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Home » Comparisons & Reviews » Cooper Discoverer AT3 vs Adventurer AT

Cooper Discoverer AT3 vs Adventurer AT

January 31, 2023 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

Adventurer and Discoverer are two different families in Cooper’s line-up. Both were released as all-terrain tires. While Adventurer stays as a cheaper and lower quality one, Discoverer is the jammy one. Well, it is a bit more expensive. In this article, I will compare Cooper Adventurer AT and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has a wide product range

At a Glance

As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, both tires have a narrow application range that only includes mild applications. Luckily, both are great on mild surfaces. Both are reliable and quiet on the highway. Yet, Adventurer AT (discontinued) is not durable at all. I recommend Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S the whole day long!

Note: Cooper Discoverer AT3 is discontinued. So, I didn’t put it into this article. Yet, it has superior off-road and winter performance than Discoverer AT3 4S. Lucky you, some sizes are still available on SimpleTire. Check if your size is still there!

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet

Finding the most suitable one for you among thousands of tires is very difficult.

My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.

Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;

  • How to keep tire noise down:
    https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
  • How to Air Down Tires?
    https://www.discounttire.com/blog/airing-tires-down
  • What to Expect from 3PMSF Tires?
    https://www.discounttire.com/learn/mountain-snowflake-symbol

Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
NameBest forWorks Best onArticles3PMSFRoad NoiseMileageFuel EconomyRiding ComfortResponsivenessWet PerformanceMild WinterSevere WinterMild Off-RoadSevere Off-RoadCommercial Usage
Toyo Open Country AT3
(Test Report – Check Price)
Treadlife focused all-round performanceCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksReviewYesAverageElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantElegantDecentMedium-Duty

Falken Wildpeak AT3W
(Test Report – Check Price)

Winter driving and mild off-road performanceCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucksReviewYesAverageAveragePoorDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantDecentAverageLight-Duty
BF Goodrich KO2
(Test Report – Check Price)
Off-road adventureCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksReviewYesAverageAverageDecentDecentElegantAverageDecentDecentElegantElegantMedium-Duty
Nitto Ridge Grappler
(Check Price)
Off-road driven all-round performanceSUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantElegantElegant
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
(Test Report – Check Price)
Daily driving, moderate off-roadCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton pickupsvs Hercules AT2YesDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentDecentFairy WellMedium-Duty
Vredestein Pinza AT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Quiet & smooth highway driving and mild off-road performance3/4 ton or below Light Truck, SUV, Jeep, CUVReviewYesElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentElegantAverageLight-Duty
Falken Wildpeak AT Trail
(Test Report – Check Price)
CUV & SUV off-road loversCUV, SUVReviewYesDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantAverageLight-Duty
Sumitomo Encounter AT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Winter-driven all-round performance, medium-duty off-roadCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucksReviewYesDecentAverageAverageDecentDecentElegantElegantDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty
Firestone Destination AT2
(Test Report – Check Price)
Weekend overlandersCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton pickupsReviewYesDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentElegantAverageDecentDecentMedium-Duty
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Heavy duty work trucks3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton pickup trucks, body-on-frame SUVs, Jeepsvs Cooper Discoverer ATWNoDecentDecentFairy WellDecentElegantDecentAverageFairy WellElegantDecentHeavy-Duty
Firestone Destination XT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Fuel economy on 3/4 ton or above light trucks3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton pickup trucks, body-on-frame SUVs, JeepsReviewYesAverageDecentElegantDecentElegantDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentHeavy-Duty
General Grabber ATX
(Test Report – Check Price)
Handling focused all-round performanceCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksvs BFG KO2YesAverageDecentFairy WellDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty
General Grabber APT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Mild winter and mild off-road combinationSUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucksReviewYesDecentExcellentAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageMedium-Duty
Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus
(Test Report – Check Price)
Well-balance on/off road tireCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucks, 1-ton trucksNoAverageDecentFairy WellDecentElegantElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty
Continental TerrainContact AT
(Test Report – Check Price)
Premium on-road manners, dry regionsCUV, SUV, 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton trucksNoElegantDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantAverageFairy WellDecentFairy WellLight-Duty

If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;

  • Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best All-Round & Longevity
  • Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Round & Squishy Regions
  • BF Goodrich KO2 – Best All-Round & Off-Road Adventure
  • Falken Wildpeak AT Trail – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Severe Off-Road
  • Nitto Recon Grappler – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
  • General Grabber ATX – Best All-Round for 3/4-ton or above trucks
  • Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best On/Off Road tire for 3/4-ton or above trucks
  • Cooper Discoverer 4S XLT – Best Commercial All-Terrain Tire & Hauling and Towing

If you’re looking for something at a bargain price;

  • Vredestein Pinza AT – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
  • Kenda Klever A/T2 – Best All-Round for Medium & Light Duty Usage
  • Kenda Klever R/T – Best All-Round for Heavy-Duty Usage

Depending on your needs, also the below articles might help;

  • https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-mud-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/

I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:

  • DiscountTire Deals:
    https://www.discounttire.com/promotions
  • TireRack Deals:
    https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers
  • SimpleTire Deals:
    https://simpletire.com/tire-deals

Table of Contents

Durability

Alright, most of you will decide what to pick after reading this section. But I would recommend you to go on if winter performance is your priority.

Adventurer AT has some major issues due to durability. This tire is a kinda flip coin. In my point of view, that’s a big problem. It isn’t designed to perform on severe applications. I see that. But if you release an all-terrain tire, it should bear to gravel at least. Most customers complain about cupping in 6 months. Moreover, tire performance is significantly decreasing over time.  I understand the price difference is big. Yet, 6 months of using won’t afford even this price.

On the other hand, Discoverer AT3 is a reliable option. It is wearing evenly and sidewall durability is way much ahead of its competitor. It’s worth reminding, if you need a tire for towing or heavy-duty applications, you should consider Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT or Cooper Discoverer XLT for harsher ones.

Tread Life

I made most of my comments on the durability section. This section is a summary.

Cooper Adventurer AT’s tread life is not bad if you only use it on highways. Yet, if you are riding off-road, it can barely make 30,000 miles. Rubbish!

On the other hand, Cooper Discoverer AT 4S’s tread life is aligned with its warranty. Depending on your application, you can get 60,000-100,000 miles with it easily.

Warranty

Cooper Adventurer AT has 60,000 miles tread wear warranty.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has 65,000 miles tread wear warranty.

Road Noise

Customer comment regarding stone holding of Adventurer AT

Both tires perform very well due to noise reduction. Well, there is a take-home point in this section. Let’s continue below!

These tires have a less aggressive tread design compared to other all-terrains. So, both are very quiet on the road. Yet, Adventurer AT has a rock-holding problem. When it can throw the rock out, the tread starts to produce road noise.

The above comment explains everything clearly.

A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.

I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;

How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise

Comfort

Both are smooth tires. They can cross over the bumps smoothly. The reason behind this is soft compounds. Well, Adventurer AT’s is a bit softer than it should be… 

Dry Performance

Dry performance is where these two are shining. Soft compounds and well-placed sipes ensure you don’t have any traction problems on dry surfaces. Yet, Discoverer AT3 with a bit more siping superior this section.

Due to symmetrical and soft tread designs, both tires have great steering response and handling. These tires are lightweight compared to their competitors. Hence, losing handling is unlikely.

Wet Performance

Wet grip is not an issue for these two. They are built to perform perfectly. Yet, hydroplaning resistance is where these two are separated.

Hydroplaning resistance is all about the footprint. Adventurer AT has more gaps on the tread. Therefore, its footprint is less intense than Discoverer AT3. That feature causes a hydroplaning issue when it’s combined with a soft compound.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 is a way much better tire on wet ground.

Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.

Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning

Winter Performance

This section is kinda easy to compare. Cooper Discoverer AT3 has a 3-peak mountain snowflake labeling. It means it is severe snow-rated. You can confidently use it in harsh winter conditions. Yet, ice performance is not good enough for me. There are better tires on ice.

On the other hand, Cooper Adventurer AT is not winter rated. Yet, deep grooves and wide void areas ensure light snow traction.

For those who want detailed info about severe winter labeling and M+S, here is the perfect explanation!

Off-Road Performance

Before starting, I’d like to emphasize one point. These tires are not going to work on severe surfaces. With severe surfaces, I mean rock and mud especially. So, I don’t put these two into consideration.

  • A side note here: If you’d like to see the best all-terrain tires by vehicle or usage, this article is GOOOOLD –> https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/

Gravel and Dirt Performance

If you are stuck between these two this section is the only one you need.

Let’s start with dirt.

Cooper is using Adaptive-Traction Technology for Discoverer AT3. Moreover, they combine it with a silica-based compound which is a perfect selection for dirt. Thus, these features make this tire perfect on dirt.

On the other hand, Cooper Adventurer AT is also working very well on dirt. It has perfect center section design that clean itself perfectly.

 

Cooper Adventurer AT Center Section

Let’s continue with gravel.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 rip Adventurer AT apart on gravel. Adventurer AT doesn’t have a traction problem. Yet, it has poor durability. So, bubbles are inevitable.

Sand Performance

I’m going to keep this part very very short. Let’s start with a tip. What works the best on sand is less aggressive tires. So, Cooper Discoverer AT3 is our winner again and again.

Specs

Cooper Discoverer AT3Cooper Adventurer AT
CategoryAll-Terrain TireMud-Terrain Tire
VehicleLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUV
Available Sizes (Rim)15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22” 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’
Weight30 – 45 lbs 30 – 71 lbs
Made InU.SU.S
Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF)No (only M+S)No (only M+S)
Warranty (P-metric)65,000 Miles60,000 Miles
Warranty (LT Sizes)65,000 Miles60,000 Miles
PricesCheck price section to see best possible pricesCheck price section to see best possible prices

Price

The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.

Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.

Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,

TireRack

  • Fast and Free shipping
  • Usually delivered in 1 day
  • Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
  • Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
  • Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
  • Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
  • 4.6/5 points on Google rate

Cooper Line-Up: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/brand.jsp?brand=cooper

SimpleTire

  • Free shipping
  • Delivered in 2 days
  • Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
  • Mobile installation option
  • 7 million customers since 2021
  • 4.7/5 points on Google rate
  • Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match

Cooper Line-Up: https://simpletire.com/brands/cooper-tires

DiscountTire

  • Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
  • 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
  • Free rotation and balancing
  • 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
  • Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
  • Almost all brands are available
  • Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
  • Frequent discounts and promotions

Cooper Line-Up: https://www.discounttire.com/tires/brands/cooper

While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.

Conclusion

That was the easiest comparison I’ve ever made. Cooper Discoverer AT3 is the true and the only winner in all sections. If I were you, I would not waste my money with Adventurer AT.

Take-Home Points,

  • LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
  • XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
  • Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
  • There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires

A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.

I hope the article was helpful. I don’t think you will have but if you have any further questions, please leave them below 🙂

Have a safe ride!

Guide Me Bruh!

This section contains my research and top picks. Depending on your need, you may choose a category and easily find the best fit for yourself. Remember, nobody knows your driving conditions and requirements better than yourself. You’re in the charge out here.

Start Here:

Top-Notch All-Terrain Tires

  • Toyo Open Country AT3 Review
  • BF Goodrich KO2 Review
  • Falken Wildpeak AT3W Review
  • Firestone Destination XT Review
  • Firestone Destination AT2 Review

Real Bargain All-Terrain Tires

  • Kenda Klever AT2 Review
  • Patriot RT Tires Review
  • Kenda Klever R/T Review
  • Atturo Trail Blade ATS Review

High-End Tires by Category

  • Best All-Terrain Tires
  • Best Rugged-Terrain Tires
  • Best Mud-Terrain Tires
  • Best All-Season Tires for Snow
  • Best Tires for Snow Plowing
  • Best Semi-Truck Tires

Blue-Ribbon Tires by Vehicles

  • Best Tires for SUV
  • Best Tires for 3/4-ton Trucks
  • Best Tires for Range Rover Sport
  • Best Tires for Tesla Model 3
  • Best Tires for Chevy Suburban
  • Best Tires for Mercedes ML350

Be a Professional

  • Get the Longest Life from Your Tires
  • Can I Replace Just One Tire?
  • How to Read Tire Size?
  • How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
  • Tire Wear Patterns
  • How to Check Tire Tread Depth with Penny?

Filed Under: All Terrain Tires Tagged With: comparison, cooper, cooper adventurer at, cooper discoverer at3

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Hey, It's Emre. Industrial and Civil Engineer, former Bridgestone field test inspector. In love with being an overlander. Bigger is better moonie! Read More…

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List of current deals I found:

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