rugged trek vs baja boss at

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Cooper Rugged Trek

Both the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T and Cooper Rugged Trek are rugged-terrain tires, though they are marketed as all-terrain. These tires essentially bridge the gap between A/T and M/T, as they have mixed tread features from both sides.

From my vantage point as a tire engineer, both tires supply very similar performance on wet roads, and dry roads but the Cooper Rugged Trek offers superior steering and handling capabilities there still, whereas it isn’t able to keep up as much in the acceleration and braking department. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T on the other side, is silent off the two, performs on snow like a champ, and shines off road when it comes to climbing rocks. Though Cooper does better with muddy terrains.

Cooper Rugged Trek offers 18 total sizes (16 to 20″ rims), with following specs.

• Speed rating: T or Q.
• Load rating: XL, E and F, where 265/70R16 and 275/60R20 (only two sizes) also have SL range.
• Weight range: 40 lbs to 70 lbs.
• Tread depth: Either 16/32″ or 18.5/32″.
• LT sizes have 55k miles warranty, while others have 65k.

Conversely, the Mickey Baja Boss A/T provides 59 sizes (15″ to 24″) with following specs.

• Speed ratings: Q and T.
• Load ratings: SL, XL, D, E and F (no C).
• Weight range of 36 lbs to 90 lbs.
• Tread Depth: Either 16/32″ or 18.5/32″.
• 60k miles warranty for non LT sizes, while 50k miles for LT sizes.

Both have similar speed ratings, tread depth, and warranties. Moreover, both also offer 3 peak mountain snowflake ratings along with M+S.

Check out detailed review of Mickey Baja Boss A/T.

Design Features

Both tires, although look slightly different on a closer inspection, they both have similar kind of structure on the paper, though that’s not surprising as Mickey Thompson was owned by Cooper Tires (and they both now come under Goodyear).

Let’s start things off with Cooper Rugged Trek tire, from the sides.

The tire offers sidewall lugs of elongated design having biters/notches embedded in them, which help off road in grabbing and pulling (with lowered air pressure).

The shoulder lugs are staggered adding to aggressiveness, and are equipped with full depth interlocking sipes (making a wave-like pattern).

The blocks although make wider gaps here in between, they are joined together with ridges and the base of the tread there have multiple stone ejectors (a lining structure is seen).

These grooves are the widest compared to the rest.

In the middle all lugs carry a same design of “Y” shaped interlocking siping and sharp off set edges, enhancing chewing power of the tire.

These lugs also make grooves interconnecting with each other and making this tire very efficient in self cleaning (that’s why its so good with mud, but more on that later).

Let’s look at the Mickey Thompson Baja A/T.

Now, this tire although makes more aggressive sidewall lugs which supplies better lateral traction, especially on rocks, the tire does not have staggered shoulder lugs, though each block has sharp traction notches on outer edges.

These lugs create wider lateral grooves in between compared to longitudinal channels in front of them (just like the Cooper Rugged Trek).

The grooves are equipped with multiple stone ejectors too, but here they are triangular shaped.

In the middle you see two ribs of almost similar design, where on one rib, the only thing different is lateral and longitudinal notches (cuts dividing the blocks, though they are not separated all the way).

Other than this, they carry same kind of notches, sharp edges and siping pattern (which is also similar to the ones on shoulder lugs).

Off-Road tires need to be powerful as they encounter a lot of stuff that can pierce through them, and here the most vulnerable area is the tire’s sidewalls.

But that’s not a problem for Mickey Thompson A/T, as the tire offers 3 ply polyester casing, under those thick lugs of its sidewalls. I mean it’s a challenge to pierce it’s bead area.

Moreover, the tire also features 2 cap plies of nylon and steel belts on top of that cover as well.

On the other side, the Cooper Rugged Trek has a weaker built, as it only offers an average 2 ply polyester casing, with belts and just a single cap ply of nylon.

So where it’s sidewalls are weaker, it’s central area of the tread is also not as strong, in comparison, as well.

Though, one thing to keep in mind, that with higher durability, the Mickey Thompson A/T also increases it’s weight drastically, which is inversely proportional to steering response times.

Winter Capability

All-terrain tires are getting better with winter performance, and that’s because they are now incorporating a few crucial tread features of winter tires.

Like, they are made soft to endure freezing winter temperatures. And their notches and sipes are designed in a way, to grab snow particles and make better snow to snow exposure.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is a great tire for snow. It’s not only better in comparison here, but in fact, it’s one of the top performing ones, that’s why I added this tire for this, in my list of best all time all-terrain tires. Check it out here: https://tiredriver.com/best-all-terrain-tires/

Cooper Rugged Trek on the other hand, although does okay with deeper snow, its wider grooves are not able to keep the snow in, and it’s stiffer rubber gets frozen up more quickly, which limits its traction capabilities.

Dry Traction

Dry traction has a lot to do with how a tire is in terms of acceleration and braking (how fast a tire can stop with full braking), lateral stability and it’s sensitivity to steering. Let’s talk all of these.

Grip of the tire is calculated by braking and acceleration times. In order to make tires better in these areas, their treads are optimized to have as much contact with surface as possible. And they make that contact mostly from the middle, when the tire moves directionally.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T does better here with it’s closed up lugs in comparison.

Cooper Rugged Trek on the other side, limits its grip as it’s rubber is eaten away with a lot of grooves and tread voids. And this goes especially for the shoulders, where if you consider the tread of both on top, you’d find that Cooper RT has a lot of gaps there.

Wet Performance

On wet roads, you need faster water removal. This brings two dimensions, grip and hydroplaning.

Let me start off with grip.

Wet grip of the tire depends on siping, which basically suck in the water particles.

So these sipes need to have the flexibility to move as well.

Cooper Rugged Trek offers a slightly harder rubber compound on it’s tread.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is also better because of hydroplaning.

Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning or Hydroplaning is simply the floating of a tire on water. So grooves play a crucial role here as they remove the excess water out and tire can move over standing water with more speeds.

Cooper Rugged Trek has ridges in between the shoulder gaps, so water is restricted to be removed sideways. And with less water evacuation, more water is left behind for sipes to clean off, so overall wet traction is further compromised.

Fuel and Tread Usage

Fuel efficiency and tread life are both linked to a tire’s rolling resistance. And that depends on a lot of other factors like the tread design, composition, tread depth and so on.

The Cooper Rugged Trek weighs similarly, but its rubber composition is stiffer, so although both tires have same rolling resistance values, Mickey Baja Boss AT still wears slightly faster, (where they both give off same miles per gallon).

So it makes sense, why Baja Boss A/T gives off 5k less tread wear warranty.

Ride Quality

While noise is only a part of the equation, combined with comfort, it determines the overall ride quality.

Noise primarily results from air hitting the tread and moving in and out of it due to pressure. Most of this noise comes from the tire shoulders, hence the use of ‘whisper groove technology’, a term coined by Cooper tires.

The Cooper Rugged Trek uses that technology and places ridges in between the shoulder lugs, so air movement in and out could be resisted.

However, the wider shoulder lugs of the Rugged Trek allow more air space, and it hits on the placed ridges with full forces, making this tire louder in comparison.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T on the other side, is although not so great, is better in comparison. It also offers whisper grooves with ridges in every other block, and it’s severe asymmetric design don’t allow air to hit the walls directly.

Moreover, with a softer built, it also deals with vibrations in a better way, where the bumps on and off road are dampened by it’s tread.

Off Road Traction Performance

In off-road conditions, there are various terrains to consider, and I’ve discussed the significant ones below.

Sand is a weird terrain that requires paddle tires. But have you ever wondered why these tires perform so well here?

Well because of their contact patch.

They have a lot of tread real estate to meet with the sand. And they have powerful bead locks so you can lower air pressure further (to increase that contact patch).

Moreover, they are also light in weight so incline traction isn’t an issue as well.

With wider gaps in shoulder lugs, and having smoother edges, Cooper Rugged Trek offers better sand traction, as it focuses on moving forward instead of digging in.

Now digging in the sand is very undesirable, as it’s another name for “getting stuck” here. Thus, the Mickey Baja Boss A/T, with its sharp sides, struggles slightly, especially on deeper terrains and inclines.

Gravel terrain is the lightest of all, where even less aggressive A/T tires can bring you good enough results. That’s because tires don’t need large tread voids here, though larger voids are still better.

So it’s not a problem for tires in R/T category. However, among them, the Cooper Rugged Trek is less efficient due to its fewer stone ejectors compared to its counterpart.

Mickey Thompson AT on the other side must hold some kind of record for the “highest no. of stone ejectors seen on the tread”.

So it’s no surprise why things are better on this tire.

The thick composition of the mud needs to leave off the tire as fast as possible, otherwise, it would get lodged in and invite other mud particles, packing up the tire and loosing it’s traction abilities.

Cooper Rugged Trek allows more mud to be ejected. It’s pattern between the shoulder lugs help breaking down the mud and it reminds me of tractive groove technology of Goodyear Duratrac .

While the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T has multiple stone ejectors, it doesn’t offer as much traction on mud.

Moreover, the sides of the tire are not properly scalloped, so with better mud scoops on Cooper Rugged Trek, you get superior forward momentum.

Durability is crucial on rocky terrains, as tires frequently encounter scratches, especially on their sidewalls. While sidewall lugs protect the sides, the tire’s internal composition determines how much pressure it can withstand before puncturing.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T offers a better tire here as it’s sidewall lugs get to produce more biting power with lower air pressure.

The tire also presents a lot more biters in the form of chamfered edges, off-set sides, longitudinal and lateral in grown groove notches and so on.

Cooper Rugged Trek in comparison, lacks in the durability department as it only offers 2 ply sidewalls, though it’s lugs on top are good enough to provide ample traction with lowered PSI (compared to most A/T tires).

Take Home Points

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T and Cooper Rugged Trek are both pretty aggressive all terrain tires and they cause a lot of confusion, as some consider them hybrid, some say they lie in rugged terrain category, all of these terms are actually correct.

These tires basically offer better off road traction compared to all-terrain tires , and at the same time, provide superior comfort if you compare them with mud-terrain tires.

Thus, they fit right in the middle of the spectrum between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires.

However, the Mickey Thompson A/T stands out due to its balanced performance both on and off-road, offering minimal compromise.

4 thoughts on “Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Cooper Rugged Trek”

What an incredible article which happens to feature the two tires I always wanted to compare. I currently run the Cooper RT’s and can’t say I’m disappointed with them but I’m that guy always looking for other options if it happens to arise. This article definitely has me leaning towards the Baja’s in the fall of ‘24. Appreciate your knowledge

Thanks, I’m glad it helped.

Great article & writing. I was torn between the two tires but now I’m leaning toward the Mickey Thompson Baja AT because of better rain & snow grip & stronger side walls. Well written !

Perfect choice.

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Hi Folks. I'm Ozmen, and I work as a tire designer. I understand finding a tire isn't easy, as there are so many variables involved. But with me around, tire selection would never bother you again.

Aggressive Looks, Quiet Ride: Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires Review

On road and off, the M/T Baja Boss A/T tires exceeded our expectations. Quiet ride, aggressive looks, and impressive traction combine for an everyday tire that impresses.

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I’ve been building vehicles capable of off-road use and abuse since I was in high school. Out of all of the components that I have toiled over in deciding what’s best for that vehicle, tires are easily the ones I do the most research on. After all, there are factors like fitment, handling in rain and snow, ride comfort, and even road noise that all go into the overall experience you have with your vehicle; on or off-road.

For a decade, I’ve used General Tire Grabber AT/X tires on my 2005 Toyota 4Runner . I’ve enjoyed how they’ve handled on-road and off-road in all conditions. While I loved them, after three sets and more than 200,000 miles combined, I wanted to try something different.

To do that, I took a trip back into my past, to a company that I relied on for the biggest, knobbiest, mud-terrain tires I could find for an old Bronco. That company is Mickey Thompson, and those tires are the long-discontinued, but legendary, Bear Claws (they’ve been replaced with these beasts ).

But, I didn’t need a massive, off-road only, mud-terrain tire. I needed something that could provide me with all of the on-road and off-road capabilities I had come to love and rely on. It didn’t take me long to decide the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/Ts would be those tires.

Now, after 998 miles, I have a pretty good idea of what these tires are capable of. For my needs, they are the best of what’s around.

In short : If you’re looking for a premium-performing, all-terrain tire to improve your overall ride experience, look no further than the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T.

M/T Baja Boss A/T

• Size LT 265 70 17 (32×10.5×17)
• Speed rating 121Q (Up to 99 mph @ Max Load)
• Severe snow service rated (3PMS) Yes
• Max load 3,085 lbs. @ 80 psi
• Weight 58 lbs.
• Treadwear warranty 50,000 mi.
• Water and mud shedding
• Smooth riding on- and off-road
• They kick up a lot of rocks

M/T Baja Boss A/T Review

About the Brand

Mickey Thompson (M/T) is known as an “enthusiast tire brand” — meaning that it make tires aimed at burning rubber and navigating through the gnarliest of trails. Since 1963, it has been developing and providing a wide range of street tires, drag racing tires, and truck tires.

It has a series of accomplishments under its belt ranging from being the first tire to successfully make it past 400 mph, the first company to produce a quiet on/off-road light truck tire, as well as many more first-to-market innovations.

Currently owned by Cooper Tires, Mickey Thompson tends to get passed over for other, trendier, tire brands for off-roaders, overlanders, and people looking for an all-terrain tire. But, I assure you, not considering these tires for your next set is a mistake.

Having owned BFGoodrich , Nitto , and General Tires , I have no issue stating that the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is the best tire I have ever used. And, my driving habits and conditions haven’t changed much in nearly 30 years.

Premium Extreme Hybrid All-Terrain Tire

Characteristically, all-terrain tires are thought to be loud, offer a less-than-smooth ride, and wear down more quickly due to their large, aggressive tread patterns. Where this really isn’t an issue when you’re navigating through muddy ruts in the woods, this is obviously less desirable when you’re driving down the highway or taking the kids to school.

The Baja Boss A/Ts are considered a “Premium Extreme Hybrid All-Terrain Tire.” What this essentially means is that they can provide a first-class smooth and quiet ride, in all conditions, both on- and off-road.

After 1,000 miles of driving through snow, ice, rain, mud, sand, gravel, and pavement, I can confirm that the Baja Boss A/T meets and exceeds all of those claims. That also includes how quiet they are at highway speeds — which is where other all-terrain tires tend to howl.

Mixed Use While Adulting

On an average day, I drive on your standard run-of-the-mill country roads, the highway, and a couple of clay-packed and gravel roads to get the kids to and from school. It’s 30 miles round trip, 15 of which are highway miles. I do this two times a day. This mileage and these road conditions represent the minimal amount of driving I will do in a day.

In the last few weeks since I had the Baja Boss A/T’s mounted, half of it was spent driving through the rain. It’s springtime in Connecticut, meaning March and April tend to be wet. This is great for driving and off-roading, but it sucks for camping, hiking, and doing yard work. I digress, we did have one day of ice and snow as well.

In all conditions, and on all of the different road types, the ride was comfortable and quiet. I didn’t experience even one bit of vibration, and when it came time to traverse one of the many potholes that festoon our fine state, none of them were jarring.

If there was one thing I had to say I am extremely impressed with, besides how great these tires look, is how they easily shed water away from the tire to keep you from hydroplaning. This is due to the tire’s asymmetric tread design, silica-reinforced compound, extreme Sidebiters, and PowerPly XD 3-ply construction.

Sidebiters and PowerPly XD are proprietary to Mickey Thomspon. You can’t see the PowerPly XD — it’s the thickness of the tire. But you can totally see the Sidebiters as they protrude from the sides of the tire giving the Baja Boss A/T more of a mud-terrain look.

Unimproved Road Testing

When I’m out heading into town, I generally take a few unimproved (clay-packed or gravel) roads that lead to a state forest and then into the town center.

One of the unimproved roads I take, River Road, follows the Connecticut River and is constantly being regraded due to it either being washed out or worn out. There’s one spot in particular that has caused me to spin my rear tires coming up and around. I made it a point to specifically test this area out, and I am stoked to report that there wasn’t any tire spinning.

In fact, there isn’t any loss of traction on the gravel even when I goose the gas a bit. But, I will say, the tread on these A/Ts can shoot that loose gravel all over the place, and the uptick in those rocks banging my undercarriage is noted.

Off-Road With the M/T A/T

When it comes down to throwing it in 4WD and hitting the trail, I don’t feel the bumps and ruts as much as I had in the past. I’ve driven these trails for years, and I know the makeup of the terrain so I have been able to identify key areas where I may have felt slipping in the past. That’s all gone.

Just like potholes, the jarring has been replaced with a rolling feeling. I have made a lot of improvements to the stock suspension on my 4Runner, but these tires really put that soft ride feeling right over the top.

Just like driving on-road, I am very impressed with the Baja Boss A/T’s ability to shed water, and now also mud, away from the tires so that they can retain as much contact with the ground as possible. This is again due to the composition of the tire and those gnarly Sidebiters.

I’m also loving all the mud on the truck. It’s way more than usual, and I wear it as a badge of honor.

One thing you won’t see is many rocks stuck in the treads. One drawback to aggressively styled all-terrain tires is that rocks always get stuck in the tread and drive you nuts as they make an annoying tap-tap-tap as you roll on down the road. That does not happen with these tires.

Every vehicle is different, but my experience with my 2005 Toyota 4Runner has been that LT265/70 R17 tires fit without any rubbing or issues. But, just like every vehicle is different, so is every tire.

The overall size of the Grabber AT/X tires I was running was 31.6 inches in diameter by 10.7 inches wide. The same size Baja Boss A/T tires are 31.9 inches in diameter and 10.7 inches wide.

Upgrading to these tires didn’t cause any rubbing or interference, but it’s something to consider when investing in a new set of sneakers for your rig. Don’t worry, the internet has a plethora of facts and opinions that you can sort through to determine if you’ll have any issues.

The Long Road

With an assumed 49,000 miles left on these tires, based on the 50,000-mile factory tread warranty, it’s fair to assume that I won’t be noticing any change in performance and handling any time soon. But that doesn’t mean it won’t come when the time comes. The one downside to all-terrain style tires is that when they’re ready to be replaced, it’s noticeable.

Unlike a standard passenger vehicle tire, an all-terrain tire’s aggressive lugs appear as if they would give you more tire life. Realistically, they wear down quicker than those standard all-season tires . The trade-off is the ability to drive through ruts and climb up rocks with ease.

I drive around 15,000 miles a year. If I can get 3-3½ years out of these tires before they’re out of warranty, then they’re worth it.

M/T Baja Boss A/T Review: Overall Take

Initially, I wasn’t considering changing tire brands, but I was ready for new tires. Having realized that I am coming on a decade of owning my 4Runner, this May, I figured that if I was going to, this milestone could serve as my excuse. So, when the opportunity arose to test out some tires, I jumped at it and am beyond happy that I have.

My 4Runner is my daily driver, grocery getter, kid carrier, and excuse to get out on the trails. The tires I choose are one of, if not the most important part of the vehicle, its safety, and my overall experience with it.

I’ve been telling all my friends how awesome my General Grabber AT/X tires are for a long time, so this change has had an impact. But I need to note that I didn’t stop rolling those Grabbers because they’re inferior or something went wrong. Hardly. In fact, I still endorse those tires to anyone looking for a stoic all-terrain tire for their rig. However, for $25 more (on average), per tire, you can check out the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T and enjoy their benefits.

At the very least, you get to experience the Sidebiters.

The 10 Best All-Terrain Tires

Pavement is optional if you're running one of the best all-terrain tires selected by our experienced team. Check out our picks here. Read more…

Nick LeFort is a contributing writer of GearJunkie and makes guest appearances in a handful of other outdoor and craft beer publications. He is also the author of his own blog, The Tribe of Flannel, and part-owner of Ragged Mountain Knife Works.

LeFort has been writing for over 30 years but spent 10 years writing professionally about knives and tools, off-roading, overlanding, and outdoor living. Prior to GearJunkie, LeFort was the Director of Knife and Tool Testing for Gear Institute.

Based in Connecticut, LeFort is an avid wanderer and loves spending as much time as possible in the outdoors with his two daughters. That includes doing his best to find all the best muddy ruts throughout New England to see if he can ever get his 4th Gen 4Runner stuck. So far, so good.

In 2017, he helped open a brewery in Connecticut and is an avid supporter of local breweries and helping them market themselves successfully in a real bear of a market.

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Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Tire Review

By Tires Reviewed

January 17, 2024

The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is a versatile tire that combines all-terrain capabilities with on-road safety and comfort. It is suitable for both urban and wilderness use, making it a popular choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers. This detailed review examines the tire’s specifications, innovative features, and real-world performance across diverse landscapes, ensuring it stands true to its promises as a versatile, go-anywhere tire. It is a reliable companion for those seeking a rugged vehicle for remote terrain.

Tire Technology and Features

Rough terrain™ tread pattern.

The unique Rough Terrain TM tread pattern is an integral part of the design of the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek and serves as a visual cue that this model is suitable for use on rough terrain. The aggressive pattern improves the tire’s performance and grip, which is crucial for tackling difficult off-road terrain. Adventures off the beaten path are within reach, thanks to the distinctive design’s increased confidence and traction.

Earth Diggers™ Technology

This tire features new Earth Diggers TM Technology, which uses big scoops and blocks on the sidewalls to work like gears. To improve grip on trails with loose dirt, sand, or mud, this technology is utilized. The Earth Diggers TM guarantees the tire’s outstanding performance in a variety of off-road situations, greatly enhancing its versatility and making it a great choice for daring drivers.

Stable Trac™ Technology

A notable element that improves the tire’s stability and handling on and off-road is Cooper’s Stable Trac TM Technology. In addition to increasing the tire’s durability, the distinctive pattern improves traction on a variety of terrain. Stable TracTM protects the tire from the effects of both on-road and off-road driving, so it keeps performing well and lasts a long time. This makes it a good pick for drivers who want their tires to last.

Whisper Grooves™ Technology

The Discoverer Rugged Trek has Whisper Grooves TM Technology, which allows for a peaceful and pleasant ride on rough terrain. Tires with specially engineered sound barrier walls running the length of the tread substantially reduce road noise by preventing air from rushing through the tire. With this technology, even at high speeds on the highway, the driver can relax and enjoy the ride because the vehicle’s tough and aggressive appearance doesn’t disturb the interior.

Two Sidewall Designs

The Mountain Pass pattern and the Knife-Edge pattern are two separate sidewall designs that add a personal touch and versatility to the tire. Drivers can personalize the tire’s appearance according to their tastes with this dual sidewall function. In addition to adding visual attractiveness, these sidewall designs provide practical versatility by letting users customize the tire to their liking, which in turn enhances the vehicle’s overall looks.

M+S and 3PMSF-rated tires

With grades of both M+S (Mud and Snow) and 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake), the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is a tire that can be used all year round. This accreditation demonstrates its adaptability to various climates and terrains, including mud, snow, and challenging winter terrains. Drivers encountering a wide range of varied and unpredictable weather conditions all year round may rely on this tire due to its adaptability, which goes beyond just off-road experiences.

Performance in Different Conditions

Dry performance.

The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is very remarkable when it comes to its performance in dry weather. Stable Trac Technology and the Rough Terrain tire pattern work together to provide excellent traction on dry pavement. You can drive with confidence and pleasure on any road, rain or shine, thanks to this tire’s well-balanced handling and responsiveness. With its exceptional dry performance, the Discoverer Rugged Trek provides drivers with stability and control, making it an ideal choice for both city streets and highways.

Wet Performance

While this tire shines in dry weather, it falls just short when it comes to handling wet circumstances compared to its rivals. The wide and deep grooves help prevent hydroplaning by efficiently dispersing water. When it comes to wet traction, though, the Discoverer Rugged Trek might fall short of competing all-terrain tires. Regardless, of the weather, it’s a safe choice thanks to its balanced handling and gradual loss of grip, which allow drivers to keep control even in difficult wet road scenarios.

Snow Performance

Severe Snow Rated (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) badges on select sizes of the Discoverer Rugged Trek attest to its adaptability in snowy climates. Impressive acceleration and braking performance are hallmarks of this tire’s performance on snow-covered roads. It is ideal for winter off-road excursions thanks to its thick tread, which offers great traction even in unpacked snow. The Discoverer Rugged Trek provides dependable and versatile performance in a range of winter conditions, although it might not beat specialized winter tires on ice surfaces.

Off-Road Performance

When it comes to off-road performance, the Discoverer Rugged Trek is true to its name. This tire is great on dirt, gravel, mud, turf, sand, and rocks thanks to its Rough Terrain tread design, Earth Diggers Technology, and durable casing with Stone Blockades. Its sure-footedness on both hardpacked and turf surfaces gives you peace of mind when venturing off-road. Despite its struggles in muddy conditions or while traversing big rocks, this all-terrain tire stands out for its ability to let drivers explore off-the-beaten-path and rough terrain.

Comfort and Road Noise

In terms of riding quality and ambient noise, the Discoverer Rugged Trek excels over a wide range of terrains. While driving, you won’t hear nearly as much road noise thanks to the tire’s Whisper Grooves Technology as you would with more aggressive all-terrain tires. It rides reasonably smooth over most bumps but rough over uneven surfaces and potholes. For drivers who value a comfortable ride without sacrificing tough performance, it offers a happy medium between off-road toughness and on-road comfort.

The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tire has an exceptional tread life and comes with a strong treadwear protection warranty. The optimized tread pattern of the tire, designed to assure even wear and longer performance, is evidence of Cooper’s dedication to durability and endurance. The Discoverer Rugged Trek is a trustworthy option for drivers who value durability and reliability in their tires. It offers solid traction regardless of the weather, whether it’s dry roads, wet circumstances, or difficult off-road terrain.

Treadwear protection for up to 60,000 miles is included with the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek, along with a Standard Limited Warranty. Cooper is so sure you’ll be happy with your tire that they back it with a 45-day satisfaction guarantee. Cooper showcases their dedication to providing top-notch quality and customer satisfaction with this extensive warranty plan.

Vehicles That Fit Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Tires

• Cadillac LYRIQ
• Chevrolet Silverado , Chevrolet Suburban , Chevrolet Tahoe
• Chrysler Aspen
• Dodge Durango
• Ford Bronco , Ford Expedition , Ford F-150 , Ford Maverick
• GMC Sierra , GMC Yukon
• INFINITI QX56, INFINITI QX80
• Jeep Gladiator , Jeep Grand Cherokee , Jeep Wagoneer, and Jeep Wrangler
• Land Rover Defender
• Lincoln Mark, Lincoln Navigator
• Nissan Armada and Nissan Titan
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Sequoia , Toyota Tundra , Toyota 4Runner

Compared With Other Tires

Cooper discoverer rugged trek vs. nitto ridge grappler.

When it comes to off-road traction and durability, the Nitto Ridge Grappler is unrivaled, especially on rugged terrain, thanks to its sturdy build and distinctive tread pattern. The Cooper Rugged Trek, on the other hand, is great in sandy and muddy terrains thanks to its lightweight construction and self-cleaning design. The Cooper Rugged Trek gets its hands dirty in all sorts of off-road terrain, while the Nitto Ridge Grappler wows with its long lifespan and dependable performance.

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek vs. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T

Mickey Thompson’s 3-ply polyester outsole provides long-lasting traction, particularly on rugged terrain. Cooper is exceptional in gentler terrains because of its lightweight construction, self-cleaning feature, and 2-ply polyester covering. Consumers are presented with enticing options in the hybrid tire category, thanks to the durability-focused Mickey Thompson and the versatile Cooper.

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek vs Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse AT

When it comes to balancing on-road and off-road needs, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek takes on the Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse AT. Thanks to its long lifespan, adaptable tread pattern, and sturdy build, Goodyear’s Wrangler Workhorse AT is well-suited for both everyday commuting and off-road activities. When it comes to sandy and muddy terrain, though, the Cooper Rugged Trek shines. Although Goodyear provides a well-rounded solution, Cooper tires truly shine in off-road situations, offering enthusiasts a tire that effortlessly handles both on-road and off-road obstacles.

Customer Feedback

The majority of Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tire buyers are pleased with their purchase. The aggressive tread design adds style to many vehicles, which many people love. The tire’s versatility and excellent traction on and off-road are two of the many praiseworthy aspects of its performance. Customers have praised the tires for their quiet ride on both city streets and highways, saying it enhances their driving experience. On top of that, they’re adaptable to varied climates, as several users have reported that they work well in the winter. The tire’s longevity and resilience are frequently emphasized in the excellent ratings.

Although many customers are satisfied with the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires, a small number have pointed out some serious drawbacks. Rising tire noise is a common problem; some customers even reported that the tires got noisier with time. Fuel efficiency declines, which causes some users to incur more expenses; this is another reoccurring issue. Some reviewers have noted that the tires wore out too quickly, particularly on bigger cars or on rough terrain, which is the main point of the negative feedback.

The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is a versatile all-season tire for pickup trucks and SUVs, featuring a Rough Terrain™ tread pattern, Earth Diggers™ Technology, Stable Trac™ Technology, and Whisper Grooves™ Technology. Finally, it offers excellent on-road comfort and off-road capability, with a tread life warranty of up to 60,000 miles and a 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the unique feature of the rough terrain™ tread pattern.

The Rough Terrain tread pattern’s trail capability gives you confidence when you travel off-road.

How does Whisper Grooves™ technology contribute to a comfortable ride?

Whisper Grooves Technology blocks air from swirling through the tire, quieting and improving driving.

Does the Discoverer Rugged Trek tire handle snow?

The tire’s Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification and M+S (Mud and Snow) rating indicate that it can withstand harsh weather.

Describe the Discoverer Rugged Trek Treadwear Warranty.

The tire’s Treadwear Protection Warranty covers up to 60,000 miles, so you know it will last a long time.

Does Cooper provide any satisfaction guarantee for the Discoverer Rugged Trek tire?

Cooper stands behind the tire’s revolutionary technology and gives a 45-day Satisfaction Guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.

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Mickey thompson baja boss a/t: 5000k-mile first look & impressions overview.

Meet The Baja Boss A/T Hybrid Tire – 5000-Mile First Look at the New All-Terrain Tire Offering from Mickey Thompson

The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Hybrid Tires have been great so far. From the Rocky Mountains of South West Colorado to the extreme heat in Moab, and back to the granite rocks in Northern California, we’ve put about 5000K miles on these in the first couple of months – and we’re beyond impressed.

If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know how much I love tires.

Tires are arguably the most important mod you will add to an off-road rig. I’ve run well over 10 different tires ranging from Highway Tires and All Terrains to Hybrids and Mud Terrains, and today I’m super stoked to show you guys why the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T hybrid is arguably one of the most versatile tires on the market.

We’ve traveled through a ton of terrain types and there wasn’t a single time I was disappointed.

Find it Online: 

• Mickey Thompson: Check Price
• 4 Wheel Parts: Check Price
• SimpleTire.com: Check Price
• Amazon.com: Check Price

Standout features: 

• All-Terrain & Mud-Terrain Characteristics: Great on-road manners and next-level strength off-road
• Road Noise: Very little road noise for how aggressive the tire looks
• Asymmetrical Tread Pattern: Reduced road-noise, i ncreased off-road traction, and i ncreased on-road handling
• Extreme Sidebiters®: 150% deeper than the Baja ATZP3™
• Powerply™ XD: B etter puncture resistance, quicker steering response, and greater stability
• Silica-Reinforced Compound: Longer life expectancy, cut and chip tolerant, i mproved wet handling, i mproved braking
• 50K-mile tread-wear warranty: The Baja Boss® A/T is built to last
• 3PMS Symbol: Severe Snow Service Rated

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T – Overview

At first glance.

They’re very quiet despite their incredibly aggressive tread pattern. On top of being whisper quiet on-road, they’re beyond impressive in wet conditions, and that includes the snow/ice. If you’re looking to crawl, lucky for you, they feature a massive contact patch that grips like a mother on rocks. In straight mud, they did okay. Don’t buy these if you’re planning on wheeling through mud bogs in Louisiana.

All in all, this is an impressive hybrid tire offering from Mickey Thompson that excels in wet or dry off-road conditions and will be a great daily driver – let’s jump in!

Quick Overview

Pictured: Wheeler Lake in Colorado

Off-Roading: Impressive

On the muddy/rocky/wet trail sections through Wheeler Lake in Colorado, I thought maybe the lugs weren’t spaced out enough to dig and grip but the asymmetrical tread tore through loose rock and climbed up wet granite faces with ease. When aired down, the shoulder lugs spanned out to provide an even larger contact patch and they got to work crawling through just about everything. For the wet, slick rock, the ample siping really helped to keep us STUCK to the rocks.

On-Road Manners: True All-Terrain Tire

Yes, it’s a hybrid, but this tire feels just like an A/T on-road. It’s quiet.

On the long stretches of road in between trailheads from Central Colorado to Southwest Colorado, it was nice having an A/T for a change. I’ve been running MTs for the last 3 tires, so it could have been me coming from the TOYO M/T to these Baja Boss A/Ts, but these Mickey Thompson A/T’s are so incredibly mellow on-road, you can barely hear them. Seriously, whisper-quiet.

They track incredibly well, however, they did take a bit of weight to get balanced. The dry traction was quick and responsive through gnarly switchbacks on the Million Dollar Highway in Ouray, Colorado. I was consistently impressed by the sound and responsiveness while on-road heading up the Black Bear Pass 4×4 road .

I put my head out of the window a number of times to listen to them and each time was stunned at the lack of noise.

Compared to What?

My favorite “all-around” tire to date has been the Cooper EVO M/T, but that might change. These might just be better than the Cooper Evolution M/T (performance-wise) as an “all-around” tire. That said, looks do come into play when buying tires and the EVO M/T has a more aggressive pattern than these A/Ts; rightfully so, they are M/Ts. While we’re on the topic of tread pattern, I am a huge fan of the STT Pros, TOYO M/T, and the new Yokohama M/T Geolander.

These tires feature shoulder lug characteristics of an M/T with an asymmetrical tread pattern that makes the contact patch look very “A/T”. From the straight-on view, you get A/T vibes and from the sidewall and/or corner view, you get M/T vibes.

Initial Thoughts

Pictured: Hells Revenge Trail in Moab

The tires look great after 5,000K miles. No cupping, no feathering, and no gashes or deep cuts in the sidewall (how could there be, this sidewall is insane).

When it comes to rubber compounds, these feel softer than the TOYO A/T Xtremes but much firmer than the TOYO M/T’s, Cooper EVO M/T’s, and Cooper the STT Pros (to give you some perspective). These Baja Boss A/T’s feel incredibly firm compared to most compounds but aren’t noisy like the Toyo A/T’s, for example. I have a lot of confidence that the Baja Boss A/T will push well past 40K and won’t scream at you while daily driving.

If you’re looking for true A/T manners on road with tons of siping (great for ice/snow as they’re a 3PMS rated tire), all with a gnarly sidewall, consistent aggressive shoulder scoops, and slight M/T characteristics off-road, this is shaping up to be a really nice tire.

All-Terrain Hybrid

The new Baja Boss A/T clearly delivers undisputed on-road handling, performance, and very little signs of tread wear after our first 5,000K miles.

Adding to its impressive lineup of features, this asymmetrical tread pattern was poised to dominate when playing in the street and the mud. However, when tested in the mud, portions of the lugs stayed caked and portions were truly self-cleaning. Don’t let this get you down though, these tires played in the mud all day with a few friends and kept up with some gnarly M/T’s. Whatever the true M/T’s were up to, I was right behind them.

As mentioned in the beginning, this tire is pretty aggressive looking for an A/T,  has an incredibly gnarly sidewall, great manners on-road, VERY low road-noise, TONS of siping, it 3PMS severe weather rated, and with its all-new asymmetrical tread pattern – it’s an animal on wet slick rocks.

Asymmetrical Tread Pattern

The asymmetrical tread pattern is optimized for reduced noise, all-weather performance, off-road traction, and on-road handling. I was skeptical at first as I’ve never run an asymmetrical tread pattern but I’m impressed. They really do provide an unbelievable low level of noise on road. I can hear everything else on my truck – not the tires.

Extreme Sidebiters®

Extreme Sidebiters are 150% deeper than the Baja ATZP3 (Mickey Thompson’s previous A/T). This new sidewall offers some seriously extreme off-road traction and protection. If you’re looking for a deep sidewall, this new Extreme Sidebiter is by far the deepest sidewall I have ever seen on a tire, much less an A/T. Usually, A/T tires have a minimal sidewall design; not the Baja Boss A/T. This is a really big standout feature on this tire.

Powerply™ XD

The new Powerply™ XD adds 50% heavier denier cord to the angled third ply providing better puncture resistance, quicker steering response, and greater stability. The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is offered in a load range D (35X12.5R17) and load range E (315X70R17). The load range D has a capacity of 3000 lbs at 50 psi, whereas load range E has a capacity of 3195 lbs at 65 psi. Load range E is more for towing and features a higher ply rating than D.

The downsides of going with higher load ranges may include loss in MPGs, stiffer more rigid ride, and sometimes less flotation off-road depending on the brand. I typically stay with load range D tires as they offer the best of both worlds between C (fairly soft) and E (fairly firm). Load range D offers comfort on-road without sacrificing MPGs, all while providing nice floatation off-road.

The Powerply™ XD on the load range D (the tire we are running) makes it feel like an E. I first noticed how stiff these tires were off-road. When aired down to 18-psi, the tires didn’t look aired down at all. Because of this, I ended up dropping them down to 15psi for our first run and although you don’t see much tire bulge, you can feel the flotation over the rocks. The flotation though was nothing like a Cooper STT Pro or Cooper EVO M/T (which is weird because those are both load range E tires). The Baja Boss A/Ts just felt like they still had more pressure to give.

These tires did great off-road. No complaints yet. Still feeling them out.

If the load range D felt like an E, I can’t imagine how firm those E-rated tires are. Those must be VERY FIRM.

Silica-Reinforced Compound

The Baja Boss A/T features a silica-reinforced compound for on-road tread wear, cut and chip resistance, and improved wet handling and braking performance. This also might have something to do with how firm these tires felt. They really remind me of a Toyo A/T II but without the road noise. After 5,000+ miles, these tires look amazing. With how firm and reinforced these load range D tires are, it makes sense.

Severe Snow Rated

Everything in the Baja Boss A/T lineup at 12.5″ (315) and lower is 3PMS (3-Peak Mountain Snowflake) stamped. If you’re in a climate where ice, snow, and wet roads are common, you want the 3PMS stamp. Not many tires feature this stamp of approval so when you see it, know it’s a huge selling point.

These tires are animals in the snow!! Wow man, impressive stuff. We headed up to the snow for the day, aired down to 18psi, and started in on a couple of feet of fresh powder in the High Sierras. From sheets of ice on the road coming into the couple feet of packed snow we were driving on, the tires didn’t break loose once. I was really pushing them too. They didn’t budge. Once we hit pockets of slushy snow on top of the snowpack the tires started to break loose when I hit the gas and started going in on them. They aren’t bulletproof but they sure do hold their own in the snow and on the ice. I was able to hook a U-turn on a tight narrow trail in the snow and didn’t get stuck.

Eventually, I hit the send button a little too hard and landed in a snowdrift of fresh powder which left me stuck high centered. Here is a shot of Jade high-centered just before we winched out. These tires are amazing in the snow, I was pretty confident in them – almost too confident. If you’re looking for an awesome snow tire, this is a real candidate. I had a blast ripping around in the snow and through the ice with these.

50K Mile Treadwear Warranty

Pictured: The Summit of Black Bear Pass

50,000-mile treadwear warranty instills confidence that the Baja Boss® A/T is built to last. But what does this really mean?

Car tire warranties work in the delta. Let’s say you run this tire for 40K-miles and for some reason the tire tread is just destroyed. Well in that case, then Mickey Thompson would credit you a 10K-mile difference or credit towards a new tire. It’s nice when tire companies back their offerings with a warranty. And as you can see here, Mickey Thompson is saying that this tire will last you 50K-miles.

What do I think? After 5,000K miles of some really rough abuse, they look great. I’ll let you decide.

Weight (35X12.5R17)

For an A/T Tire, they’re on the heavy side. But then again, they’re not an A/T – it’s a Hybrid. So with that being said, when compared to some other hybrid tires, it’s not all that different.

• Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T (Hybrid): 73lbs
• Nitto Ridge Grappler (Hybrid): 73lbs
• Toyo R/T (Hybrid): 74lbs

Final Thoughts

Pictured: The Great Salt Lake Desert

They are almost shockingly quiet considering it’s such an aggressive pattern. I still keep coming back to the fact that they are as quiet as they are on road.

I think these are going to be great for someone with a daily driver in the mountains who wheels occasionally and who doesn’t see very much mud. If you are a weekend warrior who also commutes up through the mountains and you need a dependable tire through ice and snow – this is a really solid option. This is a tire that belongs in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and throughout the mountains of Utah and Colorado.

Brenan Greene

Brenan is the founder of Trail4R.com, Toyota guy through and through, verified nature lover, lightweight photographer, exploration enthusiast, front-end web designer, graphic designer, and certified serial blogger.

I live here in Northeast Coastal FL. I’ve been using B.F.G. A/T’s on everything from F-150 / F-350 / and two (2) OBS Broncos since 1988. I drive mostly moderate beach sand, hard-pack dirt/rock, and maybe some light – moderate red clay mud. The tread on these Thompson’s look great, but you didn’t mention anything about sand and hard-pack rock. I’ve got until April to buy a set of Thompson’s with a rebate that’s equal to B.F.G.’s. What do you think ? Appreciate the reply.

Hello, how are you? I currently have265/70/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3s on my fifth gen 4Runner and I really like them but they’re worn out quite a bit now. I was thinking about getting them again but then I saw the Mickey Thompson. Baja boss A/T and I really like what I read about them. What do you think would be the better option? Thanks

Just curious if you have insight on the M/T version of this tire and what you thoughts are on that model?

Hi 👋. How get tires from guys? You’re not in my area.

So far I got well over 30,000 miles on mine and been to California twice from Indian and I love them and have more then half life mybe closer 3/4 tread on 37s next set we’ll be pro

Hey, thanks for the review! How have these continued to wear? I live high up in the Rockies >11k feet so we have SNOW! lots and lots of SNOW! My roads are typical mountain roads, rocky, rutted, wash out, wash board… plus I travel regularly over Hoosier Pass to work. I have been running Wrangler Duratrac for the last several years and they work great but they cup so bad even with strict rotations they are super loud and i get shaken baby syndrome close to 20k miles. Looking for something that performs as well but last longer with less noise.

Thank you for the review! How did these perform in gravel? I travel on a lot of gravel roads so I’m worried about these holding stones and throwing rocks. Have you had much experience with that?

Nice review. Going to give these a try on Ram 2500. Try riding on F load range lol. I think your weight limits are off. D 2800ish pounds, E 3100ish, and Fs 3600ish.

Intend on installing on my 2019 Ram 1500 soon.my question is should I go with the LT275/55R20 or the 275/55R20.what’s the difference between both tires. thanking you.

Wished that these were in stock in 285/70/17 when I did new tires a few months ago! Looks like they are now, and either these or the Baja Legends will be a serious contender for replacement of my KO2’s when they give up the ghost.

What are your thoughts for them in sand? Us East Coat peeps hit OBX as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Siiiick! I was curious when you were wrapping jade in these if they would be a good fit for our wet & snow conditions. These could be my next Wildpeak AT3’s..!

— that snow looks so good😍

thanks for the info. good review. ill be looking for these in a 255/85r17 soon.

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Tire Review: Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T

• By Steven Olsewski
• August 15, 2021

Off-roaders require one thing to be successful when in the dirt, traction. In what seems like a never-ending quest for the ultimate drip we had the chance to test out the  Mickey Thompson  Baja Boss A/T.

We went with a  37×12.5R17LT Baja Boss A/T  to help fill the wheel wells on our 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado sees time in the dirt as well as time on the pavement and towing so there is nothing that this tire won’t see on this truck.

BETWEEN THE TREAD

There are usually only two tire markets in the off-road world, all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. In the last few years, that has changed, and there has been a growth in the hybrid tire market, and the Baja Boss A/T falls into that category.

“The ‘all-terrain hybrid’ has a tread-to-void ratio more like a traditional all-terrain but has a lug count more like a mud-terrain,” Ben Anderson, product Development Manager Mickey Thomson tires. “This provides large surface area tread elements for improved handling and stability and wider voids for off-road traction and a more aggressive appearance as compared to a traditional all-terrain. The hybrid also has more tread depth to start with.”

The Baja Boss A/T comes with features that make it one of Mickey Thompson’s top tire choices. It features massive, variable-length, and depth SideBiters, which are 150-percent deeper than those on the Baja ATZP3, that provide off-road traction, protection, and a bold appearance. 

The unique asymmetric design and optimized tread element placement provide a smooth and quiet ride. The tread compound and design allow the tire to achieve 3PMS (3 Peak Mountain Snow) certification for severe snow service (on sizes 12.50-inch and narrower) plus a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. 

The PowerPly XD 3-Ply construction provides durability as well as a quicker reaction to steering inputs and stability. PowerPly XD differs from their previous PowerPly models in that the third ply, which is run at a bias angle, uses a heavier denier cord to increase puncture resistance, improve steering response and vehicle stability.

“The asymmetrical tread pattern works by utilizing a large surface area tread elements which are placed on the outside of the tread for handling and stability,” Anderson said. “While the inboard intermediate strip of tread actually has twice as many elements to help reduce and tune the noise the tire produces, it also provides improved all-weather traction, helping the tire to achieve 3 Peak Mountain Snow rating.”

“While 9-inch wide wheels remain a popular choice, 10, 12, and 14-inch wide wheels continue to grow in popularity with a limited number of tire options approved for those rim widths,” Anderson continued. “To address this, we have added specific sizes to the lineup which are approved for these wider wheels as well as accommodate the popular 16, 17, 18, and 20-inch sizes but also the growing popularity of 22 and 24-inch wheels.”

Looking great is one thing, but we wanted to see how the Baja Boss A/T did in the dirt.

LIKE A BOSS

A boss is defined as someone in charge; while Baja is known for its diverse terrain, it can be presumed that the Baja Boss A/T is the boss of all terrains. We set out to test this in as many terrains as we could find in Southern California.

We headed out to Lucerne Valley to test the tire in the Southern California desert. We had used our Silverado to tow our  Class 2000  race truck to MORE race and decided to use the truck to prerun the course in the air-conditioning to beat the heat.

The 42-mile course had a mix of rocks, sand, and even some silt. Running a racecourse in anything but a race vehicle is rough enough, but maintaining traction is required by anything that touches the course.

In the rockier sections of the course, the tires held up against the sharp edges but still allowed us to maintain traction in the sandier sections without needing to air down. We did not feel the tires slip or feel like they were not engaged in the dirt.

We noticed in the softer terrain the extra grip provided by the SideBiter sidewall. The side lugs were able to grab the dirt even if the tire started to dig into the soft stuff.

“With 44 size options on the Baja Boss A/T line, our goal was to offer key sizing for today’s leveled and lifted pickups, SUVs, and Jeeps as well as replacement sizes for mid to premium trim level pickups, SUVs, and Jeeps,” Anderson said. ” For many of the sizes, the goal was to get as close to the ‘126’ load number as possible, allowing the tires to be approved for up to 1-Ton applications.”

“In several cases, we offer a metric-LT size like the LT305/70R18 with a higher load, 126, and a nearly identical floatation size like the 35X12.50R18LT) with a lower load, 118” Anderson continued. “We did this intentionally so the 1-Ton and 3/4-Ton applications could have an increased load tire for greater load-carrying capacity while the 1/2-Ton and Jeep applications could have a lower load tire for reduced weight, improved ride, and greater flex off-road.”

“The Baja Boss is Mickey Thompson’s second LT product to have sizing available in load range F,” Anderson said. “Unfortunately, there are many vehicles on the road where consumers are running a tire that is not approved for the rim width they are using, which presents a safety issue.”

On the pavement, the tires did not produce a loud road noise while highway speeds or on surface streets on the way home from the race. This was very welcomed giving the large tread blocks on the Baja Boss A/T.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, the Baja Boss A/T did great in every terrain we tested it in, but it also did great on the pavement. The Baja Boss A/T is definitely a tire for the truck or Jeep weekend warrior or a vehicle that wants a great off-road look.

The Baja Boss A/T’s wide range of sizes to accommodate all types of vehicles makes it appealing regardless of what is done to the vehicle. For more information on the Baja Boss A/T or to find the right tire for your vehicle, be sure to visit Mickey Thompson’s  website .

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Another Nerdy Tire Thread - KO2 vs Duratrac vs ATx vs Baja Boss AT vs Rugged Trek

Discussion in ' Wheels & Tires ' started by TNCave , May 20, 2022 .

#1 TNCave [OP] New Member

I find myself going in circles over what tires to select for my 2010 5th Gen 4runner. It's basically a weekend warrior that goes caving, fishing, and does see some action getting the family to remote recreation opportunities in the hidden places. But we don't trail ride or anything like that. Also, we have a lot of gravel roads that we're on daily, including our steep gravel driveway that can chew up tires quickly if you're not careful. I'm in TN, so lots of clay on limestone when off-road or on logging roads. I made the above spreadsheet and wanted to share it for a couple of reasons. #1 - I would love any input this community might offer. Some of the spaces are blank and the subjective scores are all my best guesses based on reviews I can find and some personal experience. I would love to see some gut checks and rescoring from folks with more experience with these tires. #2 - Some of this information might be useful to others looking at some of these same tire options. It might save someone a lot of clicky-clicky. So feel free to yell at me about how I got this all wrong, and correct it as you see fit. With enough input, maybe we'll see some common trends. Recommendations are welcome as well, of course. I'm basically looking for a tire with maximum off-road traction and resilience, super comfortable and planted on the road in all conditions, that won't cost me any reduction in MPG...you know, simple.  

Attached Files:

4runner tire spreadsheet.jpg.

#2 FN2187 Stormtrooper

I'm planning on trying out a set of rugged treks. I haven't run BFG's since the original KO's - they were great except for a little slippage on wet surfaces once they started to really wear. I see you mention TN clay... they did not handle the carolina clay well at all but I don't think any AT would. Have you made a choice yet? Interested in what you decided.  

#3 remoguy55 New Member

ATX are the bee's knees  

#4 TNCave [OP] New Member

I ended up going with the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT in the XL load rating. I have a few thousand miles on them and so far I really like them. I have tested them in some clay already, and they did Pretty well. I’d say off road they are slightly less aggressive then the Duratracs, but much quieter on road. They also don’t chuck gravel like the Duratracs. They don’t have any rim protection, which I would prefer, but I also didn’t see much of a mileage loss as the weight and rolling resistance isn’t too bad. remoguy55, I don’t doubt it, however I’m pretty sure with something less aggressive like the ATX, I would have already been stuck in this dang clay we have around here. Steep slopes with clay and slick limestone are a weird test for tires that might be regionally specific, but is common around here.  

#5 Thatbassguy New member? Really??

Totally missed this thread. I would have gone with the Mickeys as well. I've been looking at them for my next set. Any pictures?  

#6 SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

Thatbassguy said: ↑ Totally missed this thread. I would have gone with the Mickeys as well. I've been looking at them for my next set. Any pictures? Click to expand...

#7 Thatbassguy New member? Really??

SlvrSlug said: ↑ I also have been considering them, but in the MT variety. Click to expand...

#8 kmeeg LionRunner

My Experience; If I compare BFG KO2 LT285/70R17C vs Falken Wildpeak AT3W P285/70R17SL vs GY Wrangler Duratrac 265/70R17SL vs Nitto Terra Grappler 265/70R17SL (stock TRD Pro tire). Most comfortable pavement - Falken Wildpeak AT3W Comparatively quiet on pavement - Both Falken Wildpeak AT3W & BFG KO2 about the same Best for winter on pavement - GY Wrangler Duratrac Best offroad traction (mostly rocky, gravel, sand'ish but not soft - BFG KO2 Best for deep snow offroad - BFG KO2 Comparatively good in mud - BFG KO2 Best for hydroplaning - I better not say anything <No problems so far with any, may be I'm a slow driver / CO doesn't get much rain to test>  

#9 FN2187 Stormtrooper

And here I was thinking my endless hours of tire comparisons were over because I had made a decision on the rugged treks... I just noticed your chart listed 255/75s as basically the same weight as the 265/70s. Thought I had ruled out that size because of the weight and lack of options and now I find all kinds of options in C load on tire rack. The geolander m/t g003s are now looking like a good option as well. I sometimes wonder if I should have never googled "4runner forum" that first time and untold monies ago... And I second the request for pictures!  

#10 TNCave [OP] New Member

Here are a few pics of the 265/70-17 Mickey Thompson XL-rated mounted up on my 2010 SR5. A few notes...I have 265/75-16 C-rated Duratracs on my old T100, and the Baja Boss AT's are quieter with slightly smaller voids between the tread blocks. I really like the variable spacing between the shoulder lugs. This seems to fit my needs better for this truck. We have snot slick hard packed clay that I occasionally need to get up, but this tire is fairly quiet and comfortable on the road. There are definitely regional differences for tire needs. KO2's do not seem to do well in the mud/clay we have here, but clearly they work wonderfully for a lot people. If this Baja Boss is anywhere near as good as my Duratracs on snow and ice, this will be the perfect tire for my application on this 4Runner.  

#11 FN2187 Stormtrooper

Thanks for the pics, those look great on the 4runner!  

#12 banjos-n-beer New Member

I noticed a lot of the heavily modified Land Cruisers in Iceland ran Mickey Thompsons. Just when I thought I had settled my mind on the Toyo AT3s I'm now reconsidering. Even better, the Mickey's are considerably cheaper. If they were highly used in Iceland's wild weather, I think they might be perfect for New England.  

#13 kmeeg LionRunner

banjos-n-beer said: ↑ I noticed a lot of the heavily modified Land Cruisers in Iceland ran Mickey Thompsons. Just when I thought I had settled my mind on the Toyo AT3s I'm now reconsidering. Even better, the Mickey's are considerably cheaper. If they were highly used in Iceland's wild weather, I think they might be perfect for New England. Click to expand...

#14 banjos-n-beer New Member

kmeeg said: ↑ Click to expand...

#15 banjos-n-beer New Member

oh, they only get one year out of those tires. they rip the studs out to drive them in the warmer months.  

#16 kmeeg LionRunner

banjos-n-beer said: ↑ Lol. Yeah. Some jokes to be had there for sure. Click to expand...

#17 banjos-n-beer New Member

I didn't see many Patrols. Land Cruiser Prado's outnumber them like 50-1 But yeah, they're all Turbo Diesel's over there.  

#18 banjos-n-beer New Member

Hmm, now that I think about it, that does look more like a Patrol than Prado. The rear window is a give away. I only took pictures of it for the tires at the time.  

#19 TNCave [OP] New Member

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Rugged Trek vs. Baja Boss AT 265/70r16

Discussion in ' 3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023) ' started by incogneato , Jul 17, 2022 .

#1 incogneato [OP] Well-Known Member

Looking for insight from anyone who has experience with both if these. I posted a poll in the tire & wheel forum, but it didn’t get any traction. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/poll-rugged-trek-vs-baja-boss-at-265-75r16.771996/  

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• Ford Tremor Garage
• Ford Tremor Wheels & Tires

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek

• Thread starter GKMAG9
• Start date Aug 4, 2022
• Aug 4, 2022

Tremor Buff

Tremor Fanatic

• Aug 5, 2022

JCKustoms said: Those are great looking tires. Cooper are some of the best tires, and made in the ! I bet they do very well no matter what you throw at them. Put some extra siping on them and they’ll be even better. Click to expand...

Tremor Addict

• Aug 6, 2022

Explorerinil

Tremor junkie.

Please do a review on them after awhile, I’m curious about these tires as I know nothing about them. I’ll admit, I’m a bit soured on cooper tires after Goodyear bought them out, I hope their quality doesn’t go the way of Goodyear.  

Gus said: How many plys do the sidewalls have??? Goodyear ownes Cooper Tires & Cooper tires owned MIcky Thompson so they all are just Goodyear tires at heart Will be interesting to see how they work for you this winter Click to expand...

• Aug 7, 2022

Tremor Fiend

My tire size converter says the 274/65/20 is a 34.1” x 10.8” but the website says otherwise. Interesting note for future tire size checks. These look really good though, too bad the 18” offerings aren’t as close to stock size.  

Muddyz said: My tire size converter says the 274/65/20 is a 34.1” x 10.8” but the website says otherwise. Interesting note for future tire size checks. These look really good though, too bad the 18” offerings aren’t as close to stock size. Click to expand...

Lobber of midgets

I love cooper's as well. Great looking tire.  

37x12.5 or 37x13.5 tire with 1.5” level?

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Best All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires offer good performance both on and off the road. All-terrain tires are tougher than highway tires at the expense of some ride comfort. All-terrain tires feature multifaceted tread blocks for reliable off-road traction. Branded with the Mud and Snow symbol, all-terrain tires provide all-season versatility, including traction on winter roads.

Select tire model to see its available sizes at best prices online.

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Review

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Review

Cooper discoverer a/t3 review, atturo trail blade x/t review, falken wildpeak a/t3w a review, goodyear wrangler workhorse at review, falken wildpeak a/t trail review, general grabber apt review, achilles desert hawk at3 review, nexen roadian atx review, achilles rugged hawk review, nokian outpost apt review, nokian outpost at review, vredestein pinza at review, continental crosscontact atr review, nitto nomad grappler review, bridgestone dueler a/t 001 review, milestar patagonia a/t pro review, atturo trail blade a/t review, gt radial adventuro at3 review, bfgoodrich hd-terrain t/a kt review, cooper discoverer at3 xlt review, goodyear wrangler all-terrain adventure review, hankook dynapro at review, accelera omikron a/t review, sumitomo encounter at review, kumho road venture at51 review, cooper discoverer rtx review, toyo open country c/t review, firestone destination x/t review, toyo open country a/t iii review, falken wildpeak a/t4w review, goodyear wrangler duratrac rt review, mickey thompson baja legend exp review, kumho road venture at52 review, bridgestone dueler a/t revo 2 review, milestar patagonia x/t review, general grabber a/t sport-w review, fuzion a/t review, achilles desert hawk a/t review, firestone destination a/t2 review, bridgestone dueler a/t revo 3 review, hankook dynapro xt review, goodyear wrangler all-terrain adventure with kevlar review, nexen roadian at pro ra8 review, goodyear wrangler at/s review, toyo open country r/t trail review, yokohama geolandar a/t xd review, cooper discoverer s/t maxx review, bfgoodrich all-terrain t/a ko3 review, hankook dynapro atm review, general grabber at3 review, goodyear wrangler territory at/s review, accelera epsilon a/t review, uniroyal laredo at review, nitto recon grappler a/t review, milestar patagonia a/t review, gt radial savero at-s review, hankook dynapro at2 xtreme review, goodyear wrangler duratrac review, goodyear wrangler trailrunner at review, bfgoodrich trail-terrain t/a review, goodyear wrangler enforcer at review, falken wildpeak a/t trail 01a review, nitto ridge grappler review, goodyear wrangler territory at review, cooper discoverer at3 4s review, cooper discoverer at3 lt review, falken wildpeak r/t 01 review, cooper discoverer road+trail at review, general grabber a/t sport review, mickey thompson baja boss a/t review, nokian outpost nat review, toyo open country r/t review, firestone destination a/t review, atturo trail blade x/t sxs review, michelin ltx a/t 2 review, michelin ltx trail review, bridgestone dueler a/t rh-s review, goodyear wrangler at silenttrac review, yokohama geolandar a/t g015 review, bridgestone dueler a/t 693 iii review, vredestein grip classic review, milestar patagonia sxs review, nitto exo grappler awt review, nitto terra grappler g2 review, goodyear wrangler territory rt review, cooper discoverer rtx2 review, nokian rockproof review, toyo open country a/t ii review, maxxis bravo at-771 review, falken rubitrek a/t review, goodyear wrangler trailmark review, westlake sl369 a/t review, gt radial adventuro atx review, continental terraincontact a/t review, pirelli scorpion atr review, pirelli scorpion all terrain plus review, hankook dynapro at2 review, kelly edge at review, laufenn x fit at review, atturo trail blade ats review, falken wildpeak a/t3w review, maxxis razr at review, general grabber a/tx review, yokohama geolandar x-at review, accelera omikron c/t review, milestar patagonia a/t r review.

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• 5th Generation (2019+) Ram 1500s
• Wheels and Tires

New Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT's on my Longhorn.

• Thread starter JF19Longhorn
• Start date May 8, 2023

JF19Longhorn

• May 8, 2023

VP of Creative Thinking

• May 9, 2023

Looks great!  

JerryBsizzle

Well-known member.

Those are good tires, they'll last you a long time. I had the same thing on my 21 Trailboss. They were a little stiff for me but not bad.  

Active Member

Looking good. I just got some Baja Boss tires too and am liking them.  

locally hated

You didn't list the size you are running  

• May 10, 2023

My bad, I'll add the size to the original post too. LT275/60R20  

I've been trying to choose between those and the Discoverer AT3's. I don't really need a winter type tire here in South East Arizona.  

• May 12, 2023

Looking sharp! I'm running Baja Boss ATs on my Ram as well. It always surprises me how quiet they are for an aggressive AT.  

• Jun 16, 2023

• Mar 28, 2024

JF19Longhorn said: I did get some tire rubbing last weekend! ..but it was an extreme case I doubt I'll ever be able to repeat it again. I had my enclosed trailer loaded to roughly 8,500 lbs of motorcycles & gear. To leave the place we loaded everything up, I had to maneuver this lumbering beast, in an S-curve, around two other trucks in a very narrow U shaped driveway. This driveway was also sloped downhill at a pretty good angle towards the road. So if you have Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs (275/60R20), are maneuvering in an S-curve around two other vehicles, on a sloped driveway, with a 8,500lb trailer attached.. you will have slight rub at full lock. Not the actually spot, but a pic of the setup after we got home. View attachment 160955 Click to expand...

RAM_Davis said: Fellow Longhorn owner here! I've learned some things about this tire in my research. In fact I've learned way too much about tires in general but here's what I've found... Mickey Thompson Baja Boss and Cooper Rugged Trek are similar tires, with some sizes being the same tire with only different tread and sidewall patterns (Goodyear owns both now). At the 275/60R20 both run 33.4", making them the largest of this metric size of any tire i've found. What attracted me to this 33" size is it's the largest tire that you can get in a standard load (with 2 exceptions - Nitto Recon and Pirelli Scorpion have 34s in an SL). That is in the standard load, which weighs only 48lbs. You got the LT version which may look the same but honestly is a completely different tire. The crazy thing is the weight difference! Anyways, I'm considering putting the SL version on my Longhorn, but looks like the Coopers are $40 cheaper so I'll prob go with either those or the Nitto Recons. Nice looking truck. Mine is black, air, no ORP. I'm adding daystar spacer with adjustable links to front and back to go mostly level (want to keep .5 to 1" rake i think). What do you use on the wheels? They are growing on me but I want them SHINY as I have chrome bumpers, grill, and mirror which i like. At 33.4" you're really only about an inch less than most "35" inch tires which tend to only run about 34.5. View attachment 179973 Click to expand...

Bt10 said: Wow, what a weight difference! I also look for weight, but I've never seen this spread much before. We may complain of trailer sway, but of course the SL tire is rated for 5300+lbs on the rear axle, when the axle itself is rated at 4100lbs. At full axle load, the tire is not affected at all by speed, temp, or load etc. Click to expand...

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• Tire and Wheel Tech

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek?

• Thread starter Haulinvols
• Start date Feb 15, 2022

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

More options

• Feb 15, 2022

• Feb 16, 2022

of the 3, I vote maxx, but really need to ask yourself your true usage.  

• Mar 9, 2022

Just got my cooper rugged treks installed today in 275/70r18. Looks amazing on my 2005 LC. I live in eastern NC so I didn’t need a snow rated tire. A little more aggressive than an a/t but not loud like an m/t. Rained all day here today and no issues with handling.  

Yoko for sure, Cooper tyres are crap.  

• Mar 10, 2022

are you an on-road driver who dabbles? Might consider the MT Baja Boss SUV (116, 48 lb). Are you an all surfaces driver who's truck always has some dirt on it? - Kenda Klever RT 121 load.  

• Mar 22, 2022

The Cooper ST Maxx is an awesome tire. I thought the road manners were acceptable, and it's very durable. It's a tire that oil field workers in West Texas use to survive the viscious mesquite thorns. For most people, it's probably overkill. A "milder" AT tire is going to be better suited for most, but for extended, serious offroad, it's a good buy. I don't have any opinions on the rest.  

• Thread starter
• Sep 27, 2022

DGB85 said: Just got my cooper rugged treks installed today in 275/70r18. Looks amazing on my 2005 LC. I live in eastern NC so I didn’t need a snow rated tire. A little more aggressive than an a/t but not loud like an m/t. Rained all day here today and no issues with handling. Click to expand...

Thanks, I love the look of them. Still a bit torn as they aren't rated as high for snow as some others. Our LCs could be twins it seems.  

natedawg607

• Nov 26, 2022

Just wondering if you still like those rugged treks? I have 9,000 miles on a set - same size LT rated and at the 8,000 mile mark I’ve started getting a lot more vibration at Hwy speed and hardness I’ve had them rebalanced twice improved somewhat but nothing like the first 5,000 miles they were perfect. Rotated multiple times and played around with tire pressure in the 40 psi range on road to smooth out Hwy driving, but I think I will need to change them if I can get it worked out.  

natedawg607 said: Just wondering if you still like those rugged treks? I have 9,000 miles on a set - same size LT rated and at the 8,000 mile mark I’ve started getting a lot more vibration at Hwy speed and hardness I’ve had them rebalanced twice improved somewhat but nothing like the first 5,000 miles they were perfect. Rotated multiple times and played around with tire pressure in the 40 psi range on road to smooth out Hwy driving, but I think I will need to change them if I can get it worked out. Click to expand...

16/32  

• Dec 6, 2022

I currently have about 7000 miles on mine and have not noticed any extra noise or vibrations yet. I just came back from a 800 mile round trip which included a lot of washboard forestry roads and some minor technical off-roading and still rode the same on the highway on the way back home. What psi are running?  

On the Hwy 37-44 depending on how loaded out. LT275/65R18 If I run below that 37ish number at 70 mph they sound terrible almost flat spotted. Ive read on tundra forums they had to increase tire pressure for the Rugged Treks in the mid 40's to get smooth ride. I just spoke to another tire seller who said who he sold alot of them and hasn't had an issue, so I'm going to try a new shop for balancing to give them one more try before swapping out. I have read other reviews on the Cooper site and Tirerack about having difficulty balancing after the first rotation. Just looking for some real world takes with same vehicle.  

• Dec 14, 2022

natedawg607 said: On the Hwy 37-44 depending on how loaded out. LT275/65R18 If I run below that 37ish number at 70 mph they sound terrible almost flat spotted. Ive read on tundra forums they had to increase tire pressure for the Rugged Treks in the mid 40's to get smooth ride. I just spoke to another tire seller who said who he sold alot of them and hasn't had an issue, so I'm going to try a new shop for balancing to give them one more try before swapping out. I have read other reviews on the Cooper site and Tirerack about having difficulty balancing after the first rotation. Just looking for some real world takes with same vehicle. Click to expand...

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Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek vs Cooper Discoverer A/T3-XLT

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek vs Cooper Discoverer A/T3-XLT: Both All-Terrain (A/T) tires, are built for both on-road and off-road applications which can serve throughout all seasons.

The Cooper A/T3-XLT is uniquely built to withstand heavy loads to give a smooth and comfortable ride on highways while performing a decent job off the road.

Examine the treads on these tires closely. They hold the key to knowing which to choose. In fact if you visit my "tread design" page , picking the right tire would never bother you.

Meanwhile, the Cooper Rugged Trek is an aggressive tire that functions better on off-road tracks and gives a good performance on road as well.

Let’s learn more about these tires.

Table of Contents

Overview of Both Tires:

Cooper at3 xlt.

Cooper A/T3-XLT can perform better on highways and dry roads than the Rugged Trek. The reason behind this is its compact tread design with relatively small incisions in its tread that give it an enormous surface area to grip the road, making its on-road traction superior.

Furthermore, it has a decent number of grooves and a considerable quantity of sipes on the tread block that stipulates optimum wet traction. Even so, these grooves fall victim to hydroplaning in extreme weather conditions.

While the Cooper Rugged Trek is also an all-season all-terrain tire, with the difference that its tread design is more aggressive and well-optimized for off-roading. It has a broader tread design with larger gaps between the tread blocks and triangular sipes, which grants it a better self-cleaning ability.

So, it executes a better grip on wet surfaces and off-road tracks than the A/T3-XLT.

On-Road Traction Comparison 

The Cooper A/T3-XLT offers promising on-road traction in dry conditions due to its next-generation silica compound that gives it a considerable grip on the road.

Its tread pattern constitutes a big surface area to make contact with the surface of the road and provides a valid grip by increasing the rolling resistance of the tire.

Therefore, it experiences a stronger grip.

Besides that, its wide shoulders add to its on-road handling.

Moving to on-road wet traction, the A/T3-XLT provides a stable grip on wet surfaces, owning to its circumferential grooves and a considerable amount of omni-direction micro-gauge sipes in the tread blocks that enable it to accommodate water in its treads and avoid hydroplaning.

However, it cannot beat extreme weather conditions because the grooves are not large enough to avoid hydroplaning in those conditions.

On the other hand, the Cooper Rugged Trek is composed of an advanced silica compound that helps it sustain a safe grip on the road.

It features a symmetrical tread pattern that imparts a little bit less surface area than the A/T3-XLT.

Therefore, it has a smaller footprint to stick to the ground and establishes a lighter grip.

As a result, the Trek doesn’t perform as well as the A/T3-XLT on dry surfaces.

The tables are turned in the domain of wet surfaces, the Trek has bigger grooves and larger sipes in the tread design that yields exceptional water evacuating ability on wet surfaces.

Therefore, the Trek can perform better than the A/T3-XLT on-road in wet conditions.

It continues to give a good performance even when the weather conditions are extreme, unlike the A/T3-XLT.

Off-road Mud Traction Comparison:

Off-roading requires a tire that is not only agile and sturdy but also flexible and tensile.

The main determinant that decides the performance of the tire on most of the off-road terrains are grooves and sipes of the tire, while a better footprint is required to ensure competent traction on some terrains.

The Cooper A/T3-XLT has 3 narrow but deep circumferential grooves and some lateral grooves in its tread design that works alongside the maximized full depth micro-gauge sipes and rugged shoulders to ensure a noble grip on muddy tracks.

Thanks to these features, the A/T3-XLT can plunge the mud that comes in its path and move across it smoothly and steadily.

However, the A/T3-XLT cannot move across extreme muddy tracks easily, because its narrow grooves lack the self-cleaning ability to tackle deep mud terrains.

Conversely, the Cooper Rugged Trek has even larger grooves in a zig-zag pattern and large shoulder scoops and lugs (called the earth digger technology) that allow it to dig deep into the mud and excavate the mud in its pathway effectively to move across it effortlessly.

What’s more, the Trek can even beat extreme muddy tracks, unlike the A/T3-XLT, because of its larger grooves that give it a substantial back-flushing ability to remove the mud from its treads. 

How these tires performed on snow?

For a tire to perform well on snow, winter rating is a necessity, which means the material of the tire should remain flexible even at low temperatures to provide satisfactory grip.

Both the Cooper A/T3-XLT and Trek don’t possess the compound material to provide high-grade snow traction, because their compound is temperature-sensitive.

Nevertheless, both of these tires can provide some grip on the snow.

The Cooper A/T3-XLT has narrow grooves but a larger footprint which makes it perform well on light snow by encouraging it to push through the snow.

But when it comes to heavy snow, it cannot perform that well, because grooves are not wide enough.

However, its bigger footprint makes it stick better on hard snow, making it finer on this terrain.

On the other side, the Cooper Rugged Trek can perform better on soft snow than the A/T3-XLT.

Given that, it has wide and deep grooves that let it grab and throw snow in its pathway to execute an improved grip on the snow.

However, it has a smaller contact face than the A/T3-XLT which reduces its traction on hard snow by the virtue of decreased rolling resistance.

Henceforth, the Rugged Trek is better suited for soft snow, while the A/T3-XLT is better suited for hard snow.

Their traction on Rocks and Gravel:

Rugged terrains like rocks and gravel require a tire that is strong, resilient, and robust.

The Cooper A/T3-XLT is made of a strong silica compound that enables it to withstand harsh terrains.

It features rugged shoulders that protect its upper sidewall from puncture and cuts.

Likewise, the tread blocks have anti-stone retention technology that helps to prevent damage from stones and gravel.

In addition to that, the Durable technology steel belts further enhance its endurance.

Conversely, the Trek has a rough terrain tread pattern, made out of a silica compound, similar to the A/T3-XLT.

Therefore, it owns considerable endurance and durability to tackle rugged terrains.

Its deep treads make it cut and chip resistant and its adaptive sidewall makes it more agile, shielding the tire in rough conditions.

It also imparts stone ejecting blocks that further defend the tire against stones and gravels.

Tread-wear and Durability

The A/T3-XLT is made of next-gen silica compound which is specially designed to improve the tire’s tread life and mileage.

In the same manner, the wear-arc technology keeps the footprint flat on the road to promote even wear of the tire.

This makes the tire economical and efficient.

On top of that, it has durable technology which consists of deep treads, super tensile light truck steel belt, and High tensile light truck body-ply.

All of these features protect the tire from cuts and chips, stone damage, and sidewall abrasions, making the tire extra durable and sturdy.

In contrast, an advanced silica compound is used in the fabrication of Rugged Trek.

It reduces the rolling resistance of the tire and gives it better tread-wear and fuel efficiency.

Additionally, it contains deep treads and its body is made of high tensile ply which makes the Rugged Trek 20% stronger than most of the tires of its race.

Whether it’s rock cuts or impact damage, this tire can defend itself against all odds. This makes the Trek more durable than the A/T3-XLT.

Despite that, the A/T3-XLT has better tread-wear than the Rugged Trek.

What level of Comfort can you expect with these tires?

Comfort is the prime concern of every person.

The Cooper A/T3-XLT has a compact tread design, with a large surface area to connect with the surface of the road.

It gives it additional stability on the ground and makes it more comfortable.

Furthermore, it has whispers grooves technology in its narrow grooves that trap the air within treads and acts as a sound barrier to ensure a peaceful ride.

At the same time, the Trek has a more open tread design with larger grooves in comparison to the A/T3-XLT.

This not only decreases the contact zone of the tire which results in less stability and riding comfort but also increases the noise and vibrations produced by the tire.

Its larger grooves capture extra air which collides in the gaps of the tire to generate higher noise and vibrations.

The Trek also features whisper grooves technology in its treads, but its noise levels are a little bit higher than the A/T3-XLT due to its bigger grooves.

Therefore, the A/T3-XLT has a greater comfort level than the Trek.

Final Thoughts

• Both the A/T3-XLT and Rugged Trek are All-Season and All-Terrain tires.
• The A/T3-XLT has better road traction and dry traction.
• The Trek has superior off-road traction and wet traction.
• The A/T3-XLT has greater tread-wear, while the Trek has better endurance.
• The A/T3-XLT offers a more refined and comfortable experience.
• Both of the tires have almost the same price.

Some Posts To Ckeck Out BTW

• Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S vs XLT vs LT
• Cooper Rugged Trek vs Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
• Cooper AT3 vs BF Goodrich KO2
• Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT vs Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
• Cooper Discoverer AT3 Vs Cooper Adventurer A/T

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The best offroad tires of 2024

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To ensure your vehicle rides its best it’s important to run with the proper tires for each season or activity. Off-roading is certainly no exception. So if you're serious about off-roading you should consider getting a set of off-road tires for your truck or SUV. Off-roading tires feature a more aggressive tread pattern and are much thicker than your daily grand touring tires, making them better suited to handle mud, rocks, sand and dirt roads. Below are the best off-roading tires currently available online.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 - Starts at $186 per tire

$186.00 at Discount Tire

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 has a tread center that uses a stabilized compound that's chip and tear-resistant. The serrated shoulder design improves traction and the upper shoulder sidewall is thick and durable for added support.

• Type: All-terrain
• Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating (3pmsf)
• 50k mile manufacturer warranty

BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 - Starts at $211 per tire

$211.00 at Discount Tire

Another great off-road tire from BFGoodrich is the Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 tires. It's a rugged tire designed for rigorous roads and trails covered in mud. It has an aggressive tread pattern and uses CoreGard Max Technology, which has a 27% tougher sidewall. The Krawl-Trek compound provides stronger traction when driving on slick surfaces.

• Type: Mud-terrain 
• Linear flex zone
• Coverage down to 3/32” of wear

Toyo Open Country A/T III - Stars at $163.58 per tire

$163.58 at Tire Rack

The Toyo Open Country A/T III is an off-road tire best suited for crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. It features an all-season tread compound that is cut and chip-resistant. The 3D Multi-Wave Sipes and wet traction-focused compounds enhance the wet stability and traction of these tires.

• Type: all-season
• 3D Multi-Wave Sipes
• Three-peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol (3PMSF)

Cooper Discover Rugged Trek - Starts at $216 per tire

$216.00 at Discount Tire

The Cooper Discover Rugged Trek off-road tire is a great option for dry, wet, and wintery road conditions. It has Stable Trac Technology inside of the tread blocks to assist with stability and control on rough surfaces. The aggressive stone blockades are built into the edges and expel lodged rocks to protect the tires. 

• 60k mile manufacturer warranty 

Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3 - Starts at $190 per tire

$190.00 at Discount Tire

The Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3 is designed for pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and vans. It has many sipes and grooves that enhance traction in wet, snowy, and icy road conditions. The extreme side biters protect the tires from being punctured and create traction on off-camber terrains.   

• Silica-reinforced compound
• 2-ply casing
• 60k mile manufacturer warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

Are off-road tires and all-terrain tires the same.

On most occasions, the names are used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. All-terrain tires can take on gravel and off-roading while still being capable enough for normal roads and highways. Off-road tires are meant for vehicles that will be spending most of their time away from normal road conditions and taking on rougher terrains more frequently.

Mud tires vs off-road tires

Off-road tires are meant for primarily off-roading use but still can be serviceable if you need to drive on normal roads. Mud tires on the other hand are all about off-roading and can be very unpleasant on-road. Mud terrain tires make more road noise, have a shorter tread life and are more expensive but remain unmatched with their excellent performance off-road.

Are off-road tires good in the snow?

Off-road tires can be very capable in the snow , especially those with the three-peak mountain snowflake rating. They can be effective in the snow but dedicated snow tires are still the best tires for light and heavy snow conditions.

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The best offroad tires of 2024 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds .