Cooper tires vs Michelin: In the world of tires, two giants stand firm, representing two different facets of the industry – Michelin, the epitome of technological prowess, and Cooper Tires, the all-American heart-throb of off-road enthusiasts.
Hailing from Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin has dominated the tire industry for over a century. Since its inception in 1889, Michelin has made its mark through continuous innovation, advanced technology, and unrivaled performance. Known globally for its high-end, technology-driven products, Michelin has proven its mettle by offering durability, safety, and superior handling. Its unrivaled reputation is not just down to the quality of the tires, but the continuous commitment to research and development, leading the way in tire technology.
On the other hand, Cooper Tires, established in 1914, has ingrained itself in the American DNA with its deep roots in the heartland of Findlay, Ohio. Cooper is a name synonymous with ruggedness, durability, and performance, especially in the off-road domain. It has earned a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts and those who crave adventure on less-traveled paths. In 2021, Goodyear, another icon of the American tire industry, acquired Cooper, bolstering its presence and extending its reach in the global market.
Now, the stage is set for a battle royale, pitting the technological leader against the home-grown hero. In arenas such as performance, durability, all-weather adaptability, and off-road capabilities, Michelin and Cooper Tires will go tread-to-tread, each vying to prove their supremacy. Their face-off represents not just a clash of products, but a collision of philosophies: Michelin’s relentless pursuit of technological innovation and Cooper’s embodiment of the rugged, all-American spirit. It’s a competition that will test the mettle of these tire titans across multiple segments, setting the road for a fascinating journey.
Table of Contents
Evaluation Methodology
The right way to compare tires is of course to test them 1 v 1. However it is not always possible to do so due to a high volume of different tires out there in the market and the restriction of the number of tire sets you can do in one go. Instead of having a traditional head to head test results comparison, we will utilize Tire Rack’s tire rating charts to rank Cooper tires vs Michelin. As some of the tires are relatively new, not all segmentation will have the tire rating comparison.
Segmentation: Cooper tires vs Michelin
Ultra High Performance All-Season
- Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 vs Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Based on the survey ratings, both Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 and Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 carry the Mud and Snow (M+S) designation, catering to diverse driving conditions. While Michelin comfortably holds the upper hand in most categories, the contest is tighter than one might anticipate.
| Recommended | Wet | Dry | Winter /Snow | Comfort | Treadwear | |
| Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 | 7.7 | 8.5 | 9.2 | 5.4 | 8.5 | 7.9 |
| Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 7.4 | 8.8 | 8.5 |
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 excels across the board, achieving high scores in wet and dry conditions, winter/snow adaptability, comfort, and treadwear. With an overall recommendation rating of 8.9, Michelin solidifies its place as a technological front-runner offering top-notch performance and safety. The superiority in winter conditions, with a rating of 7.4, stands out against Cooper’s 5.4, highlighting Michelin’s advanced engineering capabilities.
However, Cooper’s Zeon RS3-G1 gives a commendable performance, especially considering its competitive price point. Excelling in dry conditions with a rating of 9.2, Cooper proves its value, a key selling point for the brand. While the overall recommendation and comfort scores lag behind Michelin, the tire makes up for it with a great value proposition. Cooper manages to offer solid performance and durability at a significantly lower price, reinforcing its standing as a cost-effective, reliable choice for the budget-conscious consumer.
Check out some of our Pilot Sport All Season comparison against its top rivals such as Extreme Contact DWS06 plus, Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ & Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate for more in depth evaluation.
Price (225/40R18)
- Zeon RS3-G1: $161
- Pilot Sport All Season 4: $200
Grand Touring All-Season
- Cooper Endeavor vs Michelin CrossClimate 2
Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Cooper Endeavor are both highly recommended tires based on survey ratings. Yet, they offer contrasting characteristics, particularly when it comes to winter and snow performance.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the evolution champion of all-season tires. Back in 2015, it set the stage as the world’s first all-season tire to earn a Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) designation, indicating its exceptional capability in severe snow conditions. This tire maintains an excellent balance across all rating categories, leading slightly in every metric compared to Cooper. Most notably, in winter and snow performance, it earns an impressive 8.9, reflecting the superior traction and control offered by Michelin’s advanced technology.
| Recommended | Wet | Dry | Winter /Snow | Comfort | Treadwear | |
| Cooper Endeavor | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 7.4 | 8.8 | 9 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 8.9 | 8.9 | 9.1 |
In contrast, Cooper Endeavor, while delivering robust performance in wet and dry conditions comparable to the Michelin CrossClimate 2, doesn’t yet have a counterpart with the 3PMSF rating. Its winter/snow score lags behind at 7.4, indicating that it may not perform as well as the Michelin in harsh snowy conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the Cooper Endeavor offers a strong value proposition, excelling in comfort and treadwear with scores of 8.8 and 9 respectively, just slightly behind Michelin.
To conclude, while Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 reigns supreme in overall performance and specifically in winter conditions, the Cooper Endeavor holds its ground as a solid competitor, especially for those prioritizing comfort and durability in predominantly wet and dry conditions.
Price (225/45R18)
- Endeavor: $159
- CrossClimate 2: $226
Standard Touring All-Season
- Cooper CS5 Grand Touring vs Michelin Defender 2
In the realm of all-season tires where mileage and all-weather capability are prioritized, the Michelin Defender 2 and the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring both hold their ground, offering unique strengths.
The Michelin Defender 2 surpasses in most categories, with an overall recommendation rating of 8.3, indicating high reliability. It excels exceptionally well in both wet and dry conditions, with scores of 9 and 9.4 respectively, showcasing Michelin’s superior grip and handling. The tire’s winter/snow performance is also noteworthy, at 8.1, reflecting its solid all-season capability. The comfort and treadwear ratings of 9 and 9.1 respectively, further highlight the Defender 2’s long-lasting durability and smooth ride.
| Recommended | Wet | Dry | Winter /Snow | Comfort | Treadwear | |
| Cooper CS5 Grand Touring | 8 | 8.4 | 9 | 6.7 | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Michelin Defender 2 | 8.3 | 9 | 9.4 | 8.1 | 9 | 9.1 |
On the other hand, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring, with an overall recommendation of 8, is a solid contender. It performs well in dry conditions with a score of 9, however, it slightly lags in wet performance at 8.4. The tire’s winter/snow score is at 6.7, indicating that it might not be as well-suited for severe winter conditions compared to Michelin. Despite this, the CS5 Grand Touring performs admirably in terms of comfort (8.6) and treadwear (8.3), indicating good longevity and a comfortable ride.
In summary, while the Michelin Defender 2 stands out for its superior all-season performance and exceptional treadwear, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring offers a credible alternative with good dry performance and comfort, making the decision a matter of personal preference and specific driving conditions.
Price (225/50R18)
- CS5 Grand Touring: $184
- Defender 2: $229
Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season
- Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax vs Michelin CrossClimate SUV
In the competitive SUV segment, the Michelin CrossClimate SUV and the Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax both command a commendable presence. While Michelin’s all-season prowess is evident in the CrossClimate SUV, Cooper made a strong entry into the 3-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) rated segment with the Discoverer EnduraMax in 2020.
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is impressive in its performance, excelling in wet and dry conditions with scores of 9.4 and 9.5 respectively, demonstrating its superior traction and handling characteristics. It also delivers on comfort with a score of 8.8. However, in terms of treadwear, it lags behind the Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax with a rating of 8.6, indicating a slightly lesser lifespan.
| Recommended | Wet | Dry | Winter /Snow | Comfort | Treadwear | |
| Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax | 8.6 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.6 | 8.6 | 9.1 |
| Michelin CrossClimate SUV | 8.6 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.6 |
In contrast, Cooper’s Discoverer EnduraMax, a latecomer to the 3PMSF rated segment, stands out in dry conditions and treadwear, scoring a solid 9.1 in both areas, reflecting its durability and grip. Its winter/snow performance is quite commendable at 8.6, proving that it is a reliable choice for severe snowy conditions. However, it falls slightly short in wet conditions at 8.9 compared to Michelin.
In summary, while the Michelin CrossClimate SUV excels in wet and dry performance, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, Cooper’s Discoverer EnduraMax matches up quite well, especially in dry conditions and treadwear, also offering solid performance in severe winter conditions. The choice between the two boils down to specific driving requirements and preferences.
Price (235/60R18)
- Discoverer EnduraMax: $208
- CrossClimate SUV: $278
On-/Off-Road All-Terrain
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S vs Michelin LTX A/T 2
When it comes to off-road performance, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and Michelin LTX A/T 2 present two distinct offerings. Known for its niche in off-road tires, Cooper has emerged victorious with the Discoverer AT3 4S, not only standing out in its preferred segment but also proving itself as an exceptional all-terrain product.
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S dominates across all categories. With a high recommendation score of 8.7, it excels not only in off-road performance, but also in wet and dry conditions, with scores of 8.7 and 9 respectively. Its outstanding performance extends to winter and snow conditions with a score of 8.5, making it a reliable all-season tire. Most impressively, it receives a 9.3 for daily driving, showcasing its versatile nature. The tire’s comfort and treadwear scores of 8.8 and 8.7 respectively further highlight its durability and smooth ride.
| Recommended | Off-Road | Wet | Dry | Winter /Snow | Comfort | Treadwear | |
| Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | 8.7 | 8.7 | 9 | 9.3 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Michelin LTX A/T 2 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 7.7 | 8.6 | 8.4 |
In contrast, the Michelin LTX A/T 2 lags behind in all performance ratings. Its overall recommendation stands at 7.5, with its off-road performance scoring 7.6. In wet and dry conditions, the tire scores 8.6 and 8.8, respectively, while in winter and snow, it manages a 7.7. The comfort and treadwear scores of 8.6 and 8.4, respectively, indicate a comfortable ride and good longevity, but fall short of Cooper’s performance.
In summary, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S reigns supreme in this face-off, offering impressive all-around performance, particularly in daily driving. It stands as a testament to Cooper’s off-road expertise, managing to outshine Michelin in all performance ratings, a cause for celebration indeed.
Price (265/70R17)
- Discoverer AT3 4S: $213
- LTX A/T 2: $296
Summary
In the epic showdown between these two tire titans, Michelin and Cooper, each held its ground, proving why they are revered names in the tire industry.
Michelin, as the pioneer and innovator, demonstrated its technological supremacy in most segments. From superior all-season capabilities to exceptional performance in wet, dry, and winter conditions, Michelin’s range of tires stood out, providing an unmatched combination of safety, durability, and comfort. They further cemented their status as a leading global tire manufacturer.
However, when it came to all-terrain and off-road performance, Cooper seized the spotlight. The American brand’s mastery in this niche, represented by the impressive Discoverer AT3 4S, outperformed Michelin, even in the daily driving category. Cooper’s strength lies not just in its off-road prowess, but also in its attractive value proposition. Offering solid performance and durability at a significantly lower price point, Cooper emerged as a worthy contender, providing budget-conscious consumers with a high-performing alternative.
Ultimately, the battle between Michelin and Cooper reflects the unique strengths and philosophies of these tire giants. Michelin continues to lead through technological innovation and superior performance across a wide range of conditions, while Cooper showcases its off-road excellence and great value proposition. The choice between the two boils down to individual preferences, specific driving conditions, and, of course, budget considerations.