Let us guess! You are a fan of Cooper brand, but still wondering which tire you should pick when it comes to Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx, Discoverer STT Pro, and Discoverer MTP?
These are among the best models designed to enhance the off-road performance of your vehicle. Even though they look quite similar, each of them is noticeable for different tasks.
In this article, we will show you the detailed differences between the Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx, STT Pro, and MTP based on various criteria. Then, with your specific preferences, you can make a right purchase decision.
Let’s jump right into it!
Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx vs. STT Pro vs. MTP: Comparison Table
The Discoverer ST Maxx is marketed as an all-terrain tire, the same as the STT Pro. However, the MTP is a mud-terrain tire, specifically engineered for maximum traction in every terrain imaginable.
Being all-terrain tires, the ST Maxx and STT Pro have features geared at making road trips quieter and more comfortable. Meanwhile, the MTP has agreeable road manners as well, which is surprising for an off-road tire.
The table below is an overview of how each tire performs according to each category:
- Best Overall
- The Most Comfortable model
- The Quietest Model
- Best For Off-road Performance
- Best For Snow & Ice Performance
- Reasonable Price
Specifications:
| Cooper ST Maxx | Cooper STT Pro | Cooper MTP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available Rim Sizes | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’ | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’ | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’ |
| Weight | 42 - 78 lbs | 42 - 94 lbs | 45 - 70 lbs |
| Snow Rating | M+S | M+S | M+S |
| Warranty | + Guarantees the materials and craftsmanship for the first 2/32 inch of tread wear + 45 days test drive | + Guarantees the materials and craftsmanship for the first 2/32 inch of tread wear + 45 days test drive | + Guarantees the materials and craftsmanship for the first 2/32 inch of tread wear + 45 days test drive |
Before diving into the detailed analysis below, let’s take a look at what other users comment on Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx, STT Pro and MTP:
- “I drove a 40 1,500 miles straight only stopping for food and gas on the Cooper STT Pro tires. I’ve owned a lot of all terrain and mud tires and these tires made me wish they had come out sooner. They made the drive enjoyable rather than harsh like other mud tires (mtrs, km2s, etc)” (Bripars40 – https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/cooper-st-maxx-or-stt-pro.954477/)
- “I ended up with the STT Pro. Overall very happy with them. They drive great on the highway which was one of my worries. They are louder than I thought. Have more hum than my clapped out KOs. That surprised my. But that being said it is not loud enough to bother me at all even at 75mph. Just that it is noticeable with the radio turned off. Honestly they are not bad at all. I am more than happy with the noise. Nothing that requires talking louder or even turning up the radio.” (rc51kid – https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/cooper-st-maxx-or-stt-pro.954477/)
- “I had a three-day camping/riding trip two weekends ago, and a day riding trip last Saturday, and so far I’m really impressed with the S/T Maxx tires. Both times, the trip each way was about two hours at speeds of 45 to 70 mph, and the tires’ highway manners are just like street tires.” (rjinga – https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/cooper-st-maxx-or-stt-pro.954477/)
- “The MTP and STT Pro are both solid options that tend to work out well for many. As noted, M/T tires tend to perform okay under winter conditions, particularly on hardpack snow and ice – siping may improve performance in these conditions just bear in mind that the siping could increase treadwear rate and the tread block may chunk easier off-road. It’s important to note that the MTP has a 2-ply sidewall for emphasis on ride comfort whereas the STT Pro has a 3-ply sidewall. Depending on the terrain you drive you may need the higher sidewall ply.” (Discount Tire – https://www.wayalife.com/threads/2-qs-1-cooper-stt-pro-or-mtp-2-has-anyone-siped-an-stt-or-mtp.56406/)
Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx vs. STT Pro vs. MTP: Detailed Analysis
Off-road performance
| OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE | COOPER ST MAXX | COOPER STT PRO | COOPER MTP |
| Deep Mud Performance | Better | Best | Good |
| Light Mud Performance | Best | Better | Good |
| Sand Performance | Better | Best | Good |
| Rock Performance | Better | Best | Good |
| Dirt and Gravel Performance | Best | Better | Good |
The STT Pro leads the pack in our off-road comparison and offers the best protection in uneven terrain. This tire benefits from a unique 3-ply Armor-Tek3 construction that increases durability. Besides, off-road enthusiasts will love the reinforced silica compound used in the STT Pro.
Meanwhile, the Cooper ST Maxx places a close second on our off-road performance analysis. Although it’s not a star performer like the STT PRO, the ST Maxx can hold its own in rugged terrain, thanks to a combination of tough silica and angled ply construction. Besides, it also features the same Amor Tek-3 construction as the STT Pro, which proves its quality.
The Cooper Discoverer MTP occupies the last position in this category. Unlike the first two options, the MTP lacks 3-ply construction, likely explaining its subpar off-road performance. In general, the concern about this tire is that it has 2-ply sidewall. However, it also features staggered blocks and alternating scallops on the shoulders that somewhat improves the performance on tough terrains.
On-road performance
Despite its hulking size, the Cooper MTP has excellent on-road manners. The combination of supersized tread blocks and chamfered edges provides better stability and improves handling on the highway.
The Cooper ST Maxx is another Cooper model with impressive highway drivability. Although marketed as an off-road-ready tire, the ST Maxx offers first-rate traction, handling, and steering response on the pavement.
Meanwhile, the Cooper ST Pro is subpar on highways based on our analysis. However, you can depend on the tire’s Flex Grooves to protect you from the harsh effects of bumps and potholes.
Snow and Ice Performance
Although excellent on rocks and gravel, a surprising number of off-road tires perform poorly in wet conditions. However, the Cooper STT Pro is an absolute beast in both wet and dry terrain. Wet traction is excellent and better than other tires on this list.
The Cooper ST Maxx and MTP models are less stellar in icy conditions but don’t rule them out of winter driving altogether. For instance, the ST Maxx benefits from a hybrid 4-5 tread design, which expels water for better stability in wet conditions.
Noise Level
Notwithstanding the aggressive tread, the Cooper ST Maxx produces minimal road noise and ranks ahead of other models in this category. The hybrid thread works well to reduce pattern noise, ensuring smoother and quieter rides.
The Cooper STT Pro is another tire with stellar noise dampening qualities. Sporting a 3-2 rib pattern, the STT Pro can cancel road noise and provide enjoyable and quiet rides.
Being a heavy-duty tire, the Cooper MTP is (unsurprisingly) noisier than other tires on this list. An aggressive tread pattern means this tire is likely to produce more noise at highway speeds. Add to the lack of dedicated noise-reduction features, and you can see why the STT Pro falls behind competitors in the road noise category.
Comfort
If you want comfy rides, the ST Maxx is one of the best options for you.
Compared to regular off-road tires with aggressive treads, the ST Maxx has a hybrid tread pattern that protects you from the jarring effects of road obstacles. The MTP and STT Pro are decent in road comfort, although the ST Maxx is better.
Treadwear Warranty
Getting a tire with excellent off-road driving abilities is great, but you should also prioritize warranty protection. A warranty guarantees your tire’s durability and allows you to use the tire without fearing abnormal wear.
All three tires on this list come with Cooper’s limited warranty protection. Most off-road tires lack the standard mileage warranty, so Cooper’s case isn’t extraordinary. Besides, the company allows customers to test-drive these models for a 45-day period and accepts returns made within that time frame.
Per the limited warranty, Cooper guarantees the materials and craftsmanship for the first 2/32 inch of tread wear on the ST Maxx, STT Pro, and MTP. If you find defects during this period, you’re entitled to a free tire replacement.
Price
The MTP starts from $170 and up, making it the lowest-priced tire on this list. Meanwhile, the Cooper ST Maxx is the most expensive one on this list, with the starting price of $249. In comparison, the STT pro lies in the middle of this price comparison category, with the price range from $208 to $523.
That said, you should consider other factors before buying a tire for its cheap price. For example, you’d incur more costs on an affordable tire that wears out quicker than a costly tire with a durable tread.
Our Final Recommendations
- Best Overall
- The Most Comfortable model
- The Quietest Model
- Best For Off-road Performance
- Best For Snow & Ice Performance
- Reasonable Price
This article has covered main differences about these three stellar models from the Cooper off-road tire lineup. And here are our final recommendations:
+ If you want your tires to be good in every aspect, pick Cooper ST Maxx. We will call this tire “best overall”. It offers good winter driving qualities, great off-road handling, durability, quiet and impressive ride comfort.
+ If you are a fan of off-roading, we highly recommend Cooper STT Pro. Furthermore, this tire will help you drive through snowy roads easily and smoothly.
+ If you prefer a mud tire with well-mannered on the highways, then the Cooper MTP may be what you want. No other tire promises excellent handling and cornering on the dry pavement like this tire.
Read more: Cooper ST Maxx vs. Goodyear Duratrac vs. BFG KO2: Which Is The Winner?
Read more: General Grabber AT2 vs. Cooper Discoverer AT3 vs. BFG All Terrain KO2: What Are The Differences?
