Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S vs Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT: In the world of all-terrain tires, Cooper has long been a respected name, especially with the success of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, renowned for its exceptional snow performance. However, the tire market is buzzing with anticipation as Cooper launches its new contender in 2023: the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT. Both tires boast the prestigious 3-peak mountain snowflake symbol, certifying their prowess in snowy conditions.
This raises a crucial question for tire enthusiasts and casual drivers alike: can the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT not only match but potentially surpass the established AT3 4S in performance and reliability? This battle between the old guard and the new challenger is more than just a comparison of specifications; it’s a test to see if Cooper’s latest innovation is a step forward in the evolution of their tire technology. The stage is set, and the tire community eagerly awaits to see if the Road+Trail AT will redefine the standards of all-terrain driving.
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Results: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S vs Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT Preview Report. A total of 2 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S vs Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT based on the relevant performance category. The Discoverer AT3 4S was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As this is only a test of the old vs new, Tire Rack only included the basic wet & dry performances. Stay tunned to this space for more in depth Discoverer Road+Trail AT results against its main competitor in the upcoming testing season. The tire size of interest is a 265/60R18 which is a common tire size for Toyota Hilux 1500 & Ford Ranger. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a powerful 2022 Ford Explorer ST.
Wet
In terms of wet performance, the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT shows a slight edge over the AT3 4S. When it comes to wet braking, the Road+Trail AT stops in 109.30 feet from 50 mph, which is slightly shorter than the AT3 4S’s stopping distance of 112 feet. This 2.7 feet difference, although small, can be crucial in emergency braking situations.
Additionally, in wet handling, as measured by lap times, the Road+Trail AT completes a lap marginally faster at 34.09 seconds compared to the AT3 4S’s time of 34.51 seconds. This indicates that the Road+Trail AT might offer better grip and control in wet conditions, leading to a slightly better performance in handling. Overall, while both tires perform well, the Road+Trail AT demonstrates a modest improvement in wet conditions.
Discoverer AT3 4S:
Steering the Discoverer AT3 4S on the track, it reacted slower and didn’t handle quick or overlapping directions well. If driven too fast, it tended to slide forward rather than turn in corners. It could be made to turn, but it didn’t do it smoothly.
Test driver feedback on Discoverer AT3 4S
Discoverer Road+Trail AT:
In comparison, the Discoverer Road+Trail AT was more responsive and seemed to lead well from the front. It turned easily in corners and was forgiving, allowing for late steering changes and quickly adapting to what the driver wanted. Like most All-Terrain tires, it wasn’t extremely precise, but under the right conditions, it was enjoyable to drive.
Test driver feedback on Discoverer Road+Trail AT
Discoverer Road+Trail AT :
- +2.5% in wet braking
- +1.2% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the performance of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and the Road+Trail AT is very close. When it comes to dry braking, the AT3 4S has a slight advantage, stopping at 85.80 feet from 50 mph, just a bit shorter than the Road+Trail AT’s stopping distance of 85.90 feet. This difference is minimal, but it shows that the AT3 4S might have a tiny edge in braking on dry surfaces.
Regarding dry handling, measured by lap times, both tires are almost identical. The AT3 4S completes a lap in 31.73 seconds, while the Road+Trail AT is just a fraction slower at 31.76 seconds. This near-identical performance suggests that both tires offer similar levels of grip and control in dry conditions. Overall, in dry performance, there’s hardly any noticeable difference between the two tires.
Discoverer Road+Trail AT :
- -0.1% in dry braking
- -0.1% in dry handling (subj)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
When comparing the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performances of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and the Road+Trail AT, both tires offer similar levels of ride quality, with only slight differences that most consumers might not notice. The AT3 4S has a firmer ride, feeling a bit more bumps on smaller road imperfections, though it handles larger impacts quite well. The Road+Trail AT, on the other hand, is softer over big bumps but can feel a bit more bouncy.
In terms of noise, the differences are more noticeable. The AT3 4S is generally quiet across various surfaces but produces a consistent drone on concrete, changing pitch on asphalt, and has a rhythmic sound over a lower grinding noise. The Road+Trail AT has a higher-pitched noise profile with a greater variety of sounds, making the AT3 4S slightly better in this aspect.
Regarding steering response, the AT3 4S is decent but a bit slow to respond, requiring more input before it reacts. The Road+Trail AT, in contrast, is more responsive and feels more precise and athletic, showing a noticeable improvement in this area.
- Ride quality: Discoverer AT3 4S<Discoverer Road+Trail AT
- Noise: Discoverer AT3 4S>Discoverer Road+Trail AT
- Steering response: Discoverer AT3 4S<Discoverer Road+Trail AT
UTQG Ratings
When comparing the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and the Discoverer Road+Trail AT, there is no difference between the two. Both tire lines have the same tread wear rating of 620, indicating similar longevity and durability.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper | Discoverer AT3 4S | All | 620 | A | B |
| Cooper | Discoverer Road+Trail AT | All | 620 | A | B |
They also share the same traction grade of ‘A’ and temperature grade of ‘B’, suggesting comparable performance in these areas. Since the UTQG tread wear values are identical for both tires, we can expect them to offer the same mileage, meaning they should last for a similar amount of time under comparable driving conditions.
Price
Comparing the prices of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and the Road+Trail AT for the tire size 265/60 R18, the AT3 4S is priced at $232, while the Road+Trail AT comes in at $260. This makes the Road+Trail AT about 10% more expensive than the AT3 4S.
Tire size: 265/60 R18
- Discoverer AT3 4S : $232
- Discoverer Road+Trail AT : $260
Difference: +10% more expensive for Discoverer Road+Trail AT.
However, it’s important to note that the lower price of the AT3 4S is likely influenced by its status as an outgoing model. Retailers often reduce prices for older generations of products to clear out inventory, making the AT3 4S more affordable. This price difference doesn’t necessarily reflect the real market conditions or the intrinsic value of the tires, as the Road+Trail AT is the newer model and may have updated features or technology justifying its higher price.
Summary
As a tire expert, I can confidently say that the evolution from the Discoverer AT3 4S to the Road+Trail AT represents a step forward for Cooper. While the improvements might seem subtle at first glance, they are significant in the realm of tire performance. The Road+Trail AT has shown slight improvements in wet conditions, maintaining a consistent performance in dry conditions compared to its predecessor. This alone is a commendable achievement, considering the already high standards set by the AT3 4S.
Moreover, the enhancements in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) characteristics with the Road+Trail AT are notable. These improvements contribute to a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, which is an important aspect for everyday drivers and enthusiasts alike.
Although we haven’t tested the snow performance of the Road+Trail AT, I am confident in its capabilities in snowy conditions. This confidence stems from the strong snow performance legacy of the AT3 4S. Given that the Road+Trail AT builds upon the foundation laid by the AT3 4S, it’s reasonable to anticipate that it will excel in snow as well, continuing Cooper’s tradition of reliable all-terrain tires.
In conclusion, yes, the evolution to the Discoverer Road+Trail AT is a positive and worthwhile advancement, showcasing Cooper’s commitment to improving upon an already successful formula.
Dr Edwin Pang