Cooper ProControl Tire Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 80%
Wet Conditions – 80%
Snow – 60%
Comfort – 90%
Noise Reduction – 80%
Durability – 70%
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When you closely examine this market, you’ll notice a tight bond between car and tire manufacturers. Vehicles are becoming more and more capable, meaning that tire companies need to follow the trend. The result is new technologies that make tires better compared to their older rivals, and the touring segment is a good example.
Today’s touring tires are excellent performers, especially the grand touring ones. Many are very capable tires, delivering excellent performance while retaining refinement and longevity. Even mid-range models are doing a pretty good job.
Among the many models in this category is one from Cooper. The manufacturer released the ProControl in 2023, promising many improvements, especially in wet conditions. Has the US manufacturer pulled it off, and is this really an excellent tire?
Pros
- Excellent performance in dry and wet conditions
- Comfort levels are very good
- Responsive and dynamic handling
- Stable in pouring rain
Cons
- There are noticeable tones over certain surfaces
- The treadwear warranty isn’t the longest in its class
The Features of the Cooper ProControl
The ProControl is a touring tire with most of its features revolving around wet performance. Like many of its rivals, it’s an all-season model, so they should help with performance in winter conditions.
Cooper designed the ProControl with its Armor Belt technology, aiming to improve handling. It should achieve this thanks to the tire’s internal construction, which provides increased stiffness without compromising comfort levels.
The tread pattern is the essential part when it comes to wet performance. Like most tires in this category, the sipes are designed to increase traction, but things are a bit different here. Thanks to the Widening Siping technology, Cooper aims to keep the performance consistent as the tire wears down.
For harsher rain conditions, the tire features circumferential grooves backed by lateral ones called Water Evacuation Grooves. Both work in tandem to improve aquaplaning resistance. In addition to that, this and the previous feature help the tire with snow traction.
On the durability side of things, the tire’s compound features larger polymers that help strengthen the rubber, which should help the tire last longer. Plus, the Even Wear Arc technology is used to balance the pressure on the contact patch, further increasing the tire’s longevity.
Cooper ProControl in Dry Conditions
Touring tires are made for performance in various conditions, usually excelling in dry conditions, which is the case with the ProControl.
The tire’s performance levels under normal driving conditions are excellent. You’ll have plenty of traction and grip to be backed by a positive experience. The tire won’t slip and can go around a corner without promoting understeer. It also offers very short braking distances, meaning it’s a safe tire.
Even though it’s not a model you’ll push hard, there is some headroom for it. It’s not a performance tire, so it won’t be ideal for driving on a track, but it can be fun on a twisty road.
The handling only adds to the fun factor, thanks to the fact that it’s dynamic. It’s quite responsive and agile for a touring tire, and with a decent amount of feedback, you’ll know what’s going on at the front. A slight complaint is that it’s not as linear as some of its rivals, so it may take some time to get used to it.
Cooper ProControl on Wet or Slippery Roads
Cooper advertises the ProControl as a tire that excels in wet conditions, and I have to say that it does that marvelously.
Damp roads are not a problem for this tire, thanks to the traction and grip levels it offers. They help it keep the slip to a minimum, even in some aggressive scenarios. The cornering experience is also very positive and even though you can get it to understeer or oversteer, you’ll need to push it hard. I feel like the most impressive part is the braking distances, which are comparable to some performance models. The handling remains as dynamic as in dry conditions. It’s dynamic and eager to comply, but there are situations where you’ll need to force it to turn. Keep in mind that this is in aggressive scenarios. For normal driving, it’s not something you’ll notice.
The tread pattern is advertised as one that will offer excellent aquaplaning resistance, and it delivers. It keeps the tire stable, thanks to its ability to evacuate water from beneath the blocks.
Cooper ProControl in Snow
The ProControl is an all-season tire, meaning the winter performance is available in lighter conditions.
There’s enough traction on packed and unpacked snow to be a tire you can rely on in lighter conditions. It comes backed with decently short braking distances and that’s about it. We’re not talking about a tire that will excel in these conditions, so keep that in mind.
The acceptable winter performance continues on ice as well. Even though these kinds of tires won’t do wonders, some do a decent enough job. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t fall into that category. You can use it if you need to, but you may want to consider a dedicated winter tire for better performance.
Cooper ProControl Off-Roading
On-road tires are made for driving on paved surfaces, making them poor off-roaders, and the same goes for the ProControl. The tire’s tread pattern and rubber compound aren’t made for these conditions, so you should avoid them. Like with any touring tire I talk about, you may drive a bit on dirt roads, and that’s about it.
Cooper ProControl for Sporty Driving
Performance tires are excellent for sporty driving, grand touring ones are decent and that’s how I’d categorize the ProControl. The performance levels are pretty good for its category, and with the dynamic handling, it’s a tire you can enjoy.
Does the Cooper ProControl Ride Comfortably?
The refinement levels of the ProControl are mixed, meaning that it does well in some areas and not so well in others.
One thing the tire does well is comfort. It dampens and absorbs road imperfections and bumps well, providing a plush ride. You’ll notice a bump here and there and a bit of vibration with larger potholes, but it’s not terribly uncomfortable.
The noise levels, on the other hand, things aren’t as impressive. It’s far from a loud tire, but I was experiencing a bit more subdued tones from it. The noise isn’t too bad on smoother surfaces, but you’ll notice a bit more tones on some of the rougher ones. With that said, I still wouldn’t categorize it as terribly loud.
Cooper ProControl Warranty
The ProControl has some weak points, and the warranty is one of them. With a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, it’s behind many of its rivals, like the Sincera SN250 A/S.
Cooper ProControl Pricing: Is It Worth the Price?
In terms of pricing, the ProControl isn’t the most budget-friendly model, even in the mid-range segment. For a 17-inch model, Cooper’s tire is just a bit more expensive than the AltiMAX RT45 and a bit more than the Extensa A/S II.
Should I Buy the Cooper ProControl?
Mid-range tires are ones where you’ll have mode compromises compared to premium models, but with the ProControl, things aren’t too bad.
The tire’s performance in dry and wet is excellent, providing you with more than what you’d need. With short braking distances and dynamic handling, it’s not the world’s dullest tire. Winter performance is available if you’re aware of its limitations.
On the refinement side of things, you’re looking at a comfortable tire but not the quietest. There are some tones that stand out, which may be an issue for some people. The price isn’t the most attractive, not the cheapest in the mid-range segment, and with treadwear warranty shorter than some rivals, it’s not this tire’s best side.
As a package, the ProControl is an excellent tire. Sure, there are some drawbacks, which is the case with most models in this category. I can recommend this tire, especially if you manage to find it at a discount.
What Vehicles Will the Cooper ProControl Fit?
Here’s a sample list of cars that the Cooper ProControl will fit:
- Acura TLX
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Ford Edge
- Honda Passport
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Sorento
- Lexus NX
- Nissan Kicks
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Toyota Camry
Tire Sizes of the Cooper ProControl
16″
- 205/55R16 91V
- 205/65R16 95H
- 215/60R16 95V
17″
- 205/50R17 93V
- 205/55R17 95V
- 215/45R17 91W
- 215/50R17 95V
- 215/55R17 94V
- 225/45R17 94W
- 225/50R17 98V
- 225/55R17 97V
- 225/60R17 99V
- 225/65R17 102H
- 235/50R17 96V
- 235/55R17 99W
- 235/65R17 104H
- 245/65R17 107H
- 265/65R17 112H
18″
- 225/40R18 92V
- 225/45R18 95W
- 225/50R18 95V
- 225/55R18 98H
- 225/60R18 100H
- 235/40R18 95W
- 235/45R18 94V
- 235/50R18 97W
- 235/55R18 104V
- 235/60R18 107V
- 235/65R18 106V
- 245/40R18 97W
- 245/45R18 100V
- 245/50R18 100V
- 245/60R18 105H
- 255/65R18 111H
- 265/60R18 110H
19″
- 225/45R19 96W
- 225/55R19 99V
- 235/40R19 96V
- 235/45R19 95H
- 235/50R19 99V
- 235/55R19 105V
- 245/40R19 98W
- 245/45R19 102W
- 245/55R19 107H
- 255/45R19 104V
- 255/50R19 107V
- 255/55R19 111V
20″
- 235/55R20 102V
- 245/45R20 103V
- 245/50R20 102V
- 245/60R20 107H
- 255/45R20 105V
- 255/50R20 109V
- 255/55R20 110V
- 265/45R20 108H
- 265/50R20 111V
- 275/45R20 110V
- 275/55R20 117H
22″
- 275/50R22 111H
- 285/45R22 114H