Comparison: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs. Michelin Primacy 4 vs. GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2 vs. Hankook ION Evo

Premium

Michelin

Pilot Sport 4

R16 – R21

VS

Premium

Michelin

Also compare with

SportContact 7

UltraContact NXT

Ventus Evo

Pilot Sport 4 rewards keen drivers; Primacy 4 rewards everyone else, for longer.

Michelin builds its summer tyre range around a clear logic: the further up the Pilot Sport family you go, the more the tyre is optimised for driving enjoyment; the further into the Primacy family, the more the emphasis shifts towards longevity, comfort, and economy. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and the Michelin Primacy 4 sit at the heart of each of those families respectively, and understanding which one is right for you comes down to a simple question: do you drive for the road, or do you manage it?

Pilot Sport 4

Good for

Spirited drivers wanting dynamic, precise handling Performance and sports car owners Drivers prioritising aquaplaning safety Those who enjoy an involving driving feel

Not ideal for

Drivers prioritising fuel economy and low running costs Those wanting the widest possible size selection Buyers needing 14-inch or budget fitments

Primacy 4

Good for

High-mileage family and executive car drivers EV owners prioritising range and efficiency Drivers wanting a quiet, refined everyday ride Budget-conscious buyers seeking long tread life

Not ideal for

Drivers wanting sharp, sporty handling response Those needing maximum aquaplaning resistance Performance car owners seeking limit-level grip

Test Profile

Pilot Sport 4

Primacy 4

Efficientgrip Performance 2

ION Evo

Number of tests

19

20

4

1

Best position

#1

#2

#1

Average position

2.1

3.5

3.3

1.0

Latest test

2022

2026

2025

Available sizes

184

386

40

66

Verdict

If you drive a performance car, enjoy the road actively, and want a tyre that rewards precision driving with genuine confidence in all weather conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is the right choice — it delivers the dynamic feel and aquaplaning security that the Primacy 4 is not designed to match. But for the majority of family and executive car drivers who cover regular mileage, value a quiet cabin, and want a tyre whose safety credentials hold up as the kilometres accumulate, the Michelin Primacy 4 is the more sensible, more economical, and arguably more rounded everyday choice. Both are quality Michelin products; the decision is really about what you ask of a tyre every day.