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Home » Comparisons & Reviews » Cooper ST Maxx vs STT Pro

Cooper ST Maxx vs STT Pro

Updated: April 18, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

Cooper ST Maxx and Cooper STT Pro tires offer distinct characteristics. The Cooper STT Pro is specifically designed as a mud-terrain tire, prioritizing optimal performance in muddy and challenging off-road conditions. On the other hand, the Cooper ST Maxx falls into the category of commercial all-terrain or hybrid tires, emphasizing durability and traction across various terrains. In this article, we will delve into the differences between these two tires and provide you with insights to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

You can clearly see that Cooper ST Max is a bit smaller tire. Hence, it'sa better option for towing and hauling
Cooper ST MaxxCooper STT Pro
Better forWorking trucks,
highway driving,
smooth & quiet ride,
hauling & towing
Adventurers,
severe off-road,
aggressive appearance
ProsAll-round tire,
lasts longer,
better responsiveness
Satisfying wet and winter traction for a mud-terrain tire,
acceptable tread life
ConsNothing much to talk aboutA bit noisy,
slightly harsh ride if you’re not used to all-terrain tires

In my view as a former Bridgestone engineer, I find that the Cooper ST Maxx offers superior on-road characteristics, such as reduced road noise and a smoother ride. It also boasts greater responsiveness. While the Cooper ST Maxx performs well in wet and winter conditions, the Cooper STT Pro truly shines as a tire built for rugged off-road adventures. Surprisingly, it also delivers decent wet and winter performance for a mud tire. However, it’s worth noting that both tires fall somewhat short in terms of tread life. The Cooper ST Maxx is an excellent choice for short commutes and work trucks, while the Cooper STT Pro is the tire of choice for the adventurous souls seeking off-road thrills.

Nobody Knows Better Than Data

As a former Bridgestone test engineer, I’ve tested hundreds of tires—and trust me, data never lies. Discount Tire Treadwell is a goldmine. Just enter your location and vehicle—boom, it shows you the best picks! You can even prioritize what matters most (comfort, durability, winter traction—you name it).

Want a full walkthrough? Check out my simple guide here—I explain how to use Treadwell to match your exact needs.

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet

Finding the ideal all-terrain tire among the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, my team and I have taken on this challenge head-on. Besides our hands-on experiences with these tires, we also analyze thousands of customer reviews and test reports. 

Please note that: Light-Duty is 1500 series, Medium-Duty is 2500 series and Heavy-Duty is 3500 series. If you do towing or hauling, I recommend considering at least Medium-Duty tires.

Mobile users can scroll the table to the left to see the whole data.

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
NameCategoryArticles3PMSFRoad NoiseMileageFuel EconomyRiding ComfortResponsivenessWet PerformanceMild WinterSevere WinterMild Off-RoadSevere Off-RoadBest Fit by Pickup Truck ClassificationWarranty (SL or XL)Warranty (LT)Product Page

Falken Wildpeak AT3W

Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentPoorDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantDecentAverageLight-Duty55,000 Miles55,000 MilesWildpeak AT3W
Toyo Open Country AT3Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty65,000 Miles50,000 MilesToyo Open Country AT3
General Grabber ATXOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantHeavy-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesGeneral Grabber ATX
BF Goodrich KO2Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantHeavy-DutyN/A50,000 MilesBF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Sumitomo Encounter ATOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentElegantAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty60,000 Miles60,000 MilesSumitomo Encounter AT
Firestone Destination XTOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageDecentElegantDecentElegantDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentHeavy-DutyN/A50,000 MilesFirestone Destination X/T
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLTOn Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentAverageElegantAverageHeavy-DutyN/A60,000 MilesCooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
Falken Wildpeak AT TrailOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantAverageLight-Duty65,000 MilesN/AFalken Wildpeak AT Trail
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4SOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentDecentFairy WellLight-Duty65,000 MilesN/ACooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Firestone Destination AT2On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentElegantAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty55,000 MilesN/AFirestone Destination AT2

BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A

On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantElegantDecentElegantElegantDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty60,000N/ABF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A
Toyo Open Country R/T TrailRugged Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-Duty45,000 Miles45,000 MilesToyo Open Country R/T Trail
Falken Wildpeak R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-Duty50,000 Miles50,000 MilesFalken Wildpeak R/T
Pathfinder AT TireOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty55,00050,000Discount Tire Exclusive Product
Nitto Ridge GrapplerRugged Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-DutyN/AN/ANitto Ridge Grappler
General Grabber APTOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentFairy WellMedium-Duty60,000 Miles60,000 MilesGeneral Grabber APT
Vredestein Pinza ATOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageMedium-Duty70,000 Miles50,000 MilesVredestein Pinza AT
Nitto Recon GrapplerOff Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageElegantDecentMedium-Duty65,000 Miles55,000 MilesNitto Recon Grappler
Michelin Defender LTX M/SHighway TireReviewNoElegantElegantElegantDecentElegantDecentDecentFairy WellDecentFairy WellHeavy-Duty55,000 – 70,000 Miles55,000 – 70,000 MilesMichelin Defender LTX M/S
Kenda Klever R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewNoAverageDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentFairy WellDecentDecentHeavy-DutyN/AN/AKenda Klever R/T
Goodyear Wrangler Territory ATOn Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageElegantDecentMedium-DutyN/AN/AGoodyear Wrangler Territory AT
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain ATOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentFairy WellMedium-DutyN/AN/ADiscount Tire Exclusive Product
Continental Terrain Contact H/THighway TireReviewNoElegantElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentAveragePoorDecentPoorHeavy-Duty70,000 Miles60,000 MilesContinental TerrainContact H/T
Patriot R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewYesAverageAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentMedium-DutyN/AN/APatriot R/T+
Kenda Klever AT2Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageMedium-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesKenda Klever AT2
Yokohama Geolander AT G015On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentAverageElegantElegantDecentDecentAverageAveragePoorLight-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesYokohama Geolandar AT G015
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATRugged Terrain TireReviewYes (315 or narrower width)DecentDecentAverageDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty50,000 Miles60,000 MilesMickey Thompson Baja Boss AT

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

Dry Performance

When it comes to dry performance, we’re comparing mud-terrain tires with commercial all-terrain tires, which entails evaluating dry traction, cornering stability, and steering response.

Both the Cooper STT Pro and ST Maxx excel in dry traction, thanks to their aggressive tread patterns. However, the real differentiator in this comparison is cornering stability.

Both these tires boast strong sidewalls, making them suitable for towing. But in my view, the Cooper ST Maxx takes the lead due to its impressive responsiveness. Its design features a more compact center section with less void area, resulting in quicker steering response. Conversely, the Cooper STT Pro, being a mud-terrain tire, doesn’t have as much compound in contact with the ground.

Overall, if you prioritize dry performance and responsive handling, the Cooper ST Maxx is the better choice.

Wet Performance

When it comes to wet performance, we need to consider two important aspects: wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.

Let’s start with hydroplaning resistance. This phenomenon occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to water buildup, creating that unnerving floating feeling. To combat this, it’s crucial to channel water away from the tire’s path. While both the Cooper STT Pro and Cooper ST Maxx are wide and aggressive tires, they have different approaches to handling hydroplaning.

The Cooper STT Pro, being a mud-terrain tire, may not have as much rubber in contact with the road to create a clear path for water evacuation. However, it has a clever design with an extra small lug on its tread that helps in channeling water effectively. On the other hand, the Cooper ST Maxx features two circumferential grooves that direct water towards the tire’s shoulders, offering a significant advantage in hydroplaning resistance.

In summary, when it comes to hydroplaning resistance, the Cooper ST Maxx has the upper hand. Nevertheless, the Cooper STT Pro still holds its ground and is a noteworthy option among mud-terrain tires.

Now, let’s delve into wet traction, which is equally important. Both tires have a relatively soft compound, especially when compared to off-road all-terrain tires. While soft compounds might seem advantageous, the Cooper STT Pro and ST Maxx tires don’t have an extensive amount of compound on the ground, which affects their wet traction performance. However, it’s worth noting that I appreciate the vertical siping concept used in the Cooper ST Maxx.

Overall, if you frequently drive in rainy conditions, the Cooper ST Maxx is the better choice. However, it’s important to keep in mind that neither of these tires is marked with the 3PMSF symbol, indicating that their wet performance may be less than ideal on cold days.

Winter Performance

When evaluating winter performance, it’s crucial to consider three distinct conditions.

Firstly, in light snow, having more biting edges and increased compound contact with the ground is advantageous. Both tires feature a soft compound, but the Cooper ST Maxx has a slight edge in this scenario. However, it’s important to exercise caution when using them in snowy conditions since they lack the 3PMSF rating.

Secondly, deep snow is where these tires truly excel due to their highly voided patterns. Here, a more aggressive tread pattern is beneficial, making the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro a preferred choice. However, the difference compared to the light snow scenario isn’t substantial.

Lastly, when it comes to ice, it’s not recommended to rely on these tires. Traction on ice demands a greater amount of rubber in contact with the road.

Overall, given that neither tire is marked with the 3PMSF rating, it’s advisable to opt for the Cooper ST Maxx for winter conditions. Nevertheless, the Cooper STT Pro remains a suitable choice for off-road adventures.

Road Noise

Noise is a common issue with off-road tires, particularly the aggressive ones like the Cooper STT Pro and Cooper ST Maxx.

This noise primarily originates from the aggressive shoulder blocks and the air trapped inside the tire’s tread. The key to minimizing noise is to have a less voided center section in the tire’s tread pattern.

In this regard, the Cooper ST Maxx is a quieter option. However, it’s important to note that its noise level may increase over time due to its tread design.

Riding Comfort

Riding comfort isn’t a primary focus for either of these tires.

These tires are engineered with a strong emphasis on delivering maximum traction and durability, characteristics that are inherently at odds with providing a comfortable ride.

While both tires feature extremely tough sidewalls, it’s worth noting that the Cooper STT Pro has slightly more flexible sidewalls, which contribute to a relatively smoother ride compared to the Cooper ST Maxx. However, it’s important to keep in mind that both tires offer below-average riding comfort.

Treadwear

When it comes to mud-terrain or commercial all-terrain tires, longevity isn’t typically their strong suit. These tires are primarily designed to deliver traction on soft terrains, which necessitates the use of a relatively soft compound that tends to wear out more quickly.

In comparing the Cooper STT Pro and ST Maxx, both feature soft compounds prone to wear. However, due to its more aggressive tread design, the Cooper STT Pro tends to wear out even more quickly, especially during highway usage. On the other hand, if you spend most of your time on the highway, the Cooper ST Maxx is the better option for better tread life.

Off-Road Performance

Cooper STT Pro looks good on Jeeps. Some people prefer it for its appearance and are disappointed due to its harsh ride

When it comes to off-road performance, both the Cooper ST Maxx and Cooper STT Pro can be considered as versatile mud-terrain tires capable of tackling various terrains.

In terms of specific terrain performance:

  • Cooper STT Pro excels on rocky surfaces.
  • Cooper STT Pro is highly capable in deep mud.
  • Cooper ST Maxx performs notably well on sand.
  • Cooper ST Maxx handles dirt and gravel terrain effectively.

If your adventures often take you into severe off-road conditions, the Cooper STT Pro is the tire of choice. On the other hand, for milder applications with a balanced performance across various terrains, the Cooper ST Maxx is a reliable option.

Mud Performance

When it comes to mud performance, it’s essential to consider two distinct scenarios: deep mud and light mud.

Deep mud primarily revolves around traction and effective evacuation. In this regard, the Cooper STT Pro excels with its outstanding traction and the ability of its large lugs to grip and clear mud effectively.

On the other hand, light mud performance is easy for both beasts.

Both the Cooper STT Pro and Cooper ST Maxx are highly dependable in mud applications, however, Cooper STT Pro is a better option for deep mud driving.

Sand Performance

When it comes to sand and deep mud performance, these two tires generally exhibit similar results, with grip being a crucial factor.

Cooper incorporated their Earth Digger Technology into the Cooper STT Pro, significantly enhancing its grip and cleaning capabilities. As a result, both tires boast exceptional grip, making them well-suited for sand terrain.

Here’s a quick tip for those using the Cooper STT Pro: Exercise caution with the throttle, as its substantial lugs can dig into the sand if you’re too heavy-footed. Avoid putting yourself in a tricky situation.

In terms of sand performance, the Cooper STT Pro holds a slight edge over the Cooper ST Maxx. However, it’s important to note that there’s no definitive winner in this category; both tires are dependable options.

Rock Performance

When it comes to rock performance, there’s a clear standout, and it’s none other than the Cooper STT Pro. This tire is the undisputed champion in our off-road adventures, especially in challenging rock terrain.

The Cooper STT Pro boasts exceptional grip and durability, making it a formidable contender in rock driving. Its Rock Climber Sidewall Technology is designed to conquer the toughest paths, ensuring you can navigate even the most rugged rock surfaces.

In addition to its impressive grip, the Cooper STT Pro features Stone Armor Technology, which shields it from sharp rocks and debris. This technology enhances its overall durability, allowing it to withstand the harshest rock conditions.

In summary, the Cooper STT Pro excels in rock performance and is a top choice among hybrid tires for those who love tackling challenging rock terrains.

Specs

Cooper ST MaxxCooper STT Pro
CategoryAll-Terrain TireMud-Terrain Tire
VehicleLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUV
Available Sizes (Rim)15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’
Weight42-78 lbs42-94 lbs
Made InU.SU.S
Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF)No (only M+S)No (only M+S)
Warranty (P-metric)45 Days Test Drive45 Days Test Drive
Warranty (LT Sizes)45 Days Test Drive45 Days Test Drive
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,

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 Discoverer STT Pro: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/cooper-discoverer-stt-pro

Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/cooper-discoverer-st-maxx

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 Discoverer STT Pro: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/cooper-discoverer-stt-pro

Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/cooper-discoverer-s-t-maxx

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 Discoverer STT Pro: https://simpletire.com/brands/cooper-tires/discoverer-stt-pro

Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx: https://simpletire.com/brands/cooper-tires/discoverer-s-t-maxx

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

Depending on your usage, both tires are trustworthy options. Though Cooper ST Maxx is a better option for hauling and towing, Cooper STT Pro is an adventure tire that offers a comfy ride on highways.

Cooper ST MaxxCooper STT Pro
Better forWorking trucks,
highway driving,
smooth & quiet ride,
hauling & towing
Adventurers,
severe off-road,
aggressive appearance
ProsAll-round tire,
lasts longer,
better responsiveness
Satisfying wet and winter traction for a mud-terrain tire,
acceptable tread life
ConsNothing much to talk aboutA bit noisy,
slightly harsh ride if you’re not used to all-terrain tires

A Quick Check List:

  • 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 index & 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

I hope you guys enjoy this article. If you have any further questions, please write them below. We will answer it ASAP!

For those who prefer to see whole market analyze:

  • https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires-for-snow/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-1-2-ton-truck-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
  • https://tireterrain.com/on-road-all-terrain-tires-highway/

A couple of popular size analyses:

  • https://tireterrain.com/best-35x12-50r20-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-275-55r20-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-275-65r18-all-terrain-tires/

Want to learn more about all-terrain tires:

  • https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
  • https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/tire-load-index-and-load-range/
  • https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
  • https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
  • https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-loud/
  • https://tireterrain.com/how-long-do-all-terrain-tires-last/
  • https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/
  • https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-pressure-load-range-for-every-rig/

Filed Under: All Terrain Tires Tagged With: Comparisons, cooper, Cooper ST Maxx, Cooper STT Pro

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Hey, it's Emre. I'm the proud dad of two cats, a former Bridgestone field engineer, and I hold degrees in Civil and Industrial engineering. I'm also a firm believer in the motto that "bigger is better." Read More…

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