Michelin Tyres vs Toyo Tyres

Acting as two of the world’s leading tyre brands, Michelin and Toyo have been innovating within the industry for over 200 years combined.

Whilst Michelin have been around a little longer and are an established premium tyre manufacturer, Toyo have been making waves in the mid-range tyre market since they were founded in 1945.

These two tyre giants offer a wide range of tyre models, varying from all-season tyres, to summer and winter tyres.

This comparison will delve into an overview of both brands and what their most popular tyres are, helping you decide which is the best fit for your vehicle and driving needs.

Michelin Overview

Since the 19th century, Michelin has been a pioneering force in tyre manufacturing, consistently setting the standard for premium tyre production.

Their highly sought-after models, ranging from 4x4 and EV tyres, to high-performance options, are testament to their extensive tyre expertise.

This French giant's influence on the industry is undeniable; Michelin's innovations have driven technological advancements and shaped the very landscape of tyre design and manufacturing for over a century.

Beyond tyres, Michelin's renowned "Michelin Stars" have also become a globally recognized symbol of excellence in the culinary world, a testament to the brand's dedication to quality across diverse sectors.

However, their legacy remains firmly rooted in the tyre industry, where their commitment to innovation continues to distinguish them from the competition.

Popular Michelin Tyre Models

Michelin enjoys considerable success with its tyre models, notably the Pilot Sport and Primacy series.

To illustrate their market dominance, a closer look at some of their top-performing models is warranted.

Pilot Sport 4

Released in 2016, the Pilot Sport 4 is a summer tyre that remains a cornerstone of Michelin's lineup.

Customers at Blackcircles.com have rated the Pilot Sport 4 as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.7/5
• Will buy again – 4.7/5
• Improved driving experience – 4.5/5
• Value for money – 4.3/5

Prices for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 range from £109.95 to £380.26.*

Pilot Sport 4 S

A high-performance enhancement of the Pilot Sport 4, the 4 S has received praise from both critics and consumers.

Customers at Blackcircles.com have rated the Pilot Sport 4 S as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.8/5
• Will buy again – 4.8/5
• Improved driving experience – 4.6/5
• Value for money – 4.2/5

Prices for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S range from £170.99 to £468.99.*

Pilot Sport 5

Building upon the success of its predecessor, the 2022 Pilot Sport 5 incorporates advanced technology for enhanced performance.

Customers at Blackcircles.com have rated the Pilot Sport 5 as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.7/5
• Will buy again – 4.7/5
• Improved driving experience – 4.4/5
• Value for money – 4.2/5

Prices for the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 range from £118.99 to £287.51.*

CrossClimate 2

Michelin's leading all-season tyre, the CrossClimate 2 provides reliable performance in various weather conditions.

Customers at Blackcircles.com have rated the CrossClimate 2 as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.6/5
• Will buy again – 4.7/5
• Improved driving experience – 4.3/5
• Value for money – 4.1/5

Prices for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 range from £106.94 to £316.13.*

Primacy 4+

The Michelin Primacy 4+ is a premium summer tyre that prioritises both longevity and superior braking.

Customers at Blackcircles.com have rated the Primacy 4+ as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.6/5
• Will buy again – 4.7/5
• Improved driving experience – 4.3/5
• Value for money – 4.1/5

Prices for the Michelin Primacy 4+ range from £100.29 to £262.76.*

Are Michelin Tyres Good?

Michelin's reputation as a leading global tyre manufacturer is well-deserved.

Their focus on premium production results in some of the highest-performing tyres available.

The sheer volume of customer feedback – over 82,925 reviews here on Blackcircles.com – underscores Michelin's popularity and provides a robust dataset for assessing the quality and performance of their tyres.

This wealth of reviews offers potential customers valuable insights from real-world driving experiences.

Toyo Overview

Toyo are a mid-range tyre brand that manufacture good performing tyres at a reasonable price.

Toyo has carved a significant niche in the global tyre market, with their range encompasses a broad spectrum of vehicle types, from passenger cars and SUVs to light trucks and even performance vehicles.

Known for a good balance of performance, durability, and affordability, Toyo have gained popularity amongst drivers seeking a dependable and value-oriented option.

Unlike Michelin's diversification into gastronomy, Toyo remains primarily focused on its core tyre business, constantly striving for improvements in technology and manufacturing processes to enhance product performance and meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

Their commitment to quality, albeit without the same flamboyant global brand recognition as Michelin, ensures Toyo maintains a strong and competitive position within the tyre market.

Popular Toyo Tyres

Much like Michelin, Toyo continue to add to their extensive tyre model range.

The most popular tyres amongst Blackcircles.com customers consist of models from their Proxes tyre series, a popular tyre series that Toyo have been adapting for a number of years now.

Proxes TR1

The Toyo Proxes TR1 is a high-performance tyre manufactured for strong handling, grip, and longevity.

Blackcircles.com rate the Proxes TR1 as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.6/5
• Will buy again – 4.6/5
• Improved driving experience – 4.2/5
• Value for money – 4.5/5

Prices for the Toyo Proxes TR1 range from £66.49 to £171.37.*

Proxes Comfort

Released globally in 2020, the Toyo Proxes Comfort provides motorists with a reliable tyre option through efficient wet and dry braking performance capabilities.

Blackcircles.com rate the Proxes Comfort as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.6/5
• Will buy again – 4.6/5
• Improved driving experience – 4.2/5
• Value for money – 4.5/5

Prices for the Toyo Proxes Comfort range from £65.95 to £162.86.*

Proxes Sport

Engineered with great high-performance features, the Proxes Sport has an innovative tyre compound that enhances the steering response.

Blackcircles.com rate the Proxes Sport as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.5/5
• Will buy again – 4.5/5
• Improved driving experience – 4.2/5
• Value for money – 4.4/5

Prices for the Toyo Proxes Sport range from £89.99 to £197.85.*

Proxes Sport 2

Developed for optimised performance at maximum speeds, the Proxes Sport 2 bolsters garners a great wet and dry grip performance through the tyre’s tread design.

Blackcircles.com rate the Proxes Sport 2 as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.4/5
• Will buy again – 4.3/5
• Improved driving experience – 3.8/5
• Value for money – 4.2/5

Prices for the Toyo Proxes Sport 2 range from £102.94 to £206.96.*

Proxes Sport SUV

The Toyo Proxes Sport SUV is a performance 4x4 tyre that ensures low rolling resistance through the tyre’s unique tread pattern.

Blackcircles.com rate the Proxes Sport SUV as follows:

• Overall rating – 4.4/5
• Will buy again – 4.3/5
• Improved driving experience – 3.8/5
• Value for money – 4.2/5

Prices for the Toyo Proxes Sport SUV range from £107.37 to £270.05.*

Are Toyo Tyres Good?

Toyo's reputation as a reliable and high-performing tyre manufacturer is steadily growing.

Their commitment to advanced technology and consistent quality produces tyres that deliver excellent value and performance across a wide range of vehicles.

Over 10,935 Blackcircles.com customers have reviewed Toyo tyres, highlighting the popularity of the mid-range tyre brand.

This feedback provides valuable insights into the real-world durability and driving characteristics of Toyo tyres, offering potential buyers confidence in their purchasing decision.

Michelin or Toyo?

To understand what tyres are best suited for you, it really just depends on your purchasing behaviour.

If you’re on the lookout for some of the best quality tyres on the market, there are very few that come close to Michelin due to their premium manufacturing capabilities.

If you want a middle-of-the-range tyre that offers good performance, Toyo are amongst the leaders within the mid-range tyre market.

To simplify the above – Michelin will typically offer better quality than Toyo, but Toyo are a good option if you’re looking for tyres at a slightly cheaper price.

No matter what, both tyre brands continue to innovate and expand on their ever-growing model line-ups.

*Please note that prices may fluctuate in time, with listed tyre prices being from date of writing (29/11/2024).