You’re considering the Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax because it promises to be a versatile, all-season tire for your crossover or SUV. But is it really up to the challenge when compared to the top competitors?
The Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax is a dependable all-season tire that excels in dry traction and offers good wet performance but is on par with competitors in terms of ride comfort. However, it can be slightly noisier and lacks the winter grip of some leading rivals.
In this article, we’ll break down the Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax’s key features, highlight any potential drawbacks, and compare it to the top alternatives.
Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.8 of 10
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
8.4 of 10
Tread Wear
8.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 640
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.0 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.4 of 10
The Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax is a versatile crossover/SUV touring all-season tire. Its focus on providing dependable performance across wet, dry, and wintry conditions makes it a solid choice for drivers seeking consistent handling and comfort throughout the year.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The EnduraMax offers good wet traction with a rating of 8.9, thanks to its advanced tread design and compound. Its hydroplaning resistance also scores an 8.9, ensuring steady and safe driving in rainy conditions. This tire performs well overall in wet conditions but falls just short of some leading competitors that offer superior grip and stopping power.
- Dry Handling: On dry roads, the EnduraMax shines, achieving a dry traction rating of 9.3. With corner stability at 9.1 and steering response at 9.0, this tire provides reliable control and smooth handling. It may not quite match the performance of the top competitors, but it still delivers a solid, confidence-inspiring driving experience.
- Winter/Snow Performance: This tire earns an 8.4 rating for winter/snow performance. Light snow traction rates at 8.8, while deep snow traction comes in at 8.4. Its ice traction scores a respectable 8.0, giving the tire a dependable level of grip on cold and icy roads. However, it’s not quite as capable in these conditions as some of the more specialized all-season tires.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: The EnduraMax balances performance with comfort, scoring an 8.7 overall. Its ride quality rating of 8.9 provides a smooth drive, while its noise level of 8.4 means you’ll hear more road noise than some higher-end competitors.
- Treadwear: With an 8.7 treadwear rating, this tire holds up well over time, providing decent longevity and value.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: While the EnduraMax handles wet roads effectively, offering good traction and hydroplaning resistance, it is surpassed by other top all-season competitors that deliver stronger wet performance.
- Dry Performance: This tire performs well in dry conditions, providing reliable steering response and cornering stability, though it trails slightly behind the best in its class.
- Comfort and Noise: Despite its comfortable ride, the EnduraMax produces more noise than some other models, especially on rougher surfaces.
- Treadwear: It’s not the longest-lasting tire but still holds up reasonably well compared to others in its category.
PROS
- Dependable dry traction (9.3) and solid steering response (9.0)
- Reliable hydroplaning resistance (8.9) and wet traction (8.9) for confident driving in rain
- Balanced cornering stability (9.1) that provides good control
- Durable treadwear rating of 8.7 ensures decent longevity
- Smooth ride quality (8.9) for a comfortable driving experience
CONS
- Produces more road noise than some quieter competitors (8.4)
- Lacks the ultimate wet grip and stopping power of top performers
- Snow and ice traction, while decent, may not meet the needs of those in extreme winter conditions
The Verdict
The Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax is a practical all-season choice for those wanting reliable performance in all weather. While it doesn’t outperform top-tier competitors in every category, it’s still a strong contender with its consistent handling and comfortable ride, making it a well-rounded tire for crossover and SUV drivers.
Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax Problems
While the Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax is designed to offer versatile performance for crossovers and SUVs in various weather conditions, it’s important to be aware of any potential drawbacks before committing to a purchase.
Common concerns like road noise, winter traction, and tread life are factors that can significantly influence your overall driving experience.
Here’s a closer look at some issues that might affect your decision and how they stack up against your specific driving needs.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: A recurring issue highlighted by some drivers is the noticeable road noise at highway speeds. The tire’s all-season design, while effective in various conditions, results in slightly louder operation compared to quieter, touring-focused tires.
- Ride Comfort: Although generally providing a smooth ride quality, some drivers note a firmer-than-expected ride over rough or uneven surfaces. This firmness is a byproduct of the tire’s reinforced construction and design, which aims to enhance durability and performance.
Winter Performance Concerns
- Ice Traction: Despite good snow traction, the EnduraMax struggles with ice traction, scoring 8.0 in this category. It may not be the best option for those facing frequent icy conditions, and a dedicated winter tire might offer safer performance in such environments.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Mixed Reviews on Tread Life: Although the tire is designed for long-term use, some users have reported faster wear rates than anticipated. This inconsistency could be linked to driving habits, vehicle weight, and varying maintenance practices.
Comparison to Leading Alternatives
- Wet and Dry Grip: While the Discoverer EnduraMax provides solid performance on wet and dry roads, its traction ratings indicate it doesn’t quite match the superior grip of some high-end competitors.
The Bottomline
While the Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax remains a solid all-season option for crossover and SUV drivers, these potential issues should be weighed against specific driving needs. Understanding these concerns can help make an informed choice, especially if road noise, ride comfort, or winter performance are high priorities.
Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax Alternatives
When you’re weighing your options for an all-season crossover or SUV tire, it helps to have a clear picture of how the Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax compares to other top choices.
The EnduraMax may have strengths in durability and traction, but there are several other tires that can meet or even exceed your expectations in specific areas like wet and dry performance, winter traction, and overall comfort.
Let’s take a closer look at some strong alternatives and see where each excels.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: Known for its superb grip and reliable performance in any weather.
- Wet and Dry Performance: It excels with wet and dry ratings of 9.5, making it a top choice in both conditions. Its superb corner stability and dry traction offer consistent control even in challenging weather.
- Winter Traction: Scores 9.1 overall for winter, showing excellent grip in light and deep snow. However, ice traction may not be sufficient for particularly icy climates.
- Comfort and Noise: Matches the best for ride comfort, with a 9.2 rating that provides a smooth, quiet drive. Perfect for long highway stretches or quick city commutes.
- Treadwear: Its 9.2 rating indicates excellent longevity, giving drivers confidence that it will endure season after season.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall Rating: Praised for its comfortable ride and all-around balanced performance.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Holds a strong 9.1 rating in wet conditions and 9.4 for dry, providing reliable grip in most conditions. Its corner stability and steering response ensure steady handling.
- Winter Traction: Lags behind with an overall winter rating of 8.3, which could pose a challenge in heavy snow or icy situations.
- Comfort and Noise: Matches the competition with a 9.2 rating, delivering a smooth ride and quiet cabin experience.
- Treadwear: Its 9.0 score is solid, ensuring dependable durability for many miles.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating: Recognized for its versatility and top-tier traction.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Strong in wet conditions with a 9.4 rating and even better in the dry at 9.5, giving drivers dependable handling across the board. Its corner stability and steering response are exceptional.
- Winter Traction: Offers 8.7 for overall winter performance, with excellent light snow traction but moderate ice grip.
- Comfort and Noise: Rated 8.8 overall, providing a comfortable ride but can be a bit noisier than others in its class.
- Treadwear: Scores an 8.3, which may not last as long as some higher-rated competitors.
Each of these alternatives has its strengths and weaknesses compared to the Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax. The right choice depends on what matters most to you. If you need superior grip in rain or snow, or prioritize a quieter, more comfortable ride, some of these options may fit the bill better than the EnduraMax.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax is a strong all-around performer with excellent dry traction and solid cornering stability. It handles well in wet conditions, and its reinforced construction ensures good durability. But when it comes to ice traction and road noise, it doesn’t quite keep up with the best in the category.
Overall, this tire is on par with the leading alternatives. While it’s not a runaway category leader, it’s still a solid choice if you need a reliable all-season tire that offers versatility and a smooth ride for your crossover or SUV.
Good luck and happy motoring.
