Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT vs. Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek – it’s a clash of all-terrain titans from the same stable! On one side, the Stronghold AT, built tough for workhorses and heavy-duty applications, primarily available in LT-metric sizes. On the other, the Rugged Trek, a more aggressive, hybrid-terrain tire aimed at weekend warriors who want off-road capability with daily comfort. One is built for durability and load, the other for style and versatility. So which Cooper is right for your adventure – the dependable Stronghold or the bold Rugged Trek? Let’s find out!
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Results: Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “Taking Off-Road Tires On-Road- 2024” test. A total of 12 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek based on the relevant performance category. The Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are have the elusive 3 peak mountain logo, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. The tire size of interest is 265/70R17 which is a common tire size for Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport.
Wet
In wet braking, the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT stopped in 180 feet, which is 11 feet shorter than the Rugged Trek’s 191 feet—a 6% advantage for the Stronghold AT. However, when it comes to wet handling, the Rugged Trek felt slightly more stable, scoring 5.63 out of 10 compared to the Stronghold AT’s 5.19, a 2% improvement in subjective feel. On the wet handling course, the Rugged Trek also edged ahead with a lap time that was 0.3 seconds faster than the Stronghold AT, translating to a 1% gain in pace.
In conclusion, the Stronghold AT clearly excels in straight-line wet braking, but the Rugged Trek takes the edge in cornering grip and stability on wet surfaces. Your priority—whether it’s emergency stopping or overall wet drivability—will decide the winner.
Discoverer Rugged Trek :
- -6% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (subj)
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek stopped 2 feet shorter than the Stronghold AT—137 feet versus 139 feet, giving the Rugged Trek a slight 1% advantage.
Discoverer Rugged Trek :
- +1% in dry braking
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek scored 6.33, slightly higher than the Stronghold AT’s 6.00. That’s a 2% improvement in overall refinement, suggesting the Rugged Trek offers a marginally quieter and smoother ride.
Discoverer Rugged Trek :
- +2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking, the Stronghold AT stopped in 72.5 feet, which is 6.6 feet shorter than the Rugged Trek’s 79.1 feet—a 8% advantage for the Stronghold. However, in snow acceleration, the Rugged Trek was quicker, reaching 12 mph in just 45 feet, beating the Stronghold’s 47.4 feet by 2.4 feet—a 5% edge in traction. For subjective snow handling, the Stronghold scored higher at 5.67 out of 10, compared to the Rugged Trek’s 4.83, a 4% improvement. On the handling course, the Stronghold also clocked a slightly faster lap time by 0.15 seconds, a 1% gain.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT delivers stronger snow braking and handling, while the Rugged Trek offers slightly better off-the-line traction in snowy conditions.
Discoverer Rugged Trek :
- -8% in Snow braking
- +5% in Snow Acceleration
- -4% in Snow handling (subj)
- -1% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking, the Rugged Trek stopped in 50.5 feet, which is 1.8 feet shorter than the Stronghold AT’s 52.3 feet—a 4% advantage for the Rugged Trek. However, in ice acceleration, the Stronghold AT was quicker, reaching 60 feet in 5.75 seconds, beating the Rugged Trek’s 6.00 seconds by 0.25 seconds—a 4% advantage.
Discoverer Rugged Trek :
- +4% in Ice braking
- -4% in Ice acceleration
Price
For LT265/70R17, the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT is priced at $281, making it $21 cheaper than the Discoverer Rugged Trek at $302—a 7% lower price.
Tire size: LT265/70R17
- Discoverer Stronghold AT : $ 281
- Discoverer Rugged Trek : $ 302
Difference: +7% more expensive for Discoverer Rugged Trek.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’d say the Stronghold AT is the better choice for drivers who need confident braking and stable handling in snow, along with great wet grip and a more affordable price. Meanwhile, the Rugged Trek stands out with its smoother ride, sharper dry braking, and better acceleration in snow and ice. If you’re hauling loads in tough weather, go Stronghold. If comfort and year-round versatility are your priorities, the Rugged Trek has the edge.
Dr Edwin Pang