Maxxis M36 vs Michelin Primacy 5: the full picture
This comparison is built only from published independent tests — no manufacturer claims and no sponsored reviews. Between them, the Maxxis M36 and Michelin Primacy 5 appear in 12 tests, though they have not yet met head-to-head in the same test. Head-to-head results carry the most weight here, because surface, weather and test car all change between events and make raw numbers from different tests hard to compare directly.
How the Maxxis M36 performs. It takes the win in dry. It has limited comparative test data, so treat its results as indicative.
How the Michelin Primacy 5 performs. It takes the win in wet, noise / comfort, mileage, efficiency. Its overall Tire Lab Score is 94/100, based on 11 tests.
What this means for you. Category wins matter more than the overall score when your driving is weighted toward one condition — a wet-climate commuter should follow the wet braking column, while a high-mileage driver should follow wear and rolling resistance. Also check that both tires are actually offered in your size and load rating: performance can shift between sizes, and availability differs between the European and North American markets.
Verdict
The Maxxis M36 and Michelin Primacy 5 are closely matched. Pick based on the category that matters most to your driving — wet, dry, comfort, mileage, or price.
Which one should you buy?
- You prioritise dry
- You prioritise wet
- You prioritise noise / comfort
- You prioritise mileage
Test profile
| Metric | Maxxis M36 | Michelin Primacy 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Touring | Touring, SUV |
| Type | Summer | Summer |
| Tests used | 1 | 11 |
| Best rank | #2 | #1 |
| Avg rank | 6.6 | 4.9 |
| Latest test | 2017 | 2026 |
| Tire Lab Score | — | 94.4 |
Tire Lab Score
Maxxis M36
Michelin Primacy 5
Performance overview
Category-by-category results
| Category | Maxxis M36 | Michelin Primacy 5 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧Wet | Avg rank 9.0 | Avg rank 4.6 1104 | Michelin Primacy 5 |
| ☀️Dry | Avg rank 5.0 1 | Avg rank 5.3 124 | Maxxis M36 |
| 🔇Noise / Comfort | No data | Avg rank 3.7 446 | Michelin Primacy 5 |
| 📏Mileage | No data | Avg rank 9.0 1 | Michelin Primacy 5 |
| 🔋Efficiency | No data | Avg rank 7.5 | Michelin Primacy 5 |
💧 Wet: Maxxis M36 vs Michelin Primacy 5
The Michelin Primacy 5 wins this category with an average rank of 4.6, compared to 9.0 for the Maxxis M36.
☀️ Dry: Maxxis M36 vs Michelin Primacy 5
The Maxxis M36 wins this category with an average rank of 5.0, compared to 5.3 for the Michelin Primacy 5.
🔇 Noise / Comfort: Maxxis M36 vs Michelin Primacy 5
The Michelin Primacy 5 wins this category with an average rank of 3.7, compared to no data for the Maxxis M36.
📏 Mileage: Maxxis M36 vs Michelin Primacy 5
The Michelin Primacy 5 wins this category with an average rank of 9.0, compared to no data for the Maxxis M36.
🔋 Efficiency: Maxxis M36 vs Michelin Primacy 5
The Michelin Primacy 5 wins this category with an average rank of 7.5, compared to no data for the Maxxis M36.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better in the wet, Maxxis M36 or Michelin Primacy 5?
Across independent wet-braking tests, the Michelin Primacy 5 ranks higher on average than the Maxxis M36.
Which has shorter dry braking distance?
The Maxxis M36 averages a better dry-braking rank than the Michelin Primacy 5 across the tests where both appeared.
Which tire is quieter and more comfortable?
On combined noise and comfort metrics, the Michelin Primacy 5 ranks better than the Maxxis M36.
Which tire lasts longer?
Based on wear and abrasion testing, the Michelin Primacy 5 shows better mileage performance than the Maxxis M36.
How many tests were used in this comparison?
Maxxis M36 appears in 1 independent tests, Michelin Primacy 5 in 11.
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Data aggregated from independent testing organizations including ADAC, Auto Bild, TCS, and Auto Motor und Sport. Read our methodology →