Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Michelin Primacy 5: With the newly launched 2025 Michelin Primacy 5 making waves in the touring segment, the big question arises: how does it stack up against its ultra-high performance sibling, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5? Both lines offer many overlapping sizes, especially in 17″ and 18″ fitments, and with minimal price differences, the choice isn’t as clear-cut as you’d expect. Time to find out if touring comfort can really challenge UHP performance!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Michelin Primacy 5
As there were no direct comparison tests available, we had to estimate the differences using two separate tests — the UTAC/Aftonbladet Summer Tire Test featuring the Michelin Primacy 5, and the 2025 Autobild Summer Tire Test featuring the Michelin Pilot Sport 5. Two key assumptions were made: first, that the performance of the Continental PremiumContact 7 is consistent across both tests; and second, that the effect of tire size differences between 225/45R17 and 225/40R18 is relatively small.
The accompanying graph above provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Michelin Primacy 5 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Primacy 5 edges ahead with a 1% better result than the Pilot Sport 5. The older generation compound of the Pilot Sport 5 loses out to the newly updated Primacy 5 here, a surprising win for the touring tire. When it comes to wet handling, the Pilot Sport 5 holds its ground with a 3% advantage, as expected from a UHP tire that’s tuned for sharper grip and agility.
As for straight-line aquaplaning, the Primacy 5 performs 3% better than the Pilot Sport 5, showing that the new touring tire not only grips well in the wet but also offers improved water evacuation—something you wouldn’t normally expect to beat a UHP tire at..
Primacy 5 :
- +1% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling
- +3% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 clearly outperforms the Primacy 5, stopping 8% shorter. This dominant result reinforces the Pilot Sport 5’s ultra-high performance DNA, leaving no doubt that when it comes to dry grip, it’s still in a class above.
Primacy 5 :
- -8% in dry braking
Wear
One of the biggest improvements with the new Michelin Primacy 5 is its mileage. This is clearly seen with a massive 37% advantage in wear performance over the Pilot Sport 5. As expected from the comfort-touring focused segment, durability is key—and this widening gap reflects that demand. For many drivers, this becomes the clear deciding factor when choosing between the two.
Primacy 5 :
- +37% in mileage
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance also saw a significant 6% improvement from the previous Primacy 4+ to the new Primacy 5, and that progress is reflected here with a 10% advantage over the Pilot Sport 5. This boost not only enhances fuel efficiency but also reinforces the Primacy 5’s positioning as a refined, eco-conscious touring tire.
Primacy 5 :
- +10% in rolling resistance
Price
Surprisingly, the new Primacy 5 is actually more expensive than the Pilot Sport 5 in the 225/45 R17 size—coming in at €119 versus €115, a 3% price difference. Given the Pilot Sport 5’s UHP status, you’d expect it to be the pricier option, but perhaps the Primacy 5’s recent launch and updated compound are driving the higher cost.
Tire size: 225/45 R17
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 115
- Primacy 5 : € 119
Difference: +3% more expensive for Primacy 5
Summary
As a tire expert, it’s a trade-off. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 wins on dry grip and handling, while the new Michelin Primacy 5 excels in mileage, wet braking, and rolling resistance. If you want performance, go Pilot Sport 5. If you value comfort and longevity, the Primacy 5 is the smarter pick.
Dr Edwin Pang