- Aaron Turpen
- 3/1/2024
Cooper Tires are among the top five tire brands, by sales volume, currently sold in the United States. Copper Tires maintains a stellar combination of pricing, brand reputation, and popularity among automotive manufacturers. Cooper sells tires that match nearly every market need, from fuel efficient low rolling resistance tires to extreme off-road treads.
Among many tire manufacturers around the world, Cooper Tire is considered one of the newer names. Despite its being founded in 1914. Cooper began by selling patch and repair kits for both inner tubes and tubeless tires, but quickly moved to replacement tire making upon seeing an opening in the market for a more affordable option.
Cooper Tires can now be found as the original equipment (OEM) tire on many vehicle brands, including Ford, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. Cooper is also one of the few independent tire makers, meaning it’s not sold in Cooper-branded stores or the stores branded with other tire manufacturer’s names (e.g. Firestone or Goodyear). This has meant that Cooper Tires are often seen as the tire of choice in independent shops and for online buyers looking for a cost-effective alternative.
In this article, we’ll discuss the Cooper Tires brand, company, and which of its tires are best bets for specific vehicle types. We’ll also talk about industry ratings, consumer ratings, tire costs, and more. This should give you a clear, in-depth view of the Cooper Tire company as well as give comparison points versus other well-regarded tire manufacturers.
Cooper Pros and Cons
- Affordable, even bargain-priced options in most tire segments
- Safety is high priority with Cooper
- Treadwear warranties can be up to 80,000 miles on some models
- Only makes consumer-only tires in passenger car, truck, and SUV markets
- Not as popular for OEM choices as are some higher-end brands
Best Cooper Tires by Car Type
Cooper Evolution Tour - Best for Passenger Cars
Cooper Evolution Tour
Best for Passenger Cars
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The Evolution Tour comes in a variety of common passenger car sizes. These all-season touring tires are rated highly among consumers for their longevity (tread life) and affordable pricing.
The Evolution Tour was designed by Cooper Tires specifically for family sedans, minivans, and crossovers for confident handling in all weather conditions. The tread pattern is designed to provide moisture wicking and even wear. The intermediate ribs on the Evolution Tour’s edges add stability and predictable handling to give the driver confidence in all conditions. The internal one-ply polyester casing supports the two-ply sidewall which is reinforced by a nyon overwrap under the tread.
The Cooper Evolution Tour is UTQG rated 600 A B.
Specs:
- Brand: Cooper
- Model: Evolution Tour
- Weight: 20 lbs.
- Available Sizes: R14-18 in aspects from 175/65 to 235/65
Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 - Best Performance Tire
Cooper Zeon RS3-G1
Best Performance Tire
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The Zeon RS3-G1 from Cooper Tires has been designed specifically for high performance, all-season driving. The Zeon RS3-G1 is designed specifically for performance sedans, coupes, and sports cars which need grip and hold in both dry and wet conditions. These tires are also aimed towards all-season use as a year-round tire.
The silica tread compound on the Zeon RS3-G1 was formulated by Cooper Tires to couple with its asymmetric tread pattern to provide cornering grip and to minimize tire noise. Moisture flow is controlled by wide lateral stripes along the tire’s edge while Micro Gauge sipes add biting edges for improved grip in low-traction weather.
The interior of the Zeon RS3-G1 is made up of two-ply polyester as a casing to maintain stiffness, which itself is aided by bead filler to resist distortion during corners. Twin steel belts are reinforced in spiral-bound nylon wrap for high-speed stability.
Specs:
- Brand: Cooper Tires
- Model: RS3-G1
- Weight: 26 lbs.
- Available Sizes: R16-20 in aspects ranging from 205/55 to 305/35
Cooper Evolution HT - Best SUV Tire
Cooper Evolution HT
Best SUV Tire
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This all-season touring tire was designed by Cooper Tires to match the needs of daily-use crossovers and sport utilities. These tires focus on delivering safe all-weather traction and a smooth, quiet ride with long tread life. Like most Cooper branded tires, the Evolution H/T has a long tread life expectation.
The Evolution H/T uses a high-silica, all-season compound which has been moulded into a symmetrical tread for maximum road wear resistance and easy tire rotation options. As the tread wears, elements of the tire’s pattern work to keep road noise to a minimum despite thinning tread as well. 3D Micro-Gauge Siping provides moisture wicking away from the tire and improved grip in slippery conditions.
Internally, the Cooper Tires Evolution H/T starts with a two-ply polyester casing which is reinforced with two wide, high-strength steel belts themselves reinforced with two nylon cap plies to resist punctures.
Specs:
- Brand: Cooper Tires
- Model: Evolution H/T
- Weight: 29-45 lbs, depending on size
- Available Sizes: R15-20 in aspects ranging from 235/75 to 275/65
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S - Best Truck Tire
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Best Truck Tire
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The Discoverer AT34S was formulated as an all-terrain, on-/off-road tire that provides both off-road capability with on-road tread life. Cooper Tires expected to create a median between off-pavement capability and on-road manners in a tire that also gives excellent all-weather traction.
The Cooper Tires Discoverer AT34S has a silica-based tread compound moulded in the company’s own Secure Grip pattern. An open, five-rib design provides both wet and dry performance both on and off pavement. Wide Aqua Vac Channels push liquid (water, mud, etc) away from the tread to the tire’s lateral notches, which deliver it away from the tire itself. Outboard groovers have saw-tooth block edges for added snow grip in wintry conditions.
Internally, the Discoverer AT34S is made up of a two-ply polyester casting reinforced in several ways. Single ply nylon reinforcement sits above two high-strength steel belts to improve durability and handling.
Specs:
- Brand: Cooper Tires
- Model: Discoverer AT3 4S
- Weight: 45 lbs.
- Available Sizes: R15-22 in aspects ranging from 225/70 to 285/45
Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring - Best All Season Tire
Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring
Best All Season Tire
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Cooper Tires made the CS5 Ultra Touring tire to be its ultimate grand touring, all-season performer. Meant for a smooth, quiet, and very stable ride, the CS5 Ultra Touring also features long tread life.
Using a Coupled Silica compound, the Cooper Tires CS5 Ultra Touring has an asymmetric pattern to allow for channeling of water and grip during winter driving. Broad outboard shoulder blocks give better lateral traction while maximizing moisture wicking. Full-depth 3D Micron-Gauge siping gives more biting edges in low-friction driving, such as light snow, for the full depth of the tire’s tread.
The internal construction of the CS5 Ultra Touring starts with a single play polyester casing underneath two high-strength steel belts. These are reinforced with nylon for better road handling and stiffness.
Specs:
- Brand: Cooper Tires
- Model: CS5 Ultra Touring
- Weight: 27 lbs.
- Available Sizes: R15-20 in aspects ranging from 185/65 to 255/60
Cooper Evolution Winter - Best Winter Tire
Evolution Winter
Best Winter Tire
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Studdable winter tires are a must in many areas of North America. The Evolution Winter studdable winter/snow tire was developed specifically for the driver looking for winter traction on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads. These Cooper Tires receive the industry’s best three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMS) rating for winter traction.
A specialized winter compound in the Evolution Winter is molded in a diction-specific pattern to aid traction both from a start and while underway. Stud holes allow the addition of TSMI #12 stud spikes for added traction in icy weather. Wide, rigid tread blocks make up the center rib for dry road stability while strong outboard strips add lateral grip in turns. Tread depths are deep with a wide circumference for improved grip in all weather conditions and deep channels evacuate standing water and slush. High-density, multi-angle siping creates biting edges in low-traction conditions.
Inside, the Evolution Winter starts with a one-ply polyester casing to hold shape with a high-ply turnup to add durability and impact resistance. Two wide, steel belts support the tread and are aided by a single nylon reinforcement ply.
Specs: Brand: Cooper TiresModel: Evolution WinterWeight: 20 lbs.Available Sizes: R14-19 in aspects ranging from 175/70 to 265/65
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S - Best Off Road Tire
Discoverer AT3 4S
Best Off Road Tire
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The Discoverer AT34S was formulated as an all-terrain, on-/off-road tire that provides both off-road capability with on-road tread life. Cooper Tires expected to create a median between off-pavement capability and on-road manners in a tire that also gives excellent all-weather traction.
The Cooper Tires Discoverer AT34S has a silica-based tread compound moulded in the company’s own Secure Grip pattern. An open, five-rib design provides both wet and dry performance both on and off pavement. Wide Aqua Vac Channels push liquid (water, mud, etc) away from the tread to the tire’s lateral notches, which deliver it away from the tire itself. Outboard groovers have saw-tooth block edges for added snow grip in wintry conditions.
Internally, the Discoverer AT34S is made up of a two-ply polyester casting reinforced in several ways. Single ply nylon reinforcement sits above two high-strength steel belts to improve durability and handling.
Specs:
- Brand: Cooper Tires
- Model: Discoverer AT3 4S
- Weight: 45 lbs.
- Available Sizes: R15-22 in aspects ranging from 225/70 to 285/45
Top Selling Cooper Tires
| Tire | Type | Price Points |
|---|
Why Choose Cooper Tires?
Cooper Tires are best known for their value proposition. Buyers of Cooper Tires expect good tread life at a good price and performance to match the characteristics the tire is made for. Most Cooper Tires are designed for specific vehicle types or driving conditions. Cooper’s winter tires are highly rated in winter zones while summer performance tires are sometimes the replacement of choice for higher-priced brands. Cooper Tires is based in Findlay, Ohio, where it relocated in 1917 from nearby Akron, Ohio, where it originated in 1914. Cooper currently has operations in 15 countries globally under various brands for different markets.
Reason to Choose Cooper Tires
Cooper Tires are generally the tire of choice for the budget-minded buyer who doesn’t want to skimp on capability, tread life, or safety. Cooper makes tires for most common passenger vehicle needs, ranging from two-seat coupes to huge SUVs and pickup trucks. Whatever your pride and joy jalopy is, there’s likely a Cooper tire to fit it.
Cooper Tires is best known for its budget mindedness, but also receives recognition for intelligent technology usage in its tread patents and tire construction. Relying on relatively simple, but well-proven underpinnings for tire structure, Cooper Tires often adds innovative treat designs and compounds to improve performance.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Tire Brand
Tire brands vary in both price and reputation. Many buyers will only buy one or two brands out of loyalty due to positive past experiences with that brand. Brands that garner this kind of loyalty enjoy a reputation for excellence. Some buyers choose tire brands based on name recognition alone, which may or may not be a wise move. Consumer ratings on sites like TireRack.com and word of mouth from others who’ve used the tires on similar vehicles should be far more important.
Read more on the Best Tire Deals available here.
See our overall recommendations for Best Tires
See our recommendations for the 10 Best Tire Brands for 2024
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FAQ
- Is Cooper a good tire brand?
Cooper has earned a spot among the top tires by sales. Furthermore, many manufacturers trust Cooper tires as their factory fitment. It is easy to say yes to this question.
- How long do Cooper Tires last?
Most Cooper Tires have a UTQG rating of at least 500, giving them longer tread life than is the industry average of about 400. So they can be expected to last longer than most competing options.
- What size tires does Cooper offer?
Most of the more common tire sizes and wheel sizes for any given vehicle type, be it car or truck, can be found on the Cooper rack. Common high performance summer sizes, winter tire sizes, and light truck, crossover, or SUV tires are all found in the Cooper catalog.
- What brands are comparable to Cooper Tires?
Comparable brands include BFGoodrich, Toyo Tires, and Bridgestone. In the main, a competing Cooper tire will be priced below these competitors and will have closely comparable characteristics.
- Where can I buy Cooper Tires online?
Most common online outlets, such as SimpleTire and Tire Rack, have Cooper Tires available. You can check out the Best Places to Buy Tires Online and Save Hundreds here.
- Is Cooper an American tire brand?
Cooper Tire started in Akron, Ohio and still has manufacturing in America. However, like nearly every product, Cooper is now an international brand with plants across the globe.
Editor's note and disclaimer: Car Talk is supported by our fans, readers and listeners. When you click on some of the links on our website, we may receive referral compensation. However, you should know that the recommendations we make are based on our independent editorial review and analyses.
