Cooper Discoverer AT3 and Toyo Open Country AT3 are versatile all-terrain tires suitable for a range of vehicles, including pickup trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, offering a balanced performance on and off the road. Toyo Open Country AT3 provides versatility through different specifications, while Cooper Discoverer AT3 comes in three variations: 4S, XL, and XLT, each catering to specific needs. Cooper Discoverer AT3 is ideal for on-road comfort with off-road capabilities for light to moderate terrain, while the XLT and LT versions are built for tougher off-road challenges. This article will compare these tires, helping you choose the right one for your vehicle and driving conditions. Let’s begin.
Quick Summary
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better for | Severe off-road usage, Winter performance | Daily driving | 1/2 ton or compact SUV owners who wants to add a little towing and hauling capability | 3/4 ton pickup owners who don’t see snow often |
| Pros | Appearance, year-round performance | Insane wet and snow traction Great on-road manners | Towing & hauling capability | Longevity Cornering stability |
| Cons | A bit rough ride | Can’t handle severe off-road conditions | Can’t handle severe off-road conditions | Can’t handle severe off-road conditions |
Based on your perspective as a former Bridgestone engineer, it’s clear that the Toyo Open Country AT3 is your preferred choice for severe off-road usage, given its robust off-road capabilities. However, you acknowledge that its on-road manners are slightly inferior to the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S.
In contrast, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S stands out with better on-road manners, responsiveness, and even wear characteristics. It seems like a solid choice for daily driving and varied conditions.
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT offers similar attributes to the 4S but with stronger sidewalls and robust shoulders, making it a suitable option for 1/2-ton pickups and full-size SUVs that require hauling, towing, and mild off-road performance.
Finally, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is your recommendation for warm climates and heavy-duty vehicles, offering excellent tread life for these applications.
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.
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Table of Contents
Dry Performance
Dry performance encompasses three key dimensions: dry traction, steering response, and cornering stability. In the following sections, each of these aspects will be individually assessed for a comprehensive understanding.
Dry Traction
Dry traction hinges on the contact patch between the tire and the road surface. Some mud tires may exhibit subpar dry traction due to their design, which prioritizes off-road performance.
In contrast, all-terrain tires aim to strike a balance between on and off-road capabilities, resulting in a narrower and more compact design. This design approach allows all-terrain tires to deliver a commendable level of dry traction.
In essence, while dry traction is an important factor, it’s not a defining characteristic for these tires. All-terrain tires, including both models in question, generally provide excellent dry traction.
Cornering Stability
Let’s start by discussing cornering stability, as it’s a crucial aspect that influenced the classification of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 series.
Cornering stability is closely tied to a tire’s internal structure, which can vary based on your vehicle and driving conditions.
First, let’s consider the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S. This tire prioritizes a smooth and quiet ride over extreme off-road traction and durability. It’s available in p-metric sizes and provides decent cornering stability, especially for vehicles like 1/2 ton pickups and similarly weighted SUVs and CUVs. However, in terms of cornering stability, the Toyo Open Country AT3 with its more robust design is a better choice.
Next up is the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT. This tire represents a middle-ground option in this comparison. It features a slightly beefier sidewall and thicker construction. It’s well-suited for compact SUVs and 1/2 ton trucks that require towing or hauling capabilities. The Cooper Discoverer AT3 XL comes closest to the Toyo Open Country AT3 in terms of cornering stability.
Lastly, let’s discuss the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT, the most rugged option in the series. Its construction is even tougher than that of the Toyo Open Country AT3, making it a suitable choice for heavy-duty applications.
In summary, when it comes to cornering stability, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is a solid option for a wide range of vehicles. For owners of 3/4 ton or larger pickup trucks, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is recommended, while SUV and CUV owners can opt for the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S. 1/2 ton pickup owners may find the Toyo Open Country AT3 to be a suitable choice.
Steering Response
Steering response is closely tied to cornering stability, and maintaining tire shape is crucial for responsive handling. However, the tread pattern plays a significant role in determining steering responsiveness.
In terms of responsiveness, all variants of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 (4S, XL, and XLT) outperform the Toyo Open Country AT3 due to their rib-highway type pattern design.
It’s worth noting that for heavier vehicles, such as trucks, a stiff compound is also necessary for quicker steering response, in addition to strong sidewalls.
Considering these factors, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a better choice for CUV and compact SUV owners seeking responsive handling. For owners of 3/4 ton or larger pickup trucks, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is a solid option. While the Toyo Open Country AT3 remains a decent choice due to its interlocked center section, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 variants offer better steering response in their respective categories.
Wet Performance
Wet performance in all-terrain tires depends on two critical factors: wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.
Hydroplaning can sometimes be a concern for all-terrain tires due to their wide tread patterns. However, effective water evacuation capability plays a significant role in overcoming this issue.
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 series (4S, XLT, and XL) with their 5-rib symmetrical patterns and circumferential grooves offer decent hydroplaning resistance. In contrast, the Toyo Open Country AT3, while lacking rib-type patterns, features two circumferential grooves and increased lateral grooves for efficient water evacuation.
Overall, all these tires provide a decent level of hydroplaning resistance.
When it comes to wet traction, factors like soft rubber compounds and a higher density of siping edges are key.
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S stands out for compact SUVs and CUVs due to its softer compound, ample rubber contact with the road, and high siping density. The Toyo Open Country AT3 shares similar features but has a slightly stiffer compound, putting its wet performance just behind the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S.
For 1/2 ton pickup trucks and full-size SUVs involved in towing or hauling, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT offers a slightly better option due to its responsiveness.
However, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT sets itself apart, lacking the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating but excelling in use with 3/4 ton or larger vehicles under heavy loads. Its cold weather wet traction during towing or hauling is commendable. Still, if you frequently encounter cold weather conditions, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better choice.
Winter Performance
Winter performance of all-terrain tires can be assessed under three distinct conditions.
Starting with light snow, both the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and the Toyo Open Country AT3 bear the 3PMSF marking, signifying their proficiency in light snow traction. In this category, the Toyo Open Country AT3 and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S excel, thanks to their abundance of biting edges. Conversely, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT and Cooper Discoverer XLT, with their stiffer compounds, lag slightly behind.
Moving on to deep snow, the Toyo Open Country AT3 takes the lead due to its more aggressive tread pattern. However, all variations of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 series are reliable options when selected based on the provided guidelines.
When it comes to icy conditions, it’s important to note that these tires are not dedicated winter tires and have limited ice performance. Nevertheless, the rib-type pattern on the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and Cooper Discoverer AT3 XL provides a slight advantage by putting more rubber compound on the ground.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a better choice for compact SUVs and CUVs, while the Toyo Open Country AT3 shines as the superior option for pickup trucks and full-size SUVs in winter conditions.
A side note here: Understanding the snow performance of all-terrain tires can be quite challenging. For those who find it perplexing, I’d like to direct your attention to a helpful resource: “6 Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow by AT Tire Category“ This article is specifically designed to assist you in making informed decisions regarding all-terrain tires in snowy conditions.
Treadwear
Treadwear in all-terrain tires is significantly influenced by your specific usage conditions and vehicle type, making the right tire selection crucial.
Toyo Open Country AT3 is classified as an off-road all-terrain tire, while Cooper Discoverer AT3 leans towards on-road all-terrain performance. Consequently, these two tires exhibit different traction capabilities.
Comparing the Toyo Open Country AT3 and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, they share similar UTQG ratings (600 A B for the Toyo AT3 and 620 A B for the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S), indicating a similar compound stiffness. However, Toyo’s compound is better suited for off-road durability, while the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S’s compound wears better during highway usage. Both tires are trustworthy options, and your choice should depend on your off-road usage percentage.
As for the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT, it may not be the best choice for all-terrain use but serves as a solid option for towing with full-size SUVs or 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton pickup trucks that require towing and hauling reliability in winter conditions.
Finally, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT, with its rib-type pattern, stiff compound, and deep tread, stands out as the best option for 3/4 ton or larger pickup trucks. However, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is also a reliable choice if you want to add some off-road aggressiveness to your vehicle.
In summary, all of these tires wear very well, and your choice should be based on your specific driving conditions and needs.
Warranty
Toyo provides a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty for p-metric sizes and a 50,000-mile warranty for LT sizes.
In contrast, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S comes with a 6-year, 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, while the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT and XLT also offer a 6-year, 65,000-mile treadwear warranty.
It’s worth noting that Toyo offers a 45-day trial for the Open Country AT3.
Road Noise
Road noise is a distinguishing factor among these tires, primarily due to the aggressive and lugged-type pattern of the Toyo Open Country AT3.
Tire noise is typically generated by the air trapped within the tire’s tread. Consequently, as the tread design becomes more aggressive, the tire tends to produce more noise. The presence of robust shoulder blocks also significantly contributes to this.
In this context, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S emerges as the clear winner in terms of road noise. Even though the Toyo Open Country AT3 features an interlocked center section, it still has the most void area among the compared tires, along with robust shoulder blocks. Furthermore, uniformity plays a pivotal role, and the Toyo Open Country AT3 tends to wear more unevenly.
For the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XL and XLT, the difference in noise isn’t substantial, mainly due to their beefy and rugged shoulder blocks.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, XLT, and XL are quieter tires, while the Toyo Open Country AT3 is slightly noisier due to its enhanced off-road capability.
Comfort
In this case, a less aggressive tread design and a more elastic internal structure tend to provide a more comfortable ride.
As mentioned in earlier sections, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S offers a more comfortable ride compared to the Toyo Open Country AT3, thanks to its rib-type pattern and flexible internal structure.
Similarly, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT and LT, with their less aggressive pattern, also contribute to a slightly more comfortable ride.
Off-Road Performance
When it comes to off-road performance, the choice often comes down to personal preferences.
Toyo Open Country AT3, designed as an off-road all-terrain tire, boasts a larger void area, a more aggressive shoulder design, and impressive sidewall biters. This gives it a clear advantage in loose ground performance, making it excel in mud and sand scenarios, especially for adventurous off-roaders.
On the flip side, Cooper Discoverer AT3 is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a milder off-road traction that mainly involves dirt and gravel. However, it’s worth noting that Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT shines on gravel due to its exceptionally robust sidewalls and sipes, which provide extra traction.
In summary, Toyo Open Country AT3 is recommended for tackling severe off-road conditions and adventurous terrain, while Cooper Discoverer AT3 is a solid option for those who want a balanced tire with excellent on-road manners.
Specification Comparison for Popular Sizes
Before we delve into a detailed comparison of the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the Cooper Discover AT3, it’s essential to note that their performance can vary depending on the tire size you choose. Let’s start by highlighting some key considerations:
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 is a better option for daily driving because it’s an on-road all-terrain tire
- Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better option for off-road driving because it’s an off-road all-terrain tire
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 is efficiency oriented tire
These variations in wheel sizes, load ranges, weight, and height should be carefully considered when selecting the right tire to suit your specific requirements. Now, let’s proceed with a detailed comparison of popular sizes of these tires.
35×12.5R20
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT |
|---|---|---|
| Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire |
| E | F | F |
| 67 lbs | 67 lbs | 67 lbs |
| 16.9/32″ | 16.9/32″ | 16.5/32″ |
| 10.9″ | 10.3″ | 10.6″ |
| United States | United States | United States |
While Cooper Discoverer XLT is exclusively available in the F load range, its highway-pattern design contributes to a smoother and quieter ride. However, there’s a trade-off as it provides less traction on loose ground, particularly in snowy conditions. On the other hand, if you prioritize winter traction, the E load range Toyo Open Country AT3 stands out as the top choice. If your off-road adventures involve frequent air-down conditions, then the F-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 is the tire for you.
285/70R17
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire |
| E | SL | C | SL | E |
| 55 lbs | 47 lbs | 54 lbs | 43 lbs | 55 lbs |
| 16.5/32″ | 13.6/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 14/32″ | 17/32″ |
| 9″ | 9″ | 9″ | 9.2″ | 9.2″ |
| United States | Japan | United States | United States | United States |
Tire specifications can be quite confusing, especially when you’re not familiar with them. Let’s break it down for this specific tire size.
If your main concern is daily driving and you don’t often encounter severe winter conditions, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S with SL (Standard Load) specification is your best bet. However, if you also need excellent traction in severe snow conditions, I’d recommend the Toyo Open Country AT3 SL.
On the flip side, if I were in your shoes, I’d opt for the C-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 instead of the SL version. This C rating enhances sidewall stiffness, which is particularly useful when you’re carrying a heavy load. Plus, it’s worth noting that the C-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 is proudly made in the USA.
For those considering E load range tires, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT stands out as the top choice, especially if you need to tow or haul heavy loads. However, if your priority is excellent snow traction, the E-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 is the better option. So, if you’re an off-roading enthusiast or frequently navigate snowy terrain, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is the way to go. For everyone else, don’t overthink it; the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is the perfect choice.
275/60R20
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire |
| E | SL | SL | E |
| 55 | 42 lbs | 44 lbs | 56 lbs |
| 16.4 | 13.5/32″ | 12.5/32″ | 16/32″ |
| 9.4″ | 9.1″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ |
| United States | United States | United States | United States |
In this specific size range, both tires offer SL (Standard Load) and E load range options. The Cooper Discoverer AT3 excels as a top choice for daily driving, providing excellent performance on the road. However, it’s important to note that its off-road capabilities are limited to mild conditions. So, if you require a bit more traction in muddy terrain, opting for the SL Toyo Open Country AT3 might be the better choice between these two options.
On the other hand, when it comes to E load range tires, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT takes the lead for daily driving needs. It offers a comfortable and reliable on-road experience. Nevertheless, one drawback of this tire is its performance on loose ground, where it may not provide the best traction.
265/70R17
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire |
| E | SL | SL | E |
| 48 lbs | 42 lbs | 42 lbs | 50 lbs |
| 16.3/32″ | 13.4/32″ | 14/32″ | 16.5/32″ |
| 8.4″ | 8.4″ | 8.6″ | 8.7″ |
| United States | Japan | United States | United States |
In this specific tire size, it’s worth mentioning that Cooper also offers the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT option. This tire shines when it comes to heavy towing or extended highway driving. However, it’s important to note that its off-road traction capabilities are not its strong suit. So, while the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT might provide a smoother ride compared to the E-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 XLT, it’s clear that if you require extra off-road traction, the Toyo Open Country AT3 XLT is the way to go.
When it comes to SL (Standard Load) tires, I won’t reiterate the same points. The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S remains an efficient choice for daily driving, while the Toyo Open Country AT3 stands out for its winter performance and added dirt and mud traction.
Conclusion
Cooper Discoverer AT3 and Toyo Open Country AT3 are specialized tires designed to excel in different usage conditions.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is the top choice for daily driving, particularly for SUV and CUV owners.
- Toyo Open Country AT3 is the go-to option for extreme off-road conditions, such as mud and challenging terrains.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT is ideal for 1/2 ton pickup and compact SUV owners who prioritize reliable on-road performance while needing towing and hauling capabilities.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is recommended for 3/4 ton or larger pickup truck owners, especially in warm regions.
I hope this article has been informative and helps you make an informed tire choice. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to leave them in the comments section. Safe travels, everyone!