Cooper Tires Review: Dependable, Long-Lasting, and Mostly Affordable
Cooper Tires has been known for many industry firsts. For instance, in 1922, the company introduced the world’s first pneumatic tire with a built-in inner tube. This was a significant achievement as the addition of a tube made tire maintenance much easier for drivers.
Then, in 1943, Cooper Tires manufactured a low-pressure balloon tire for military vehicles. This tire didn’t just pose a low risk of punctures or blowouts than the one it replaced. It also helped MVs move more easily off-road, increasing their effectiveness in combat.
Fast forward to 1968, and Cooper Tires hit another milestone. That year, it introduced Lifeliner Radial, the first US-made radial tire. This allowed motorists to finally say goodbye to bias-ply tires, notorious for their high fuel consumption, poor tread life, and rough ride.
Given the magnitude of the above achievements, it shouldn’t be surprising that Cooper tires can be seen on the roads of more than 190 countries worldwide. Or that the group it belongs to (Goodyear Tires) raked in 17.74 billion in just tire-related revenue in 2021.
Read on for a comprehensive Cooper Tires review.
Cooper Tires Review
Here are the best Cooper tires currently on the market:
#1. Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring – Best Touring Tire for Passenger Cars
Price Check
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The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring is an all-season touring tire designed for mid-size cars, coupes, minivans, crossovers, and even some SUVs.
Multiple features distinguish this model from its rivals, including brilliant dry and wet handling, reliable light-snow performance, and a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty. Its relatively affordable price (vis-à-vis rivals from Michelin) further sweetens the deal.
Yet there are areas where this tire could do better. For example, its soft tread compound makes the ride somewhat nervous over larger potholes. Also, it’s slow to react to steering inputs. Yet, despite all these shortcomings, it’s an excellent option for everyday driving.
Pros
- Backed by a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Offers brilliant dry and wet handling
- Delivers reliable light-snow performance
Cons
- Relatively slow to react to steering inputs
#2. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro – Best Cheap Mud Tire
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The Discoverer STT Pro deserve your attention if you’re searching for cheap mud tires that defy their price tag with their performance.
Thanks to the asymmetric tread pattern and side biters, this model always lets you retain complete control over your vehicle in the mud. Also, with mud release scoops evacuating the sticky substance as quickly as it enters the tread, its ride remains slip-free.
All of this is not to say that this model is faultless. It may struggle in the rain on the blacktop, so be prepared to slow down on slippery pavements.
Pros
- Excellent puncture resistance
- Offer superior puncture resistance
- Quieter than most mud tires out there
Cons
- May struggle in the rain on paved roads
#3. Cooper CS5 Grand Touring – Best Grand Touring Tire
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The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring ticks several boxes for the average driver.
This model offers excellent traction on dry and wet surfaces and combines it with a long tread life. How can we be so sure? If this model’s tread was faulty, Cooper wouldn’t have backed it to last up to 80,000 miles, a class-leading treadwear warranty.
Similar to other premium grand touring tires, the CS5 stays stable at higher speeds. It also offers a decent cornering grip to let you attack bends without slowing down. However, as far as ice traction is concerned, it could have done a lot better.
Pros
- Backed by a class-leading treadwear warranty
- Offers a quiet and comfortable highway ride
- Above-average dry handling
Cons
- Average ice traction
#4. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S – Best All-Terrain
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The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S isn’t your average all-terrain tire.
Mainly because your average AT tire doesn’t come with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) designation. This symbol all but guarantees that this model will keep you (and your vehicle) safe in mild wintry conditions, something most all-terrain tires fail to do.
Another difference between this tire and its colleagues is that it comes with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. Which is surprising given that its road grip (which has a direct bearing on tread wear) is equally great. Yet, its ride isn’t as quiet as we’d have liked it to be.
Pros
- Carries the 3PMSF emblem
- Offers superior off-road grip and traction
- Backed by a 65,000-mile treadlife warranty
Cons
- May be loud
#5. Cooper Zeon RS3-G1– Best High-Performance All-Season
Price Check
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The Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 offers drivers the best of both worlds.
Originally formulated as a high-performance all-season tire, it combines the handling and grip of reliable performance tires with the tread life and durability AS models are famous for. Small wonder, then, drivers of sedans, coupes and sports cars take special interest in this tire.
Cooper supplemented this model’s rubber with silica to further sweeten the deal. This should enable the RS3-G1 to perform excellently on light snow and ice. But you don’t have to take my word on that – the M+S symbol on its tread is a testament to this tire’s utility in snow.
Pros
- Possesses dynamic handling characteristics
- Comes with a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Offers excellent aquaplaning resistance
Cons
- Could be noisy at higher speeds
#6. Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx– Best for Off-Roading on 4x4s
Price Check
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The Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx is one of those off-road tires that can take severe beatings without letting it affect their durability, traction, and performance.
Part of the credit for its toughness goes to the Armor Tek-3 construction, which has made this model 50% more rugged than your average 2-ply radial tire. Though its cut- and chip-resistant tread compound also deserves praise for this model’s superior off-road performance.
Overall, I think this tire can be great for anyone who uses their 4×4 for extreme off-roading, or towing and hauling heavy stuff.
Pros
- Delivers exceptional off-road traction in a variety of terrains
- Rugged construction minimizes the risk of punctures and blowouts
- Wet handling is outstanding
Cons
- Available in a limited number of sizes
#7. Cooper Endeavor Plus – Best SUV Touring Tire
Price Check
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Released in 2021 as a replacement for the Cooper Evolution HT, the Endeavor Plus builds on its predecessor in a few key areas.
While the Evolution HT was backed to last up to 60,000 miles, its successor comes with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. Additionally, the Endeavor Plus features a new silica tread compound, which should enhance its wet and snow braking.
Internally, this model has a new construction that the Evolution HT didn’t have. So you can expect a more predictable driving experience on your SUV.
Pros
- Performs consistently in dry, wet and light wintry conditions
- Offers a predictable driving experience
- Boosts commendable braking distances on wet roads
Cons
- Isn’t the quietest tire on the market
#8. Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT – Best SUV All-Terrain Tire
Price Check
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The Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT has managed to get so many things right that it’s difficult for me to decide where to start.
For example, this tire has managed to strike the ideal balance between on/off-road performance. Anyone who has only watched this model doing wonders in shallow mud and rocks would find it challenging to believe that it offers ample traction on damp and wet roads, too.
The same story repeats in light snow, where this model’s soft rubber compound helps it offer more than enough traction. Plus, this tire has narrow zig-zag sipes to aid with wintry traction.
Pros
- Works well over rocks and in shallow mud
- Great traction on damp and wet roads
- Can be used for towing and hauling the heavy stuff
Cons
- Ice traction could be better
Cooper Tires Buying Guide
What is there to like about Cooper tires? What is it that distinguishes these tires from the chasing pack? Are there areas where Cooper tires could or should have done better? Any shortcomings that could potentially be deal-breakers? This section has all the answers.
Why Should You Buy Cooper Tires?
Here’s why Cooper tires should be on your short list of tire brands to buy next:
1) Unmatched Traction on Dry and Wet Roads
Whether your next set of tires from Cooper belongs to the all-season or all-terrain category doesn’t matter. All models from this tire brand feature advanced technology and unique tread designs to offer excellent traction on slippery and dry surfaces.
2) Class-leading Treadwear Warranties
Compared with their rivals, Cooper tires come with extended treadwear warranties. The CS5 Grand Touring, for instance, is equipped with a class-leading 80,000-mile warranty. The same can be said for the Zeon RS3-G1, whose 45,000-mile warranty sets it apart from other high-performance A/S tires.
3) Affordable Asking Prices
Juxtapose their prices with those of Michelin’s or Bridgestone’s tires, and you’d realize that Cooper tires are significantly cheaper. Which is a surprise, given there’s little difference in the durability, performance, and safety of models from the three brands.
4) Large Product Range
Another thing that distinguishes Cooper Tire from the competition is the wide range of products. Whether you’re looking for an all-season, all-terrain, highway, or dedicated off-road tire, Cooper most likely has a tire that fits the bill for you.
Why Should You NOT Buy Cooper Tires?
Here’s why Cooper tires should be on you
1) Small Number of Winter Tires
According to Tire Rack, Cooper has only three dedicated winter tires, including the Evolution Winter, Discoverer TrueNorth, and Discoverer Snow Claw. This is a shame, considering its rivals have entire lineups of tires that can keep you safe in harsh wintry conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Cooper tires?
Since June 2021, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been the manufacturer and marketer of Cooper tires.
Where are Cooper tires made?
Cooper tires for the US market are made in four factories in Ohio, Georgia, Arkansas, and Mississippi. For the Latin American market, Cooper makes tires in Mexico, while the European market gets its tires in the UK and Serbia.
How long do Cooper tires last?
Most Cooper tires are guaranteed to last from 45,000 to 80,000 miles, subject to driving style, road conditions, and weather.
Is Cooper a good brand?
The fact that Cooper has been in the tire manufacturing business for well over a century indicates that it’s indeed a dependable brand. Its tires offer long tread lives, decent road manners, and above-average fuel economies.
Are Cooper tires noisy?
Cooper tires aren’t typically noisy unless you use them in conditions they weren’t designed for. For example, the CS5 Ultra Touring is reportedly quiet on the highway and paved roads. However, even this tire may become loud if used for off-roading.
Are Cooper tires good for snow?
User reviews indicate that Cooper’s winter tires are good for snow.
To make sure the tire you’re buying can keep you safe in wintry conditions, look for the 3PMSF and M+S designations on its tread area. Models with both symbols provide a higher level of snow traction than those without.
Conclusion
From personal experience with Cooper tires as well as after listening to drivers who have installed models from this brand on their vehicles, it can be said that Cooper tires are pretty dependable. They also offer decent wet traction and last a long time if maintained well.
