The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 is a fascinating battle between a proven benchmark and a largely untested challenger. While the Pilot Sport 5 has established itself as one of the leading performance tires, the V601 has received surprisingly little independent testing—until now. Can Yokohama’s mysterious contender shock Michelin, or will the benchmark prove why it remains so difficult to beat?
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601
The results presented here are from the AutoView’s 2026 Summer Tire Test, where 7 tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/45 R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series & Mercedes C Class. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a BMW 120 as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped in 25.45 metres, while the Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 needed 28.99 metres. The Yokohama took 3.54 metres longer to stop and finished 12% behind the Michelin. Overall, the Pilot Sport 5 delivered a clear wet-braking advantage.
ADVAN Apex V601 :
- -12% in wet braking
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped in 35.13 metres, while the Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 needed 38.50 metres. The Yokohama took 3.37 metres longer to stop and finished 9% behind.
In subjective dry handling, the Michelin scored 12/15 compared with just 6/15 for the Yokohama—a 6-point difference, with the V601 rated 23% behind. Dry–circle performance was much closer, with the Michelin reaching 72.28 km/h versus 71.58 km/h for the Yokohama, a difference of only 0.70 km/h or 1%.
Overall, the Pilot Sport 5 was clearly stronger in the dry, especially under braking and during subjective handling, while dry-circle grip was almost equal.
ADVAN Apex V601 :
- -9% in dry braking
- -23% in dry handling (subj)
- -1% in dry circle
NVH
In noise, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 recorded 49.38 dB compared with 49.84 dB for the Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601. The Yokohama was only 0.46 dB louder, finishing 1% behind.
The difference in ride comfort was much greater. The Michelin scored 9/10, while the Yokohama managed just 6/10—a 3-point gap and a 15% deficit. Overall, noise levels were very similar, but the Pilot Sport 5 delivered a noticeably more comfortable ride.
ADVAN Apex V601 :
- -1% in interior noise
- -15% in ride comfort
Rolling Resistance
In the coast-down test, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 rolled 472 metres, while the Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 reached 525 metres. The Yokohama travelled 53 metres farther, giving it an 11% advantage and indicating lower rolling resistance. Overall, the V601 should offer slightly better efficiency.
ADVAN Apex V601 :
- +11% in rolling resistance
Price
For a set of 225/45 R18 tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 costs RM667 per tire, while the Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 costs RM530. The Yokohama is RM137 cheaper per tire, saving RM548 across a full set, and is 26% less expensive. This gives the V601 a clear price advantage.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : RM 667
- ADVAN Apex V601 : RM 530
Difference: -26% cheaper for ADVAN Apex V601
Summary
From my tire expert view, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is the clear performance winner, offering stronger wet and dry braking, better handling and a much more comfortable ride. The Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 nearly matches it in dry-circle grip and noise while delivering lower rolling resistance and costing 26% less. Choose the Michelin for maximum grip and refinement, or the Yokohama for efficiency and better value.
Dr Edwin Pang