Cooper Evolution M/T Review: As one of the leading names in the tire industry, Cooper Tires has been delivering high-quality products for over a century. Established in 1914, the company has dedicated itself to not only producing top-tier tires but also pushing the envelope in tire technology. From daily commuters to high-performance race cars and rugged off-road vehicles, Cooper Tires has earned a place in the hearts of drivers worldwide.
Among Cooper Tires’ impressive lineup, the Cooper Evolution M/T stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence, particularly for off-road enthusiasts. M/T stands for Mud Terrain, and as the name suggests, these tires are engineered to conquer the most challenging off-road conditions. Featuring an aggressive tread pattern, sturdy construction, and advanced rubber compounds, the Cooper Evolution M/T promises performance that not only meets but also exceeds expectations. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or trudging through mud pits, these tires are built to handle it all.
Importance of Selecting the Right Tire for Off-Roading
Venturing into the wilderness and taking on the rough terrain requires a vehicle that is up to the task. While engine power, suspension, and other elements are critical, tires act as the contact point between the vehicle and the ground. The choice of tire can significantly impact the vehicle’s performance, stability, and safety in off-road conditions. Choosing a tire with a design and features tailored for off-road use, like the Cooper Evolution M/T, ensures that the vehicle is equipped to navigate various terrains effectively and safely.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the specifications of the Cooper Evolution M/T, analyze its performance in various conditions, compare it with competitors, and assess its value for money. Whether you are an off-road veteran or a newcomer to the world of adventure driving, this review aims to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision on whether the Cooper Evolution M/T is the right tire for your adventures.
Stay tuned as we get down and dirty with the details of what makes the Cooper Evolution M/T a contender in the world of off-road tires.
Table of Contents
Cooper Evolution M/T Specifications
A. Key Features
1. Tread Design
The Cooper Evolution M/T boasts an aggressive, high-void tread pattern, which is specifically engineered for optimal performance in mud and loose terrain. The wide grooves between the treads allow for efficient mud and debris evacuation, preventing buildup that could hinder traction. The treads also feature Stone Ejector Ledges, which are designed to expel stones and reduce the chances of stone drilling. Additionally, the sidewalls have “Mud Slingers,” which are scoops that help to remove mud and improve traction in muddy conditions.
2. Sidewall Construction
For an off-road tire, sidewall durability is paramount. The Cooper Evolution M/T utilizes an advanced sidewall technology known as Armor Tek3. This feature involves a third ply on the sidewall, which reinforces the tire and protects it against punctures and cuts – especially vital when navigating rocky or jagged terrain.
3. Sizes Available
Understanding that off-road enthusiasts use a wide range of vehicles, Cooper Tires has made the Evolution M/T available in various sizes to cater to different needs. This tire is available in diameters ranging from 15 to 20 inches, making it suitable for various trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles.
B. Performance Ratings
1. Traction
One of the most crucial aspects of an off-road tire is its traction. The Cooper Evolution M/T delivers excellent traction, especially in muddy conditions, thanks to its aggressive tread pattern and specialized rubber compound.
2. Temperature
Off-road tires need to perform across a range of temperatures. The Cooper Evolution M/T is constructed with a rubber compound that is resistant to heat build-up, allowing the tire to maintain its integrity and performance even in hot conditions.
3. Treadwear
While off-road tires generally wear faster due to the tough conditions they endure, the Cooper Evolution M/T is designed with durability in mind. Its construction and rubber compounds contribute to a longer tread life compared to some other mud-terrain tires.
C. Compatibility
1. Vehicle Types
The Cooper Evolution M/T is compatible with a wide range of vehicles including light trucks, SUVs, and dedicated off-road vehicles. It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for your vehicle to ensure that you select the appropriate tire size and load rating.
2. Wheel Sizes
As previously mentioned, the Cooper Evolution M/T tires are available in diameters ranging from 15 to 20 inches, making them compatible with a variety of wheel sizes. It’s important to match the tire size with the wheel size for optimal performance and safety.
In summary, the Cooper Evolution M/T is packed with features and technologies that make it a formidable option for off-road enthusiasts. From its rugged tread design to its reinforced sidewalls, this tire is built to handle the challenges that come with off-road adventures.
Comparison with Competitors
In this chapter, we’ll take an in-depth look at how the Cooper Evolution M/T stacks up against one of its formidable competitors, the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3. To give you a clear understanding of the differences and similarities, we will compare them across several key performance criteria.
BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 vs Cooper Evolution M/T
BFGoodrich is another renowned name in the tire industry, particularly known for its high-performance off-road tires. The Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is one of their flagship products aimed at off-road enthusiasts. Similar to the Cooper Evolution M/T, it boasts an aggressive tread pattern and robust construction.
Results
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly, due to clear segmentation. Fortunately, Discount Tire has tested both tires, allowing us to use their data-tested results to assess the performance of each tire. The graph below shows the comparison between BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 vs Cooper Evolution M/T based on the relevant performance category.
B. Performance Comparisons
1. Wet Braking
- BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3: 100%
- Cooper Evolution M/T: 100%
Both the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 and the Cooper Evolution M/T have similar wet braking performances. They both take approximately 206 feet to come to a complete stop when braking in wet conditions. This shows that both tires offer a comparable level of safety and performance in wet conditions.
2. Dry Braking
- BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3: 100%
- Cooper Evolution M/T: 101%
In dry conditions, the Cooper Evolution M/T has a slight edge over the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3. With a stopping distance of 152 feet compared to 154 feet for the BFGoodrich, the Cooper tire provides slightly better braking performance on dry surfaces.
3. Mileage
- BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3: 50,000 miles
- Cooper Evolution M/T: 45,000 miles
When it comes to tread life, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 has a slight advantage over the Cooper Evolution M/T. With an expected mileage of around 50,000 miles compared to the Cooper’s 45,000 miles, the BFGoodrich tire offers a longer lifespan.
4. Handling
- BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3: 3/5
- Cooper Evolution M/T: 2.5/5
In terms of handling, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 outperforms the Cooper Evolution M/T slightly. The BFGoodrich tire has a handling rating of 3 out of 5, compared to 2.5 out of 5 for the Cooper tire. This indicates that the BFGoodrich tire offers a more responsive and controlled driving experience, particularly in off-road conditions.
5. Quiet Ride
- BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3: 2.5/5
- Cooper Evolution M/T: 2/5
For those concerned with noise levels, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 is the quieter of the two tires, though neither is particularly quiet due to their aggressive tread designs. The BFGoodrich tire scores 2.5 out of 5 for quietness, while the Cooper tire scores 2 out of 5.
6. Comfort
- BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3: 2.5/5
- Cooper Evolution M/T: 2/5
Similarly, in terms of ride comfort, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 slightly outperforms the Cooper Evolution M/T. With scores of 2.5 and 2 out of 5 respectively, neither tire excels in comfort, but the BFG
Pros and Cons
After delving into the specifications and comparing the Cooper Evolution M/T with competitors, let’s distill this information into a concise list of pros and cons. This will help in making an informed decision on whether the Cooper Evolution M/T is the right choice for your needs.
A. Summary of Advantages
1. Excellent Off-Road Traction: The Cooper Evolution M/T excels in providing outstanding traction, particularly in muddy and loose terrains, which is attributable to its aggressive tread pattern.
2. Durable Sidewall Construction: The tire’s Armor Tek3 sidewall construction enhances its durability, offering resistance to cuts and punctures. This is especially beneficial when navigating rocky and rugged terrains.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: The aggressive and rugged design of the tire is aesthetically appealing to many off-road enthusiasts, giving the vehicle a robust and ready-for-adventure look.
4. Competitive Dry Braking: The tire’s dry braking performance is slightly better compared to some competitors, which could be critical in certain driving conditions.
B. Summary of Disadvantages
1. Road Noise: Like many mud-terrain tires, the Cooper Evolution M/T generates a considerable amount of road noise, which might not be suitable for those looking for a quiet ride, especially on paved roads.
2. On-Road Comfort: The ride comfort on paved roads is not one of the strengths of the Cooper Evolution M/T. The aggressive tread pattern designed for off-road performance compromises the smoothness on regular roads.
3. Slightly Shorter Tread Life: Though the tire is durable, the tread life is slightly shorter compared to some competitors, which could be a consideration for those who plan to use the tires extensively, particularly on highways.
4. Handling: Based on customer feedback and comparisons, the handling, especially on-road, might not be as responsive as some users would like.
C. Balancing Pros and Cons
When deciding on the Cooper Evolution M/T, it is important to weigh the pros and cons against your specific needs. If your primary use is off-road driving in challenging terrains, the tire’s advantages in traction and durability might be of paramount importance. However, if you are also looking for a tire that offers a quiet and comfortable ride on highways, you might need to consider the compromises in road noise and comfort.
Final Verdict
A. Recap
Throughout this review, we’ve analyzed the Cooper Evolution M/T in various aspects, including its specifications, performance, comparison with a key competitor, customer feedback, and a summary of its pros and cons. With all this information at hand, it’s time to provide a final verdict and recommendations for potential buyers.
B. Who Should Consider the Cooper Evolution M/T?
The Cooper Evolution M/T is an ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts who frequently traverse challenging terrains such as mud, rocks, and loose surfaces. It is particularly suitable for:
1. Off-Road Adventurers: If you are passionate about off-roading and often find yourself tackling mud pits, rocky trails, or any rough terrains, the traction and durability offered by the Cooper Evolution M/T will be advantageous.
2. Aesthetic Appeal Seekers: If you are looking to give your vehicle a rugged and aggressive look, the aesthetic appeal of this tire might be appealing.
3. Utility Vehicle Users: If you use your vehicle for utility purposes in off-road conditions, such as farm work or construction sites, the tire’s robust construction might be beneficial.
C. Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
The Cooper Evolution M/T might not be the best choice for:
1. Daily Commuters: If your primary use of the vehicle is for daily commuting on paved roads, you might find the road noise and ride comfort to be compromising.
2. Longevity Seekers: If tread life is one of your top priorities, especially if you drive a lot on highways, there are other options on the market that may offer longer tread life.
D. Final Words
The Cooper Evolution M/T is a solid mud-terrain tire that excels in off-road conditions. It is built for the off-road enthusiast who is willing to make some compromises in road noise and comfort for excellent performance in rugged terrains. Its aggressive tread pattern, durable sidewall construction, and traction capabilities make it stand out for off-road adventures. However, if your driving pattern involves substantial highway driving or if ride comfort and noise levels are a priority, it may be worthwhile to explore other tire options, possibly all-terrain tires that strike a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort.
Remember that the choice of tires is an essential aspect of your vehicle that impacts performance, safety, and driving experience. It is important to align your tire choice with your driving needs and preferences.