For those seeking an all-season tire that delivers in performance, comfort, and particularly longevity, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring stands out as a compelling option. In a market filled with various choices, the CS5 Grand Touring sets itself apart with its well-rounded durability and consistent performance.
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring is a strong contender in the standard touring all-season tire category, praised for its significant tread life and versatile performance across different driving conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow scenarios. This tire is tailored for drivers looking for a harmonious combination of comfortable driving experience and long-lasting wear.
In this article, we’ll explore the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring in depth, focusing on its distinct strengths, potential areas of enhancement, and how it performs in diverse climatic conditions. We’ll examine its unique features, such as the silica-infused compound and 3D Micro-Gauge sipes, and compare its capabilities against other leading tires in the standard touring category.
Cooper CS5 Grand Touring
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
8.5 of 10
Winter Weather
6.8 of 10
Tread Wear
8.5 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 780
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 80,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.4 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.6 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.1 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.6 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.5 of 10
Road Noise: 8.0 of 10
Description & Review
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring shines in the standard touring all-season tire category, marking its place as a strong competitor with its balanced design that caters to various driving conditions including dry, wet, and light snow environments.
In terms of wet performance, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring offers excellent hydroplaning resistance and wet traction thanks to its silica-infused compound and unique 3D Micro-Gauge sipes. This design ensures a secure grip in wet conditions, making it a reliable choice for rainy weather driving.
For dry conditions, the tire demonstrates solid performance, enhanced by Cooper’s Stabiledge technology which promotes responsive handling. This technology aids in maintaining stability and control, ensuring a safe driving experience on dry roads.
In winter and snow conditions, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring holds its own with reasonable capabilities in light and deep snow traction. Its tread design is crafted to provide a firm grip in colder temperatures, though it may not match the prowess of some specialized winter tires.
Comfort is a standout feature of the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring. Its specialized five-rib design and advanced construction techniques contribute to a quiet and comfortable ride, making long journeys more enjoyable.
With a treadwear rating supported by an 80,000-mile warranty, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring promises longevity and durability. This commitment to tread life, coupled with the option of additional Certificate coverage, ensures that drivers can rely on the tire for extended periods.
Overall, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring presents itself as a well-rounded option in the standard touring tire category. It offers a harmonious blend of wet and dry performance, winter capabilities, comfort, and longevity. Suitable for a wide array of vehicles, from passenger cars to crossovers, it stands as a versatile and dependable choice for drivers who seek a tire that performs well across different conditions and offers long-lasting comfort.
TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring, with a treadwear rating of 8.5, stands strong in terms of tread wear and longevity, a pivotal aspect for tire buyers:
- Durable Rubber Compounds: Incorporates top-notch materials, contributing to an extended tire life.
- Specialized Tread Design: Features a unique five-rib pattern that ensures both durability and consistent performance over time, rivaling even the higher-rated Pirelli P4 Persist AS Plus.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
Exceptional in wet conditions:
- Enhanced Wet Traction: With a wet rating of 8.5, its silica-infused compound and 3D Micro-Gauge sipes offer reliable wet braking and hydroplaning resistance, ensuring safety during rainy drives.
DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE
Robust performance in dry conditions:
- Stable Dry Grip: Achieves a dry rating of 9.0, ensuring firm road contact and safety across various dry scenarios, closely matching the performance of the Michelin Defender T+H.
WINTER WEATHER PERFORMANCE
Capable in winter weather:
- Competent Winter Traction: With a winter/snow rating of 6.8, it provides good handling in light snow, though specialized winter tires are suggested for harsher conditions.
RIDE COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL
Strikes an ideal balance:
- Smooth and Quiet Ride: Scores 8.7 in comfort, focusing on reducing noise and enhancing overall driving comfort, comparable to the Hankook Kinergy PT.
PROS
- Durable tread life, comparable to higher-rated competitors.
- Strong performance in wet and dry conditions, on par with leading tires in the category.
- Good traction in light snow.
- Comfortable and quiet ride, matching or surpassing many competitors.
CONS
- Performance in severe ice and heavy snow conditions could be improved, falling short of specialized winter tires.
- Noise reduction at higher speeds could be enhanced to match the highest standards in the category.
In summary, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring is a highly commendable choice in the standard touring tire category, offering a balanced blend of longevity, versatile weather performance, and comfortable ride. While it faces some challenges in extreme winter conditions, it remains a reliable option for a wide range of driving situations, competing closely with top-tier tires in its class.
Cooper CS5 Grand Touring Problems
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring, while a solid choice in the standard all-season tire category, faces certain challenges when measured against its top competitors:
Ice Traction
Though it handles light snow conditions adequately, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring’s performance on ice and in more severe winter conditions is not as strong. This limitation might be a concern for drivers in areas prone to harsh winter weather, as the tire’s grip in these scenarios is outperformed by some competitors.
High-Speed Performance
While the tire is commendably stable and reliable at moderate speeds, there are indications that its performance might dip slightly at higher speeds. This reduction could impact the tire’s overall comfort and stability during dynamic or high-speed driving, a factor to consider for those who frequently travel on highways.
Wet and Winter Grip
Despite its overall competent performance, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring could see improvements in grip under wet and harsh winter conditions. In comparison to other tires like the Pirelli P4 Persist AS Plus or the Yokohama AVID Ascend LX, it doesn’t quite match up in these specific areas.
Handling and Control
In terms of handling and control, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring offers reliable performance. However, it falls slightly behind in precision and control compared to some of its rivals, such as the Continental TrueContact Tour, particularly in more demanding driving conditions.
Cost Considerations
The price point of the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring, considering its all-season capabilities and durability, might be a bit higher than some other options in the market. Yet, its long tread life and consistent performance offer good value for the investment.
Despite these challenges, the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring is often praised for its quiet and comfortable ride, decent wet and light snow traction, and durability. It remains a viable option for drivers who prioritize a balance of comfort, longevity, and all-season performance.
Cooper CS5 Grand Touring Alternatives
Given the diverse requirements of drivers and the variety of options in the standard touring all-season tire category, it is beneficial to explore alternatives to the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring. Based on the provided statistics, here are three top competitors offering unique advantages:
Michelin Defender2
- Overall Rating: 9.4 out of 10.
- Performance Highlights: This tire excels in both wet (9.1) and dry (9.4) conditions, offering superior hydroplaning resistance and dry traction. Its winter/snow performance (8.1) is commendable, with solid traction in light and deep snow. The Defender2 also stands out in comfort (9.1) and has an exceptional treadwear rating (9.2), making it an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of all-season performance, comfort, and durability.
Continental TrueContact Tour
- Overall Rating: 8.9 out of 10.
- Performance Highlights: The TrueContact Tour offers excellent wet (8.9) and dry (9.1) performance with notable hydroplaning resistance and dry traction. It also performs well in light snow (7.9), balancing comfort (8.8) with a good ride quality. Its treadwear rating (8.8) indicates long-lasting durability, appealing to drivers who prioritize a harmonious balance of all-season traction and tire longevity.
Pirelli P4 Persist AS Plus
- Overall Rating: 9.0 out of 10.
- Performance Highlights: Outstanding in both wet (9.0) and dry (9.0) conditions, this tire provides robust traction and hydroplaning resistance. It excels in winter conditions (8.0), especially in light snow. With top marks in comfort (9.0) and the highest treadwear rating (9.5), the Pirelli P4 Persist AS Plus is a top choice for those who value comfort, longevity, and reliable all-season performance.
These alternatives to the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring each offer a unique set of features and performance benefits. Catering to a range of preferences and driving conditions, from wet and dry handling to winter performance and treadwear longevity, these tires stand out as strong contenders in the standard touring all-season tire category.
Understanding Different Types of Touring Tires
Understanding the different types of touring tires is essential when selecting the best fit for your vehicle. Each category, from standard to grand touring and high-performance, offers distinct features that significantly affect your driving experience.
STANDARD TOURING TIRES
Standard touring tires, like the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring, are designed for drivers who prioritize comfort and longevity. Renowned for their smooth, quiet rides and enhanced fuel efficiency, they provide reliable traction across various conditions, including light snow.
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring is a prime example in this category, offering a balanced design that handles dry, wet, and light snow environments efficiently. It’s an ideal choice for everyday driving and extended road trips, thanks to its impressive tread life and consistent performance.
GRAND TOURING TIRES
Grand touring tires elevate the driving experience by blending the comfort of standard touring tires with improved handling and stability. These tires are versatile, fitting a range of vehicles from sedans to crossovers, and offering superior all-season traction. They appeal to drivers seeking a combination of performance and comfort, delivering a more responsive driving experience while maintaining the smooth ride quality typical of standard touring tires.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE TOURING TIRES
High-performance touring tires cater to those who seek enhanced driving dynamics. Typically providing better handling and stability at higher speeds, they are suited for drivers looking for a more engaging driving experience. Often made with softer rubber compounds for increased grip, these tires may not offer the same tread life longevity as standard touring tires.
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring stands out in the standard touring tire category with its well-rounded performance in various weather conditions and a focus on ride comfort. As a reliable all-season tire, it emphasizes a balance of comfort, durability, and longevity, making it a solid choice for drivers who value these qualities in their tires.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring carves out its niche in the standard touring all-season tire category, distinguished by its balanced performance across diverse driving conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow environments. Its construction integrates a silica-infused compound and unique 3D Micro-Gauge sipes, enhancing both traction and ride comfort. This makes the CS5 Grand Touring an adaptable choice for various modern vehicles.
Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring’s specific challenges. Its performance in severe winter conditions and on ice might not be as effective as some specialized winter tires. Additionally, while offering solid handling at moderate speeds, its high-speed performance could see further improvements. Considering its price, which mirrors its durable construction and all-season capabilities, it’s important for buyers to evaluate how the tire aligns with their particular driving needs and financial considerations.
For those seeking alternative options, tires like the Michelin Defender2, Continental TrueContact Tour, and the Pirelli P4 Persist AS Plus present diverse features and performances. These tires cater to varied driving requirements and preferences, whether one prioritizes dry and wet handling, comfort, or treadwear longevity. Each alternative offers its unique strengths, making them worth considering alongside the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring in the realm of standard touring all-season tires.
