — which will dominate the performance SUV crown?
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance SUV
Results below were taken from Bob Jane’s 2023 SUV Tire Test. A total of 13 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground including the premium, value & budget segment SUV tires. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance SUV based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 235/60R18 which is a common tire size for Honda CRV & Mazda CX-5. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Wet
In wet braking from 80 to 0 km/h, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV stops in 24.2 meters, while the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV needs 25.9 meters — a 1.7-meter gap, making the Goodyear about 5% longer to stop. Overall, the Michelin holds a clear wet braking advantage, offering stronger stopping power in the rain.
Efficient Grip Performance SUV :
- -5% in wet braking
Dry
In dry braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV stops in 32.7 meters, while the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV takes 34.3 meters — a 1.6-meter gap, making the Goodyear about 7% longer to stop. In the dry moose test, Michelin scores 7.5/10, slightly ahead of Goodyear’s 7/10. However, in the dry slalom test, Goodyear strikes back with 8.25/10 versus Michelin’s 7.5/10, showing better agility in quick direction changes.
Overall, Michelin edges ahead in outright stopping and stability, while Goodyear offers sharper handling in tight maneuvers.
Efficient Grip Performance SUV :
- -7% in dry braking
- +4% in dry slalom
- -3% in dry moose
Price
For 235/60R18, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV at AUD 445 and the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV at AUD 443 are essentially the same price, with less than a 1% difference.
Tire size: 235/60R18
- Pilot Sport 4 SUV : AUD 445
- Efficient Grip Performance SUV : AUD 443
Difference: ~0% same price.
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, the clear advantages belong to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV. Its stronger wet and dry braking performance, combined with better stability in the moose test, make it the more confidence-inspiring choice — especially since both tires are essentially the same price.
Dr Edwin Pang