Michelin Primacy MXV4 Tire Review and Rating

The Primacy MXV4 is an all-season tire, so the compound is designed to be used in multiple seasons throughout the year. Michelin added a sunflower oil additive that enables the tire to remain softer in colder temperatures. As a result, the performance on wet and snowy roads should be excellent.

Like many touring tires, the Primacy MXV4 is designed to be longer-lasting, but Michelin also managed to incorporate its technology to help it with performance. Backed by MaxTouch Construction, the tire should be long-lasting while improving traction. As part of the construction are the biting edges throughout the pattern, designed for enhanced traction, especially in wet conditions.

Another area that works in Michelin’s favor in terms of wet performance is the grooves. The Primacy MXV4 is designed with 4 circumferential grooves that help it channel water. They get help from the lateral grooves and sipes, which should result in excellent aquaplaning resistance.

How does it behave on dry tarmac?

To be fair, the Primacy MXV4 isn’t Michelin’s latest and greatest tire, and despite that, it can deliver surprisingly excellent performance in dry conditions.

Traction and grip won’t be a problem for the Primacy MXV4 as the tire can deliver on both fronts. When compared with its newer rivals, it’s still a strong contender. It has no problem gripping to the road and holding the line even in a bit more aggressive situations. It won’t go around a corner like something from the Pilot Sport family, but as far as grand touring tires go, I have no complaints.

The Primacy MXV4 manages to deliver some slightly impressive handling characteristics as well. It’s decently responsive and provides some communication through the steering wheel. It kind of reminds me of the Goodyear Eagle LS-2 in this regard.

As far as safety is concerned, again, no complaints. The Primacy MXV4 has competitive braking distances, and even though they aren’t the shortest in the class, they are respectable.

How does it behave over wet and slippery roads?

It may sound like I’m overly criticizing the Primacy MXV4 for its wet performance, but it’s not something that shouldn’t be addressed. At the time of release, the tire was among the best, and newer technologies came, so you shouldn’t expect complete domination.

The Primacy MXV4 is capable of delivering respectable performance on damp roads. You can rely on the levels of grip and traction, and the tire won’t struggle too much. With that said, you won’t be able to push it as much as some of the newer models like the CrossClimate 2.

You’re looking at similar performance in the braking section. The Primacy MXV4 stops in a respectable distance which is above average for this category.

The aquaplaning resistance is one area where the Primacy MXV4 still performs as well as the newer models. Thanks to the tread pattern, it can remain stable at higher speeds, capable of channeling water away from the blocks.

How is it over snow?

The Primacy MXV4 is designed to be an all-season tire, and as such, it’s not the worst option. While I wouldn’t recommend it for every winter condition, it won’t leave you stranded at the slightest whiff of snow.

Colder temperatures don’t pose a problem for the Primacy MXV4, and the tire delivers very good performance. Thanks to the rubber compound, it remains soft enough to give you traction on cold tarmac.

Once it starts snowing, things aren’t the same, but the tire doesn’t fall apart at the seams. There is usable traction on snow-covered roads, as long as the conditions aren’t harsh. The Primacy MXV4 is relatively okay in unpacked snow, and it still remains usable even though it struggles a bit in a packed one.

I do have to point out that it’s not the world’s best tire for winter conditions. Some of its rivals deliver slightly better performance, and it’s not something you’d want to use in harsher winter conditions.

Is it comfortable and refined?

While the Primacy MXV4 may fall behind a bit when compared with some of its rivals, in terms of refinement, it’s an excellent tire.

You have very high comfort levels, and the tire manages to smooth out most of the road imperfections. The Primacy MXV4 will provide you with a comfortable ride, as it also manages to eliminate vibrations from the road.

I have no complaints in terms of the noise levels. While I wouldn’t classify them as the lowest I’ve experienced, the Primacy MXV4 I still a very quiet tire.

Is it good for off-roading?

Like with most touring tires, I wouldn’t recommend taking the tire on an off-road expedition. It lacks the technologies and features that make a tire good for off-roading. Exposing the Primacy MXV4 to those conditions can lead to premature wear or damage, resulting in additional expenses to replace it.

If you absolutely must go off-roading, I’d advise you to avoid any harsher conditions. The most you can expect from the Primacy MXV4 is to be drivable over a dirt road. With that said, keep in mind that sharp rocks can damage it, so be careful.

Is the Michelin Primacy MXV4 ideal for sporty driving?

Grand touring tires aren’t the best option for enthusiasts, but some of them have a bit of a sporty feeling.

The Primacy MXV4 isn’t the sportiest of the bunch, but it’s decent enough. Responsiveness is well above average, and unlike some of its rivals, it doesn’t feel like a winter tire. There is some delay, but it’s not too terrible.

Thanks to the levels of grip, the Primacy MXV4 won’t mind getting pushed a bit every now and then. If you overdo it, you will have some understeer which is entirely normal for these kinds of tires. Also, the higher sidewall means that you will notice it flexing a bit.

Michelin Primacy MXV4 Warranty

As far as warranty is concerned, the Primacy MXV4 is still a tire that can compete with the newer models. With a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, you are looking at a tire that Michelin claims will last as long as its latest additions to the grand touring segment. Surprisingly, you get a longer treadwear warranty than the newer Primacy MXM4.

Michelin Primacy MXV4 Pricing: Is it worth the money?

To be honest, it depends on several factors. The Primacy MXV4 is priced very similarly to the Continental PureContact LS, so you may think it isn’t worth it. While it is true that it’s an older tire, considering the performance, it’s not an obsolete one. This is especially true if you manage to find it at a discount.

Should I buy the Michelin Primacy MXV4?